Canned Creativity: Cardmaking with a Cool Twist
Over the years, I’ve crafted all kinds of cards using recycled soda and beer cans—yes, really!
My husband’s love of craft beer gives me a steady supply of colorful, unique cans that I happily rescue from the recycling bin. Even my friends keep an eye out for fun designs—like the Shut Eye Peak Pale Ale cans they brought me all the way from Florida!
I trim down the cans and transform the labels into eye-catching accents, perfect for those tricky masculine cards. It’s a creative and stylish way to recycle!
You can see more of my recycled aluminum can cards HERE
Plus, I have several how-to videos on YouTube HERE
Canned Creativity: Cardmaking with a Cool Twist How-to:
Prepare the can:
-With a pair of tin snips or heavy crafting scissors, cut a slit from the opening of the can down to the top ridge*.
I start the cut with a pair of tin snips, then use a pair of craft scissors from Stampin’ Up! This pair of scissors has cut hundreds of aluminum cans over the years, and they are still going strong.
*Be careful when cutting the can as the edges can be sharp. Use a pair of gloves if needed.
-Cut along the top ridge of the can and remove the top.
-Cut down the side of the can. I usually cut down the side that has the brand and nutritional information.
-Cut along the bottom ridge of the can and remove the bottom.
-Discard the excess pieces and flatten what is left of the can.
Complete the card:
-Trim the piece to the size needed. I use my guillotine paper cutter.
-Attach to matting (Daffodil Delight and Basic Black).
-I have found that the aluminum piece may bow. I have found that securing the edges of the matted piece with brads helps keep this from happening. I used my old Crop-a-Dile to punch holes in the corners, then secured the brads.
-Attach to card base (Granny Apple Green).
-Add a greeting. To add interest, I added a wooden “celebrate” embellishment, securing it with small dabs of liquid glue.
