Spruce up your Christmas table or Blue & Gold Banquet with this attractive Log Centerpiece made from a recycled can.

What you'll need:

How to make it:

1. Cover punched hole(s) of Hi-C size can with masking tape.
2. Use tin snips to cut out a 4-5" circle on the side (not end) of the can.
3. "Seal" the sharp edges with a layer or two of masking tape.
4. Working on a wax paper surface, paint a thin layer of plaster-of-paris on all sides, the top and bottom. Let the can rest on the side opposite the hole; it will dry quickly.
5. Wash paintbrush thoroughly.
6. Apply a thicker coat of plaster-of-paris to all sides again.
7. Wash paintbrush thoroughly.
8. Use a fork to scratch the log texture into the plaster-of-paris.
9. When it is completely dry, paint the sides (log portion) brown, and the ends ("log ends") a light tan.
10. Crumple up newspaper and stuff in the can.
11. Insert greenery and/or flowers and/or small flags and/or pictures/symbols on a stick, appropriate to the occasion. (Cub Scouts can use cutouts of a Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos symbol, etc. on a stick or straw.)

Tips:

This activity can be done with Cub Scouts - boys ages 7-9 years old. Barb Stephens gave us permission to edit her posting in holiday-specific files.