Crafting Christmas: Diy Ornaments From Aluminum Cans

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by crafting your own decorations? In this blog post, we'll be exploring how to create beautiful and unique Christmas ornaments using recycled aluminum cans. Not only is this a budget-friendly option, but it's also a great way to add a personal and eco-friendly touch to your holiday celebrations. By upcycling empty soda cans, you can create dazzling ornaments that will shine on your Christmas tree. Whether you're crafting alone or with loved ones, get ready to unleash your creativity and make some memorable decorations!

How to Make Christmas Ornaments from Aluminum Cans

Removing the top and bottom of the can

To begin, use a sharp pair of scissors or a side-cutting can opener to make a hole in the top of the can. Twist the scissors to open the hole slightly, then cut all the way around the "shoulder" of the can to remove the top. Be extremely careful when handling the sharp edges of the can. Next, cut downwards towards the bottom of the can, ensuring that you keep the logo intact. Finally, remove the bottom of the can.

An alternative method for removing the top and bottom is to use an X-acto knife. This requires a very sharp knife and firm pressure. However, this method can be challenging, and it may take a few attempts to succeed.

Once the top and bottom of the can have been removed, you will be left with a cylinder of aluminum. The next step is to flatten this metal sheet before proceeding with the rest of the ornament-making process.

Flattening the metal

Once you have removed the top and bottom of your can, the metal will be quite curly. It is important to flatten it before you start to work with it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Take one end of the metal in one hand and the other end in the other hand. Flatten the metal by lightly bending it in the opposite direction or over the edge of your table. This will help to get rid of the curls.

Place your metal plate on a journal or a newspaper. This will give you a soft surface to work on and will help to protect your table. Use your scissors or a craft knife to make an incision on the aluminium.

If you want to create a sheet of aluminium, cut the can open with a pair of scissors. Cut the top and bottom off and cut a slit up the side so you are left with a sheet of aluminium. Be very careful as the cut edges will be sharp and can cut you.

If you are planning to cut out a specific shape from the aluminium, use a template. Put it on the metal and draw around it with a pen or embossing tool to indent a line. Cut out your shape carefully.

Now your metal is ready to be decorated or folded into your chosen shape!

Cutting the metal into strips

Firstly, you need to be very careful when cutting aluminium cans as the edges can be extremely sharp. It is highly recommended to wear utility work gloves, sized for women, as they provide a good grip and protect your hands.

Now, to begin cutting the metal into strips, start by making a hole in the top of the can using a sharp pair of scissors or an X-acto knife. Twist the scissors to open the hole a bit more. You can also use a side-cutting can opener to remove the top first. Cut all the way around to remove the "shoulder" of the can. Please be cautious of the sharp edges to avoid any cuts.

Next, cut down to the bottom of the can, ensuring you keep the logo intact. Remove the bottom carefully. You now have a cylinder of aluminium. Flatten the metal by holding one end in each hand and lightly bending it in the opposite direction or over the edge of a table.

Once the metal is flattened, you can start cutting strips. Cut the top and bottom off the cylinder and cut a slit up the side, so you are left with a sheet of aluminium. Cut the sheet into several strips. For reference, the strips in one guide measured about 0.33 x 3 inches.

And there you have it! You have successfully cut the aluminium can into strips, ready to be transformed into beautiful Christmas ornaments. Remember to handle the strips with care due to their sharp edges.

Using a die cutter to cut shapes

Using a die cutter is a quick and effective way to cut out shapes for your Christmas ornaments. If you want to cut out stars, for example, a die cutter like the Sizzix BigShot/BigKick is a great option. You can also use metal-cutting dies designed for these cutters to cut through the thin metal of aluminium cans. These cutters are strong enough to cut through the metal, and you can find star nesting shapes in a variety of sizes.

To use a die cutter, first, ensure you have the correct metal-cutting dies for the shapes you want to create. Then, set up your die cutter according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the aluminium can material onto the cutting mat, positioning it so that the cutting dies will cut out the desired shape. Lower the die onto the material and apply pressure to cut through the metal. You may need to experiment with the pressure and the number of passes to get a clean cut.

If you're looking to create more intricate designs or shapes, you may need to invest in a more advanced die cutter or explore other cutting methods. Additionally, always remember to wear protective gear, such as utility work gloves, when handling the cut edges of the aluminium cans, as they can be very sharp.

With a die cutter, you can efficiently cut out shapes for your Christmas ornaments, making it a useful tool for crafting personalised and eco-friendly decorations for the holiday season.

Removing ink from cans

To remove the ink from aluminum cans, you will need a pressure cooker, a hot plate or stove burner, and some nail polish remover (with acetone).

First, put the empty cans in the pressure cooker. Add a little bit of water to cover the bottom of the sterilizer. Place the cans inside and close the lid. Turn the hot plate to maximum power. As soon as the pressure indicator reaches the second mark, reduce the power to a lower setting. Sterilize the cans for around 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove the pressure cooker from the hot plate and wait for the pressure to be released. Open the cooker carefully and take out the cans.

Finally, add a few drops of nail polish remover to a cotton pad and start removing the ink from the cans.

This method will not work on all soda cans, but it has been proven to work on Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Fanta, Mountain Dew, Sunkist, and Dr. Pepper cans.

Frequently asked questions