Drink Can Pendants And Cuffs ( New pictures on page 9)

[HardLuckGal]

I work at home depot and they most def have aluminum tape, it is in the aisle with the duct work. I'm not sure that it would work though, it is very thin, like aluminum foil. I found another website where another person had made these and used brass for the backing. I posted the link a few pages back. 

[HardLuckGal]

if anyone is still following this thread: i found pictures of different angles on similar bracelets. http://www.alibaba.com/catalog/11591744/Funky_Soda_Can_Jewelry/showimg.html  it appears that the majority of the bracelet is made from another metal, and the can is an insert.

here it is.

[crazydoc]

Found another good set of close up shots:

http://www.myspace.com/funkyfamous

and

http://everyone-lies.deviantart.com/gallery/#_featured--2

~CD~

p.s. I'm sure with all the fine, crafty minds on here, we WILL figure this out! We're well on our way already.

p.p.s. On the old etsy, the pieces are described as "encased in aluminum alloy". So I think we're on the right track with the "framing" idea. Now, it's a matter of tackling that foldy bit at the top (I think it's probably done the same way you make pie crust) and making a determination of if/how the aluminum is adhered to the backing of choice (sounds like either silver, an aluminum alloy, or white brass).

[craftADDchick]

I think those are the designs of the original poster!

And, I thought the aluminum tape might be too thin, but it was worth a try I may hit HD again and head to the duct area!

And, I also may go back to MonsterSlayer and see how much their brass sheets are...

[crazydoc]

I'm thinking you're right about the tape thing. Probably too thin. I'm guessing duct tape wouldn't give us the look we're after, either. One of my major concerns is being cut. For *that* I'm thinking duct taping the edges while we're working could be just the ticket.

Until I can get some other metal sheet, I think I may try making the "frame" from the aluminum can itself (just flip it over).



We *can* (pun fully intended) do this, folks! Let's figure this out and post a tutorial as a group. It's do-able. I'm sure we can solve this puzzle. Let's go for it!

~CD~

p.s. Maybe we could start by making one "straight" (without the folded-over twisty bit in the middle), and then move on from there.

p.p.s. What are your thoughts on starting a separate thread entitled "The Quest for a Can Cuff Tutorial" to group our efforts together?

[craftADDchick]

I like the title for your proposed thread! Let's do that!

And, I found that the sharpest bits were where it was jagged. When I cut the can fairly straight, as long as I was careful, it wasn't a problem. The curly jagged bits from the initial cutting required careful attention...

[Onyxnox]

OK, so I am thjinking it is probably the patterned metal cut as a rectangle with tapering ends.  Then a piece of metal to frame, cut in the same shape, slightly larger.  Smooth/file sharp edges.  Fold long edges over of the larger piece, to enfold the patterned piece, then fold the folded edges in the middle another 45 degrees approximately, and buff?  If the edges of the large piece are folded closely enough, it should encase the patterned piece securely, otherwise an adhesive could be used (or rivets, or soldering, whatever?).  Wrap around form to make the curve for the wrist, and finish/shine/buff?

Don't they coat the insides of drink cans with some kind of plasticky coating?

[crazydoc]

Please forgive the kindergarten quality cutting and folding. This is meant only as a quickie prototype for the full frame on the pendant and the side frame for the bracelet.

The 45 degree angle thing mentioned above is the ticket for doing a "frame" all around for the pendant. On the original and on the bracelet, though, it looks likes the OP leaves the top/bottom open on the pendant, and the ends open on the bracelet.

No need for adhesives, at least on the pendant with the frame all the way around. The insert stays in there just fine on its own. It definitely isn't going anywhere as long as you end your fold ever so slightly over the top of the insert.

For the pendant, I cut out the pepsi symbol into a rough square. I drew around it on a bigger piece of can. Then cut out the bigger piece. After that, I snipped in the edges at a (VERY ROUGH) 45 degree angle. Next, I folded it down three times (you need to flip it over first, of course, so that the plain aluminum is what will show on the back of it) so that the edges roughly met. Below is the result.

For the bracelet, I just elongated the above, but left open sides. I still need to cut a piece for the insert. All I've got here are diet pepsi cans, so that will have to do. I posted a pic of the "frame" for the bracelet below. Once I get an insert cut and slipped into the frame, I'll post another pic.

. . . then there's that matter of that little foldy bit on the top. That's the next hurdle.

Onward!

~CD~

[craftADDchick]

That's a great beginning! And it came out much better than my attempt (which I have momentarily misplaced, but I'll find it soon). We'll solve this soon enough!

[bookstorebabe]

My two cents. In one of this month's somerset magazines-I believe Altered Coulture-they featured jewelry of soda cans. I recognized the green piece as an Arizona  can. A butterfly was cut out with a shaped punch. A coiled wired was positioned on top, on the middle for a body, with some spiraling down. And it was coated with Diamond glaze. To both attach the decorative wire, and make it all glazed and looking like enamel.

I'm stalking this thread!