Just a quick posting today as I need to get back to my Most Important Tin Coverage Mission. Don't try and stop me, my Tins need me.
I wrote up the tutorial for you yesterday (find it HERE).....I know it's a very basic pattern an' all, and many of you don't actually need such a picture heavy tute for something this easy. But I LOVE the idea of using simple projects with simple words and a gazillion step-by-step pictures to enable Newbie Hookers.
I've had a few comments about Sharp Edges. Yes, those inner tin edges can be devilishly sharp I agree. I found that my tuna tins opened cleanly and evenly with my tin opener and there were no sharp jags at all. But the pineapple tin (pictured above) actually drew blood. So I used the back of a spoon to press down a few of the nasty, wicked metal jags, then covered the inner edge completely with some pretty deco tape I had in the cupboard. I bought this tape ages ago from DotComGiftShop, and at 50p per roll it was a bargain. You can find it here, and there are other slightly more expensive designs to choose from too.
Talking of pretty deco tape, I had a little search for some on Etsy and OH. MY. GOODNESS.
I found WASHI TAPE.
How dreamy is this stuff???!!!!
Why did nobody think to tell me about Washi Tape before?????
Seriously, it is unbelievably gorgeous and desirable. DIViNe. Smoochable.
The above pictures are from an Etsy Shop called Le Box Boutique, one of many, many shops on the internet selling this gorgeous stuff.
I can feel a Potential Addiction coming on. Go peek here......and feast your eyes on the decorative possibilities!
Oooooooooooooo♥ooooooooooo Washi Tape Mini Bunting, you are SO in my future.
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Ooooh I was just eyeing up some washi tape earlier on this afternoon, feel I simply must have some!
Posted by: Vicki | January 23, 2012 at 05:54 PM
Re: Washi tape, you might find this tutorial useful- http://philosophyoflists.blogspot.com/2011/08/pointless-but-pretty.html
Posted by: Claire | January 23, 2012 at 05:58 PM
Ahh the lovely Washi tape! Kate at Greedy for colour has a thing for it too and she infected me with her enthusiasm, it is instant beautifuication! Love love loving the little tin covers, surely a little illustrated book of simple crochet ideas in a must for you to publish!!?
Best wishes
Jane
Posted by: Jane | January 23, 2012 at 06:11 PM
Lovely post,now you have me looking at all the cans in the store and thinking,what would Lucy do with this one?:)Just cleaned up a sweetened condensed milk can.Thought I'd use ribbon to cover the sharp edge,but after seeing all that lovely washi tape I may order some of that instead.Those on the wooden spools would be SO cute in a glass jar just for decoration.Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: angela-southern USA | January 23, 2012 at 06:24 PM
The Washi tape is beautiful. You could glue ribbon over the sharp edges inside the tin.
Posted by: Marjorie | January 23, 2012 at 06:41 PM
A friend directed me to your blog as I am a newbie hooker (well infact very newbie as all I have done so far is buy the hooks!).
I can't wait to get started and hope I can learn fast! - your blog is going to be a huge inspiration for me.........
Posted by: Kate Dengra | January 23, 2012 at 07:14 PM
Run a piece of sandpaper around the edges. They'll be smooth in no time!
Posted by: Harriet | January 23, 2012 at 07:17 PM
Thank you for making your tutorials so easy to follow for us newbies - you've prompted me to try my 1st ever crochet with your teeny tiny flowers I will try these jar covers next
M x
Posted by: Melanie | January 23, 2012 at 07:19 PM
What fun!!!
Posted by: Taylor | January 23, 2012 at 07:23 PM
I must admit that the thought of the sharp inner edges did cross my mind when you mentioned working with the tuna tins, but as they were to be mainly for plant pots to go in I didn't give it another thought. I assumed that most thinking adults would simply be aware, just like they are aware of sharp edges on a knife. It's ridiculous that you had to spoon feed some of your readers, but you came up with a very practical and pretty fix to the problem! And I do love your idea of covers for tins. I don't have any indoor plants as I don't have any windowsills to put them on, but hopefully in a few months time I might be able to move somewhere that does have a windowsill to display my pretty plants dressed up in their crochet pots.
xXx Helen
Posted by: Helen | January 23, 2012 at 07:25 PM
http://justsomethingimade.com/2011/06/handmade-custom-paper-tape/
Washi tape ... make your own :)
Posted by: Rose | January 23, 2012 at 07:30 PM
Hi Lucy
I've just finished my gorgeous ripple which is all due to your wonderful tutorial. I absolutely loved hooking every single row and the colours are fab, I can't stop looking at it draped over the settee. With the leftover wool, I'm attempting your Bloooming Flower Cushion and it's coming along a treat. Thanks so much. Angie - Jersey
Posted by: Angie | January 23, 2012 at 07:54 PM
Oh my, I love it all. I have a serious case of the wanties for the tins and the washi tape! The Japanese really know their creative stuff. Mmmm must add it to the ever expanding wish list!
Helen xx
Posted by: Belmont Yarns | January 23, 2012 at 08:10 PM
You are so funny Lucy, there is an inner child in you that keeps popping out, I've been laughing at your post, getting the incurable wantsies over some tape :) Just like I would. I shall have to check it out now. Keep up the lovely work, always a pleasure to read!
Posted by: Julie Clay | January 23, 2012 at 08:19 PM
These tin sleeves are amazing. What else could you cover? anything surely??? i really want to find a straight jar and crochet a sleeve to turn it into a pen pot or pretty vase.
Posted by: Nicky | January 23, 2012 at 08:44 PM
Am amazed you haven't come across the beauty of Washi tape before - go to washimatta.com for lots of tutorials and stuff. I love the way it's creeping into stationery and craft shops over here. Beauty by stealth.
Posted by: Janice | January 23, 2012 at 08:48 PM
So happy to visit- thank you!
Posted by: Jennie | January 23, 2012 at 08:54 PM
I'm glad you've posted this, I know it's silly but I was a bit worried that people might not think about it and some little darling's fingers would be hurt grabbing pretty buttons etc.
My OH is still making comments about tuna tins. We'll just ignore him and hope he trundles off into the next room :-P
Posted by: Rachel | January 23, 2012 at 09:02 PM
I know you've been asked this before but I cant find the post, where did you get that red and white crochet hook? it's fab.
Posted by: Nicky | January 23, 2012 at 09:23 PM
Washi tape! ;o) you'll...be....s...o...r...r...y! Also there is a tin opener that folds over the tin edge to make it safe. I got it at Lakeland ages ago but they are probably available at other shops. Love this tin idea.
Posted by: Ann | January 23, 2012 at 09:30 PM
What lovely colours and patterns, I can quite see why you like this tape.
Posted by: SueW | January 23, 2012 at 10:51 PM
Dear Lucy I have only just become familar with Washi tape in the last few days when reading some reference in a magazine. I was thinking of using
some masking tape (not very colourful I hear you say) but will be aquiring
something more colourful now.
Have a good week.xx
Posted by: Sarah west mids uk | January 23, 2012 at 11:11 PM
oh, Lucy--you are such an enabler!!! Just what I need (not!) another hobby. Washi tape!!!!
Posted by: steph | January 23, 2012 at 11:52 PM
I love this idea and the easier the project the more we all want to do, at least I do. I always try to work on something quick along with my harder projects to keep me interested. This little idea of using cans for flower bottoms is really cute. Recycled is the best, and to add the colored tape is also great...be sure to check out my crochet blog and comment to enter my give away.. Thanks for sharing. Debb
Posted by: DaCraftyLady | January 24, 2012 at 01:40 AM
Isn't washi tape amazing! I am quite taken with it - only have 6 rolls so far but I'm slowly building my collection and have a tendency to use it for everything...cards, wrapping gifts, scrapbooking and covering baby jars to make little lanterns (with tealights)!
I can recommend this Etsy store where I got mine from and it arrived very quickly: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kimamaya?section_id=6685468
Posted by: Katie | January 24, 2012 at 02:48 AM