Introduction: Soda Can Angel

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About: Hello - I am the scientist formerly known as Naegeli and of course I was inspired by the artist formerly known as Prince. But in contrast to his royal badness I do not want be become the king of pop but the ki…

This Instructable shows you how to make an angel ornament out of a soda can.

When it slowly gets colder outside and the days are shorter and shorter in the northern hemisphere, that's the wright time to light a candle.

In addition to the candle I wanted to have some decoration around it. In order not to burn my house down, I was looking for a material for the decoration that does not ignite near the candle. For this purpose aluminum sheets from soda cans are ideal. However if you want to prepare only the angel you can as well just use paper. A template for the angel is provided (see pdf file in next chapter).

Step 1: Parts List

For that project you only need a few items:

  • A printout of the angel on paper (see attached pdf file at the end of this chapter)
  • Cardboard
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Marker
  • Knife
  • Candle
  • Stapler
  • Aluminum can

To make it easy to work with, I recommend flattening the soda can first. I already posted a video how to do this. You will find it under the following link: How to flatten soda cans

In order to remove the ink from the can you can follow the procedure I posted under the following link: Ink Removal from Soda Cans

However you can also get nice results without removing the ink as you can see on some examples in the video.

Attachments

Step 2: Make a Template for the Angel

Start by down loading the pdf file that is attached to this Instructable and then print it out. The printout is then glued to the cardboard. Cut along the outlines of the angel using scissors. Use a knife to cut out the arms. Now the template for the angel is finished.

Step 3: Transfer the Design Onto the Aluminum Sheet

Position the cardboard template onto the flattened aluminum sheet. Transfer the design with a marker by following the outlines.

Step 4: Cut Out the Angel

Cut out the angel using scissors. For the arms you have to use the knife. Just follow the outlines of the arms. There is no need to cut through the aluminum with the knife. It is enough to make a groove into the metal. Bend the aluminum up and down along the groove until the aluminum breaks apart. Repeat the step for the other arm.

The slits that have to be used later on to combine the angel ornament are marked on the template with scissors. Cut these slits with a craft knife.

Step 5: Remove Ink From Aluminum (optional)

In order to remove the ink from the reverse side of the soda can you can follow the procedure I posted under the following link: How to remove the ink from soda cans

However you can also get nice results without removing the ink as you can see on some examples in the video (Soda can angel).

Step 6: Form the Angel

Prepare the bottom of a soda can so it can be used as a stand for the candle. You can see how to take off the bottom of a soda can with a clear cut after 40 seconds in the video under the following link: Remove bottom of soda can

Preform the angel ornament into a cone shape. Slide the two slits (marked with scissors on the template) into each other. Place the angel onto the bottom of the soda can until the angel has the right shape. Then take a stapler to fix the angel.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Fix the candle with some wax drops onto the bottom of the can. Place the angel on the edge of the soda can bottom. Light the candle and enjoy your self-made decoration made of recycled material.