Updating a Thrift Store Find With Soda Can Flowers

5 Materials
$6
4 Hours
Easy
While thrift store shopping, have you ever found an item that looks so cute - as is, but you still want to update the look? That's what happened when I found this basket at the Goodwill!
Cute, isn't it? So how on earth can it be updated? With flowers! Yes, flowers made out of soda cans! Here's how:
Begin by washing out soda cans to remove any sticky residue and let dry. Using a craft knife, make a slice near the edge of the can big enough for a scissor blade. Then with an old pair of scissors, cut around top and bottom of can to remove. Then cut through the length of the can to open and finish sides by cutting off any slivers or jagged edges. Roll the aluminum in the opposite direction to help remove the curl of the can while smoothing and flattening it out. *Caution - Be very careful handling the sharp edges of cut cans!
Next, insert the aluminum can strips into flower punches to punch-out two different sizes, one large and one small to make lots of flowers.
Next, paint flower petals with white multi-surface acrylic paint first to cover up lettering, etc., and let dry.
Then paint with different floral colors and let dry. Apply gloss varnish to seal colors. The aluminum petals will take on a different feel and texture, almost leather-like, just by painting them!
Once dry, roll the flower petal edges with a pen, pencil or stick for a dimensional look. To assemble, layer a larger shaped petal with a smaller one, gluing together with Loctite super glue gel. Then glue-on a silver bead to the center of flower.
And finally, glue flowers onto basket in a colorful, decorative manner. How cool does this look!
Just perfect for Easter, spring or summer!
The tutorial for the paper mache bunny pictured above can be found here on Hometalk at:
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/recycled-decoupaged-paper-mache-bunny-14017337?r=1
Resources for this project:
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Gail@Purple Hues and Me
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • Karen Karen on Apr 16, 2018

    The ad for the punch says it is for paper punching. Is it strong enough to hold up for punching aluminum?

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  • Kathy A Kathy A on Mar 12, 2019

    Great idea. Love your trademark purples, too! I make "be good to yourself" baskets for gifts, raffles, church bazaar and love to upcycle used baskets. This would be a great addition to my repetoire!

  • Lynn Lynn on Apr 02, 2019

    Great idea! I absolutely love it!


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