Axl J. Amistaadt began as a part-time amateur freelance writer in 1985, turned professional in 2005, and became a full-time writer in 2007. Amistaadt’s major focus is publishing material for GardenGuides. Areas of expertise include home gardening, horticulture, alternative and home remedies, pets, wildlife, handcrafts, cooking, and juvenile science experiments.
SUPPLIES
- Wood coffee table with 48"x24" top
- Styrofoam sheet, 48" x 24" x 1"
- About 1200 to 1300 bottle caps
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Wood glue
- Can of finishing resin
- Small paint brush
- Hobby knife or box cutter
- Old credit card
Overview
If you collect bottle caps, you may simply have them squirreled away in cans or containers for lack of a way to display them, especially if you have hundreds of them. This fun project will not only provide you with a way to creatively display your collection, but will produce a functional work of art as well. If you don't think that you have enough bottle caps saved to complete your project, visit local pubs and ask the bartenders to save them for you.
Step 1
Set the Styrofoam sheet on the wooden table top. Use the ruler to divide the sheet horizontally into three equal sections, 48"x4" each, and mark the dividing lines with a pencil. Cut the Styrofoam on these lines with a hobby knife or box cutter.
Step 2
Flip the top piece over and coat it evenly on the back side with wood glue. Turn it back over and press it firmly into place on the table top. Repeat this for each of the other two sections of Styrofoam. Make sure that you are completely and evenly covering the table top with the sections of foam sheets. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly according to the package instructions.
Step 3
Choose a corner and press a bottle cap firmly into the Styrofoam. Begin adding caps one at a time in a straight line, either vertically or horizontally, placing them as close to each other as possible. Complete a single line down or across before starting a new one. Be as creative as you like, and make a mosaic-like design or pattern with bottle caps. Just keep going until the entire Styrofoam sheet has bottle caps stuck into it.
Step 4
Apply finishing resin to the bottle caps with a small paint brush. Use even strokes either back and forth or up and down, until all of the caps are coated with the resin. Smooth the coating of resin with an old credit card, if you wish. Allow the resin to set and cure overnight. Enjoy your artwork.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : If you have plenty of caps, add some to the legs and sides of the table.
