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Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs


Lillypilly’s metal sheets and discs are a playful addition to your metal working collection. It is an incredibly durable, lightweight metal due to the electrochemical anodized finish. Here are some ideas to get started with your designs.

Cutting

You can use metal shears on all of the Lillypilly sheet metal from 36 gauge all the way to the thickest, 22 gauge. Cut out random shapes or standard shapes like: circles, rectangles, squares and triangles. Using the shears will give you a more organic look than what the hole punches will offer. I actually like this way the best.

Punching Shapes

The McGill paper punches work wonders with the 36 gauge sheet.  It is as thin as paper and only requires a touch more “oomph” to punch through. I had great results. If you’re looking for perfectly calibrated shapes, this is definitely the way to go.

Stamping

I recommend using a firm surface when stamping designs into the metal. My rubber block was too soft and didn’t allow me to get the letter definition that I wanted. I ended up using my metal block and was really happy with the result. You can use any of our metal stamps including the letter stamps if you want to form words like the pictured design. If you’re new to stamping, check out this tutorial on stamping metal blanks.

Creating Components

The greatest thing about these pre-made discs or sheets is that you can use them however you like by putting holes exactly where you want them.  I created a simple connector and an earring disc using just the handheld hole punch… so easy!

Adding Color

You can add color to your anodized aluminum pieces with ink pens and colored pencils! Color the areas that are silver to create unique designs. Sharpies and other permanent markers produce darker, more vibrant colors. Non-permanent ink pens and markers create softer, subtler coloring. You can use a polishing pad to remove ink from unwanted areas. When using non-permanent inks, wipe off colored areas with a damp cloth or sponge to remove ink that hasn’t penetrated into the aluminum.

Resin

Using these fabulous Lillypilly pieces as the backdrop for your resin pieces adds vibrance and depth. The colors really pop out under the resin. To use in resin, we recommend using the 36 gauge metal since it acts like paper in many ways. However, if you don’t have that on hand, any thickness can be used.

Cut out your desired shape using a paper punch (36 gauge only) or shears (any gauge metal). Once your shape is cut, secure it to the back of your bezel using an adhesive such as our Lima Studios 5 minute crystal clear epoxy or E6000. Don’t use tape on the patinated pieces–it will pull color off when you remove it. Make sure the sheet is pressed down firmly until the adhesive dries and then you’ll be ready to pour your resin.

Things to Avoid…

Here are a few things to avoid when using Lillypilly metal sheets and discs.

  • We wouldn’t recommend texturing hammers on the patinated embossed sheets or the patterned anodized aluminum
  • Stamping on a soft rubber block doesn’t give a great impression in the metal
  • Don’t try to use paper punches on sheets heavier than 36 gauge. You may break your punch.




Read the comments (or add your own)

  1. No Photo

    On Jan 12, 2012 at 10:50 pm #

    rrobis1120 says:

    Do you have to do anything to the edges of the metal pieces that are cut out? I would think the edges are sharp.

  2. Harmony on Strings

    On Jan 14, 2012 at 10:19 pm #

    Harmony on Strings says:

    I use an emory board to smooth them off a bit but would like a better way

  3. Beadlady3 aka Cindy

    On Jan 19, 2012 at 9:28 am #

    Beadlady3 aka Cindy says:

    I use a 4-way nail buffer to smooth the edges! It is finer than an emory board and you can also get some nice shine.

  4. No Photo

    On Mar 28, 2012 at 2:17 pm #

    C Flanery says:

    When I cut the shapes with my metal shears some of the patina flakes off,especially on the edges. Do I need to seal it first? If so, which sealer do you recommend?

  5. Kris

    On Apr 04, 2012 at 5:58 pm #

    Kris says:

    Oh…the possibilities! :)

  6. grayscrafts

    On May 11, 2012 at 4:21 am #

    grayscrafts says:

    How about cutting them out using a jeweler’s saw and then finish the edges off using flat file and polishing papers?
    As I understand, you can’t solder on LiliPillies. Do you need to seal them before using resin, or there is no color bleed?

  7. No Photo

    On Jul 26, 2012 at 9:57 pm #

    Margot R says:

    is it possible to run these sheets through a rolling mill? I’d like to transfer some designs on to silver sheet.

  8. No Photo

    On Jul 27, 2012 at 10:30 am #

    P Way says:

    Do you make larger sheets; specifically 4 x 4, or 4 x 6, or 6 x 6? I am interested in wrapping a wood frame on a mirror.

  9. No Photo

    On Aug 16, 2012 at 3:10 pm #

    L Marcario says:

    I was wondering about the rolling mill as well and would purchase some if they can be used that way. Thanks Laura

  10. Kate

    On Aug 23, 2012 at 11:17 am #

    Kate says:

    Thinking about using a rolling mill? The sheets are very thin– the impressions are probably not going to be deep enough to even show up if you run these through the roller.

    Regarding sealing your pieces– the embellishments are raw and have not been sealed so if you’re experiencing loss, I do recommend sealing it with any of the sealers from our website or as LillyPilly recommends paste wax (which you can pick up at your local hardware store).

  11. S Golden

    On Mar 15, 2013 at 5:15 pm #

    S Golden says:

    I would like larger sheets, 6×6 would be nice.

  12. No Photo

    On Mar 21, 2013 at 12:44 pm #

    N Kimmons says:

    I would like larger sheets as well

  13. No Photo

    On Mar 30, 2013 at 4:40 am #

    M gates says:

    how about larger sheets?

  14. Kevin

    On Apr 24, 2013 at 12:45 pm #

    Kevin says:

    Just checked into the larger sheets. It doesn’t appear that we’ll be able to get 6×6, but we are considering 3×6. This would allow them to be wrapped for cuffs, etc. Stay tuned!

  15. No Photo

    On May 27, 2013 at 11:28 am #

    Sassy Bohemian says:

    I keep looking at these but I just can’t decide what I would do with them. I’m new at using different mediums but do have a bohemian style. Thoughts from anyone?

Add your thoughts!

  1. No Photo

    On Jun 18, 2013 at 12:06 pm

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