These unique postcards are made from aluminum cans!  As far as I know I am the first person to make postcards from aluminum cans.  If anybody asks, please refer them to this website and tell them you got this idea from Janis Harper.  All artists will create variations of this card of course and I am always happy to see people recycle!  The taller cans work the best as they give you more room to cut a design.  Beer, tea and energy drinks of all kinds use these taller cans.  You will find it's not hard to find volunteers to empty the cans for you!  I use a standard postcard as my template.  Start by cutting the top and bottom off your can so you have a flat piece of aluminum to work with.  Be careful!  The edges of these cans are sharp!  I have cut myself more than once.  I use a Sharpie to trace around my postcard.

Can Cards

The next thing I do is fuse Wonder Under to the back of my can.  After that I fuse my Pellon to the back of can and then trim around the edges.  Just follow the directions on your fusing product.

You may create a design on the front using scraps of fused fabric, buttons or any other types of embellishments that work with your theme.  After I fuse the fabric I always stitch it along the edges.  I like using metallic threads with my can designs.  You will be surprised how easily your sewing machine sews through the fabric and the can!  I have a very cheap machine so I do not hesitate to experiment and try things like this, however, if you have an investment in your tools proceed with caution and be aware that I have no idea if this will cause damage of any kind.  So far I haven't had any trouble except that the screw on my bobbin casing seems to rattle loose and I have to tighten it after sewing on cans to keep the tension right.  If you want to sew on something like a button it is a good idea to drill or punch your holes so that it is easier for your needle and thread to pass through the can.  I have an old hand drill that I like to use for such purposes.

Once you have your design finished it is time to choose a solid color fabric to fuse to the back of the can.  You could use card stock paper but I have not tried that.  Again, I use Wonder Under to fuse the fabric to the back.  Don't forget to use a press cloth for the final step to make sure it grabs on like it should! Click here for more instructions.