Dandelions in Bullet Holes

I found this fantastic do-it-yourself project that I thought would be fun to share. Instead of renting pew bows why not make things more personal and unique? These tin can vases are great for hanging on the ends of pews for the ceremony and they can then be transported into the reception area as extra decor ... or if you feel extra adventuresome, they can be used later as centrepieces!


What You Will Need:
Fabric
Lace Trim
5mm-wide satin ribbon
1m of 35mm-wide satin ribbon
Clean, empty tin can
Hot water
Scissors
Material
Ruler
Measuring Tape
Pencil
Scrap sheet of paper
Iron and ironing board
Towel
Hammer
Awl
Freezer
Double-sided adhesive tape

1. Soak the tin can in enough hot water to cover it completely. Remove the label, fill the can with tap water and place in the freezer until a firm block of ice has formed; this provides the necessary stability for step 2.

2. Remove the can from the freezer and place on its side on a folded towel. Using a hammer and awl, punch a hole just under the top rim of the can. Repeat to create a second hole opposite the first. Allow the ice to melt, empty the can and dry it thoroughly (see image A).


3. Cut a 1m length of 35mm-wide satin ribbon for the handle. Thread one end of the ribbon through a punched hole, from the outside to the inside, and tie a large knot. Push the other end of the ribbon through the opposite punched hole and tie a large knot as before. Tip: Tying the knot on the inside of the can creates a neat finish (see image B).


4.Measure the height and circumference of the can using a measuring tape and record on a sheet of paper. Measure a section of fabric 30mm longer than the circumference and 30mm wider than the height of the can.

5. Fold a 15mm hem along each long edge of the fabric. Iron the fold to create a crisp edge. Then, fold a hem at 20mm from one end of the fabric and press.

6. With the wrong side facing up, place a strip of double-sided adhesive tape along each edge of the fabric. At the unhemmed end of the fabric, remove the backing paper from the tape (see image C).


7. Place the can on its side and adhere the end of the fabric to the can. Align the edges of the fabric with the rims of the can to ensure the fabric is straight. Remove the backing paper from the remaining double-sided tape and carefully wrap the fabric around the can (see image D).


8. Pull the fabric taut, overlapping the ends of the fabric. Secure in place by pressing firmly and smoothing down along the double-sided tape (see image E).


9. Measure and cut a length of lace trim 10mm longer than the circumference of the can. With the reverse side of the lace facing you, place a strip of double-sided tape along each end of the lace. At one end of the trim, remove the backing paper from the tape (see image F).


10. Position the can so that the seam of the fabric faces you. Align the end of the lace with the seam and secure in place. Remove the remaining backing tape and, with slight tension, wrap the lace around the can until the two ends meet. Secure in place by pressing firmly and smoothing down along the double-sided tape (see image G).


11. Wrap a length of 5mm satin ribbon around the lace and finish at the front with a knot or bow (see image H).



Project courtesy Creative Weddings magazine