If the creative potential of some objects and materials we have at home immediately catches the eye, in other cases it is more difficult to imagine new uses. This is the case of aluminum trays, food containers that once used end up directly in the garbage.
Yet aluminum is a very versatile material, recyclable in a thousand different ways, as evidenced by the DIY ideas that we have carefully selected. It also allows you to experiment with the famous embossed technique, thanks to which you can create relief figures with a unique charm.
Leaves
Let’s start with the leaves, which is by far the simplest thing to do: take the tray, draw some leaves on it with a pencil and cut them out with scissors. Trace the veins with the pencil after placing the leaves on a piece of cardboard. Turn the leaves and use them for your creative projects: you can make garlands, place cards, hang them in front of a glass window.
Christmas tree decorations
Do you want to experiment with the embossed technique to make DIY Christmas decorations? Follow these simple steps.
Garlands
With the same technique you can make Christmas stars, which can be used to create a beautiful garland by joining them with string.
Portraits
If you have a creative flair, you could even turn the trays into portraits. Or you decide on the subject and once the embossing is completed, hang the tray on the wall like a real painting.
Punched rooster
If you want to try an alternative technique, take inspiration from Suzy’s Sitcom tutorial, which explains step by step how to make a punched rooster.
All you need is an aluminum tray, a knitting needle, a towel (or a felt mat), hot glue, acrylic paint and a frame. In this case you will have to make small holes along the outline of the subject. Patience is required but the result is spectacular.
