Sometimes a craft idea hits me so quickly I need to drop whatever I’m doing and get started right away. This is what happened to me a couple of evenings ago whilst I was drinking a soda (it’s my only vice) and looking at my calendar. Here is how my brain works…”Valentine’s Day is coming up -> Hearts -> Metal can in my hand -> Recycle -> Metal Craft -> Mexican Tin Folk Craft -> Mexican Milagro Heart Decoration DIY Craft Project!” Ever Free Coloring
Sometimes I wonder how I get anything done at all with all these ideas bouncing around in my head all the time. But I’m so glad I gave this one a try because I really love how they turned out and the fact that they use recycled materials (I had everything on hand) was a real bonus.
These colourful Mexican Folk Art inspired Decorations look so pretty displayed on a wall, or as part of a vignette. They make a lovely gift that is easily posted (just wrap it up well so they don’t get squished).
Traditionally Milagros (which literally means miracle in spanish) are used as religious folk charms to symbolise a prayer, or something to be grateful for. More commonly these days Milagros are used as decorative items. Farm Animal Coloring Pages
They come in many designs but hearts can represent the human heart, and it might be connected with cares of worries over a heart condition, or the love that one person feels for another.
I like the idea that you may make a little tin heart and think of a person you care about. Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift to them to remind them of you. You will need:
Tin heart supplies
– Aluminum drink can (washed)
– Scrap cardboard
– Craft Knife
– Scissors (not your best fabric ones)
– Ball tipped burnishing tool (I’ve used a nail art dotting tool, but an old ballpoint pen will work too)
– Hammer
– Blunt Nail
– Pencil and Paper for your design sketch
– Porcelain & Glass Markers (Sharpies will work also)
How to:
Take Care: Please use caution when cutting and handling aluminum can as edges are very sharp and can cut you. This craft is not suitable for kids and is for display only where minimal handling is required.
Firstly measure the height and diameter of the can, that will be the maximum size of your piece.
Sketch a design on a piece of paper that fits the size of your measurements.
1. Use a craft knife to cut a slit in the top and bottom edges of can.
2. Finish cutting with scissors to remove top and bottom of can.
3. Cut can open.
4. Flatten out can by rubbing the back side on the edge of a table to take out the curl.
5. With cardboard as a work surface, trace your design onto your metal sheet with the ball tipped tool.
6. You should be able to faintly see the design embossed in the metal.
7. On the top side of the metal, emboss the lines with the ball tool.
8. On the reverse (printed side), rub the center of the heart in little circular motions.
9. You should start to see some the shapes really popping out, it takes time so be patient.
10. Next work on the wings and crown area until you are happy with the over all effect.
11. (This part is optional but I think it adds to the authenticity) With the hammer and blunt nail, gently punch a design around the heart shape, trying not to punch right through the metal if you can help it.
12. Just do your best, it doesn’t matter if it isn’t perfect.
13. Cut out shape with scissors leaving a 2-3mm edge.
14. With the ball tipped tool, press little ridges in the edges to add texture.
15. Here is the finished metal work.
16. Paint your design with glass markers or sharpies. I found the glass marker gave a lovely translucent enamel like finish, but they took several hours to dry so be careful of colours bleeding.
This terrible artificial lighting actually does a good job of showing off how the metal shines through the glass paint. It’s hard to capture the luminosity in daylight. Leave to dry if required. If you want to hang them you can punch a little nail hole in the top.
All done! What do you think? I really loved how they turned out. It’s hard to capture the luminosity of the metal through the paint in the photograph, they actually look a lot prettier in real life. I’m looking forward to sketching out some different designs and making some more soon. Do you like Mexican Folk Art?
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