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Recycled aluminum flowers

Recycled aluminum flowers

Materials and tools:

utility scissors or shears
Colored Aluminum Beverage Cans
envelope closures
awl
hammer
Metal rods or small wooden blocks.
non-permanent marker
steel wool
glue gun
fine gauge wire

Steps:

1. Wash empty cans and let them dry. Use utility snips or shears to remove the top and bottom of the cans to create a rectangular sheet of aluminum.

2. Lay the foil sheets flat and on the flat metal side (inside the can) draw two basic flower shapes, one larger than the other. Cut out flower shapes and rub the edges with steel wool to remove any burrs or sharp edges.

3. Stack the graduated flower shapes and punch a hole in the center of both layers with a center punch and hammer. Insert the envelope closure through the hole, open the prongs and attach them to the back of the flower with hot glue. Bend or curl the flower petals to create a fancy shape.

4. Attach the flower to a metal rod or wooden dowel by running a thin gauge wire through the envelope closure and wrapping the wire around the end of the dowel.