Upcycled Tin Can Earrings with Faux Engraved Designs

July 30, 2024September 17, 2024 by Cindy @ Upcycle Design Lab

In today’s post, I will share three methods for adding an engraved look to some upcycled tin can earrings using specialty papers instead of an engraving machine.

Check out the full tutorial in the video below.

Preparing The Cans

The first step is to empty and clean the can.

You can work with the can once it is cleaned or do further processing to rust the can which will make the metal easier to work with.

This video will show you how I treat the cans, rusting them and flattening them into a metal sheet.

Once the cans are flattened, I add my preferred paint color to both sides of the metal.

You can design your own templates or use mine, which are provided at the bottom of this post.

Faux Engraving Method 1 – Sticker Tatoo Paper

This was my least favorite option but it did work. This paper only measures 4″×5″, so it is a little more challenging to print on.

Once the design was printed, I cut out the earring shape, leaving a little excess on the edges.

Next, I peeled back a small portion of the sticker and carefully applied it to the painted metal sheet.

Then I used an embossing tool to press the design into the groves of the metal an push out any air bubbles.

Once that was completed, the earrings were ready to be cut out and finished.

Faux Engraving Method 2 – Two-Part Tatoo Paper

This method uses a different type of tattoo paper, which comes in two parts, each is full sized 8 1/2″ × 11.”

I printed and trimmed my earring design as in the first example.

Next, I cut a piece of sticky transfer paper similar in size and applied it to the design.

I used a scraper tool to ensure the two papers were secured with no air bubbles.

Then, I trimmed off the excess paper, leaving an edge around the outside of the design, and peeled off the plastic layer. This left an adhesive layer on top of the printed design.

To apply this design to the metal, you place the printed side down on the material.

Note: This is the only method in which the image will be flipped. If you are using text, you will need to mirror the design before printing.

Again, I used my embossing tool to press the design into the ribbed surface.

I applied a small amount of water to the paper backing and waited 30 seconds before sliding the paper from the design.

I used a soft paintbrush to smooth out any air bubbles and then allowed the pieces to dry before cutting and finishing the earrings.

Faux Engraving Method 3 – Waterslide Paper

The final method uses waterslide paper. This paper also fits directly in a printer.

If you choose this paper, you will also need to apply a spray sealer as a top coat to keep the ink from smudging.

Once the sealer is dry, you can trim out the shapes again, leaving a little excess on the edges.

Next, place the paper in a water bath for 30 seconds.

Then, gently slide the image off the paper and onto the metal.

Again, I used my paintbrush to smooth out any air bubbles and allowed the pieces to dry before cutting.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison, including actual engraving with the Sculpfun Laser Engraver: From left to right, laser-engraved earrings, sticker tattoo paper, two-part tattoo paper, and waterslide paper.