Would you like to learn to make a trendy soda can bracelet? When I can across a cuff bracelet on Pinterest with no tutorial, I was intrigued by the idea! Although the ones I was seeing are obviously made by professional jewelry upcyclers and backed with real silver, I knew I could make a version with only aluminum from soda cans. And the best part? You don’t have to be a silversmith or jeweller to craft this cuff bracelet! You can easily make this bracelet with supplies you already have. 

Watch the Video

In less than 30 minutes, you can make yourself one of the coolest upcyle fashion accessories that will be a real conversation starter! Watch this video to see how to make one of your own.

Creative Craft Hop

It’s time for another Creative Craft blog hop! So if you are visiting from Jenna at the Painted Apron, welcome! Wasn’t her Fall sign fun? She makes painting so approachable!! 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!

How to Make a Soda Can Bracelet

Last month, we made this Mondrian-inspired Soda Can Craft so save those cans! There are so many things you can craft with aluminum cans!

Whatever can you choose to use, be sure to wash it well.

For this project I’m using a Coke can and another scrap as a backing. In some countries, the Coke logo is sideways on the can.

Here, in Canada, it’s printed at the top so the logo is bound to be cut off a little. I’ll be trimming it at the very bottom of ‘original taste’.

Materials

• Ball Point Awl
• Wide flat nose pliers:
• Paper cutter or X-acto Knife
• Metal Edge Ruler
• Foam mouse pad
• Titanium scissors

Cut the Soda Cans

First, go grab our amazing can cutting tool to quickly and easily break down the cans (see how to cut tin cans).

This video shows our amazing tool in action:

On a beautiful summer day, I like to work outside in the garage. Here I’m breaking down a haul of over 200 cans for projects like our soda can craft, geometric wall art and can craft. Can you tell I LOVE to craft with cans?

Tip: always wear gloves and eye protection when working with cans. Please, please don’t skip this; it will prevent cuts and errant pieces of metal flying into your eyes.

Cut the Backer and Inset

I’m using a paper cutter to cut my aluminum strips but customize it as you wish. However, you don’t need fancy equipment. After marking the width, use a ruler and score a line with an Xacto knife. Score it a few times and you should be able to bend and snap, giving you a clean break.

Note that my edges are quite tiny because I’m used to working with upcycled cans and have done numerous can craft projects. But if this is your first time working with aluminum cans, feel free to make it wider so it’s easier to work with to practice the technique.

My inner piece is 1 1/4″ wide. I find this is a good width for a soda can bracelet cuff. Measure your wrist to determine the length; my wrist is tiny so I cut quite a bit off (it’s about 6 1/8″ long.

Backing

I also cut a backing out of another can (or use the same one) that’s wider and longer (mine is 1 5/8″ wide). Mark the width on the backer with a sharpie and then divide that into two for the folds along the long edges.

Cut Away Bulk

But first, you’ll want to cut away some of the bulk before scoring and folding in the edges. Cut just inside the inner fold lines. Once you make the cut, you can bend the piece back and forth to snap it off.

Score the Fold Lines

Now, use a blunt awl to score along those lines.

Don’t dig too deep or be tempted to use a utility knife instead or you can split the can in the next steps. Use a metal edge ruler to help bend those folds (working from the outside-in).

After folding in the first outer edges of the backer, insert the can inset right side up to test the fit.

If you find it too tight, trim the edge slightly being mindful not to cut too much (you want to enclose the sharp edges with the folds of the backer. Note that the back is right side up so only the silver side will show when it’s all encased.

The second edge can be harder to fold, so a pair of flat nose pliers can help bend it. I like to fold 45 degrees, add the coke strip and then finish folding to enclose the raw edges.

Tip: don’t be tempted to bend the edges back the other way or you’ll snap the fragile aluminum – ask me how I know! Once you bend it one way, you’re committed so take your time and be precise with this step.

I first fold in the short ends, then finish with the longer sides. As you’ll see on the video, I was going to do a double fold along the shorter edges of the Coke can too, but it accidentally snapped when I bent it in the wrong direction. As it turns out, one fold along the shorter edge is perfectly fine, but I also made a second version being mindful not to snap it again.

The end of my sharpie is great for flattening and burnishing the edges. It has a lip that can ride right along the fold.

Shape Soda Can Bracelet

Do you remember making paper curls when you were a kid, scraping the paper along the scissors blade? Well this next part is kind of the same concept. Use whatever you have handy to shape your soda can bracelet. I initially use the soft edge of the paper cutter to start the curve as you see below.

Then I use the paper cutter handle moving it inch by inch to hone the curve. The handle also has a nice soft curve, but allows me to shape the rest very tightly. Substitute a broom handle or dowel for this step if you don’t have a paper cutter handle with a soft curve like this one.

I made my soda can cuff bracelet somewhat round for simplicity sake, but if you look at a good cuff bracelet you’ll see that it’s wider through the middle and curved on the ends (a wrist is more oval than it is round).

My wrist is so small that it doesn’t matter as much, but you’ll probably want to aim for a more oval shape (like I did with the second soda can bracelet on the video). And of course, leave a gap so you that you actually have space to get your wrist into the bracelet.

Display and Wear Your Soda Can Bracelet

And that’s it! A wearable soda can bracelet cuff with no sharp edges – and you don’t have to be a silversmith to make one!

If you have an old oil can, make a bunch of soda can bracelets from various aluminum drink cans and stack them up in every colour!

Try it on for size and adjust the fit if necessary. Cool, right?

Beyond fashion accessories, there’s so much you can upcycle with soda cans; like this easy can art!

I love upcycling free materials like aluminum drink cans, so our can craft category is growing. Have a browse and see what other unique things you can do with drink cans!

Pin Soda Can Bracelet

Pinning is always welcome and appreciated!

Creative Craft Hop

Now it’s time to check out Festive Jute Decorative Wreath from Gail at Purple Hues and Me.  When you’re done, please remember to visit these other amazing talents below:

• Vintage Picnic Basket Glow Up
• DIY Pumpkin Refresh
• Free Fall Printables for Autumn Decorating
• Witch Hat Door Hanger
• Easy to Make Felt Pom Pom Acorns for Crafts
• Apple Pie Banner
• Fall Sign with Pumpkins and Leaves
• Soda Can Bracelet (that’s us!)
• Festive Jute Decorative Wreath