Decide on a design for your punched-tin decorations. You can draw the pattern out ahead of time on a piece of graph paper and tape it to the can as a guide. Alternatively, you can freehand a design without marking it ahead of time. Knitting patterns, wallpaper, textiles, and folk art are all great inspiration sources for patterns!
All you need to do to get started on this eco-friendly summer craft project is gather the following materials:
With your newly gathered used tin cans, remove labels, and clean thoroughly. Fill each can with water and freeze overnight until solid. The ice stabilizes the can and prevents it from bending when you punch holes in them later.
Decide on a design for your punched-tin decorations. You can draw the pattern out ahead of time on a piece of graph paper and tape it to the can as a guide. Alternatively, you can freehand a design without marking it ahead of time. Knitting patterns, wallpaper, textiles, and folk art are all great inspiration sources for patterns!
Cradle the frozen tin can in a folded towel (to prevent the can from moving and to catch ice chips). Position a sharp, narrow nail above each mark on your pattern and gently tap it 3-4 times with the hammer until just the point has punched the tin can. Repeat for each mark until you have completed your pattern.
Rinse the can under a hot tap until the ice block pops out and allow the can to dry.
If you want to add color to your new punched-tin lantern, you can create a variety of fun, shiny designs by simply using colorful permanent markers.
Drop in some lighted votive candles and enjoy the fun, flickering patterns cast by your new handmade lanterns! Be sure to place the lanterns on a fire-safe surface as the candles can get hot.
Please advise how to prevent the cans from bulging on the bottom after the ice freezes.
I made these at Christmas & had some of my cans to bulge at the bottom. I hammered back in place, but it was hard getting it even, so the candles wouldn’t sit at an angle. Can you suggest what to do to prevent the cans from bulging on the bottom of the can when the ice freezes? Someone mentioned adding sand to the water, but I haven’t tried it yet. I don’t know if I should fill the can with sand, adding the water or just put the sand in the bottom of the can & then adding the water. I would appreciate any suggestions you may have. Thanks!
Lovely and great also for the winter holidays… Caution with metal drill bits, use goggles for eye protection and do it somewhere that the tiny metal shavings will be contained. Years ago had a gust of wind blow a miniscule bit of shaved metal into my eye — that was NOT a good experience, it was surgically removed and had a bandaged eye for a week. Try seeing and walking with only one eye, not easy and no driving for sure. I was VERY lucky it missed my pupil. Just take precautions… and have fun!
It would be far easier (not to mention less messy!) to just use a drill with metal drill bits (which can be picked up fairly cheaply) to do the holes…
brilliant!
how absolutely beautiful and how easy, yet I would never have thought of this! Thank you!