How to Make a Tin Can Lantern

Add a festive glow to your outdoor picnic or barbecue with recycled cans and candles. You can also make a few lanterns for the holidays to include in your centerpieces.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Crayons
• Old Towels
• Paints Or Glitter
• Sand
• Used Tin Cans
• Votive Candles
• Marking Pens
• 16 Penny Nails
• Hammers
• Safety Goggles

1. Clean any size empty tin can.

2. Fill can with water and place in freezer until water is frozen.

3. Draw designs on frozen can with a marker or crayon.

4. Lay can in middle of large bath towel.

5. Roll each end of the towel toward can to form a barrier that will guard against slipping.

6. Wear safety glasses.

7. Use a large nail and hammer to poke holes in can following your design.

8. Place finished frozen can in sink to thaw.

9. Place 1 to 2 inches of sand in bottom of can.

10. Insert votive or other candle into sand.

11. Light candle.

Tips & Warnings

• Besides the punched-in design, you can add wire for a handle or decorate the can with glitter or paint.

• If you want the lantern to have a handle, place a nail hole at top of can on opposite sides and string a wire through the holes.

• Gloves will keep your hands warm when working with the frozen can.

• Use candle pieces to make your own candles. (See "How to Make Candles" under Related eHows.)

• Be careful when marking the can with a crayon or marking pen; avoid leaving marks that can be seen when the can is finished. This is especially important if you don't plan to paint the can.