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Shop items and jewelry made from upcycled aluminum cans
Washed, undented aluminum cans are used to create unique items of jewelry and gifts. As inspiration allows, new designs are developed on an ongoing basis.
Photos of items shown on this website are just examples of what can be created. If you wish to have a certain color scheme or company brand used, please note in the option box. I will do my best to accomodate your custom order.
I have created more items including earrings, pins, and bracelets than are currently listed on this website. These can be seen locally at the Danville Farmers' Market (in season), at shows, or by request.
I am humbled by the enthusiasm and requests to view and purchase more items online. Symptom flare-ups from fibromyalgia, along with raising a child with autism has made it challenging to upload more items I have for sale on this website.
Many thanks to my friends and supporters who have encouraged and assisted me with getting my creations available to the public. I hope to get more items listed on here soon!
Meanwhile, if you are in East Central Illinois......
Items may be viewed and purchased at:
Stage Presents- the Fischer Theatre Gift Shop 158 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL, Thurs-Sat 10-3;
Images Framing and Fine Art, Gilbert St. Danville, IL, Tues-Sat 9-5;
And seasonally at my booth at the Danville Farmers' Market each Saturday from 7 to noon in front of the Danville Public Library on Vermilion St.
Made to Order
Items available for purchase online are created to order. Shipping is FREE but please allow extra time for delivery. Thank you for your order and your patience. :)
Production and Pricing
Many steps are taken to create a piece of jewelry from an aluminum can.
Cans are washed in antibacterial soap, cut open and flattened using special tools and gloves. Colors are determined by the color of the can. Only the part of the can that enhances the end design is used. (For example, I don't typically use the bar code area of the can. In many instances, I avoid using the text on the can--- seeking only the areas of color.) Once a can is flattened and free of sharp burrs, I am ready to cut it into the shapes I need. Once the shapes are cut using special snips or cutting tools, I file the edges, emboss, and shape each petal by hand. I avoid using toxic adhesives and many necklace designs are joined together by methods I created over months of experimentation.
The value of the cost of the raw materials may not be the same as a precious metal, but the labor involved is quite extensive. And this accounts for the main differences in price. The more pieces there are to cut, burnish, file and shape, the longer it takes to make. Hence, the 32 petal Lady Aster flower necklace costs more than the 12 petal Daphne. And even though aluminum can prices vary from 25 cents a can for off-brand sodas, to over $4 a can for some power drinks, I still base my prices on how long it takes me to make. Some pieces take me all day to make---assuming I already have the cans on hand and they are washed, cut open and flattened.
Although it might take me an entire day to make a fancy flower necklace, it usually takes me several days to complete, because to be more efficient with my time, I will make several similar pieces at once and do each step on a different day. For example, I may devote a whole day to washing dozens of cans; another whole day devoted to cutting them open, etc.. And no, I do not drink all the beverages first. I rely alot on friends to bring me their clean, undented "empties." (Thank you, friends!) And I supplement those cans with others I buy and make my husband drink. (Thank you, Honey!)
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Athena Necklace
If you like bling, you'll love the Athena. This 16-petal flower includes a faceted gem center that simply sparkles on the neck. It also has a "frilly fringe" surrounding the center which catches the eye. Flower diameter is approximately 2 inches and comes with a 20" silver finish chain with lobster claw clasp. If a different length chain is desired, please note below. No extra charge for up to 24" long.
Please allow for slight variations as item ordered is handmade from recycled materials. (Click on an image to view larger photo of sample.)
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| Made from Coca Cola cans |
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| Made from Mountain Dew cans |
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| Made from LaCroix lemon, and grape soda cans |
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Geisha Necklace
This sophisticated piece is similar in its 32-petal shape and form to the chrysanthemum flower. Its pearl center is nothing but elegant. A faceted gem "bling" center can also be used by request. Flower diameter is approximately 2 inches and comes with a 20" silver finish chain with lobster claw clasp. If a different length chain is desired, please note below. No extra charge for up to 24" long.
Please allow for slight variations as item ordered is handmade from recycled materials. (Click on an image to view larger photo of sample.)
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| Made with grape soda (purple) and specialty cola (blue) cans |
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| (Design is a cross between Athena and Geisha) Made from Arizona tea, watermelon cans. |
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| Made from closeout specialty cans. Limited availability |
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Lady Aster Necklace
This complex piece was named by a friend who thought it resembled an aster flower. The 32-petal flower includes an intricate stamen center unlike any other. Flower diameter is approximately 2 inches and comes with a 20" silver finish chain with lobster claw clasp. If a different length chain is desired, please note below. No extra charge for up to 24" long.
Please allow for slight variations as item ordered is handmade from recycled materials. (Click on an image to view larger photo of sample.)
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| Made from Arizona tea grapeade and specialty power drink cans |
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| Made from Juicy Juice orange and specialty power drink cans |
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| Made from Bud Light and Juicy Juice cans |
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