Wikipedia.org Explains a lantern= A lantern is a portable lighting device used to illuminate broad areas. Lanterns may be used for signaling, or as general light sources for camping. Dim varieties are often used for decoration. The term "lantern" is also used more generically to mean a 'light source'
This year I made homemade tin can Lanterns for my friends and family. I love to make homemade gifts for Christmas. I was browsing the internet, looking for homemade crafts and this one hit the spot! It is quite easy to do. It took me a while to think of some great ideas to use for a pattern on the lanterns. I learned after the first one I did that the holes should be big.
On my first one the holes were kinda tiny! But large punctures is the trick!
1st off I was collecting cans (soup cans, olive cans, canned vegetables) cause my children like to paint and instead of throwing them away. I decided to use it as a project for the kids to paint. I started painting designs on them during the summer. Then winter came and there I came with the idea of lanterns
YOU WILL NEED:
Hammer
Thick nail, or any time of strong nail (different sizes for different holes)
Can (any shape or size
Water
Paint
Safety pin (or anything with a thin point)
*First off take your can or cans that you want to make into a lantern.
*Fill with water, possibly to the top or little less.
*Place in freezer up to 4 hours or longer (depending on how long it takes to freeze the can solid)
( I know, I thought it was weird at first. But believe me it works. I tried without freezing and it was way hard)
*After it is frozen solid, remove from freezer and have a towel handy, cause the ice starts to defrost and melt after a bit.
*Get out your nail and hammer and start poking holes. Have a design in mind. I liked to make hearts and leaves and crosses, I also made ones with the recipients name!
*What would be great too, is poke 1 hole on opposite sides, to leave room for a chain to go through ( I used colorful paperclips).
*After you got your design poked in, it is time for painting! Some prefer it plain. I liked them painted!
*Apply two coats of paint!
*Now when it is dry connect the paperclips ( or whatever you would like to use as a handle) (make sure it is long enough so it wont drop to the inside of the can)
*Place a candle inside and WALAH! You have yourself a great homemade gift for a friend or family.
I hope you enjoyed this as well as I did!
++In the picture are of some lanterns I made for some friends and family!++
