Christmas Tin Can Artistry 1
During World War II many people were learning to save things that had previously been discarded. Tin cans were first collected by the salvage committee. Later, when they were no longer needed for the war effort, other uses were found for them. Since sparkling Christmas tree ornaments were not available, other things were used to add glitter to the tree.
Just who can claim the first tin can ornaments I do not know, but the first person to show me this new kind of art was Mrs. Warner Nelson of Glencoe, Illinois. With very deft fingers, she cut and hammered many intriguing ornaments, including trees, bells, leaves, candle holders and picture frames, to name a few.
The tin can tree shown in Drawing 29 may be made from any size tin can. Ordinary kitchen shears or scissors and a wall can opener are all that are needed, plus a little time and patience. If you are not used to using your hands, then it is suggested that you try a small tin can first, such as a can for frozen fruit juice. The tin is thinner and easier to cut. The printing and color on the tin add to the beauty of the tree. The various steps are shown in Drawing 29.
First use a wall can opener. Cut out the top of the can and empty the contents. Turn the can upside down and remove the bottom. Then hold the can horizontally, put in the wall can opener and completely cut off the rim. The next and final cut in the wall opener is the last and important one. Each can has a seam, so put the can in the opener in a horizontal position, just this side of the seam, and cut around the can, but stop just before the seam is reached.
This leaves the rim of the can attached to the seam. The rim will serve as a base or stand for the tree and the seam will be the trunk of the tree.
Next- Christmas Tin Can Artistry part2
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