Oh, it’s getting crazier and crazier as I progress on this silly, trash fashion dress. But I must confess that I am ever so pleased with how it is coming along. Perhaps it is not normal to entertain oneself with trash, but then who wants to be all that normal anyway?

So what do you think? Have I gone completely mad to be making a project such as this? Some people have asked if there is a prize for the winning outfit and as far as I know there isn’t. So why would someone spend so much time and energy on something so ridiculous?

Well, I guess all I can say is that painters paint and sculptors sculpt, and trash hoarders play with trash.

This installment requires what I calculate to be nearly 1000 can bottoms. I am still knee-deep in the assembly process, but the general design is complete. And while you may think that I am operating with a few loose wires, I can still confidentiality say that I am delighted with this project thus far.

Step 1 – Cut Cans

This project starts with a whole lot of cans, specifically the domed bottom of the can. I use a combination of knives, scissors, and tin snips to cut down the cans to make these domed shapes.

If you would like to know more about how to cut the domed bottom pieces from the can, you can find that information in this video.

Step 2 – Assembly

The design is actually pretty simple. I started with thirty long strands of heavy crochet thread grouped in three bundles of ten. Then I used a small piece of duct tape to secure the strands to the inside of the domed bottom of an aluminum can.

To create the design, I also taped a piece of crochet thread across each row, and then for each row, I separated out the strands to increase each row by one can bottom until I had all the strands separated.

Step 3 – Finishing Edges

At this point, the train weighs 3 pounds and has used a little less than 500 cans. It is also hard to handle and gets caught on everything. So with another 500 or so cans, I am working on finishing the other side of the train.

To finish the other side, I am using some metal tape and another domed piece. The domes are taped together and give the train a smooth, bubbled finish.

As you might imagine, this step takes quite a bit of time, and I am only about halfway finished. Still, you can see what the finished train will look like.

Crazy. Right?

Still, at the risk of completely dating myself, I have to say I am having a jolly good time.

Happy Upcycling,

Cindy

Find out more about this silly dress here.

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