Tin & Metal Crafts

Handcrafted metal objects can be both functional and decorative.

Since the Colonial Period, Americans have used metals to handcraft decorative and functional pieces for the home. You may be surprised to learn that you can transform metal and tin items found in most homes to create crafts that add a touch of whimsy to your home, garden, patio and more.

Home Decor

Use several empty soda cans and a wooden picture frame with flat surface to create a tin can picture frame. With utility scissors, cut down the side of several beverage cans. Use caution, as the edges may be sharp. Remove and discard the tops and bottoms of the cans and flatten the remaining pieces. Cut different shaped pieces from the tin that will fit on the wooden edge of the picture frame. Attach the pieces to the frame with nails.

Plant Decoration

Create a dragonfly ornament from a 12 ounce beverage can and a metal hanger. Cut down the side of the can. Remove and discard the top and bottom of the can. Flatten the remaining piece. Cut a piece in the shape of a dragonfly. Paint the shape with spray paint designed for metal surfaces. Cut an 18 inch length of wire from a hanger. Use pliers to create a small flat curl at one end by clamping onto the wire end and twisting downward. Use liquid cement to attach the dragonfly to the curl.

Luminary

To create luminary garden flowers, cut around the edge of a round tinfoil container in the shape of petals that you can bend up or down while maintaining a flat bottom on which to place a tea light candle. Paint the tinfoil flowers with spray paint designed for metal surfaces and affix them on top of bamboo sticks, which can be pushed into the ground. Place a tea light candle in the center and use them to illuminate a pathway.

Whirligig Flowers

Enliven a porch or patio by creating several spinning flowers from beverage cans. Cut flat pieces in several shapes to form the flower centers, petals, and leaves. Paint each piece. Attach the pieces of the flower to a wooden dowel by driving a nail through the center of each flower piece, layering each piece. Attach leaves to the dowel with wire from a metal hanger. Glue a button on the nail head to complete the piece.

References

• "Metalwork"
• Magic Lanterns; Mary Maguire; 2002
• Reference 3: Trash to Treasure; Sandra Graham Case, et al; 2002

Resources

• The Society of Arts and Crafts