Recycling aluminum soda cans for jewelry is a great idea. Don't think so? Then check out my past post on the Bombulu Workshop artisans from Kenya where the combination of wire and soda cans makes really unique jewelry. There is just one problem, you have to be very careful about sharp edges. They have to be filed down.


1. Polwig's tutorial however advocates the use of paper punches. You know, the sort used by scrapbook enthusiasts. The paper punches dulls the edges - although you'll still have to check and file down the odd metal spurs. There is a wide range of shapes including the stars you see in the bracelet above.

2. Life Studio's tutorial takes a different approach. Rolls of metal from soda cans are encased in plastic tubing.These are made as a long length before being cut down to normal bead sizes. The tutorial also includes the instructions for shrinkable plastic style charms made from recyclable plastic #6.


3.Pop tab bracelets, necklaces, collars and leis also eliminate the sharp edge issue. These are very popular with the younger set. The video for pop can tab leis is by Paintmepinkish. Pop can tab leis are sometimes given to high school and college grads using school colors. Colored soda can tabs are pretty nifty if you can get enough of them. If you prefer non-video instructions check out this Instructables tutorial.



A blog reader, Kathy of Wisconsin sent me this inspiring video (no longer available) about how pop can tabs or ring pulls are used to make amazing bags in Salvador, Brazil. The project gives the women a chance to earn a living in an area of high unemployment. Thanks, Kathy!


If you need the tutorial on how to make chain maille "fabric" from pop tabs then check out the how to by quixotiCfluX on Instructables.


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Other Recycled Can Jewelry:
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips