Roses from aluminum cans
Turn aluminium cans into beautiful everlasting roses. This is a fun and creative way to recycle aluminium cans into something different.
instructables.com
YOU WILL NEED:
Aluminium cans, some with copper-coloured lining
Piece of thick copper or brass wire
Steel washer
120-grit sandpaper
Alcolin steel weld epoxy putty
TOOLS:
Hammer
Needle nose pliers
Nail punch
Tin snips or heavy-duty scissors
HERE'S HOW:
Using aluminium cans in different colours adds contrast to the finished roses. Remove the top and bottom of the can with a tin opener and then use tin snips to open the can and lay flat.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Aluminium cans that have a
reinforced lip will need to be cut with a
Dremel
Multitool and cutting disk or angle grinder.
Use the end of a hammer to flatten the cans and smooth out any ridges. Once you have nice flat pieces to work with you can start cutting out the shapes with tin snips. Cut 5 petals in different sizes with one petal for the centre of the flower.
GOOD TO KNOW
Pop on some thick gloves and sand
the edges of all the pieces to make them easier
to work with.
Use a nail punch to make a hole in the centre of each petal section.
Push the thick wire through the petals and fold over the top to hold everything in place. The petals should be staggered so that the small one is on top and the big one is on the bottom.
Slide a small washer at the base of the petals and apply Alcolin steel weld epoxy putty to secure.
After an hour you can start shaping the rose petals. Use a pair of needle nose pliers to bend the petals into realistic shapes - start from the centre and work towards the edge. The petals should also slightly overlap each other.
Don't give up after the first attempt if your roses doesn't turn out exactly like the one shown here.
