Smoking is so taboo this day in age! We all know that there are still a handful of smokers left out there… and if you are anything like me, you may have a few left in your family or circle of friends.
After hosting social events and family gatherings, I start what I call an “Extensive Cleanup” leaving “No stones unturned”! I would find butts randomly in my yard, not that my friends and family were irresponsible or inconsiderate… it just happens! I decided that this too needed better organization!
I wanted something that would be appropriate, attractive and manageable because I would have to look at it. It had to be easy to clean out and something I could store in the garage for such occasions without leaving a stench… so this is what I created!
This was simple and fun to make, plus I was able to recycle and reuse!
Items needed:
- Large metal can (Label removed, washed and sharp edges filed down)
- Spray paint (Color of your choice)
- Drop cloth
- Acrylic paint for letters (Color of your choice)
- Card stock for stencil
- Small detail paint brush
- X-Acto knife or scissors
- Tape
- Sand
The first thing you need to do find a metal can and clean it. Do not use plastic, this may not fare well with the heat from the butts. I make homemade spaghetti sauce, and the base is in a metal can! With that being said, I was able to reuse and recycle the large can! You can still find coffee that can be purchased in a metal can, just keep your eyes and ears open for one or ask your family or friends if they could save one for you.
The next step, you need to paint your can! Use a well ventilated area like your front or back yard, just use a drop cloth to protect your landscape. The spray paint I used had paint + primer, this ensured that the paint adhered well to the metal. Set the can down, right side up on the drop cloth and complete your first layer of paint. Make sure that you paint around the top edges of the inside of the can, so once you add the sand, you can still see the paint in the interior of the can. I recommend at least 2 coats of spray paint. Once dried, you can flip the can over and paint the bottom of the can (personal preference).
While the paint is drying, you can take advantage of the time and make a stencil out of your card stock! You can freehand the letters, or print them using a computer. I used an X-Acto knife to cut out my stencil, but you can use scissors. I trimmed the stencil to fit and used tape to secure it to the can.
Next, use the thin detailed paint brush and paint letters using your stencil on to the can. After removing the stencil, you can touch up the letters if you feel necessary. Set it aside to dry.
After the paint is dry, fill it up about 2/3 of the way with sand, making sure that you do not overfill it. Now you are done!
If you are in the need for a butt collection point, I hope this is helpful! It’s an easy way to recycle, reuse and save time during your “Extensive Cleanup” episode!
Cheers!
Secret Squirrel Moment 