Christmas pendants from Elvea pesto tubes

What do you need.

Lay Elvea pesto tube
Scissors (preferably old or sturdy craft scissors)
Soft surface (e.g., a folded tea towel)
Embossing pen or a pen that no longer writes
Template (printed or hand-drawn)
Prize and rope

How do I get started?

1

Prepare the tube Cut off the top and bottom of the empty tube and cut the cylinder open lengthwise. Wash the inside thoroughly and dry it. Gently smooth the metal with your hands or a wooden spoon. You now have your ‘brass sheet’.
2

Choose a template Choose a shape or motif (e.g., a star, Christmas tree, or a name). You can print this, or draw it yourself on paper and cut it out.
3

Tape your paper template to the colored exterior of the tube. This way, the beautiful gold interior will remain undamaged for the front of your pendant.
4

Embossing (raised printing) Place the metal on a soft surface (tea towel). Using the embossing pen or a blunt ballpoint pen, press firmly along the lines of your stencil. This will imprint the pattern into the metal.
5

Cut out and finish Remove the template and carefully cut the shape from the metal. Do you want more relief? Flip the shape over (to the golden side) and carefully trace the lines again to deepen them.
6

Hanging Is the metal bent? Then gently roll over it with a rolling pin. Pierce a hole in the top with an awl, thread a nice string through it, and your durable ornament is ready for the tree or as a gift tag!

⚠️ Always have young children complete this project with an adult, especially when cutting and handling the opened tube. Because we are working with recycled metal, the edges can be sharp.