Can-do Stilts

Red White and Blue Star Can Stilts Craft for Kids

Total Time Needed:: 2-3 Hours

Give your favorite patriot a boost with a pair of classic tin can stilts. Our design allows you to empty the can while keeping its top and bottom sealed for safety and stability.

Materials

Puncture-style can opener
2 (29-ounce) cans of tomato sauce
Acrylic paint in white, red, and blue
Paintbrush
Star shapes cut from household sponges

Disposable pans or plates
Tape
2 (5-foot) lengths of cotton or nylon clothesline
Skewer

Instructions

Puncture a can in opposite spots on its side, as shown. Drain it by blowing into one hole to force the sauce out of the other. Repeat with the second can. Wash both cans under running water to clean them, inside and out. Remove their labels and let them dry.
Paint both cans white. When they're dry, dip dampened sponge stars into pans or plates of red and blue paint. Apply the stamps to the cans and let them dry.
For the handles, tape one end of a length of clothesline to a skewer. Push it through one hole and out the other, as shown. Have your child stand on the can, holding the line's ends. Knot the line at hip level and trim. Repeat for the other stilt.