How to Make a Copper Foil Luminary

A copper foil luminary is a rustic look that goes with almost any décor. You can change the design of the luminary with the seasons to enhance your home décor. These luminaries are so simple to make, you can also make several for your friends and family. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

• 30 or 40 gauge copper foil, 6-by-12 inches
• Gloves
• Tin snips or metal-cutting scissors
• Paper
• Dull stylus-an old ballpoint pen will do
• Hole punch
• Small nail
• Brads
• Heat-proof plate
• Candle

Instructions

1. Measure and cut your piece of copper foil. Since the edges are sharp, it is best to wear gloves. Smooth all the wrinkles out of the foil.

2. Create your design on a piece of 6-by-12 inch paper. Leave about ½ inch on both ends for the seam. You can make floral designs, swirls, geometric shapes or whatever pleases you. As you design your work, create a series of dots as well. These indicate where to punch holes to let the candle light shine.

3. Place the copper foil on your worktable. Lay the pattern on top. With a dull ballpoint pen or any other dull object, trace your design onto the foil. Remove the pattern and retrace the pattern with the stylus to emboss it deeper into the foil. Be careful to not go all the way through the foil with the stylus.

4. Use the hole punch to punch holes into the foil. If the punch doesn't reach into the center portion of the foil, use a small nail to poke the holes.

5. Make three holes on one side of the foil. Roll the foil into a cylinder. Mark where the holes should go to match. Hole punch three more holes. Fasten the cylinder together.

6. Set the candle on a heatproof plate. Slide the luminary around the candle. Light the candle, and enjoy your artwork.