This DIY soda can cuff bracelet is proof that style and sustainability go hand in hand – literally. It’s lightweight, eye-catching, and practically free (unless you count the cost of the drink, but hydration is important!). So grab an empty can and a few simple basic tools. In under half an hour, you can craft a one-of-a-kind bracelet that’s both eco-friendly and fashion-forward.

The Struggle is Real

You may have noticed it’s been a little quiet around here lately. In my last post, (how to decoupage without wrinkles), I shared that I’ve been in a bit of a creative slump. When I mentioned it to my friend Carol, an incredibly talented jewelry designer, sewer, and teacher, she invited me to take part in her 30-Day challenge.

Carol hosts the Style Makers Network, a supportive community of like-minded creatives who love making stylish things—whether it’s for yourself, for friends, or even to sell. While I’ve never really dabbled much in jewellery, I do love learning new skills, so I thought I’d give it a shot. And guess what? It’s actually working. Who knew that bending bits of metal could help straighten out a creative rut?

Joining the challenge gave me the boost I didn’t know I needed, and being part of the Network has been a great way to reignite that creative spark. If you’re feeling stuck too, or just looking for a space to share and grow, you might really enjoy it.

Creative Craft Hop

It’s time for another Creative Craft blog hop! So if you are visiting from Tammy at Patina and Paint, welcome! At the very bottom of this post, we’ll be directing you to the next stop on this venture. But don’t forget to check out the other stops too because you’ll find plenty more ideas. Be sure to drop back in throughout the week to visit them all!

You may remember our first soda can bracelet project. When I found this butterfly paper punch at a thrift store, I had an epiphany to play with that original idea. Wouldn’t it be fun to punch butterfly shapes in the top piece and let the soda can graphics shine through?

It couldn’t be simpler! Watch this video to see the DIY soda can bracelet take shape in real time.

Watch the Video

DIY Soda Can Bracelet

Materials

• Bracelet bending pliers (optional)
• Butterfly punch (or any shape desired)
• Ball Point Awl or pen without ink to score
• Wide flat nose pliers (to help bend)
• Paper cutter or X-acto Knife
• Metal Edge Ruler
• Titanium scissors

Cut your desired width and length from the top piece (this time we’re using the back of the can).

Punch out 4 butterfly shapes evenly spaced.

For this bracelet, mine is 6 1/2” long by 1 1/2” wide. But trim as desired.

Then cut a second piece that is 1” longer and 1/2” wider (mine ended up being 7 1/2″ long by 2″ wide). Choose a can with a pattern you want to highlight in the butterfly cutouts. I love the leaf pattern shown below; it’s what I want to see in the negative space.

Fold the Soda Can

Score a total of eight lines around the can. The inner perimeter is the outline of the upper piece. Then outer lines will create a double fold to encase the piece with the butterfly cutouts.

Bend the short ends first, from the outside in, enclosing the inner piece and burnish well. Then start folding the outer edge along the length as you see below.

A ruler can help.

Burnish

Burnish the edges with the side of a pen.

Now fold again and burnish.

One side done.

Repeat with the other side.

Form the Bracelet

You can buy a bracelet bending pliers. However, they tend to be narrow and this cuff is wide. So I resorted to my old standby – anything I can curve around, like the handle of my rabbit punch. A broom handle or dowel would work too.

Curve the bracelet bit-by-bit until you achieve the shape you want.

Aren’t the butterfly cutouts pretty?

DIY Soda Can Bracelet Reveal

You could save the butterfly scraps for another project!

I can’t wait to see real butterflies soon. But for now this DIY soda can bracelet will have to do until the weather catches up to the season!

Got a pile of soda can’s you want to recycle? Try this easy soda can art. Or this soda can craft.

By the way, I was fascinated to learn how aluminum cans are actually made in the factory!

Pin DIY Soda Can Bracelet

Creative Craft Hop

Now it’s time to check out this Spring Galvanized Flower Pot from Ann at The Apple Street Cottage. When you’re done, please remember to visit these other amazing talents below:

• DIY Simple Bath Board
• Repurposed Egg Cup Tea Light Candles
• DIY Garden Stakes
• Spring Galvanized Flower Pot
• Dimensional Decoupage Eggs
• Painted Border Art Decor For Backyard Fairy Garden