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
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-
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.
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5
Roll each end of the towel toward can to form a barrier that will guard against slipping.
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6
Wear safety glasses.
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7
Use a large nail and hammer to poke holes in can following your design.
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8
Place finished frozen can in sink to thaw.
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9
Place 1 to 2 inches of sand in bottom of can.
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10
Insert votive or other candle into sand.
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11
Light candle.
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1
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.