DIY Tin Can Halloween Lanterns

Light up your porch this holiday weekend with some super fun DIY recycled tin can Halloween lanterns.

Supplies Needed:

• Recycled tin cans
• Soy or beeswax tea light candles
• Pencil, crayon or permanent marker
• Paper and scissors (optional)
• Coat hanger or sturdy wire for hanging (optional)
• Towel and firm work surface
• Hammer
• Large nail
• Freezer
• Water
• Spray paint

Let’s Get Started:

Step 1:
Clean and dry recycled tin cans, fill with water, and freeze overnight. The ice will provide support for the can as you drive in the nail holes.

Step 2:
Get your design ready. You can either use a paper pattern or draw a design directly on the can.

Step 3:
The next day, lay a thick towel on your work surface, to absorb the melting ice and to prevent the can from rolling as you work. Place the tin can on the towel. If using a paper pattern, wrap the can in the paper and tape the pattern in place. If drawing the pattern directly on the can, use a fine marker, in the the same color that you have chosen for the spray paint to draw the outline.

Step 4:
Use a hammer and a large nail to punch the holes in the outline of your design. (optional: If you want to make a hanging lantern, also punch two holes at the top, on either side of your design, to fasten hanger.)

Step 5:
Once complete with the design, immerse the can in hot water to melt the remaining ice & let dry.

Step 6:
Once can is completely dry, use your spray paint to paint all sides and bottom of the can.

Step 7: (optional)
To hang your lantern, cut a piece of sturdy wire, or use a potion of wire from a coat hanger, and bend it into an arched hanger shape. Bend up the ends and insert them into the two holes that you punched at the top of the can.

Step 8:
Place a soy or beeswax tea light candle inside the can & hang outside to welcome all the trick or treaters to your home.

A special thanks to the folks over at Natural Mommie for sharing their fun eco Halloween crafts with us.