How to recycle an aluminum can

Begin with an empty can that has been rinsed thoroughly.  Pierce the can with a sharp object and make a hole large enough to slide the scissors inside (forgot to take that pic, sorry).  Cut around until you have removed wither the top or the base of the can.

Next cut vertically to either the top or bottom of the can..

Then cut around the can to remove the other end....

This is what to can should look like once you're done....

Discard to top and bottom of the can (put it back in the recycling bin).  Now emboss the long piece (or whatever you want to do with it), I used a Cuttlebug foldder and my Cuttlebug.

Now make a card!

I'd love to see what you can do with your cans!

Aluminum Can details

I have received a few requests for details on how I recycled the budweiser can, so here goes.....

Cutting the can is the tricky part and you must be careful handling the metal because it is thin with sharp edges.


Start at either the top or bottom of the can, where the aluminun begins to flatten out. You can pierce it a few times to make a hole or dent it just enough to snip it (I used my dad's wire cutters). Once you have a whole large enough to stick your scissors into, simply cut around the circumfrence of the can. Basically you want to cut the top and bottom off the can. The flat part (or sides of the can) is the material that you will work with. After that trim it down to get a nice workable piece. I had enough aluminun to creat the two cards form one can.
After embossing and inking the metal, I "sandwiched" between the paper of the card to prevent sharp edges being exposed. For the butterfly: I embossed it and inked it then covered it with Glossy Accents. Not only does Glossy Accents give it a high shine but it also forms a protective coat so the edges are not sharp.
Hope this helps.....this may inspire me to do my first tutorial! It is truly a money saver, I saw a 8" piece on sale at J's for $9.

Bud - wiser

How can you enjoy a Bud, wiser?

The following cards are made using a budweiser can.  You can use any type of aluminum can but I just happened to pick this one up from the recycling bin.  I embossed the can and then used alcohol inks to add color.  The heart and the butterfly are made using a piece of the can as well.

I welcome your comments!

Paper Flowers

Inspired by Tim Holtz....I wanted to try my hand at paper flowers.  I did modify them slightly by using flowers of 5 and 6 petals.  My mom helped me with this project and it was fun to see her add her touch.  I used lots of Glimmer Mist (boy do I love that stuff).  We made about 20 paper flowers out of four 12 X 12 sheets of paper.

Other goodies from the shower

A few more things that I made for my sister's shower.....

Diaper Cake

My first Diaper cake. It is really simple but I believe very elegant. The ribbon is actually two different spools that I fused together. Also, small square pink rhinestones were placed on the ribbon to give it a bit of bling.

Baby Shower Favors and gifts

Just a few things for an upcoming baby shower.  The diaper is a small pin that I made to be used in a game.

The book has decorated pages throughout with inspirational quotes.  I enclosed tags for guests to write a small note or word of advice to the parents-to-be.

A few small gift bags...

Happy New Year!

2009 brought about a great deal of change and understanding for me.  The past brings growth and enlightenment, the future holds the display of that intelligence.

In 2010,
 
I will become better organized....my craft space is small.  Since I can't knock down a wall or even build one, I need to make better use of what I have.

I will create more, because after all....that's what I love to do.

I will spread the crafting spirit.  More people should learn to craft.  I believe it lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and increases motor skills.

I will post to the blog more.

So this is just my start.  I am embracing this year and this decade!

Happy New Year to all!!!!!