I saw this crafty robot about a year ago when I was surfing craft sites and he's been on my mind ever since. I made him this weekend and it was a lot of fun and everyone at the party absolutely loved it.
Here's a list of the supplies you need and directions how to put him together:
Supplies:
- Large clear plastic paint can (purchased at Michael's craft store)
- Quart size empty paint can (purchased at Home Depot)
- 2 empty soup cans (opened with a safety can opener which prevents sharp edges)
- 2 - 3" long of thin (about 1/2") cardboard tube (I used a cardboard roll from wrapping paper)
- 2 bottle caps
- 1 washer
- small piece of electrical tape
- floral wire
- pliers
- big heavy duty wire cutters
- book binder tool or ice pick
I painted the cans before I assembled, you can do the same or wait until after he's assembled.
It's rather simple to put him together. First place all cans in place, this helped me think about how to attach the cans together. I then decided to punch holes and run wire through the cans to attach them.
First I punched 2 holes, with the ice pick, to the bottom of each soup can. I then punched 4 matching holes in the bottom of the plastic clear can, string floral wire through one soup can to the matching holes of the clear can, turn and tighten wire and cut extra wire. Attach the other soup can using the same steps. The robot now has his legs.
Before we attach his head we need to cut the handle of the clear paint can. This is where the heavy duty wire cutters are needed, the wire is very thick so you may want someone with big muscles to do it. Cut the wire right in the middle. Remove the wire from the sockets and get the pliers to bend the wires in half but leave about a 1/2" bend gap, this gap holds the cardboard arms (tubes). Here's a picture of the bent wire as it's quite hard to explain. The black tape was needed because I initially cut the wire too short and had to tape it on to hold the arm.
Once the arms are done, we can attach the head (quart can) to the body (lid of plastic can).
Punch 2 holes to the bottom of the quart can and 2 holes to the lid of the clear paint can. String the wire through the holes attaching the lid and the quart can, twist wire and cut extra wire.
The final touches are to add the eyes (bottle caps), nose (washer) and electric tape for mouth. I used glue dots to attach eyes and nose.
Our little man is done, all you have to do is fill him with goodies. Fun thing about this project is you can make it for anyone, a little boy, girl, or even a grown up.
Be crafty!
Samantha
