Tin Can Luminarias
inexpensive decorative accent
for garden entertaining.
Even on a breezy summer evening, these inexpensive luminarias will set a festive mood on your deck or patio. Constructed from discarded cans, they can be any size that works for a votive candle. Although they may seem rustic to our modern eyes, punched tin lanterns have a long and distinguished history.
See below for instructions for creating these lovely night lights.
is appreciated, such as on a
buffet table.
Remove the labels, tops, and bottoms of the cans. (For our project, we used 26-ounce cans.) Wash thoroughly. Use an old-fashioned beer can opener to make triangular holes around the perimeter of the top and bottom of each can. Wear work gloves, and beware of sharp edges. Curl the flaps of metal loosely around the rims of the can.
With a hammer and a sharp nail or awl, carefully punch additional holes in a pattern on the surface of each can. Aim for simple, stylized patterns. Work with a spare can or two for practice. If the can creases, insert a block of wood into the can to provide support while making the punch holes.
Place each can in a terra-cotta saucer with a votive candle inside. For taller bases, glue a pair of saucers bottom to bottom. Vary the tall and short bases on your deck, patio, and tabletop for lively decorative interest.
I also froze water in the cans, I made them for halloween, black cats, and witches. in large coffee cans, the bottom of my cans bowed out, but wwere easy to knock back in. In answer to Jssharpe, its so easy to find patterns on the internet, simple coloring pages are great. Words are also great, just draw out what you want with a felt marker first.
7/17/2011 02:44:44 PM Report AbuseI made a tin can luminary. The instructions had me freeze water in the cans in order to poke the holes in it. It worked great. No worries about it bending. Have fun. You definitely have to watch the kids though. The cans like to move. I cradled it in a blanket to help hold it in place. When the ice melts enough just dump it out and voila you have a luminary. They are really fun to make. Use your imagination.
3/9/2010 09:36:38 AM Report Abuse