How to Make Metal Cut Out Ornaments
Your home, yard or holiday tree would look absolutely grand with some homemade ornaments. You can make long-lasting ones with a couple pieces of sheet metal. Sheet metal is not difficult to cut into. Just about any shape and can be painted any hue for the most bang for your ornament. You can make metal cutout ornaments with a little imagination and a few simple steps.
Instructions
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Gather your metal. Sheet metal can be found at salvage yards, construction site dumpsters and hardware stores. Go for smaller pieces that will be easier to work with. If the metal is curved, flatten it by laying it on the ground and walking on top of it.
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Draw an outline of your ornament. Use a fat marker to draw a rough outline of your shape. Since the metal can be cumbersome to cut, don’t fret if you don’t follow the outline exactly, but it will give you a rough idea of where you need to cut.
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Snip away. Starting at one corner of the ornament, snip around your outline. Leave a long tab sticking out at the top so you can hang the ornament with ease.
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Fine tune any rough edges. Do a once-over with your snips to cut away any shards sticking out. You also can use a rough sandpaper to smooth the edges.
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Paint and hang. Spray paint works well on metal ornaments. It’s quick and you can blend several hues. Use an outdoor paint for outdoor ornaments. Spray with a sealer, such as polyurethane, once the paint is dry for added protection.
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Tips & Warnings
Bending the metal can add some life into your ornament. Slightly bend the edges for a smooth effect. Bend the ornament’s arms, legs and other appendages.
Sheet metal is very sharp. Be careful while working with it. For added protection, don a pair of gardening or other thick gloves to avoid getting cut.
Immediately clean up any loose metal shards so they don't hurt dogs, bare feet or small children.
Don’t play with metal that has been laying around in direct sun. It will be hot.
- Photo Credit Photo and metal fish by Ryn Gargulinski
