Are you looking for a patriotic and eco-friendly way to decorate your home for the Fourth of July or Memorial Day? Look no further than this budget-friendly DIY recycled aluminum can star garland!
This project is easy to do and requires only a few simple supplies. It’s an excellent project for the children or grandchildren to teach them about recycling and sustainability. As you gather for the holidays, set up a table and let everyone join in the fun.
Table of contents
How To Recycle Aluminium Cans
Wash and dry the recycled aluminum cans. Use a sharp knife or scissors to remove the top and bottom of the can. Then cut the aluminum can vertically to open it.
It would be best if you rolled the aluminum along a table edge or other flat surface to flatten it.
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How To Make Stars For Patriotic Garland
To cut the stars for the patriotic garland, I recommend a star punch. You will have very precise stars with a punch. However, if you prefer, you can hand-cut the stars for a creative design. Just trace a design on the recycled aluminum cans with a permanent marker and use scissors to cut out the designs.
Next, to give the stars some additional shape, use a ballpoint pin and crease the aluminum star by drawing a dot in the center. Then draw a line to each point’s corners while pressing firmly to get a good crease.
Punch Hole For Attaching Wire
Finally, you can use a nail and hammer to punch a small hole in the stars. Use a cardboard box to allow the nail to puncture the recycled aluminum. You will use a fine wire to make the star garland, so only a tiny hole is necessary.
To smooth the ragged edges, tap the backside of the star with the hammer.
Pro Tip: How To Paint Aluminum Can Projects
Use a large box or cardboard to paint the recycled aluminum stars. Secure painter’s tape with the sticky side up on the box and stick the stars to the tape.
Because I’m painting three colors, I made three rows and separated the stars as much as possible.
Spray paint the stars and allow them to dry. Next, move them to the opposite end of the tape and flip them to paint on the backside.
Option: You can use black or dark brown paint to spatter speckles onto the front sides of the stars. Just add a small amount of brown paint to the brush and use another brush handle or pencil to tap the handles together to splatter the paint. Continue until you are satisfied with the spatters on the stars.
String Together To Make Recycled Aluminum Can Star Garland
Determine the approximate length of the star garland. Cut the galvanized wire several inches longer than your desired length. You can always cut the wire shorter if necessary.
Begin to string the star onto the wire, bringing them to the center and working outward from both ends.
Once the star is in the correct position, twist the wire until the star cannot slide in either direction.
Space the stars 2-3 inches apart and alternate the colors as you desire.
My finished star garland measures 55 inches and is perfect for most decor options. Because I had a few extra stars, I made another small garland that measures approximately 19 inches long. It works well on a coffee table or added to a tray.
How To Decorate with Star Garland
You can hang the patriotic star garland on your porch, over a door, peg rack, or window.
The garland adds a patriotic touch to this DIY Accent wall and can be hung two ways to decorate for the 4th of July.
Another fun decor idea is to use the star garland on a festive patriotic tablescape as a table runner.
In addition, you can add the garland to a basket or tray on a coffee table to add a creative patriotic touch.
Here the garland is wrapped around DIY Pottery Barn Style Candleholders.
Supply List for Recycled Aluminum Can Star Garland
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Approximately ten empty aluminum cans – This number will depend on the garland length.
- 2 Inch Star Punch
- Scissors
- 19 gauge lightweight wire
- Red, white, and blue spray paint
- Nail and Hammer
- Painters Tape
- Cardboard Box
- Optional – Dark Black or Brown Craft Paint
Caution: When working with smaller children, be sure to cut any ragged edges from the aluminum cans for safety. Also, be careful of any aluminum shavings that can be dangerous if swallowed or stepped on.
This DIY project would also make a great addition to these 5 Unique Fourth Of July Table Ideas.
Recycled Aluminum Can Star Garland Tutorial
Make a patriotic, eco-friendly star garland using a recycled aluminum can and fine gauge wire.
Materials
- 10-12 Recycled Aluminum Cans
- 19 gauge galvanized wire
- Painter's tap
- Red, white & Blue spray paint
- Optional Black or brown craft paint
Tools
- 2 Inch Star Punch
- Scissors
Instructions
- Wash and Dry Recycled Aluminum Cans
- Remove Tops and Bottoms from cans, then cut vertically.
- Punch Stars or cut stars with scissors
- Use a nail and hammer to make a small hole in each star
- Use a ballpoint pen to crease the stars to give them definition.
- Place stars on painter's tape
- Spray with the 3 colors of paint.
- Flip over and paint on the backside.
- Speckle with black or brown paint (optional)
- Allow to dry
- Use wire the string the aluminum stars together. Twist the wire around each star to prevent it from slipping.
- Hang your garland or add to a tray or tablescape.
Notes
You can paint the star any color that you prefer.
Recommended Products
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Additional tips for making your DIY recycled aluminum can star garland
- Use different colors of paint to create a festive look.
- Add glitter or other embellishments to make your star garland stand out.
- Hang your recycled star garland indoors or outdoors to add a touch of patriotism to your Fourth of July celebration.
Resources
This project is a great way to show your patriotism and support for the environment. It’s also a fun and easy way to get creative with your decorations. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
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Debbie
Sunday 28th of May 2023
I love it! This star garland is so fun and festive. Thanks for the great idea.
Rachel
Sunday 28th of May 2023
Debbie, i'm so glad you like this. Thanks for stopping by.