Transforming Trash: How I Break Down Soda and Beer Cans For Crafting

Welcome to the Upcycle Design Lab. I craft with recycled, repurposed, and unwanted materials. There is a lot of experimenting with trash and recyclables to make them "new" again. If you enjoy reusing, repairing, and re-imagining old items, I hope you will stick around and check out some of my other Upcycling tutorials and join those of us who are rethinking the things we throw away.

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Happy Upcycling and Thrifty Crafting
Cindy :-)

Check out these additional tutorials

To jump ahead or backward, click these time stamps.

00:00 - How to break down aluminum cans
04:00 - Breaking Down 50 Cans
04:56 - Tabs
05:06 - Rings
06:18 - Domed Bottoms
06:55 - Flattened Metal Sheets
07:49 - Preview of Aluminum Can Projects

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[adventuresphere]

To get the top of the can off, I use a regular, handheld can opener like one might use for canned veggies or tuna. Works like a charm!

[jamee_maree]

Run the edges on the concrete garage floor for a fast way to smooth them :))

[Talkative_trees]

That trick with putting the rings together is incredible!

[colleenrowe]

The inside tab is great for fish and dragon scales

[colleenrowe]

I use the pampered chef can opener. It cuts the rim in half so I will try this new method thank you

[richaelastaley]

TFS!
A quick tip on removing the tabs, if you rotate them all the way around and push the larger end into the can opening you can remove the whole tab including the little ring that connects it to the can lid. I started doing that in case I wanted to use the little ring in design elements and to avoid the sharp edges produced when wiggling/snapping them off.

[lzrd]

When I’m cutting up my tin cans, especially getting the bottoms & rings ready to use, I slip on my silicone finger protectors. I bought them for hot glue but thought how practical & protective they would be for using when I’m working with aluminum cans. They work just great. I bought a pkg with three different sized for $0.86 cents from temu. Amazon prices are a lot more.

[TheCarnager]

Maybe you could make a roller with three rolling pins and rubberbands feed the cans in roll them opposite way to flatten quickly.

[SilentNoMore]

Amazing!! Zero waste. I think Im going to wear gloves when trying this. Youre brave.

[bpr]

They make can openers that cut on the side of the can. Maybe that would help with the rings if you do it while the lip is still on the can

[InfinityFinds-gegu]

I’m new at this i thought i would give it a go because I have a bunch of Diet Coke cans and I have been wanting to make those beads.

[Cyrilmc]

Thank you so much Cindy, I really really enjoyed watching you cut apart those can’s. It’s a very very useful and helpful video. I’ve seen the other videos and I highly recommend other’s watching them too. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags ❤❤❤

[s.c]

You are absolutely amazing and so kind to share. Thank you

[rebeccaledford]

What do you do with the little squares you tear off the rings?
Have you tried embossing or engraving the metal with your cricut?
Done anything with steel or plastic jugs or bottles? The bottoms would make a great oversized pocket watch or locket. I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm a compulsive maker, but buying supplies when we have so much packaging seems very wasteful and unimaginative. You've encouraged me to resume my experiments. Thank you.

[jodibetcher]

💕 Thank you, Cindy! ( I hope that I spelled it right. ) I have never seen or even heard of that tool. I have cut cans apart, but only with a tin snips. This looks a lot easier. 💕

[lzrd]

This is an excellent tutorial. Upcycledesign Labs is ALWAYS my go-to whenever I have a question about tin can crafts! 👏👏👏👏👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼.
One question though- do you have a tutorial on how to make those adorable little tin containers with the tops & handles? I looked through your list of uploads but couldn’t find one. ☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️

[sidneaoliveira]

Sou artesã. E, adoro as suas técnicas com as latas de alumínio. Vou usar várias delas nos meus trabalhos. Obrigada. Um abraço do Brasil.

[drinkbleachbaby]

Can opener works well too, if on budget just be carful and go slow. Don’t want to go to dept and bend the metal to much

[colleenrowe]

I smelt all my left over pieces instead of trashing

[tinaharvey]

If anyone by u recycles that's good to get rid of . We have like 4 places here