How to Cut Aluminum Picture Frames

Make simple picture frames using aluminum pop cans.

Simple quality picture frames can be created from a wide variety of materials, including recycled materials. Aluminum soda cans provide a flexible material that can be cut into any shape desired. No power tools are needed to cut aluminum. Cut aluminum picture frames using common household scissors and a sharp craft knife to create a quick gifts for the holidays or party favors.

Things You'll Need

• 2 aluminum soda cans
• All-purpose household scissors
• Ruler
• Cutting board
• Craft knife
• Magazine
• Photo
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Pierce the side of an aluminum soda can, just below the top rim, using the point of all-purpose household scissors. Cut around the can at the starting point of the piercing, to remove the can's top. Discard the top. Repeat on a second can.

2. Pierce the side of the first aluminum can, just above the bottom rim. Cut around the can at the starting point of the piercing, to remove the can's bottom. Discard the bottom. Repeat on the other can.

3. Determine which side of each can will be the front. The logo will be on the outside of the frame. Center the scissors on the back rim of one can. Cut straight down to the bottom of the can. Repeat on the other can.

4. Lay one can flat, with the inside facing up. Using a ruler and an ink pen, center and trace a 3 1/2-inch wide by 8-inch long rectangle on the aluminum can. Cut out the rectangle using the household scissors. This is the front of the picture frame. Trace and cut a 3-inch wide by 7 1/2-inch long rectangle from the other can. This is the back of the picture frame.

5. Lay the picture frame front with the backside facing up. Center and trace a 2-inch tall by 3-inch wide rectangle on the picture frame. Trace an "X" across the inside of the small rectangle from corner to corner. Place the aluminum frame on a cutting board. Cut the "X" using a craft knife.

6. Fold the flaps of the cut "X" to the back of the picture frame. Trim the points of the top and bottom flaps a 1/2-inch inside the edges.

7. Lay the picture frame front on a magazine with the backside facing up. Place the ruler along one edge of the aluminum frame, a 1/4-inch from the edge. Score the frame along the ruler, using an ink pen. Cut off the corners at an angle, using the scored corner as a guide.

8. Center your photo face down over the back of the frame's opening. Tape the edges of the picture to the frame using masking tape.

9. Lay the frame front with the backside up. Center the aluminum picture frame back over the picture frame front, with the backside down. (Note: The backside is the silver inside of the can.) Fold the scored edges of the frame's front over the edges of the frame's back. This connects the front and back together and finishes the edges.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more modern and industrial look, make the frame with the silver side out.

• To prevent cuts on your hands, wear lightweight gloves while working with the aluminum.