How to Make a Decorative Doorstop

Even if you do not need a doorstop, this whimsical craft is one any mother would be proud to display in her home. With a few recycled items from around the house and your child's creativity, you will not only share some quality time with your child, but also have a unique piece of art that will enhance any décor in any room in your home.

Items Needed to Make a Doorstop

-5-pound coffee can with lid
-Sand (enough to fill the coffee can)
-Wallpaper remnants
-Plastic or silk flowers
-Two feet of ribbon, that matches the wallpaper (one-fourth inch wide)
-One sheet of felt
-Craft glue
-Dressmaker's tape measure
-Yardstick
-Scissors
-Utility knife

Making a Doorstop - Can and Lid

Wrap the tape measure around the coffee can and record the circumference. Then measure from the top to the bottom of the coffee can. With the use of the yardstick, draw and then cut a rectangle out of the wallpaper according to the coffee can measurements (be sure to leave one-half inch on the end for the seam). Let your child apply glue to the wrong side of the wallpaper and then help them attach it to the can, matching the edges of the wallpaper with the top and bottom edges of the can. Use a circle of felt to cover the bottom of the coffee can and trim away excess. Using the lid as a guide, have your child draw and cut out a section of the wallpaper to glue over the top of the lid. Glue the ribbon around the edge of the lid.

Making a Doorstop - Sand and Flowers

Have your child fill the coffee can with the sand. Add glue around the inside of the edge of the lid and put it on the coffee can, sealing the sand in side. Let the glue dry completely before continuing.

With the utility knife, cut a small hole in the center of the lid (about the size of a quarter). I found it easier to cut the hole in the lid when it was affixed to the coffee can, but you can cut it before you attach it. Have your child arrange the flowers in the hole, pushing them down into the sand. Use flowers that have short and long stems to create a rounded bouquet.

Let your child pick out a special place for the doorstop and if needed, help them position it.