Convert a Used Can into a Rustic Lantern

You don’t have to purchase expensive lighting for your patio, deck, or garden, not when you can have the pleasure creating your own lighting. All it takes is a simple, rustic lantern made from a can. Whether you choose to make one or several lanterns to add to the ambiance of your outside area, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have done it yourself. To do this, follow the 10 simple steps below:

Items You Will Need:

• A tin can or an assortment of cans (with labels removed and washed thoroughly) if you’re making more than one lanturn
• Towel
• Assortment of acrylic craft paint
• Paint brushes
• Safety eyewear
• Hammer
• Large, sharp nail

Step 1 – Fill Empty Can with Water
Fill your empty, cleaned tin can with water nearly to the top, then place the can in the freezer until the water is completely frozen.

Step 2 – Paint your Can
You may paint the outside of your can, after the label has been removed, with the color--or colors--of your choice. Of course, you may choose to have a more rustic looking can and leave it unpainted.

Step 3 – Draw Designs on Your Can
With a black marker, draw a very simple design on the can. The more simple the design, the easier it will be to punch out.

Step 3 – Roll out Large Towel
Using a large towel as a protective barrier when punching the can, place your can in the middle of the towel. Now, roll each side of the towel towards the center where the can is sitting. The towel, acting as a protective barrier is needed so that the can will remain as stationary as possible.

Step 4 – Put on the Safety Eyewear
Place the safety eyewear over your eyes to protect them.

Step 5 – Punch out the Design
You can now begin punching out the design you have created on your can, using the hammer and the large, sharp nail to chisel out the design. Punch nail holes with the hammer and large nail continuously around the outline of your design. You’ve probably realized at this point, that the reason you have used cans filled with frozen water is to allow you to make holes in he can without crushing, or creating large indentations in, the can.

Step 6 – Thaw the Can
Having completed the design of your can or cans, leave the cans in your sink to thaw.

Step 7 – Dry the Can
Once the water in the cans has thawed, empty the water and dry the can.

Step 8 – Punch out the Design
Carefully remove the part of the can that has been separated from the can when you created the design in the can. Be careful not to damage the can.

Step 9 – Place Sand in the Can
In the dried cans, place one to two inches of sand (or salt) in the bottom to act as ballast.

Step 10 – Place Votive Candle in Can
Now place small votive candles in the bottom of the can, anchoring them carefully. Your candles are now ready to light and enjoy.