How to Make Christmas Lanterns

Create tin Christmas lanterns from soup cans that can illuminate dark winter nights. You can place a row of these lanterns along your walkway or on your porch. They will put even the biggest Grinch in the Christmas mood.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Empty soup can
• Water
• Freezer
• Paper
• Pencil
• Tape
• Towel
• Hammer
• Nail or center punch
• Warm water

1. Clean the inside of an empty soup can. Fill the can with water and put it into your freezer for 24 hours, or as long as it takes to freeze solid.

2. Cut a piece of paper the same height as the can and wide enough to wrap around it. Cut one out for each can.

3. Draw a simple holiday design onto the paper with a pencil. You can draw a snowflake, a snowman, a Christmas tree, a star, a wreath, a cross or whatever you desire.

4. Wrap the paper around the can of frozen water and tape it securely at the seam.

5. Fold a towel several times until it is thick and lay it on a table. Lay the can on its side on the towel. Use a hammer and nail or center punch to punch holes into the can along the edges of your holiday design. Remove the paper when you are done with your design.

6. Place the can into warm water until all the ice is melted.

7. Place your lantern outside along your walkway, driveway or on your porch. Put a small candle inside and light it to create a beautiful Christmas mood.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also create these lanterns for other occasions, such as birthdays or festivals.
• Place an inch of sand at the bottom of your soup can if you want to keep it from tipping.
• Have an adult help you when using the hammer and when lighting candles.