This project is a part of my Inspiration Series.
I’ve been thinking of some projects that can be green and can come from recycling everyday products.
For as far as my memory goes, in my mother’s boutique, from the leftover tailoring stash, my mother used to give me some scraps of fabric, beads or left over ribbon ends and we used to make something creative out of it. My mother and I love to recycle from the smallest part- not much goes to the trash. Now, I am amazed to find when people cut out fabric or paper from templates and so much goes to waste. I think planning how to fit these cutouts in the smallest piece will save quite a lot! Its exactly like packaging works: smallest sized box comes out full of treasures!
On the other hand there are several people who recycle and make wonderful things out of recycled stuff. For e.g: Michele Made Me creates wonderful items from all sorts of recycled materials. I also came across a fantastic artist called Michelle Brand. Check out her creations here. These are fantastic!!!! I am absolutely thrilled to be inspired by both Micheles!
I decided to make my own art.
I chose Cans- Soda Cans
I am not a big fan of soda. So obviously, I dont drink as much soda. However, with my new addiction to create green art, I not only have started collecting different soda cans, but also had fun trying new beverages- Oh you know…just to get the various sizes and colors 🙂 Some drinks are truly fantastic and I wondered why havent I tried these in the past! And some other drinks- esp the beer cans are huge and tempting, but outright disgusting for my palette. I asked several friends to save the empty soda cans for me after their parties were done. Ridiculous isnt it! But Fun for me 🙂
In any case, after trying this idea, I have been going crazy about the places where I could use my scissors. Watch out!
I loved making patio lanterns, flower bouquets, Pinwheels, SunBursts etc out of these cans. I hope to post the pictures soon!
Here is the tutorial that I promised. This project is not for young children. I have got many scrapes and cuts from the cans. Wear heavy duty gloves to protect your hands.
1. Get an empty soda can and scissors.
2. Wash the can thoroughly – leftover drops are quite sticky!
3. Cut off the rim to get the top off- about 1/2 -1″ an inch.
4. Cut again to get a smooth line.
5. Start cutting the can at an angle from top to bottom. I stopped cutting at the edge of the bottom rim. I liked it as I thought it will show the center of a flower.
6. Cut parallel lines. Cut as thin as possible.
7. Tada!!!
8. The thinner the cut, the twirly the petal is going to be.
Thin, Thinner Thinnest
9. I used these flowers in several art pieces – Pinwheels, Reaching for Flowers, Sunbursts, etc.
Hope you give it a try and post some pictures!
Artastically,
Maithili.
ArtastiKCreations 