It’s early February as I write this, and here in Colorado, that is pretty much smack dab in the middle of winter, but even in the wintertime, we can hit 70-degree temperatures, and today is one such day. So it seems the perfect time for a springtime project, and what says Springtime better than the lovely transformation of the ground-bound caterpillar?

Over the years, I have created several bead and wire insect creatures, but none are as bright and colorful as these aluminum-can butterflies. So, if you are feeling a little winter bluzy, trust that Spring is right around the corner and fill your crafty space with some bright and vibrant colors.

Please Note: This is a more advanced project, and if you are new to crafting with aluminum cans, you may want to check out these additional resources before attempting this project.

• Introduction to Crafting with Aluminum Cans (FREE Mini-Course)
• How to Make Soda Can Beads (Video)
• How to Color and Seal Metal Beads (Video)

Step 1 – Gather Supplies

• Four oval soda can beads in your choice of color
• One Flattened Aluminum Sheet
• 20 gauge wire (copper)
• Round Tipped Jewelry Pliers
• Alcohol ink (to match the color of beads and an accent color I like brown to mix with most colors)
• Clear E6000 Glue
• High Gloss Mod Podge
• 5mm Round Black Beads
• Silver Spray Paint
• Craft Scissors
• Embossing Tool

Step 2 – Wiring Beads

Some of these steps will be familiar if you have made some of my other bead and wire insects. The pictures show the key moments along the way, and you can check the video tutorial for more detailed instructions.

Use the round-tipped jewelry pliers to make a small coil in one end of two 11 1/2″ pieces of wire

Add one black 5mm bead to each wire and thread the wires in opposite directions through one of the oval beads.

Bend the coiled end 90 degrees to make the antenna and the remaining wire under the bead.

Thread a 26-inch piece of wire through the oval bead, centering the bead in the middle of the wire.

Combine the wires into pairs and twist the wires together in the center of the oval bead.

Pull the short wires to the bottom of the bead and wrap the long wires around the twisted portion of the wire to form a small knot.

Then pull all four wires together and slide a second bead up to the small knot in the wire. Wrap the long wires around the short wires to secure the bead in place.

Repeat this process with the final two beads and coil the end wires using the round-tipped jewelry pliers.

Step 3 – Legs

To make the legs, wrap two 7-inch wires around the bottom of the second bead and one wire around the bottom of the third bead. I like using a little bit of clear E6000 glue to ensure the wires don’t swing around the beads. I also secure the black beads with a tiny bit of E6000 glue in this step.

You will want to let the glue set up for a few hours before continuing to the next step.

To shape the legs, bend each wire at a 90-degree angle approximately 1/2 to 5/8 inches from the beads, and then use the round-tipped jewelry pliers to coil the ends of the wire to make the feet.

Check that the piece will stand correctly and adjust the coils and length of the legs as needed.

Step 4 – Wings

To make the wings, you will need a paper template. You can use mine, which is linked at the bottom of this post, or you can design your own.

Cut the templates from the flattened sheet of aluminum can.

Next, use the embossing tool to draw the design into metal.

Spray both sides of the wings with silver spray paint to cover the existing print and to help the alcohol ink adhere to the metal.

Add your choice of color on the entire surface, and then add a small amount of accent color. I used brown as my accent color. You can combine and move the colors with a spritz of rubbing alcohol as desired.

Once the ink is dry, it will appear to have a dull matt finish. To seal the color and, bring back the vibrance brush on a light coat of sealer. My choice of sealer for this project is high gloss Mod Podge.

Step 5 – Final Assembly

Once the Mod Podge has dried, use a small amount of clear E6000 glue to attach the wings to the bottom of the third bead.

Once the glue has cured, adjust the wires for the final shaping.

Be sure to check out the video tutorial for more detailed instructions.

Happy Upcycling,

Cindy

Wing Template

Are you interested in starting from the beginning of this metomorpohosis?

Check out my caterpillar tutorial.