If you’ve ever wanted to turn a simple pile of aluminum drink can recyclables into something that actually looks gallery-worthy, this seed of life wall art might just be your next obsession. Made from colourful aluminum can pieces, this project is part geometry, part upcycling magic — and it shines beautifully when the light (or the wind) hits it.

Creative Craft Hop

Before we get to the tutorial, it’s time for another Creative Craft blog hop co-hosted every other month by yours truly and Donna from Modern on Monticello! If you are visiting from her blog, welcome! Wasn’t her football-themed wreath such a ‘touchdown’ idea? Thanks for hopping over!

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!

Materials

Aluminum Can Wall Hanging Supplies

[If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered (disclosure): The blue links in this post may be affiliate links. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases which we proudly donate to Alzheimer’s research. But don’t worry, you don’t pay a cent more! Thanks for helping to support our fundraiser!]

• X-Acto knife
• Titanium Scissors
• Aluminum cans
• Black paint
• Paint brush or foam brush
• 1/2″ – 3/4” thick birch wood round (we cut our own from scrap plywood, but you can also find various sizes and thicknesses pre-cut online)
• metal french cleat or D-rings (to hang if you don’t have a router)
• Microplane cut resistant glove
• Rubber coated glove
• 3/4″ rabbit punch or available in 3/4″ EK tools circle punch (which also comes in different sizes like this 1/2″ EK Tools Circle punch)
• 1.5mm Beadsmith metal hole punch plier
• Uvex Safety Googles
• Microfibre cloth (for cleaning spots on cans)
• Nail Guide or needle nose plier
• 1/4″ Spacer (diy from wood or plastic; ours is Cintra)
• Hammer
• 18 gauge 5/8″ nails
• Awl or metal push pin (only for pilot holes in soft wood)

Seed of Life Can Art

Two years ago, I was happily cranking out content for our blog when life threw me a curveball in the form of my second pulmonary embolism. Recovery took months — and let’s just say the second round wasn’t any easier, thanks to the whole “getting older” thing.

Stuck on the couch, I needed a distraction, and that’s when I stumbled into a new obsession: can art. As luck would have it, we had some neglected wood rounds hiding in the garage.

They were originally meant for stained glass mosaic (translation: not exactly premium quality), but I figured we could patch the holes and make them work. You can see an example of what I used to do with these in stained glass wall art for the bedroom.

Hubs, my partner in grime, did all the heavy lifting — filling, sanding, and painting.

In the meantime, I tinkered with another project I thought would be easier.

That’s when my comeback tour went off the rails. Let’s just say I wasn’t quite ready for prime time, because I managed to drill straight through my finger. Project: paused. Blog content: paused. My dignity: also paused. And so those wood rounds sat… quietly collecting dust for two whole years, waiting for their redemption.

Then Carol, from the Style Makers Network, challenged the members to finish some UFO’s (UnFinished Objects) this month. Since I only stated making jewelry, all my UFOs are partly started upcycles so I’m going with that!

A Seed of Life symbol seems fitting for something that’s been resurrected from the craft graveyard. And yes, as I type, I’m doing it with all 10 fingers. So let’s get to it!

Cut the Cans

Step one is, of course, collecting colourful drink cans, giving them a good clean, and breaking them down. (If you’re wondering about the best method, check out how to cut tin cans – our guide on cutting drink cans with our DIY tool made specifically for the purpose!)

For the circles, I use a rabbit punch — a throwback to my days as a fashion designer.

I like to cram in as many punches as possible to make the most out of each can.

Then I add one more hole in each disc for the nail using a 1.5 mm punch. The trick to getting them all consistently placed is to punch a template out of a piece of stiff plastic. Place it over three or four discs and squeeze. I usually have to twist it to release the discs.

I sort each colour into a divided box, and sometimes even into old film canisters I saved years ago—back when real film was still the only thing around.

Next, I place my paper template on the wood round and hammer a thumbtack through the nail holes to mark the spots.

Use a sharp tool—like an awl, or in this case a push pin—to mark each spot where a nail and disc will go.

Whenever I have bigger pieces to hammer starter holes into, I break out this plunge base that holds my dremel. Using an electric tool can be more efficient – especially if your upcycled wood is a hardwood which has to be pre-drilled.

My guilty pleasure after hammering? Peeling the template off afterwards just for that oddly satisfying ASMR sound. Watch the video if that something that appeals to you too!

After the template is removed, it does double duty; I like to lay out the punched discs on top for a sneak peek of the final seed of life can art design. It’s the perfect chance to play around with colour placement and make any swaps before committing; no regrets, no prying out nails later.

Hammer the Seed of Life Pattern

Now it’s simply a matter of hammering the discs into place on the backer board.

Seed of Life Video

Watch this video to see it come to life!

Seed of Life Can Art

The Seed of Life symbol is so fitting for something pulled from the craft graveyard (and for me too, having bounced my way back after a second pulmonary embolism).

It’s a dull, rainy day here, so the picture hardly does it justice — but when those colourful discs catch the wind, it’s gorgeous (or, when the breeze refuses to cooperate, I just rope Hubs into playing human wind machine like he did for the video above).

By the way, we have some exciting news about our can art! We were accepted to show our artwork at an upcoming market in November to raise money for Alzheimer’s research! We have always donated 100% of the proceeds we make from our online presence, but this is the first time we’ll be selling our actually physical upcycles to raise money! If you’d like to follow along with new designs, be sure to check out our brand new Instagram page – CAN.vergence.

Pin Seed of Life

If you found this project inspiring or helpful, why not share the love? Pinning is a great way to support our charitable work and helps others discover creative ideas too! Just click the Pin button and save it to your favourite board; you’ll be able to find it later when you’re ready to try it yourself. Every pin makes a big difference and keeps the creativity flowing!

Fall Into Fabulous

One of the things I love most about blogging is connecting with other makers. And this Fall we’ve created something truly inspiring together: 16 digital goodies from top creators — planners, recipes, colouring books  & more — including our Beginner Crochet e-Book!

Grab it now — the bundle is only available for a limited time at this price: use the coupon code FALLFUN to get it for $9.99! 

As always, every dollar of our commission goes straight to Alzheimer’s research, so treat yourself knowing that you’re making a real difference! Let’s make this Fall fabulous and full of hope. 💜

Creative Craft Hop

Now it’s time to check out this DIY Fall Wall Art with Canvas: Easy Autumn Decor Tutorial from Carol at Blue Sky at Home. When you’re done, please remember to visit these other amazing talents below:

• How to Make Paper Mache Pears
• Nylon Wrapped Lighted Pumpkin Garland
• Simple Sunflower Pumpkins
• DIY Football Themed Wreath
• Seed of Life (that’s us!)
• DIY Fall Wall Art with Canvas: Easy Autumn Decor Tutorial