Cans Craft artisan keycaps

Can Craft – Art from the Forgotten

In our Jelly Key studio, every piece tells a story. Can Craft was born from the belief that beauty doesn’t only exist in perfection, but also lies hidden in the dents, the marks of time that life leaves behind.

We begin by collecting used cans – not randomly, but through careful curation of each piece. Every dent, every faded color is a unique signature, telling the story of its journey from factory to consumer. The most distinctive dents become the inspiration for our keycap designs.

Using sculpting clay, we meticulously recreate every detail: the deep impressions, the metal creases, the asymmetrical curves. The greatest challenge is adjusting the scale so the keycap remains compact while preserving the authentic feel of a crushed can. We experiment with various “dent” styles, creating dynamic effects while ensuring balance when multiple keycaps sit side by side.

Complex silicone molding techniques allow us to capture every dent, every contour of the sculpted model with precision. This is the decisive step in creating the final sculptural piece. Recreating the metallic surface – especially the can’s top and bottom – proved to be the greatest challenge in this crafting process.

We mix resin colors to authentically reproduce the familiar hues of popular soda brands. We employ special techniques to create dented metallic effects with varying levels of shine, rather than just a monotonous glossy surface. Every logo, every tiny line of text on the can is cast with meticulous attention to detail.

After casting, we sand, finish surfaces, and carefully remove excess material. Each ring on the can’s top receives careful attention. The final coating must achieve a smooth gloss, mimicking the original appearance of the can before it underwent its transformative journey.

Can Craft isn’t just art – it’s a reminder about recycling and the lifecycle of everyday objects. Aluminum can be recycled almost infinitely, and collecting and recycling soda cans is essential for our environment. This represents the perfect fusion of art and planetary stewardship.

When you place a Can Craft keycap on your keyboard, you’re not merely pressing a key – you’re touching a miniature sculpture. It delivers a sensation that’s both familiar and unique – as if it carries its own story with every keystroke. This keycap set proves that art can exist everywhere, even on your keyboard.