Introduction: No-Weld Versatile Decorative Flower Made From an Aluminum Can

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Can art has been a fascination of mine because it's amazing what people can create from a soda can.  Coca-Cola is pretty major in my home state, Tennessee, and you can find soda can roofing on bird houses, wind vanes, and all sorts.

Also, I'm a soda fiend and generally don't drink much coffee or tea which means a lot of my caffeine comes from caffeinated sodas.  Consequently, there are always aluminum cans at my house which my husband is now collecting to make big bucks or something.

This Instructable shows to make a flower that can be used as yard art, a present decoration, or a seed packet (or small gift box).  The materials are inexpensive and common in many households, and there are minimal skills necessary.

Step 1: Materials

You will need the following for all projects:
  • Soda Can (cleaned and dried)
  • Spray Paint
  • Scissors (that you don't care about)
  • Nail Polish Remover
  • Cotton Ball

For a yard art flower, you will additionally need:
  • Glue Gun
  • Metal Rod

For a present decoration flower, you willadditionally need:
  • Ribbon
  • Wrapped Present

For a seed packet, you will additionally need:
  • Seed
  • Gift Tag with String

Step 2: Creating the Center of the Flower

Remove the bottom of the can leaving approximately 1 cm attached at the point where the bottom tapers.

Note:  It'll look rough, but don't worry.

Start making small cuts at the top of the newly removed can bottom.  As you cut, pull the scissors down and towards the center of the can bottom.

Continue until the entire rim is cut at a 0.5-1 cm separation.

Gently and carefully press the slits towards the center of the can bottom.

Remove the "Best By" date printing with nail polish remover.

Step 3: Make the Petals

Cut the body of the can into strips.

Tip:  I usually work in halves and half the halves until it looks the way I'd like it to.

Fan out the rough petals.

Taper the ends.

Bend the center, slightly, of each petal lengthwise.

Curl the tips of each petal.

Push the tab back into position and move the opener over it.

Step 4: Paint

Spray paint the center portion of the flower and the "back" of the petal portion their respective colors.

Allow to dry.  If necessary, repeat with more coats.

Paint the "front" of the petal portion the paler color.  The buttery yellow was the paler color in this example.

Allow to dry.

Shake both cans of the "front" colors very well and have ready to use.

Paint the "front" of the petal portion the paler color again and quickly apply the second color to the center allowing the colors to mix and bleed into one another.  In this example, I reapplied the buttery yellow and then sprayed the peachy color.

Allow to dry.

Step 5: Make a Yard Art Flower

Do steps 2-4.

Press the metal rod between two petals.

Note:  This might require slightly tearing the can and manipulating the metal slightly.

Glue the rod to the petal portion of the flower.

Press the center into place.  It should pop in and stay, but if it wants to move, apply a bit of glue to the underside and press.

Done!

Step 6: Make a Present Decoration Flower

Do steps 2-4.

Cinch ribbon between two petals and press the center of the flower into place.

Tie ribbon around the present.

Done!

Step 7: Make a Seed Packet

Do steps 2-4.

Add seed to the center of the flower.

Note:  If the seeds are small like poppy seeds, you will need to glue the tab into place.

Add the ends of the gift tag string to the center.

Pop the center of the flower into place.

Done!

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