Bath Salts In A Tin

From "Carol Duvall Show"
Episode CDS-1143 (DIY Network)

Here is a perfect project to make when you are wondering what to make . . . for yourself, for a teacher gift or a neighbor gift, etc., or for something for the youngsters to make as a gift for a teacher or grandma. Our list of materials seems a bit lengthy but we got carried away with the bath salt recipe. Epson salts alone can be used if you prefer. Add a touch of fragrance and they will be perfect!

Materials:

empty food can
spray coating
card stock or 90 lb. watercolor paper
industrial strength double-sided tape
small hand drill or a nail and hammer
10-inch length of 18- or 20-gauge wire
round-nose pliers
beads

Steps:

1. Remove label from food can. We used standard sized cans of vegetables or fruit. Remove as much of the adhesive as possible to make a smooth surface.

2. Spray two or three coats of a clear protective coating on the bottom of the can and about one inch or so up the side. Dry thoroughly. NOTE: The protective coating is to prevent the can from leaving a rust spot on the tub! We found the spray coatings to be the most satisfactory.

3. Cut a piece of 90 lb. watercolor paper or card stock to fit around the can with about 1/4 inch overlap. The recently removed label can be used as a pattern. The card stock should fit between the rims around the top and bottom of the can.

4. Decorate the paper or card stock as desired with watercolors, rubber stamps, stickers, etc. Or you might choose to use patterned card stock and no decorating will be required.

5. Apply a length of double-sided tape to the seam of the can and attach one end of the card stock to the tape applying it so that one half of the tape is exposed. Apply a second strip of the tape to the backside of the opposite end of the card stock.

6. Carefully roll the card stock around the can and press the opposite end over the taped seam. Press down to make certain you have a good bond (figure B).

7. Measuring a 1/2-inch down from the top edge of the can, make a small hole using either a hand drill or a hammer and nail or an awl. Make a matching hole on the opposite side of the can.

8. Insert one end of the 10-inch length of wire into one of the holes, turn up the end of the wire and with pliers press it as close to the can as possible to secure. You might wish to coil the end a bit first (figure D).

9. Add any beads of your choice to the wire. Insert the other end of the wire through the second hole and secure. To secure the beads in place position them the way you want them then CAREFULLY add a small bead of hot glue in between the last bead and the bead next to it. Press the beads together and remove any hot glue that is showing. Repeat at the other end of the beads.

10. Mix up the bath salt mixture (recipe follows) then put the plastic bag into the can and fill it with the salts (figure E). Gather the top of the bag together, tie it with raffia or a short length of ribbon, add a small card with instructions (four scoops to one tub water) and a small scoop if desired.

Bath salts

1 c. fine sea salt
1 c. Epson salt
1c. coarse kosher salt
1/2 t. glycerin
5 -15 drops essential oil
10 - 15 drops food coloring
plastic gloves (thin plastic)
plastic bag (approximately 4" x 9") without zipper-seal closure

Steps:

1. Mix above ingredients in a bowl with a glove-covered hand until color is mixed through.
2. Place bag in the tin.
3. Spoon salt into plastic bag AFTER placing bag in the tin.

RESOURCES:

Triple Thick Spray Protective Coating
Krylon Products Group
Website: www.krylon.com

wire
Artistic Wire - wholesale only
Website: www.artisticwire.com

watercolor paints
Staedtler Inc.
Chatsworth, CA
US
Phone: 818-882-6000
Email: info@staedtler-usa.com
URL: www.staedtler-usa.com

Source: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_cds/article/0,2045,DIY_15079_2502446,00.html