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How To: Make a Tin Can Lantern

042809-lantern01.jpgAs the weather warms up, we're thinking more and more about sprucing up our outdoor space but this year, more than ever, we're trying to do it without burning a hole in our already stretched pockets. We've gotten a good start using Laure's idea of sprucing up some cans to make planters. So, when we stumbled across this idea in The Guardian, we thought "Cool! A perfect match!"

 
 

Reminding of something we might see (and buy) in Mexico or Morocco, a tin can lamp seems a natural and easy outlet for our creative bent, easy enough that we can attempt it, but not so complicated that we'll get discouraged when it doesn't turn out "like the picture". Since we cook a lot, amassing a good amount of cans won't be a challenge (we'll probably go for the size that usually holds beans or soup -- the tomato size are being used for planters -- but any size will do). It's filling the can with water and freezing it so that you have a sturdy and resistant surface that's the big trick here. Get creative with the design, drawing it straight onto the can, and then use the old hammer and nail combination to punch holes into the sides of the can. Try letters, paisley or go geometic. Once the ice has melted, insert a votive and voila! These can be used indoors as well.

For complete instructions, click here

[image via The Guardian]

Tags

How To..., garden, DIY, hanging lamp, outdoor lantern

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Comments (5)

I remember how much fun this was when I aws a kid!

posted by GreaterYesterday on April 28th 2009 at 2:21pm
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Very cute!

During the summer....u can even paint the cans summery colors and put them around tables. We have votive candles everywhere in our backyard that it looks great when having barbques at night. It gives just enough lighting and it looks so romantic.

posted by QueenLeilani on April 28th 2009 at 3:04pm
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I love these. What a great way to recycle some grocery tins.

posted by quiltmaster on April 28th 2009 at 6:49pm
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kewl, I forgot about these.

posted by Lizzykewl on April 28th 2009 at 9:38pm
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brilliant idea - i am going to do this. :-)

posted by maike on April 29th 2009 at 10:55am
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