Free Aluminum Can Crafts

Free aluminum can crafts are a great way to make the most of the collection of empty soda cans resulting from your caffeine addiction.

At first, it may seem easiest just to toss your empty soda cans into the trash. However, cans are an excellent source of materials for frugal craft projects. Free aluminum can crafts include everything from home décor and party decorations to stylish fashion accessories. In some cases, you wouldn't even guess the finished project started from a humble soda can!

There are several reasons to consider crafting with recycled materials:

• You're reducing the amount of waste that ends up in our nation's landfills.
• You're saving money by cutting back on the amount of supplies you must buy for your craft projects.
• Creating crafts from recycled materials leaves you with a one-of-kind project that is unlike anything you'd purchase a store in the local mall.
• If you have children, you're demonstrating the importance of recycling in a very tangible way. Children often have trouble understanding the reason we haul items to the local recycling center, but seeing you turn an item that would otherwise be thrown away into something that is both useful and attractive has a much more immediate impact.

To start your search for free aluminum can crafts, LoveToKnow Crafts suggests visiting the following Web sites:

• Craft Bits has instructions for making a soda can lantern that would make a pretty decoration for an outdoor BBQ.
• The Crafty Chica suggests using soda cans to make shapes to jazz up a plain string of Christmas lights.
• HGTV describes how to turn eight soda cans into a stunning Christmas wreath.
• Little House in the Suburbs suggests using aluminum cans to make pretty outdoor tree ornaments.
• Craft Stylish has a tutorial showing how to turn a soda can into a spring flower brooch.
• PC Crafts demonstrates how to use a Sizzix die cutting machine to make soda can pins or refrigerator magnets.
• Kids Turn Central has a kid's craft project that involves turning an empty soda can into a Halloween luminary.
• Extreme Craft has a crochet pattern for the beer can hats that were popular back in the 1970s.

When completing any of the craft projects listed above, don't forget to make safety a priority. Soda cans may look rather flimsy, but there is a risk of injury any time you're cutting metal. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands and safety goggles to protect your eyes. Once you've cut the can into the desired shape, try rubbing the edges with steel wool to reduce their sharpness.

While there are a number of ideas for free aluminum can crafts that use the entire can, don't forget that you can also save soda can tabs for craft projects as well. This is a good way to enjoy frugal crafting if you live in a state with container deposit laws that encourage you to return your cans.

You can find ideas for soda can tab crafts by visiting the following helpful links:

• Craft Bits has instructions for a soda can tab belt that makes for a surprisingly stylish accessory. Just adjust the measurements as needed to make sure it fits your waist.
• DIY Network has a tutorial for a soda tab bracelet to add a bit of flash to any outfit.
• Craftster has instructions to show crocheters how to incorporate soda can tabs into a gorgeous handmade purse.
• WIKI How has a tutorial demonstrating how to make garments from soda can tabs. You probably wouldn't want to wear these items on a regular basis, but they would make for interesting apparel for a costume party.
• Kaboose has a card making tutorial that uses a soda can tab as a buckle for a ribbon embellishment.

• How to Make Key Chains with Beads
• Easy Homemade Christmas Cards
• Make Your Own Holiday Photo Card
• Christmas Craft Projects

• Free Knitting Patterns
• Free Beading Pattern
• Free Baby Knitting Patterns
• Free Baby Crochet Patterns
• Free Sewing Patterns