The need to create is real.  Crafters create because it is so good for their souls.  But crafting costs, especially metal. So check out Cindy Fortin's UpcycleDesignLab channel. She has many ideas on how to craft on a budget.

This hack for how to make faux copper sheets from recycled tin cans is a good one. Cindy also demonstrates how to add texture and give the sheets the look of verdigris - oxidized copper.



Her method of flattening aluminum soda cans is much better than what I discovered in a previous hack (see first link below). Cindy uses an iron to heat and flatten the can but her tip of using a cookie sheet underneath is clever. The can sheet gets heated on both sides!


If you want to recycled thicker cans like those used for food, then you have to switch to her fire pit method! The heat anneals the metal enough so it can be flattened by hand.  No corrugation on the can?  You can use a humble tube wringer to get that texture. 


She also has a great video on how to make simple layered earrings.



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Disclosure 

This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation. 
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM