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These aluminum flowers don't have to be perfectly shaped. One of the authentic traits of Mexican folk art is its primitive style.
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One of the traits of Mexican folk art is the use of "found objects" as both medium and subject matter. Debbie Stapley offers a craft that reflects the spirit and ingenuity of Mexican folk art -- aluminum flowers. Materials: Utility scissors, tin snips or scissors (for working with metal)
Unusual beer or juice cans, with Mexican motif (if available)
Envelope clasps
Awl
Hammer
Block of wood
Metal rods or small wooden dowels
Dry-erase marker
Steel wool
Glue gun
- Begin with empty, clean cans. Use utility knife or tin snips to piece the cans around the top and bottom and cut around entire edge.
- Smooth the rectangular sheet of aluminum cut from the can. Use the dry-erase marker to draw a crude flower on the back of the aluminum. Draw several in the same shape, each 1/2" smaller than the previous one.
- Cut flower shapes from the aluminum and rub edges with steel wool to remove any jagged spots.
- Stack the graduated flower shapes and use an awl to punch a hole through the layers.
- Insert envelope clasp through the hold and secure on the back surface with hot glue. Use fingers pull the petals up. The awl can be used to curl petal edges.
- Attach metal rod or small wooden dowel to the flower, using wire to secure the envelope clasp to the rod.
- Repeat process to create an entire folk-art bouquet, if desired.
RESOURCES :
The Metal Craft Book: 50 Easy and Beautiful Projects from Copper, Tin, Brass, Aluminum, and More
Model: 1579901700
Author: Janice Eaton Kilby
Look What We've Brought You from Mexico : Crafts, Games, Recipes, Stories. . .
Model: 0382399803
Author: Phyllis Shalant
Art from Packaging: With Projects Using Cardboard, Plastics, Foil, and Tape
Model: 0817245502
Author: Gillian Chapman
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