How to Make a Piece of Art Out of Pop Cans
Aluminum pop cans are available in a whole spectrum of colors and make an interesting and unusual material to work with for artwork and crafting. They can be cut into any shape and embossed with any sharp pointed tool to add detail. Incorporating popular brand logos into your design can be fun, but lesser known brands provide a variety of colors and designs that can be useful, too.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pencil
- Pop cans
- Gloves
- Scissors
- Craft knife
- Sharp pencil or metal pointer
- Sanding block
- Poster board
- Double-sided mounting pads
- Hot glue
Instructions
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Plan your design by drawing it out on a piece of paper. Abstract designs with geometric shapes are simple to begin with, but cans can be cut to any shape or motif you choose. Use pop can shapes to create mosaic designs.
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Put on gloves. Cut off the top and bottom of the can with scissors. Cut down the side of the can and flatten out the sheet of aluminum.
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3
Draw shapes onto the can with a sharp pencil or pointed metal tool. You can work freehand, use a ruler or trace around an object.
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Cut around the shapes you have drawn with scissors. The edges will be very sharp, so exercise caution at all times.
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Add details to the shapes using the pointed metal tool to emboss lines, dots or other markings.
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6
Sand the shapes with a sanding block to dull the surface if you choose. The color can be sanded off partially or entirely, or you can use the silver side of the can.
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Arrange the shapes or pattern pieces on a piece of poster board according to your original design. Use double-sided mounting pads to secure each piece in position for a raised 3D effect. Alternatively, fix in place with hot glue.
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Mount and frame your artwork, ready to hang.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask friends and family to support your artwork by collecting interesting cans.
Cut aluminum has very sharp edges, so is not suitable for use by children.
Protect hands with strong gloves and take care when working with cut pop cans.
If you are making a piece of art for a child's room, mount it behind glass to prevent him touching sharp edges.
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
