How to Make Tin Can Lanterns
An easy DIY for setting a spooky scene this Halloween.
Hanging on the porch or in trees or used as the centerpiece for a party table, these festive Halloween lanterns are a breeze to make.
What You’ll Need:
- Aluminum/tin cans of various sizes, washed, dried, and de-labeled
- Awl or nail set
- Hammer
- Soft towel and hard, flat surface to work on
- Baling wire or other strong wire
- Needle-nose pliers, wire cutters
- Work gloves, if needed
- Spray paints, drop cloth or newspaper
To Do:
- Fill each can with water to about an inch from the top and freeze overnight. This step will prevent denting when punching holes in the cans for designs.
- Remove can from freezer. Place lying down on the folded towel on work surface. Using the awl/nail set and hammer, make closely spaced holes in center of can to create a jack o’lantern face. (If you need to, draw image on can before freezing, using a grease pencil.)
- Make two handle holes on opposite sides of the can, just under the lip of the rim.
- Spray paint each can on the outside with chosen colors and allow to dry completely.
- When paint is dry, attach wire handles to each can.
- To use, place small candles or electric votives inside each lantern. Most food cans are made with a gold-colored metal on the inside, which casts a wonderful, natural glow.
By Teresa Blackburn, Relish Food and Prop Stylist.
