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How to Make a Tin Can Luminary

  • April 8, 2010 7:21 pm
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Tin can luminaries are a fun, easy craft project for all ages. They are great for any holiday and only limited by yourimagination! You can transfer any simple shape onto a tin can tocreate a beautiful candle holder for any occasion.

I chose to make luminaries for Christmas this year. You canchoose any simple design to transfer onto your tin can. I used afavorite clip art program on my computer to look for easyChristmas designs to print out. I chose a Christmas tree, asnowman, and a pair of gingerbread men.

Here’s what you need to get started:

- Empty tin cans (washed and labels removed)

- Design to transfer onto can

It is easiest to punch the holes in your tin can if you freezesome water in it first. Fill the can with water, leaving 1/4inch space at the top for the ice to expand. Place in freezeruntil frozen. Your can may bulge a little at the bottom while inthe freezer, but after you remove the ice you can use the hammerto flatten out the bottom of the can.

You might want to freeze a couple more cans then you think you’llneed in case you make a mistake and have to start over again.

After the ice has frozen, take the tin can from the freezer andtape your design to the can. I used packing tape, but you canalso use duct tape. The tape won’t stick to the cold can, butyou can wrap the tape all the way around the can so it will stickto the paper.

If you don’t have a design on paper, you can also draw a designon the can freehand with a permanent marker. You can also justpunch the design freehand without drawing it first.

Lay the can on a folded dish towel so the towel will catch theice chips that try to escape. It will also hold the can inplace. Using the hammer and nail, tap holes around the border ofyour design, trying to punch holes evenly and not too closetogether. You want a simple design so that when you see only theholes in the can you will be able to tell what it is!

After punching the holes, remove the paper and tape and admireyour design. It is really so easy! If you plan to hang yourluminary, also punch two holes at the top of the can. You canmake a handle out of wire (from a craft store) or a wire coathanger.

Place the tin can under running warm water to melt the ice. Drythe can with a towel and place a votive candle in the bottom. You will need a long lighter or match to light the candle.

To further decorate your tin can luminary, you can spray paintthe can any color you wish. Be creative!

This is a great family project. Just make sure kids have adultsupervision while using the hammer and nails. Have fun!

Photos of project:crafty-moms.com/tin-can-luminary.shtml

How to Make a Tin Can Luminary