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