Designing with cans, reminds me of my childhood. In my small town neighborhood in Medford, Oklahoma, there were no fences; so the backyards sprawled from one to the next without interruption. All ages and sizes of children often played “kick the can” at dusk and I remember that it was great fun. Have you ever played? We actually did not use drink cans, but usually had something larger. I learned quickly that you really should pay attention to the condition of the can. Since I played barefoot, if I kicked a rusted can on a rough point, I came home with a bleeding foot. Yet, this did not deter me from playing again and again. I don’t remember the rules of the game, but it had something to do with running and hiding while someone else counted. Then as the person looked for the hiders, one of us could sneak up and kick the can. Then it all started again. 
Occasionally, I hid so well that when I finally came out everyone else had gone home. Bummer!
The earrings pictured here are made from Coke, Sprite and V-8 cans. I appreciate that these are lightweight enough to be cut with paper cutters designed for scrapbooking. I’ve found that it is important to use the flattest parts of the can in order to get 
them into the cutter. Thus far, I’ve been riveting the can pieces onto copper discs, but feel there are many other possibilities.
The earrings on the left seem appropriate for Memorial Day weekend or the Fourth of July. Although the beads appear purple in the photo they are actually blue.
The colors on the V-8 can are more subdued and don’t show up as well on copper discs as shown below. If I wasn’t so cheap, I would try them on sterling silver. But, I AM SO cheap!
I haven’t yet put the earwires in the pair on the right. I think they might also make interesting necklace charms or small pendants.
I’ll continue to play with cans a bit more and especially want to layer several flowers on one disc. I think there are numerous possibilities for some fun summer pieces.
As for any other “play” with these, I’m afraid my days of “kick the can” are over. Now, the freedom I found playing this game is slower paced, but comes from creative expression.
Hi, I found your blog a few hours ago from following a few links about making wire jewelry. I am so happy to have ended up here! Your designs are absolutely beautiful, and you write in such a down to earth style.
I started at your most recent post, and have been backtracking, and here I am; at your post about making earrings from recycled pop cans. I have a few questions, as I’d like to try something similar. 1. Are you using regular paper punches, or do you have some heavy-duty punches? 2. Once you have your shapes cut, are the edges sharp? Do you file them, or fold them? Or just leave them as they are.
Thanks for your time. I have been doing wirework jewelry for a couple years now, and your designs are very inspiring.
– Ashley
Hi Ashley, Thanks for your nice note and I’m pleased that you found the information helpful. That’s my intent. Regarding your questions: 1. I’m using regular paper punches from the scrap booking scection at my local Hobby Lobby. 2. The ends don’t need to be filed. Since the metal isn’t stiff, I haven’t had any problems with sharpness.
Good luck – I’m happy to answer the questions that you have. I wish you lived close enough to San Marcos, TX to come and take some of my classes.