How to Make a Galaxy Painted Recycled Pen Holder

Hi everyone, it's Natalie from Doodlecraft, sharing another fun recycled craft with you. I love everything galaxy so of course I am obsessed with the galaxy painting trend. It is so relaxing and therapeutic to paint a galaxy, there is no wrong way to do it. Vincent Van Gogh said "The sight of stars makes me dream".  So let's get dreaming with this fun recycled craft inspired by Disney's A Wrinkle in Time!

Recycled Crafts & Galaxy Painting Combine to Create a Unique Tin Can Craft!

Supplies 

• Clean Metal Can (open with a smooth edge can opener so there are no sharp edges)
• Apple Barrel Paints in a variety of colors (We are using: Black, Laguna, Royal Violet, White, Diva Pink, Tuscan Teal and Bright Blue...didn't end up using the Pewter Grey)
• Flat 1 inch paint brush
• Stencil paint brush

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How to paint a galaxy for an epic recycled craft

Directions

STEP 1: Black as pitch! 

Begin by painting the entire can black. Paint the black down inside the can about 3 inches as well.  Set aside and let it dry completely.

STEP 2: Winter Blues! 

Next paint the can in varied splotches using the stencil brush and the Bright Blue paint. For best results with the stencil brush, dip bristles in paint and then blot a few times on paper before painting the can. The brush strokes are simple dabbing. Don't worry about good coverage, the darkness should be peering through the nebula.

STEP 3: Terrific Teals!

Let the blue paint dry a little, then repeat the process by adding varied splotches of teal.

STEP 4: Pinks and Purples!

Repeat in like manner with the pink and the purple.  Notice how the black is disappearing?

STEP 5: Black as Pitch! 

After the paint has dried, go back in with the black paint and add a little bit more here and there.  The bright and vivid colors should still show, but in the background.

STEP 6: Add the Stars! 

Make sure your work surface is covered while splatter painting.  Or move outside where a few paint splatters won't matter.

Dip the stencil brush in the white paint.  Use your pointer finger to flick the paint about an inch away from the can.  This should release a shower of meteors onto your galactic can.

Splatter some constellations inside the top edge of the can for complete galactic awesomeness.  Then let it dry completely.  Once dry you can coat with a clear finish, or just fill with markers, pens, pencils and enjoy!

Go ahead and let your creativity soar!  Add a Millennium Falcon, a TARDIS or the Starship Enterprise for an ultimately geeky finishing touch.

Starry Night!

This is such a fun craft for summer camps, youth groups or just to keep your office supplies tidy and classy.  You could even paint your pens to match.

About the Author:

Natalie Shaw is a Craft/DIY blogger at Doodle Craft. She loves sci-fi, fantasy and video game geekery and that comes out in many of her projects. She posts budget conscious DIY’s, crafts, jewelry, kid friendly projects, upcycled treasures and other fun on her blog 5 days a week.You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

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