(not so) Heavy Metal - Pt 5 cont.

Now you have your as-flat-as-possible rectangle of aluminium can.

While there are many directions to go from here, for this demo we are going to use alcohol inks.  I'm sure most of you have used these before but just for the sake of the demo I'll be giving the basic instructions.  Now....I was having so much fun I did forget to make a process photo but I think the written instructions will be clear enough when you see the results photo anyway.

Supplies

can rectangle

alcohol inks

compressed air

ink applicator tool and felt

Step 1 - Dropping In

Again - you probably have your own technique for applying alcohol inks but here's what I did.  

I applied drops and sometimes short lines of the alcohol inks in the colors I chose onto the aluminium can rectangle.  After each drop (or at least before they dry) I sprayed them with the compressed air which feathers them beautifully. Do this until you get the look you want.

Step 2 - Stamping On It

I put the felt pad onto the applicator tool (the one that looks like a rubber stamp but with the velcro-like surface that holds the felt).  In just one corner I put several drops of one of the colors I am working with.  I then "stamp" this in various spots on the rectangle and let the magic happen.  Then I do the same with the other color(s). Just enough to make an interesting textured look.

And here is what it looks like

Now...you remember the copper sheet that we cut into strips to weave into the textured copper sheet?  Well since we didn't use them all....and they were still on my work island begging not to be forgotten...I grabbed some "brown" colors of alcohol ink and played with them for a bit.  I just dropped some on and then dabbed it with the applicator to mix them up and blend them.  And so I have:

And here is a close-up so you can tell a little bit more how they look.  I used the same felt pad so I had some of the blue-green ink still on there.  I love the way it added a bit of a verdigris effect!

OK so now what.  While I have not decided on a FINAL design, I did audition several of my fabrics with each of these bits and have now set aside these pieces for future creations.  

I have a piece of sun print which I did years ago (can you see the little fish shapes in the "water"?  And a piece of hand-dyed purple (of course).  Right now in my head is floating around something about a reef.....  We'll see.

And for the copper strips...I had a piece of  hand-dyed turquoise (and some other color which I have no idea what it was) along with bits of African bark cloth.  I think it has great potential!!  Keep hearing "Rift Valley" in my head......

Now one little bonus bit.....

You can also paint this can rectangle with acrylics.  One other prep step though is to lightly sand the aluminium to create a "tooth" to the surface.  I did this experiment a while ago and it will end up in something someday.  I painted the aluminium can and then cut out the shape I wanted.  ALSO...as you can see...you can stitch through it on your sewing machine with ease!!  I just suggest going a bit slower than usual as you are rubbing the thread against bare metal.  But it really was quite easy!! After sewing it on, I also painted the fabric with the same acrylics.

I hope you enjoyed your trip down "Tin Can Alley" and at least gleaned an inspiration or an idea along the way.

I'll let you play for a day or so with your cans. Then we will hit the last installment of this series.  Things are going to heat up!  

See you in a couple of days!

(not so) Heavy Metal - Part 5 - Tin Can Alley

Ok...so it's not REALLY tin...but aluminium.  However, Aluminium Can Alley just didn't have the "ring" to it.

Just in time for the weekend!!  Want a project for the next few days?  How about gathering up a few (or a bunch) of those aluminium beverage cans???

I'll get you started and then we will make 'em all beautiful the first of next week!

Metal part 5 - Tin Can Alley

Supplies
Aluminium beverage cans
Heavy duty scissors ("not for fabric" ones)
Cutting Mat
Non-Fabric Rotary Cutter (the one with the duller blade you use for paper, etc.)
Cutting Ruler

After you have gathered up several aluminium beverage cans, wash them thoroughly and let them drain dry. Or...if you are like me and have absolutely NO patience.  You can begin working with them a bit wet. Here's the one I'm working with for this demo. (We don't drink canned beverages but thankfully, I have a neighbor whose kids have their share. They kindly donated theirs to this project.)

Main instruction for this project...

BE  VERY  CAREFUL!!!  These cans are thin metal and can be quite sharp. You probably should work with leather gloves on. (I can't work like that but then...I have the cuts to prove it.)

Now with that said...on to the fun part.

Step 1 - Off The Top (and bottom)

You need to cut off the ends of the cans. I use an old but very sturdy pair of scissors. I don't think they will cut paper even any more but they are great for cans and other metal!

First poke the end of the scissors into the can just under the curve of the top.

The cut all the way around to remove the top of the can.  Or you can use your scissors as a "saw" to go around the can.  Until the last bit which is easier to remove by cutting it off with the scissors used the way they were meant to be used.  ;-)

Now do the same to remove the bottom of the can. You will end up with three pieces.  Two ends and a metal "tube"

Step 2 - Open Wide

For now we will just be dealing with the body of the can (the "tube" part).
Next, cut down the length of the "tube" to open it up. Lay it out as flat as you can on a cutting mat.  Again - BE CAREFUL!!! There are burrs on the edges and they can really poke you!

Now to make it a bit safer to work with, cut off the burred edges. I want a straight line for this piece so I use my non-fabric rotary cutter to remove the rough edges. I suggest you throw them in the garbage right away. It is NOT fun to find them in a pile of various bit later on.  It can be a painful surprise!

Step 3 - Flat as a Pancake

The final step in this preparation is to try to flatten it out more but without creasing it.  I use a "fat" glue stick and wrap it around the opposite way from it's now natural bend.  Then secure it with a rubber band.  Leave it wrapped like this until it flattens out as much as it can without curling in the opposite direction too much.

For the work we are going to do with this the beginning of next week, we need it as flat as possible.

So, go off an gather your aluminium can while you may.  You might want to prep several for next week.