Make Lanterns from Aluminum Cans

Difficulty: Medium

Upcycle old aluminum cans to create beautiful, eco-friendly lanterns for your home or garden.

Aluminum cans	Buy
Wire for handle	Buy
Small candles or tea lights	Buy
Optional: Spray paint or acrylic paint	Buy

Steps

Gather Your Materials
Collect old aluminum cans. You can use soda cans, beer cans, or any other cylindrical aluminum cans.
Clean the Cans
Rinse the cans with water to remove any residue. Let them dry completely.
Mark the Design
Use a marker to draw the design of your lantern on the can. Common designs include stars, hearts, or simple geometric patterns.
Make the Cuts
Use a utility knife or tin snips to carefully cut out the design you have marked on the can. Be cautious as the edges can be sharp.
Create Ventilation Holes
Use a hammer and nail to make small holes at the top and bottom of the can. This will allow air to flow through, helping the candle to burn evenly.
Smooth the Edges
Use sandpaper to smooth out any sharp edges to avoid injuries.
Add the Handle
Using wire and pliers, create a handle by attaching the wire to each side of the can near the top.
Insert the Candle
Place a small candle or tea light inside the lantern. Light the candle to test how the light shines through your design.
Optional: Paint the Lantern
If you wish, you can paint your lantern using spray paint or acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry completely before using the lantern.