How to Make a Tin Lantern

Tin lanterns make attractive garden lights and are easy to make. You can add handles to hang them from a line or the rafters of a porch canopy. You can also bring their quaint beauty indoors by placing them on a windowsill or mantle. Older children can help you make the lanterns and even younger children can contribute to the designing process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Empty tin cans
• Water
• Freezer
• Nail
• Hammer
• Permanent marker
• Stiff metal wire or sand
• Tea lights

1. Remove any labels or glue residue from the tin cans by soaking them in warm water. Use the marker to make a design on the cans. Do this by making dots in the shape you desire.

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

3. Remove the cans from the freezer. With the hammer and nail, begin punching holes where you drew your dots. The ice inside the cans will keep the tin from bending or warping under the hammer blows. If you will be making a hanging lantern, punch two holes on opposite sides of the can a half-inch below the rim.

4. For a hanging lantern, take a 10-inch length of wire and insert an end through each of the two holes on the top of the can. Twist the ends so they are secure in the can. Place a tea light inside the can and hang it up.

5. For a sitting tin lantern, place one to two inches of sand in the bottom of the can and set your tea light on that. Light the tea light and enjoy the warm glow through your punched design.

Tips & Warnings

• Use led tea lights to avoid the fire danger of actual candles. Paint your tin cans with enamel paint after punching your design.
• Wear goggles when punching your design to avoid injury. Punched tin has sharp edges, so be cautious when handling.

Resources

• More Ideas to Use Up Old Tin Cans.