How to Make Tin Punched Lanterns

Votive candles work well for lanterns.

Landfills are filling up with items that could be recycled. You'll enjoy this project for discarded empty tin cans when you make creative and useful outdoor lanterns out of them. Homemade punched lanterns will decorate your patio table and will also hang from low tree branches. Large cans sitting on porch steps are a creative welcome when punched with pumpkins for Halloween or evergreen trees for Christmas. Keep a few cans handy for a rainy day project or when inspiration strikes.

Things You'll Need

• Tin can
• Sand
• Marker
• Paper
• Tape
• Nail
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Collect empty tin cans in a variety of sizes. Remove the label and rinse the inside of the can. Keep the bottom of the can intact.

2. Fill the tin can with sand about 1/2 inch from the top. Add enough water to cover the sand and place in your freezer. Once frozen, the sand and water will provide a hard surface to pound nails into without denting the tin.

3. Trace a pattern on paper for the can design. Sketch a leaf design and include the veins of the leaf, or a Valentine heart, or make the shape of a candle. Be certain the paper will wrap around the can because the paper will be taped and tape will not stick to the frozen can.

4. Remove the frozen can from the freezer and place on a folded bath towel. The towel will cushion the can while hammering. Tape the template to the can.

5. Select a nail to punch the holes. You will want a nail hole large enough for light to shine through. The larger the hole, the more space will be needed between each hole to keep the tin from splitting.

6. Place the end of the nail onto the trace line and hit the nail head with the hammer. Pull out the nail and continue following the trace line to make the punched design. Spacing between each punch will vary depending on the size of the nail, however, 1/4 inch will work in most cases.

7. Remove the template and place the can in a bucket until the ice melts. Add about 1 inch of sand to the bottom and press the candle firmly into the sand.

Tips & Warnings

• Punch two holes directly across from one another near the top of the can. Insert thin wire and use to hang the cans.

• Spray paint the cans, if desired, or leave silver.

• Never leave a burning candle lantern unattended.

References

• Fine Gardening: How to Make Garden Lanterns