Recycle old tin cans into functional art to add a festive touch to your indoor or outdoor decor. Lanterns and luminaries add an artistic glow to any area whether you hang them or use them as eye-catching centerpieces. You can make a whole grouping of them in a few hours for just pennies. They look great, and they'll even do double duty if you put citronella candles inside and use them to keep bugs away.
Clean the empty tin can. Fill it with water and freeze. The can is easier to hammer into when it is frozen.
2
Remove frozen tin can from freezer. Use a marker to draw your pattern directly onto the can or draw your design on paper and tape the paper to the can.
3
Lay the can on the folded towel. It will cushion the can and help when the ice begins to melt.
4
Use your hammer and nail to punch holes into the can, following your pattern. Don't forget to punch a hole in each side of the can at the top if you are going to hang it.
5
Run the can under hot water when your design is complete until all the ice melts. Allow can to dry.
6
Paint the outside and bottom of the can with rust-resistant spray paint. Allow paint to dry.
7
Cut a piece of heavy gauge jewelry wire or wire hanger to about 18 inches long using your wire cutters. Bend wire in half and curl the ends into the holes you punched for hanging. Bend up the ends so that the can is secure. You can skip this step if you are making a luminary.
8
Place between one and two inches of sand in the bottom of the can.
9
Insert your votive or tea light candle into the sand and light your lantern or luminary.
Tips & Warnings
Cover your workspace with newspaper before using spray paint.
