How to Create A Tin Punch Lantern

A tin punch lantern can add a rustic country touch to your home decor or become an addition to your seasonal decorations for Halloween or Christmas. Recycle an old coffee can into an attractive tin punch lantern for indoor or outdoor display.

Things You'll Need

• Coffee can
• Pattern
• Votive or small candle
• Sand
• Water
• Nail
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Fill the coffee can with water and freeze to keep the can from becoming too dented during the tin punch process.

2. Remove the coffee can from the freezer. Wrap the pattern you want to create around the can. Secure it with tape.

3. Punch holes in the can with a hammer and nail, following the dot design of the pattern. Tapping lightly on the nail head will create small holes; striking the nail harder will create larger holes, which will allow more light to shine through.

4. Remove the pattern from the outside of the can. Place the coffee can in the sink to let the ice inside melt. Dry the can after the ice melts.

5. Fill the bottom inch of your coffee can with sand. Place a votive or small candle on the sand to create light.

Tips & Warnings

• Another method of lighting the tin punch lantern is to drill a hole through the bottom and fill the can with a small string of Christmas lights. Use wire to create a handle for the lantern. Hang it up in a window or from a porch rafter, then plug in the tree lights.

References

• The Tukal Hut: Metal Punched Lanterns