As a follow up to my post making lanterns from jars, I want to share some ideas for tin can lanterns. A different style of lantern to the jars, the decoration comes mainly from the holes you put in the can.
They don’t let as much light through overall but they make an attractive decoration and are a nice compliment to the jar lanterns.
Yes you can
You will need:
- Some empty, clean cans with the labels removed. Ideally they should be opened with a can opener that will cut inside the top lip to leave the lip on the can rather than one that cuts from the side as this will leave a sharp edge. If you do end up with a sharp edge to the top of your can, you will need to spend some time filing and sanding it to make it safe.
- A marker to draw your design on the can
- A drill and different sized drill bits or a hammer, different sized nails, a block of wood that will fit inside the can and some pliers. A drill is ideal but you can punch the holes with a hammer and nails if you don’t have a drill.
- A solid surface to rest on and an old towel or blanket
- Metal files
- Paint, spray paint and/or acrylic paint. I used a can of outdoor furniture spray paint that we found in our apartment when we moved in 10 years ago! Also some paint pens for details.
- Other decorative items – I used some fake diamonds and sequins. I like them both because they let the light through.
- Old newspaper or rags for surface protection and to stuff the can.
- Any protective equipment recommended on the can if using spray paint (typically goggles and a face mask), and a well ventilated area, ideally outdoors.
You know the drill
1. Mark your design on a clean can. Keep it simple. Remember that there has to be enough space between the drilled holes to ensure the can won’t break. The ridges on the can make a handy guide.
2. Protect your surfaces and place your clean can on it’s side. Rest it on a folded cloth for added stability.
Hold the can firmly and start drilling holes.
3. You can use different sized drill bits to vary the sizes of the holes. Take care as there will be sharp burrs around the holes. Particularly on the inside.
4. Test your lantern with a light to see if you need to add any more holes.
5. Once you are happy with the design it’s time to file away those nasty burrs. Use a metal file to work your way around the inside and outside of the can.
Bring on the bling
6. The hard part is over so give your arm muscles a rest! It’s time to decorate the lantern. This will make it look pretty even when it’s not lit.
7. I chose to put a base coat of paint on my cans. I used a green, outdoor spray paint because that’s what I had. You could use acrylic paint and a sponge or brush or leave the can unpainted.
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8. If you are painting your can, stuff it with newspaper or rags to stop the paint getting into the inside of the can and leaving run marks.
9. Add the finishing touches by painting a design or adding decorations. On one can I used acrylic paint pens to fill in the rose detail outlined by the holes.
10. On the second can I used diamond beads and sequins to decorate over and around the holes as they let light through and also have reflective qualities.
You can see by looking at the cans in the semi-dark and dark how the light and decorations work together. These lanterns, along with the jar lanterns from the previous lantern post will bring light to the autumn nights as the days get shorter.
Have fun with this project, stay safe, keep your distance, wear a mask, and as always be creative!
So pretty, I can imagine them on my patio wall.