Make Your Own Cookie Cutters
It can be frustrating when catering for a special event or party and not
being able to find nice cookie cutters. During December I made a variety
of Christmas cookies - and couldn't find any nice cookie cutters and
ended up making my own shapes. Recycled aluminum cans are perfect for
making your own cookie cutters.
You can make almost any shape of cookie cutter that you want. I didn't take any pics of the cookie cutters that I made, but made another one just to show you how easy it is!
You can make almost any shape of cookie cutter that you want. I didn't take any pics of the cookie cutters that I made, but made another one just to show you how easy it is!
Cut Your Cans
Before you start you need to cut the base off your recycled aluminium can. The best way to do this is to use a Dremel MultiTool and cutting disk.
If you don't have a Dremel MultiTool you can use a junior hacksaw.
With the base removed you can use tin snips or all-purpose scissors to cut a slit up the side of the can and also to remove the top rim of the aluminium can. Cut the removed section into strips about 4cm wide. DO wear gloves when doing the cutting, as the cut edges are sharp.
Once you have a nice straight strip of aluminium, use a Dremel MultiTool and grinding stone to dull the edge.
Alternatively, use 60-grit sandpaper to dull the sharp edge.
With the base removed you can use tin snips or all-purpose scissors to cut a slit up the side of the can and also to remove the top rim of the aluminium can. Cut the removed section into strips about 4cm wide. DO wear gloves when doing the cutting, as the cut edges are sharp.
Once you have a nice straight strip of aluminium, use a Dremel MultiTool and grinding stone to dull the edge.
Alternatively, use 60-grit sandpaper to dull the sharp edge.
Draw Your Cookie Shape
Draw your design to scale on a piece of paper.
You will use a pair or needle- or long-nose pliers to bend the aluminium strip into shape.
You will use a pair or needle- or long-nose pliers to bend the aluminium strip into shape.
Bend to Create the Shape for Your Cookie Cutter
It's better to work from the top down and create a mirror effect for both sides. I started at the top by bending into shape for the bunny ears.
With a scrap block of wood to serve as a straight edge, bend the aluminium strip around this to start working on curves and corners. It was tricky the first time I made a cookie cutter, but I very quickly got the hang of bending and curving the aluminium strip into shape.
With a scrap block of wood to serve as a straight edge, bend the aluminium strip around this to start working on curves and corners. It was tricky the first time I made a cookie cutter, but I very quickly got the hang of bending and curving the aluminium strip into shape.
Glue the Edges to Finish
To join the edges of the strip use epoxy glue, preferably one that cures quickly. I used Pattex extra strong clear epoxy adhesive. It took about 5
minutes to set hard. During that time I manually held the pieces
together.
So, so easy and you can recycle all your aluminium cans to make as many shapes as you like. Cookie cutters for parties, special occasions and celebrations!
Don't forget to pop onto www.Home-Dzine.co.za to see more crafty ideas and projects.
So, so easy and you can recycle all your aluminium cans to make as many shapes as you like. Cookie cutters for parties, special occasions and celebrations!
Don't forget to pop onto www.Home-Dzine.co.za to see more crafty ideas and projects.