With a little creativity, tin cans become surprisingly elegant luminaries instead of trash. Save money on expensive candle decor with this fun project.
Materials:
- Empty Tin Cans
- Candles
- Thin Nails
- Hammer
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Paper (or Tracing paper)
Instructions:
- Remove any labels or stickers from the can and clean inside and out. If your can has a jagged edge at top, use a metal file to file it down. Most safety can openers give you a clean edge.
- Measure the height and circumference of the can with the tape measure. Cut a piece of regular paper or tracing paper to these measurements.
- Fill the clean cans with water and place in the freezer.
- While the water is freezing in the cans, create a design on the paper. You can use the tracing paper to trace a design from craft books or clipart, or you can print a design directly from the web. For the more adventurous, simply draw a design on the paper.
- Check to see that the water is frozen in the cans. If so, tape your designed paper onto the can.
- Use the hammer and nails to punch dots around your design. The ice will prevent the can from bending as you hammer.
- Once you’ve punched along around your design, remove the paper and allow the ice to melt. Dry the luminary completely and place a candle inside.
- Light the candle and watch as the light plays through the holes of your design.
