Empty beverage cans featuring game and anime characters are everywhere these days. Some folks collect them, others can't even bring themselves to drink from them, turning them into display pieces instead. But have you ever thought about turning those cans into something entirely new?
Recently, a Japanese YouTube channel called "ワンルーム／One Room" dropped a video showing how to DIY those empty cans into wearable badges, and it's been blowing up on YouTube! Fans are absolutely clamoring to learn this clever trick.
The star of this DIY show? The Hirohiko Araki x Yebisu Beer collaboration can featuring the "Dress-Up Beauty" illustration. For many fans, this one's practically impossible to toss! Faced with such a divine, JOJO-esque illustration – with its incredible composition and color scheme – One Room admitted, "The colors and composition are just too perfect; I couldn't bring myself to throw it away after drinking." So, they decided to transform Araki-sensei's artwork into a custom metal badge.
▼ Here's a look at the basic tools you'll need: a cotton swab container lid (for shaping), scissors, pliers, a pen, a utility knife, and super glue. Oh, and of course, a "DIY badge kit" which you can usually snag at a 100-yen shop or on Amazon Japan.
First up, use a utility knife to score the empty can, then grab your scissors and cut out the desired illustration, making sure to leave a little extra room.
(Heads up! Aluminum can edges are super sharp, so be extra careful not to cut yourself during this step.)
Next, press a badge component from your kit onto the aluminum piece to leave an imprint, then trace the outline on the back with a pen. To account for folding the edges, you'll then trace a second, larger circle using the cotton swab lid, making it slightly bigger than the badge itself.
After that, make small cuts along the inner circle, then slowly fold the edges inward towards the back. If any corners are too pointy, use pliers to smooth them out.
Finally, secure the pin backing with super glue, and boom! Your custom "aluminum can badge" is complete! One Room even pinned the finished product onto their custom denim bag, making it a perfect on-the-go accessory.
One crucial tip for crafting: always double-check the center of your illustration before tracing. One Room confessed that their first attempt was off-center, leading them to create an improved version later.
Loads of netizens are absolutely raving about this DIY hack! Many who collect these character cans probably never imagined they could be transformed into badges this way. Plus, it's not even that hard to make, making it super accessible and easy to learn.
Of course, you don't *have* to use aluminum cans. But if you've got similar items you'd like to turn into badges, this method is totally adaptable and easy to pick up. So, if you get the chance, why not give it a shot? You might even get creative and make other cool stuff!
▼ Check out the full crafting video: