Metal Origami

With summer parties in full force, there are lots of empty drink cans lying around. I thought it might be fun to create some origami with metal instead of paper and reuse some of those cans.

Step 1: Square

Cut a square out of your can. The largest square I was able to cut was 3"x3".

Step 2: Scoring and Folding

When you can, use a ruler and a thin blunt object to gently score the metal where you need to fold. I used the back end of a box cutter, not the sharp side. You can't always know exactly where your fold will be when it's flat, so this isn't always an option, but it helps it fold more precisely.

Use a bone folder to smooth and flatten the bent edges throughout the process.

Keep in mind that using an aluminum can for origami only works with simple patterns. If you fold in the same place repeatedly it will break/tear. Therefore, I chose to make a simple swan.

Step 3:

Fold your square in half diagonally.

Step 4:

Fold the left and right corners to the center.

Use your bone folder to press the bent edges.

Step 5:

Flip the metal over and fold the left and right corners to the center again.

Once the edges start to thicken with multiple folds, use a hammer to flatten the edges.

Step 6:

Fold the tip just above the top.

Step 7:

Fold down the tip.

Step 8:

Fold the whole thing in half gently. You don't need to fold flat, just enough to create some shape.

Step 9:

Gently unfold into your swan.