| A tin can luminary is a fun, easy craft | | | | from the freezer and tape your design to the |
| project for all ages. They are great for any | | | | can. I used packing tape, but you can also |
| holiday and only limited by your imagination! | | | | use duct tape. The tape won't stick to the |
| You can transfer any simple shape onto a tin | | | | cold can, but you can wrap the tape all the |
| can to create a beautiful candle holder for | | | | way around the can so it will stick to the |
| any occasion. | | | | paper. |
| | | | |
| I chose to make luminaries for Christmas this | | | | If you don't have a design on paper, you can |
| year. You can choose any simple design to | | | | also draw a design on the can freehand with a |
| transfer onto your tin can. I used a favorite | | | | permanent marker. You can also just punch the |
| clip art program on my computer to look for | | | | design freehand without drawing it first. |
| easy Christmas designs to print out. I chose | | | | |
| a Christmas tree, a snowman, and a pair of | | | | Lay the can on a folded dish towel so the |
| gingerbread men. | | | | towel will catch the ice chips that try to |
| | | | escape. It will also hold the can in place. |
| Here's what you need to get started: | | | | Using the hammer and nail, tap holes around |
| | | | the border of your design, trying to punch |
| Empty tin cans (washed and labels removed) | | | | holes evenly and not too close together. You |
| | | | want a simple design so that when you see |
| Design to transfer onto can | | | | only the holes in the can you will be able to |
| | | | tell what it is! |
| Hammer | | | | |
| | | | After punching the holes, remove the paper |
| Large nail | | | | and tape and admire your design. It is really |
| | | | so easy! If you plan to hang your luminary, |
| Tape | | | | also punch two holes at the top of the can. |
| | | | You can make a handle out of wire (from a |
| Dish towel | | | | craft store) or a wire coat hanger. |
| | | | |
| It is easiest to punch the holes in your tin | | | | Place the tin can under running warm water to |
| can if you freeze some water in it first. | | | | melt the ice. Dry the can with a towel and |
| Fill the can with water, leaving 1/4 inch | | | | place a votive candle in the bottom. You will |
| space at the top for the ice to expand. Place | | | | need a long lighter or match to light the |
| in freezer until frozen. Your can may bulge a | | | | candle. |
| little at the bottom while in the freezer, | | | | |
| but after you remove the ice you can use the | | | | To further decorate your tin can luminary, |
| hammer to flatten out the bottom of the can. | | | | you can spray paint the can any color you |
| | | | wish. Be creative! |
| You might want to freeze a couple more cans | | | | |
| then you think you'll need in case you make a | | | | This is a great family project. Just make |
| mistake and have to start over again. | | | | sure kids have adult supervision while using |
| | | | the hammer and nails. Have fun! |
| After the ice has frozen, take the tin can | | | | |