Bee Inspired!

Open a can leaving the lid partially attached. Put 3 dots of glue from a glue gun on the inside lid and then match up 3 dots of glue on the inner rim so that when you shut the lid it doesn't collapse inward.

Next you can glue a line along the top edge of the lid and hold it till it stays in place. I like using these finger protectors when using my glue gun because it really saves burnt fingers!

Spray paint the entire can yellow. It might take 2 coats.

I love this bright yellow from Rust-oleum- it looks great!

Using masking tape or whatever you have on hand wrap it around so you have several bee body lines.

One end of the can will remain yellow while the other end will be black. Press the tape on well so paint doesn't leak under.

I tried two different ways to paint the black lines. On Left with acrylic paint then on right with spray paint and there wasn't much difference. So use whatever you have on hand.

Both had a little seepage under the tape but I found it easy enough to use a black permanent marker to clean up my lines where needed. I put the blame on the tape not being pressed enough onto the can.

Once the paint is dry you can peel the tape off exposing the yellow and black bee-like sections. ...

Using bottle caps paint the inside portion black using acrylic paint or spray paint. Once dry you can glue your google eyes into the bottle caps. I used E6000plus but whatever glue you have on hand is probably fine. ....

Glue the bottle cap eyes onto the yellow end of the bee/can and then using a marker give it a little bitty bee smile! I used a black sharpie.

If you make a bunch all at once they'll all be staring at you waiting for their antennae and wings....hahaha

...... .........,..

Using your drill make two holes and partially insert two 2 inch black screws in for antennas. Dab a bit of glue around them to better secure them.

Then drill a hole in the middle of the can to hang your bee. You'll want to insert an eye hook to hang it. Your wings will go between the can and eye hook so before you put the eye hook in...

Cut the top and bottom of the plastic water bottle off. Then to make them look wings holding one side and cut similar to the way we cut out paper hearts as a child. Trim as needed till it looks like wings.

Using a glue suitable for plastics, glue the center of the wings to the top of the bee AND insert that eye hook for hanging.....

I love my bees and hung them on wire among the trees!

This was a zero cost project for me because I had all the materials needed... although we did have to eat beans for a few days to empty the cans lol.