Young House Love

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Turning Soup Cans Into Pop Art Pencil Cups

Come on, could I pass up a chance to include this SNL clip? The answer is no. No, I couldn’t. In other words: soup, there it is.

Anyway, I’m beginning to think that Friday posts should be called Fast & *Almost* Free Projects since we had Sir Butterfly last week and now we have a little soup can craft that I did in honor of my good friend Andy Warhol (ok, so we’re only besties in my mind…). How cute are these guys holding some of Clara’s drawing supplies on her desk? The colors make me permasmile.

turning-soup-into-pop-art-pencil-cups

The first step was grabbing four of the limited edition tomato soup cans that Target is currently selling in honor of my buddy Andy. At 70 cents a pop, this entire project cost me $2.80 (since I already had the only other material I used on hand, but we’ll get there in a minute). First I emptied my cans of tomato soup into glass tupperware so as not to waste it (it’ll be lunch for the next few days, haha):

Soup 1 Emptying Cans

Then I carefully rinsed them out, doing my best not to soak the labels with water (slow and steady, baby). I let them dry out a bit upside down on a towel and even dragged a paper towel around the inside of each one to make sure no water was hiding in there.

Soup 2 Wiping Dry

Then it was cork templating time. Wait, maybe I should explain that a bit more. The reason for the cork was because each of the cans has an odd little edge about a quarter of an inch down from the top of the can. So while the top lip of the can isn’t sharp at all, there’s that little metal lip about a centimeter beneath it that I worried could result in Clara cutting her hand if she put it into the can and yanked it out quickly. So I did the safety-first mom thing and decided that by making a little cork liner for each can, it would completely cover that little edge that’s a smidge lower than the smooth top lip. The key was making sure the cork was tall enough to go over that lip, so there’s no way a little hand (or tongue, or toe) could rub against that part anymore, because the little cork “sleeve” would extend above it. I actually used a paper towel to make a template, like this:

Soup 3 Fitting Paper Towel

Then I used my paper towel template to cut some cork rectangles of the same size:

Soup 4 Matching Cork Piece

I used old cork squares that I had (leftover from this project) to create the long rectangles that could be gently curled (don’t be too rough with them or they can crack) and slipped right into each can.

Soup 5 Sliding Cork In

Voila. A little cork liner to keep anything from being sharp (they also look pretty charming, like those old cork-lined pen holders of yore). And the cork is super stuck in there once you get it in, so it’s above Clara’s skill level to somehow wedge it back out, which is nice peace of mind for a paranoid momma like myself.

Soup After Close With Cor

So that’s my little $2.80 Friday project. Don’t they look cute next to Clara’s little crayon-truck masterpiece?

Soup After Full Desk

Here’s hoping Clara grows just as fond of my BFF Andy as I have after years of studying him along with my other artsy friends like Klimt, Vermeer, Renoir, and Toulouse-Lautrec (FIT, represent – we were required to take a million years of art history, and only now do I appreciate that).

Any other fast and almost free projects going on this Friday? Any fun weekend plans? Any favorite artists? Oh and since I’m sure folks will ask, those awesome stick-like colored pencils are from a local shop here in Richmond called Mongrel. Since Clara’s three favorite “toys” are rocks, sticks, and sand, I couldn’t resist…

Comments

  1. Hailey Montoya says

    bahaha this made me laugh, I bought 2 of those same cans a couple weeks ago and they are currently holding all of our pens. My husband gave me the weirdest look….

    Reply

  4. Kathy says

    Okay, as you can tell my email, I’m obsessed with soup. Our last name is Campbell and we have tons of Campbell’s soup stuff…I didn’t realize that target had these so will TOTALLY have to stop by on the way home from work today!! Thank you!!

    Reply

  10. Ashley @ 7th House says

    We bought a few of those cans last week but they’ve been sitting on the kitchen counter ever since because we’re not sure what to do with them quite yet. Though I do know we’re having grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner one night this weekend, haha. Love the pencil holder idea! So cute!

    Reply

  11. Sarah says

    Heh.. the first image totally had me thinking that the cans were all rusted and jagged.
    Until I scrolled down and realized it was the cork and not an outbreak of tetanus waiting to happen. :)

    Reply

  15. Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says

    Is there anything that J.T. can’t do??? No. The answer is no. Haha! I love when he is on SNL. He’s made for comedy. Well this weekends plans will definitely have some soup can purchasing in it. Tonight however we are hosting a big dinner for some friends who have dropped far too many of the “We haven’t seen the house in aaaaages (ages)!” lines on us. Doing all that I can but remembering what you guys said: that friends will understand and enjoy the journey with you – sawdust and all. Have a great weekend guys.

    My best, Lynn

    Reply

  17. Caroline A. says

    1. These are adorable!
    2. I love your new bedroom layout/grey tones/headboard/etc. It’s perfect and it all goes together so much better than the previous layouts.
    3. (And the real reason for my comment) I forgot when you guys were going to be in Huntington, but I’m a resident and Marshall student and I would highly suggest checking out the Shops at Heritage Station (near Pullman Square). They’re all locally-owned. Some of the gift shops have really cute stuff, and there’s also a vintage shop with not only old clothes & accessories but furniture as well! Also, on Friday nights, they have “Party on the Patio”, where they show an outdoor movie, have live music, and the shops are open late. Enjoy your trip up here! :)

    Reply

  19. lisa says

    Too funny! I actually bought these earlier this week to make a similar catchall for all of our art supplies. Great minds think alike, apparently! :)

    Reply

  23. JD says

    Do you guys have any suggestions on how to remove the labels from these cans for an art project but I don’t want to do any damage to the labels with steam and/or water

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hmm, anyone have an idea? I’d be tempted to take a super hot shower with them in the room and then try gently peeling them off (hopefully the steam would soften the glue in the back). Might be scary with the labels getting that steamy though. Anyone?

      xo
      s

    • Diana says

      I posted this (without reading other comments first!) I found the labels came off pretty easily — they were only glued on the edge where the “seam” of paper met. Possibly the warm and dry California weather helped, but it’s slightly stiffer glue than you might find on a mailer with a peel off label. They came off in one piece. Again, you have to be patient and careful.

  24. Stephanie says

    1) Those are the cutest soup can pencil holders EVER.
    2) Mmmmm tomato soup.
    3) OMG Why have I never seen that Justin Timberlake SNL skit?
    4) I just love Justin Timberlake so much. He is so adorable.
    5) I have no idea why I numbered these.

    Reply

  25. heyruthie says

    My five-year-old daughter caught me watching this video clip and ran up (very distressed) and said, “Wait! Is that really HIM??” (meaning Santa, of course.) I replied, “Uh, no. Of course not. That’s just someone pretending to be him.”….long pause, and then she said, “Oh, whew. Good!”

    Apparently, that geeky, lame Santa didn’t quite fit the bill in her mind either!

    Reply

  26. Molly says

    It’s funny that you should post this today. I just bought a Warhol print for my daughter’s bedroom last night! He’s been a favorite of mine since I was a kid.

    Reply

  27. Megan says

    Only you guys put pencils in soup cans and get 110 comments! I mean that in the nicest way possible. The blogger in me can truly appreciate that. Cute upcycle.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I love that can-opener tip! These cans are actually the kind with the lid that peels back (like a can of cat food) so the sharp part is the lip that the flat peel-off lid rests on. Hope it helps! Oh and as for your unpaper towels – so cute!

      xo
      s

  30. Gilit says

    First of all, I LOVE this DIY because, little known fact, I am ALSO besties with Andy Warhol. Yeah, we’re really tight.

    And I had no idea you went to FIT! So did I! That baaaaasically means we’re twins.

    Reply

  31. Jessica says

    Oh my goodness! I love this! Thanks so much for the heads up that Target is selling these bad boys. I’m headed over there right now. Love me some cheap-o diy stuff.

    Reply

  32. Christel says

    Hey YHLovers!

    I love those soup cans! Such an awesome (and cheap!) idea. I’d love to grab a few and turn them into ‘vases’ for some flowers by my kitchen sink!

    I was perusing Pinterest yesterday and totally thought of you! Sorry if you’ve seen this already, but since it feels like you’re friends of mine I immediately wanted to share with you! Maybe for Burger’s next birthday party…

    http://www.bakerella.com/fast-food-fun/

    Reply

  33. Betty says

    Really fun idea. I may make some for my own desk at work.

    Here’s a puzzler for you and your readers … any clever re-purposing ideas for old trophies? I have two boxes of them from my oh so talented children’s exploits in soccer and swimming and pinewood derby car building. Both boys have grown and have no sentimental attachment to the accolades of their youth but I hate to throw all that plastic and marble into the trash bin.

    Reply

  34. Lauren says

    Love the project! I’m surprised you didn’t put modge podge or something over the labels to protect it from toddler spills and coloring. Any reason why?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I actually didn’t think about it, but a few smart commenters did and I think it’s a great idea! I might give it a try on one (just to be sure it doesn’t make them pucker or bubble from the way they’re glued) and will try to report back!

      xo
      s

  38. Meghan says

    Hi! This has nothing to do with your soup can post, which are super cute and colorful..but I saw this listing for animal tees on fab.com and thought you guys would think they were funny. Right up yours and Clara’s alley, even though they are frighteningly large and lifelike! There’s even a Burger-esque one! Enjoy http://shop.themountain.me/chihuahua-face/

    Reply

  39. Jeanine says

    That is one of my all time favorite skits from SNL!! I love that one and the one with Christopher Walkin, “More Cowbell!”

    I love giving everyday objects a new life too. I’ve reused an old icing container to hold my paint brushes. I just dressed it up with some scrapbooking paper and modpoge.

    Reply

  40. Kerry says

    What an adorable idea! I am also happy to hear that my daugther isn’t the only toddler who’s favorite things are rocks, sticks & sand. I have to check her palms and pockets before we come in the house from our daily walks.

    Reply

  43. MJ says

    Good tip to remember:
    “Christmas isn’t about Santa kicking a Cup ‘O Soup in the croutons”. tee hee hee
    Thanks for making me giggle!

    Reply

  44. Aimée says

    HAHA, just got busted watching the Soup There It Is clip at work!(i couldn’t contain my laughter, even from my enclosed office)
    I didn’t even bother trying to pretend it was work, just showed it to the others – we all had a good laugh so THANK YOU for a perfect Friday afternoon distraction!

    My plans this weekend? must.find.soup.cans.in.Montreal.
    Brilliant project, I love Andy W!

    Reply

  45. Lindsey Whann says

    OH MY GOODNESS!

    i saw these cans yesterday and, of course, fell in love. Thank you guys for giving me a reason to purchase them. honestly though, who couldn’t use more vintage inspired tomato soups?

    i love this blog to death. thanks for giving me something oogle at (an aspire to do) everyday!

    Reply

  46. Erin says

    LOVE IT!!! I’m now going over to Target after work to snag those cans!! And I don’t even like Tomato Soup! But I sure do love the colors!!!

    Reply

  48. Cathy says

    Am I the only wierdo that looks at the background of your pictures and finds cool, new stuff? What is that cool, white pineapple-looking thing on top of your yellow radio? Do tell! :)

    Reply

  49. Elizabeth says

    Oh I was thinking about doing the same thing when I saw the cans at Target last week. I am just trying to find someone who will eat the tomato soup for me (maybe I can just buy the cans now and wait for the one day in the dead of winter I actually want to eat tomato soup). But I am wondering why you didn’t get the four different cans. My crazy pattern obsessed self would have to have the whole set (it is why I have divide M&Ms into complete sets before eating them <– freak show!).

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I stared and stared at all four of them and just kept thinking about how much I loved two of them and didn’t really obsess over the other two the same way. So I followed my heart and got two each of the ones we loved. Haha. Nothing like following your heart in the soup aisle.

      xo
      s

  50. Krystyn says

    Thank you for using “Voila” instead of “wah la” or some other incorrect version. It’s a silly little pet peeve of mine, but I cringe anytime I see “wah la” or something along those lines.

    Oh and your cans are cute! Haha!

    Reply

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