How to Create A Tin Punch Lantern

Quick and easy tin punch lanterns can add a rustic, country craft, or even chic touch to your home decor. Recycle your old coffee cans into an attractive lantern for indoor or outdoor display.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• one coffee can
• one power drill
• one string of 25 count Christmas lights (optional)
• one votive or small candle
• sand
• water
• nail
• hammer
• tin punch design

1. 
    
   A few of the item's you'll need

   Remove your aluminum or tin coffee can's lid. Fill the can with water and freeze (this keeps the can from becoming too dented during the tin punch process).

2. Choose a tin punch pattern from a free online source, pattern book, or draw your own on a sheet of paper by forming a pattern using "dots".

3. Remove your coffee can from the freezer and wrap your pattern around it, taping it in place.

4. 
    
   A sample tin punch design: St. Paddy's Day

   Use the hammer and nail to punch holes in your can following the dot design of the pattern. The harder you strike, the bigger the holes which form your design and the more light will be visible through your lantern.

5. Remove the pattern and let the ice melt in your coffee can by placing it in the sink. Wipe it dry afterwards.

6. Fill the bottom inch of your coffee can with sand and set a votive or small candle inside to create light.

7. Or drill a hole through the bottom and fill the can with a small string of christmas lights. Use wire to create a handle around the base of your lantern to hang it up in a windowsill or porch rafter, then plug in the tree lights in the nearest safe outlet.