What a soda pop can is REALLY for.....

We are all trying to be 'green' these days and I'm sure, like my family, most of us are trying to go 'budget friendly' when shopping.  But, neither of the aforementioned should cramp our style!  Part of my goal at my gallery, Sanctuary of Davidson, is to show that we  can all be hip and frugal, budget conscious and funky at the same time.   And just to prove my point, here is a fun little tutorial on how to make AWESOME jewelry from soda pop cans.  So easy.....

Begin by finding a great can.  Yes, drink the contents first.

Cut that sucker open. Careful......aluminum is sharp!

Next, grab some flower shaped scrapbook paper cutters and start cutting away. 

You'll have to press pretty hard.

Use cutters of various sizes since you'll be stacking them together.  More is better.

Take a jewelry hole punch and punch holes right in the center of each cut out.  If you don't have a punch, you can use a knife.  It's super easy and all you need is a little hole.

Grab some brads and put one through all your stacked cut outs.  Open the brad in the back to keep them from falling apart.

Next, begin bending the petals in different directions to make it look like a blooming flower.

Now, punch a hole in one of the petals (not too close to the edge or it will rip) and insert a large jump ring.

Finally, add a ribbon or ball chain and voila.....you have a beautiful necklace that cost next to nothing.

And you'll have a very happy recipient should you decide to part with it as a gift!

So.....even though pop is very, VERY bad for you.....go down a few and make some jewelry.  Or better yet, go raid your neighbors recycling bin.  Much healthier.