How to Make an Alligator Out of Soda Cans
Creative inspiration doesn't discriminate between oil paints or recyclable goods. Sculptures made from recycled materials, such as aluminum soda cans, capture the aesthetic value of normally discarded items. Additionally, the malleability and color variety of soda cans makes them an effective medium for almost any animal sculpture imaginable. Creating an alligator out of soda cans doesn't require welding experience, but familiarity in working with aluminum and a hot glue gun is beneficial.
Instructions
-
-
1
Draw an outline of your alligator on a piece of white poster board. The outline lets you experiment with soda can arrangements before gluing.
-
2
Remove the tabs from 20 empty soda cans. This makes flattening the cans easier.
-
-
3
Place the soda cans on concrete or pavement and flatten them lengthwise using a hammer. Apply the hammer to the center of the can and work your way outward to create an even shape.
-
4
Arrange the flattened soda cans inside the outline of the alligator. Lay the cans flat so each of the four edges overlaps by 1 inch.
-
5
Start at the head of the alligator and apply a zigzag line of hot glue between the first overlapping sections. Place a brick on the overlapped section for 30 seconds immediately after applying the glue. The heavy brick ensures adhesion between the two aluminum surfaces.
-
6
Repeat Step 5 down the length of the alligator. Dry your soda can alligator for 45 minutes away from direct sunlight before lifting.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Stack multiple layers of flattened soda cans to create a 3-D alligator.
Use different colored soda cans for the eyes. For example, if you made your alligator using green soda cans, use red ones for the eyes.
Do not press the aluminum cans together with your hands after applying hot glue. Metal ions heat rapidly and will burn your skin.
Discard any soda cans with broken aluminum edges before gluing to prevent cutting yourself.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
