How to Make Cheap Candle Holders and Candle Lanterns

Candle holders and candle lanterns are easy and cheap to make. They are great gifts for the home or for outdoor decoration. A tealight candle holder brightens a coffee table or a mantle. These unique candle holders also add extra light in the yard. Hang a lantern candle holder from a tree or a porch. There are so many creative ways to make metal candle holders. This article explains how to make cheap candle holders and candle lanterns.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Coffee can
• tealight candles
• Small nails
• Small hammer
• Water
• Freezer
• Sharpie marker
• Copper wire
• Spray paint

1. Draw simple shapes, such as stars and crescent moons, with a permanent marker (sharpie markers work well) on the outside of the coffee can.

2. Fill coffee can with water, but do not fill the can completely. Leave about an inch of space because the water will expand as it freezes. Place the can in the freezer and wait until it is frozen solid.

3. Place a small nail at the beginning of one of the shapes at the top of the can. Start piercing holes at the top of the can because it will melt first. Lightly tap the hammer on the nail until it goes through the other side of the can. Repeat holes along the lines of the shapes. Work around the can and then move down until every shape on the can is complete.

4. Place the can under warm tap water until the ice melts. Let the can dry. Spray paint the can desired color or leave it be for a more rustic look.

5. To create a candle lantern simply place two holes on opposite sides at the top of the can and insert thin gauge copper wire through the holes. Copper wire is perfect for hanging on a tree or a porch because it bends easily.

Tips & Warnings

• Begin puncturing holes on the top of the can because it will melt first. It is more difficult to penetrate the metal once the water starts to melt.
• Refreeze as necessary.

[grimsleygl]

on 8/31/2009 How fun! Thanks for the great ideas. 5*'s

[lighthouse1958]

on 8/24/2009 My sister in law makes candles and holders. I have never seen one but she has told me about them. It sounds like it would be fun. 5*

[oxymora]

on 8/22/2009 Great idea. I never would have thought about punching the holes with frozen water inside the can.

[onenight]

on 8/21/2009 Quick n easy! Good idea! I gave it 5 stars & Recommended ya. =)

[rachelsuecmpbl]

on 8/12/2009 This is such a cool idea- I am saving all of my coffee cans now!! thanks, 5*s