From time to time, the Thrifty Maker will find, bargain, borrow, steal (not really) to create something a little different. She'll rely on her own skills as a scout of trashy treasures and will sometimes bring in a few experts to help.
Do you have a post-Labor Day BBQ mess to clean up? You don't have throw away the leftover soda and beer cans out just yet ... Instead, cut them up and make thank you notes for your guests who were kind enough to bring a dish to your potluck.
With the help of the (empty) cans, you can make the effort to creatively thank them.
Materials:
- One aluminum can (per card)
- Card stock (one 8.5-by-11-inch sheet makes two cards)
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun or tacky glue
- Heavy book
- Computer, printer and paper
Method:
1. Using tin snips or kitchen scissors, cut the top and the bottom off of the can. Slice up the long way of the can to create a flat rectangle of aluminum.
2. Cut out shapes such as house bottoms and roof tops. Play with the mini pieces you've cut by arranging them in different positions.
3. Now grab come colored card stock. Cut an 8.5-by-11-inch sheet down to 8.5-by-5.5 inches. Fold in half the short way to create a 4.25-by-5.5-inch card.
4. Glue the mini cut aluminum pieces down to the card stock using a hot glue gun or tacky glue.
5. Place the card under a sheet of paper (in case any glue oozes out) with a heavy book to flatten out the card and the aluminum. Leave until the glue dries.
6. Finally, on your computer, type out the words thank you several times in about 12 point font, cut around the words and glue that to your card. Repeat this process until you have enough cards to send to each of your guests. Now sit down and hand write a note and mail to your pals.
