Aluminium Can Wall Hanging

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

If you follow my blog you will know that I try and create all my projects from recycled materials.  In our house, we all love Pepsi Max, which leaves us with a fair few aluminium cans. Instead of sending them to the recycling centre, I wanted to try and create an aluminium can wall hanging with them.  Because aluminium cans are not very big, I wanted to create a wall hanging that was made up of smaller panels that could be arranged in different designs on the wall. So your wall hanging can be changed around when you get bored with the design.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

The idea came to me one night when I was cleaning out my craft drawer and found an embossing folder. I bought it years ago when I bought my Cricut machine with the intention of making my own cards. I must have had a stupid moment because I did not realise that I would need an embossing press to use it. So it has sat in my drawer ever since.

This was not my first attempt at this project, my first attempt was a steampunk mannequin covered in embossed aluminium cans. I embossed them all by hand using the folder which did work but the design was not consistent. I mentioned this so you don’t think you have to have an embossing press to do this project.

Decorated mannequin

While I was doing the mannequin project,  my mind was spinning with ideas for future projects.  So I bought a second-hand machine off the Facebook marketplace, which I used in this project.  This project looks time-consuming when broken down into steps but it was very easy and took about 2 hours excluding drying times.

Today’s post is also for our next  Int’l Bloggers Club challenge (IBC) and the theme this week is “I can upcycle”.   We have to create a project using cans in some way shape or form. More about IBC at the end of this post.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

How to make an aluminium can wall hanging

*This post may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission on links used at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.**

Cutting the Aluminium Cans

I used 2 sizes of cans for this project, the mother cans give you a bigger sheet of aluminium to work with. To cut the cans you will need a Stanley knife and a pair of scissors. Wearing gloves to cut the cans will prevent any injuries. To get the most out of each can, I found it worked better to cut them as follows.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

Using the knife you cut into the top of the can at the start of the flat section. You only use the knife to make a hole to get the scissors inside and then cut off the top section. You can now rinse out the can.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

Next, using the straight line of the text as a guide cut down the middle.  This will save time later because these edges will already be straight.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

You can now cut off the bottom using scissors.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

This was not enough cans for my project because I kept changing my mind, so you will need more.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

Cut the edges straight

I found it was easier to have all the aluminium cans cut to the same size.  You can use a cutting mat, Stanley knife and ruler to do this.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

You only need to cut the long sides of the cans because you already cut along the text in the step before.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

Embossing the aluminium cans

When you load the cans into the folder you want the embossed side to be on the silver side.  This makes it easier to see the design and to paint later. To make it easier to match up the design you should always put the can in the same position in the folder. At this minute in time, I only have one folder but I will be ordering more for future projects.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

You now load the folder and roll it through the embossing machine.  When I did the mannequin I did not have the machine for embossing.  At first, I tried using a rolling pin to push down but I was not strong enough. I then used a very primitive method, I put it on the floor and stood on it. This definitely worked but the pattern was not always consistent.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

The cans look like this after embossing.  I cut away the excess to use in a later project.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art


Cutting the wood

Before I added the cans to the wood I did a test run first and found plywood to work better.  It was softer than wood which allowed the pop rivets to embed into the back of the wood. You can glue the cans into place if you don’t want to add pop rivets.   I cut the plywood to the following sizes.

  • 1 x 690mm x 120mm
  • 2 x 690mm x 80mm
  • 4 x 140mm x 140mm

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

Next, you place the can onto the wood and drill a hole through the cans and wood. Using the pop rivet gun add the pop rivets. 

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

I used the smallest pop rivets I could find because they are easier to put in.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

The pop rivet pulled itself into the wood at the back. Cover all the wood and try and match the pattern up as you go along. I did have to trim some of the cans after with scissors.  Note to self, put some wood between the wood and the table, lucky it was my workshop table.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

Your cans attached to the wood will look like the image below.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

Painting the aluminium cans

To paint the aluminium cans I used a cheap black matt spray paint.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

You will need about 2 coats to get good coverage.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

To get the design to pop, I used copper and silver wax paste.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

To apply the wax paste, you dip your finger into the wax paste and rub it over the raised surfaces.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

You still want to see some of the black below to add to the effect. The wax needs 12  hours to dry before you seal the wall hanging.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

To prevent the wax paste from going dull over time you need to seal it with 2 coats of clear spray polyurethane.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

The image below is how it looks at the back.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

This is where I originally stopped, but when I was taking the photos they looked unfinished.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

Making a frame

I went for a very basic frame, by cutting some wood strips 1cm thick from 2 cm wood, and painted it black.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

I used glue and a nail gun to attach the frames to the panels. If you don’t have a nail gun you can clamp the frame in place while the glue dries.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

It looked more complete with the fame. All you have left to do is create your aluminium cans wall hanging layout on your wall.

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

How to recycle aluminium soda cans into wall art

Recycled soda can

More projects for you

This project will give you ideas on how to recycle your wine and other bottles into home decor.

Recycle bottle

If you are looking for some picnic benches, this simple tutorial will show you how.

Picnic bench

More about IBC

If you follow my blog you will know I am part of IBC (International Bloggers Club) which is a group of talented bloggers from around the world. We have members from Spain, South Africa, Australia, the United States, and Canada. Each month we come together and create a project with a common theme.

If you missed last month’s “Painted furniflips ” theme here is the link to my Marilyn Monroe decoupage Dresser.  The “I can upcycle” contributions from my fellow bloggers for this months challenge are listed below, please feel free to jump over and give them some love.

IBC

  1. Me
  2. A Crafty Mix|Upcycled tin can pull toy llama
  3. Meegan Makes| Diy moss candle holders or vases made from tin cans
  4. Birdz of a feather |Can craft
  5. Interior Frugalista|Upcycled tin can wind chimes

Pinterest pin

Recycled aluminium cans made into textured wall hanging.

Upcycle your soda cans into home decor for your walls.

If you are looking for any of the items used in this project, please consider using our links. By clicking on the links we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Which helps us come up with new and exciting ideas to share with you.

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36 Comments

  • Reply
    Sara
    May 24, 2021 at 10:26 pm

    Wow, this is so incredible Anita – (and your mannequin is beyond words)! I had no idea you could use an embossing folder without a machine. Since I’ve packed on more than the ‘Covid 15’, I’d have no problem standing on them to make an impression – lol! I have a feeling this is going to inspire a project or two of my own :).

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 1, 2021 at 1:27 pm

      Thank you so much Sara, I had no idea you had to have a machine so we are both wrong. lol Thank you for the great comment.

  • Reply
    Michelle Leslie
    May 24, 2021 at 11:31 pm

    Stunning!!!!! Wow, I would never have imagined that tin cans could look so amazing on a wall. I can picture these hanging in one of those beautiful, industrial loft apartments in New York. So cool.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 1, 2021 at 1:28 pm

      Thank you so much Michelle, I have a few more project in the pipeline for cans now. lol

  • Reply
    Marie B.
    May 24, 2021 at 11:54 pm

    Wow, this is so impressive Anita! One would never know this incredible wall art is made with soda cans. Love the industrial vibe of these. Your mannequin is amazing too. I’m feeling very inspired to try my hand at embossing. So cool!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 1, 2021 at 1:30 pm

      Thank you so much Marie, I do love the industrial look. I have ordered some new folder with different designs. Hopefully, they will turn out great too.

  • Reply
    Maria
    May 25, 2021 at 11:11 am

    You have made such a gorgeous work of art, this is such a great recycle project.

  • Reply
    Deana Landers
    May 25, 2021 at 11:56 am

    Anita, your works of are never cease to amaze me. You can do so many things. I always look forward to what you will do next! Great job, my friend 💙

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 1, 2021 at 1:31 pm

      Thank you Deanna, that is such a great compliment. I do like to try new projects every time so there will be more to come.

  • Reply
    Linda Johnston
    May 25, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    what a fun project with a wonderful outcome!

  • Reply
    Nancy Sargent
    May 26, 2021 at 1:13 am

    Wow! This is so cool! I love textures of all kinds and this embossed tin cans is just the coolest thing ever. I especially love the copper accents you added! I had no idea you could do something like this and all the different molds available! I love it!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 1, 2021 at 1:32 pm

      Thank you so much Nancy, I had no idea either it was just something I tried and it worked.

  • Reply
    Meegan
    May 26, 2021 at 1:52 pm

    Absolutely impressive, my friend! From the embossed cans, to the mannequin, to the wall art-I love it all. I never thought of embossing the cans. Dang-it looks SO good. You are so talented.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 1, 2021 at 1:33 pm

      Thank you Meegan, it was so easy to do. I just added the pop rivets which made more work for me.

  • Reply
    Sylvie Racette
    May 27, 2021 at 4:35 am

    Wowww Super Work!!!! Sorry i’m french. You are so talented. If i receveid some things from you i’m wow so happy . Have a nice day Thank you!!!

  • Reply
    MAB
    May 27, 2021 at 5:09 am

    I can’t say that I would be interested in using this idea for a wall hanging, but I would be interested in using the ebossed cans as an outdoor kitchen backsplash.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 1, 2021 at 1:37 pm

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment, I am happy to offer some inspiration.

  • Reply
    Missy
    May 27, 2021 at 11:29 am

    I was thinking of doing something like that for a backsplash. Love it.🤗💖

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 1, 2021 at 1:38 pm

      I am not sure this will hold up as a backsplash because the can is very soft. I think cleaning them too hard will push out the design.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    May 28, 2021 at 4:13 am

    OMG! This is absolutely fabulous! And I love the steampunk mannequin even if the embossing was less consistent. You are so darn talented, Anita!

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 1, 2021 at 1:39 pm

      Thank you so much Michelle, your comment has made my day.

  • Reply
    Margie Bramer
    May 28, 2021 at 10:16 am

    Very chic!! It looks like an expensive art installation!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 1, 2021 at 1:45 pm

      Thank you so much, your comment has made my day. I am trying to get the mannequin into a gallery.

  • Reply
    Debbie-Dabble
    May 31, 2021 at 7:30 am

    WOW!! What a truly amazing work of art!! You are so talented and imaginative!! Simply amazing!!
    Thanks so much for stopping by!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 1, 2021 at 1:47 pm

      Thank you so much Debbie, My husband always thinks I am mad when I tell him what I am going to be making. He can only appriciate the results. lol

  • Reply
    Allyson
    June 1, 2021 at 1:16 am

    Your recycled wall art looks AMAZING! It’s interesting to see how drink cans can be used to make incredible art like yours.

  • Reply
    Julie
    June 6, 2021 at 11:31 pm

    wowza! What a stunning upcycle. So clever and inventive.

  • Reply
    Melynda Brown
    June 7, 2021 at 9:22 am

    This is my personal favorite from last week’s Funtastic Friday, also pinned to the FF board! Thanks for sharing great such great content! Stop by and see what’s new, thanks again Melynda@ScratchMadeFood!

  • Reply
    Kim Patterson
    November 24, 2021 at 1:11 am

    Am totally inspired by your work and interested in trying something similar. I am very taken with the embossed pattern. Do you know if it is still available? All the folders I find seem to be too floral and swirly – or very Christmas-themed. I love yours and want something geometric.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 24, 2021 at 6:20 pm

      Thanks So much, I just tried to find it in google images but there are so many to go through. It was so long ago that I bought it so I don’t even know the description. I even tried a reverse image search. I have a feeling it was under geometric backgrounds because that is my usual search.

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