Monday, August 1, 2011

Altering Bottle Caps

Lucy is off for a few days but she left this fabulous Altering Bottle Caps tutorial for me to post.  

Just take a look at the finished project


This takes Steampunk to a whole new level.

Now, for Lucy's tutorial

I love creating little pieces of beauty with bottle caps. They are so easy to use and you can create pretty much anything with it.

The supplies you need:
Bottle Caps
Diamond Glaze
1 inch circle punch
Scrap of pattered paper or cardstock
Small pieces to add to the bottle cap like rhinestones, glitter or trinkets
Bottle Cap images

All of these supplies are available at

Step 1: Gather your supplies





Step 2: Decide on the pieces you will be using in the bottle cap then cut it out with the circle punch



Step 3: Add some diamond glaze to hold down the image or patterned paper then add a good amount of diamond glaze on top



Step 4: Add your rhinestones, glitter or trinkets into the bottle cap; Let it dry for 24 hours



Step 5: Then you are ready to add it to a card, ATC, layout or create a beautiful piece of jewelry with it

Here are some are examples I have made with the bottle caps:

sample 1
sample 2

sample 3

sample 4
 Tip #1: To flatten the bottle cap is use a runner mallet on crown side up. I do mine at home on my concrete garage floor. Give the caps a couple of light taps with a rubber mallet. This is just to get them started—we’ll do the real smashing on the flip side. Do not try this with a hammer, or you’ll end up with deformed bottle caps. A mallet will distribute the pressure evenly. Flip the caps over and place them on your work surface crown side down. Beat them with the mallet like you mean it. With a little practice, this takes two or three good whacks. The outer edge of the cap with roll outward, and you’ll end up with a lovely round metal embellishment that looks nothing like a bottle cap.


Tip #2: You can also you a die cut machine like a BigKick, or a Cuttlebug. First place your bottle caps flat side down on the thick white A mat. Place a Cuttlebug die metal side down on top of them. Place your clear B mat on top, and put it through 
the Cuttlebug.

Enjoy and have fun 

Links to SUPPLIES AT OWSE

Bottle Cap, Inc
Bling,
Glitter,
Charms
1" Circle Punch





1 comment:

Robyn said...

Lucy I love it! I've been wanting to use bottle caps but didn't know how to do them. Thanks so much for teaching us. Definitely going to buy some now!