DIY trendy up-light

I had the same thought as you probably are right now. Why an oatmeal can?  Well, that’s the challenge given to us at our recent craft club. Make something beautiful from an oatmeal can. That’s when I got the idea for this trendy up-light. 

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supplies needed:

• large oatmeal can
• decorative paper
• copper mesh
• metal brads
• portable push light

After browsing craft stores for an entire afternoon, I finally ran across some beautiful handmade paper in the sale bin of Michaels. Then I found a sheet of copper mesh. What it was for, I had no idea. But I’ve really been drawn to metallic tones lately, so I grabbed it.

step 1 – cover the can

First, I wrapped the paper around the oatmeal can, securing it with glue.

Next, I cut a sheet of copper mesh to an appropriate size to wrap around the can, while leaving the top edge of the mesh a few inches taller than the can. I folded the top edge of the mesh around a pencil to create a uniformly rolled edge, before wrapping it around the can. I secured the back seam with several metal brads.

step 2 – add the light

Now that the oatmeal can looked pretty darn cool, what to do with it? I bought a small push light and adhered it to the bottom inside of the can.

With just a touch, the light switches on, and you have a lovely up-light to add ambience to a room. I haven’t yet found a spot for it, but I’m thinking placed on the floor behind a big plant would look awesome.

There you have it – a trendy up-light from an oatmeal can.

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