How to Make Paper Candle Lanterns

A soup can is a good size for a paper lantern.

A simple paper lantern with a candle inside can light up the night and create a cozy atmosphere. Place a few around a room for a romantic evening. You can easily poke holes in a soup can with a hammer and nail, creating designs for the candle light to peek through. Wrap colored paper around that and you have a alluring paper lantern that won't catch on fire.

Things You'll Need

• Soup can, or can of the same size
• Newspapers
• Paper
• Watercolor paint
• Small paint brush
• Towel
• Nail
• Hammer
• Double-sided tape

Instructions

1. Fill a can the size of a soup can to the top with water. Place in the freezer and give it a few hours to freeze, then remove it when it's frozen. The frozen water keeps the can from bending out of shape when you hit it with a hammer and nail.

2. Place an 8 1/2-by-11 piece of paper on newspapers. Paint on the paper with watercolors. Paint a swirling, multicolored design with the colors touching each other so the entire paper is filled, then set it aside to dry.

3. Place a towel on a hard work surface and place the frozen can on the towel. Hold the point of a nail against the can and hammer a design into the can.

4. Defrost the can into a sink or bucket when you are finished creating your design. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

5. Place the painted paper around the dry can and tape it in place with double-sided tape. Place a small tea-light candle into the can.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a swirling design, a geometric design, random polka dots, or a design of your choosing on the can.