Soda Can Lightcatcher

Grab your recycle bin and start digging! Recycled can crafts are a great way to grow green and decorate your space at the same time. This Soda Can Lightcatcher from Candace Jedrowicz is a fun summery project that will sparkle in the sunlight.


 

Materials:

• Soda can
• Clear plastic packaging
• 4′ of string
• Scissors
• Permanent markers in assorted colors
• Assorted beads
• Beading needle
• Hole punch – I used an 1/8″ punch
• Metal ring for hanging

Instructions:

1. Cut the top and bottom off of a soda can. Cut down one side to open and flatten the metal. Cut a circle from this piece as large as you can.
   
   
    
2. Cut a spiral from the circle.
   
   
    
3. Cut the plastic into strips 1-1/2″ inches wide. Color each strip with marking pens. You may need to color both sides to get a bright enough color.
   
   
    
4. Cut the strips into narrow pieces – any shape you want. Punch a hole in one end.
   
   
    
5. Punch holes in the spiral at 1″ intervals.
   
   
    
6. Now you’re ready to start beading. I used several sizes and colors to add interest.
   
   
    
7. Tie one end of the string to the outermost hole in a knot. Thread the beading needle onto the string.
   
   
    
8. Feed the string down through the hole. String one bead with a large enough hole so that the string can go through it twice.
   
   
    
9. Add a plastic piece, go back through the bead and back up through the the same hole in the spiral. Hold the plastic piece and pull the string to cinch it up, but not too tight. You want the plastic piece loose so it can move freely.
   
   
    
10. Thread beads on the string between the holes on the top side of the soda can.
    
    
     
11. Go down through the next hole. Pick up anther bead and plastic piece.Go back up through the hole and cinch up the string.Repeat until you reach the last hole.
    
    
     
12. Go down through the last hole which will be at the top center of the spiral. Pick up one bead and go back up through the hole.
    
    
     
13. Add a few beads. Wrap the string around the ring (for hanging), twice.
    
    
     
14. Feed the string back down through the beads and down through the hole again.
    
    
     
15. Thread enough beads onto the string to reach below the lowest dangling plastic piece.
    
    
     
16. Add a plastic piece to the bottom.
    
    
     
17. Thread the string back up through several beads. Tie a knot in the string. Add a drop of glue to hold the knot, if you like.