How to Punch Circles in Decorative Tins

Turn an old tin can into a work of art.

Decorative tins are nice to hang in a house, yard or garden. They not only look nice, but once you punch holes into the tin, it allows light to shine through, emitting a soft glow in a decorative pattern. This can create quite an effect in the evening if you have several tins set up around a room or garden. You can purchase tins or simply recycle tin cans that you use in your daily cooking. The only other items that are necessary are nails and a hammer, so it is a cheap craft to make at home.

Things You'll Need

• Tin can
• Hammer
• Nail
• Tea candle
• String (optional)
• Paper pattern and tape (optional)

Instructions

1. Create a pattern on a piece of paper if you wish, instead of free-handing a design. Tap the design to the tin can.

2. Lay the can on its side on a table or workbench.

3. Hammer the nail into the can. If you hammer in just the tip, the hole will be very small. Hammering the nail in all the way creates a larger hole. Also, the larger the nail, the larger the hole will be.

4. Take the nail out and hammer it in to another spot. You can follow your design or make it up as you go along. Just be sure to place your holes about 1/2 inch apart so that each hole is distinct and does not run into another hole.

5. Finish your design and place your can where it can be clearly shown. Place a tea candle inside to see the light shine through.

6. Punch two holes at the top of the tin can on opposite sides. Thread a string through the holes and knot it securely. Now you can hang the tin from a tree or hook. Just be sure that a candle will not catch the string or tree branches on fire.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray paint the outside of the can to give it a little extra color. Just make sure the paint fully dries before adding a lit candle.

References

• Kinder Art: Tin Punch Art
• Thrifty Fun: Tin Punching
• Craft Town: Punching Tin