How to Make Garden Lanterns from Old Tin Cans
Clean up the tin can., Fill the tin can up to 3/4 of its length with sand., Add water. , Place the tin can inside the freezer. , Wait until the water freezes., Choose a suitable leaf to place on tin can., Tap the first nail into the leaf, being...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Clean up the tin can.
Open each tin can and remove the top (along with any contents).
Remove labels and wash with warm soapy water.
Dry completely.
Discard any cans that are damaged or rusted. -
Step 2: Fill the tin can up to 3/4 of its length with sand.
This will prevent bulging of the tin can when frozen. (Water expands when it freezes.) ,,, Then remove the tin from the freezer. , Tape the leaf in place on the can.
Check that you like the placement and size before you begin to hammer. , Consider hammering the first nail toward the top of the leaf to stabilize your design. , Space the nail holes evenly so your design appears symmetrical. , You should be able to see the same leaf pattern now outlined in nail holes on the tin can. , Spray paint it the desired color. , However, most spray paints will dry within 3 hours if left in a cool, dry area. , Fill it with about a ½ cup of sand, depending upon the can size. ,, (Or, turn on battery operated votive.) This will light up the night. , -
Step 3: Add water.
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Step 4: Place the tin can inside the freezer.
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Step 5: Wait until the water freezes.
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Step 6: Choose a suitable leaf to place on tin can.
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Step 7: Tap the first nail into the leaf
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Step 8: being careful not to rip or break the leaf.
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Step 9: Hammer the remaining nails around the perimeter of the leaf in order to create a pattern.
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Step 10: Remove the nails and pull or tear off the leaf to expose the design.
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Step 11: Place the tin can in an open
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Step 12: covered area.
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Step 13: Allow the tin can to dry for up to 24 hours.
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Step 14: Fill the bottom of the can with sand.
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Step 15: Place the votive in the middle of the can
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Step 16: resting on the sand.
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Step 17: Light the votive.
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Step 18: Finished.
Detailed Guide
Open each tin can and remove the top (along with any contents).
Remove labels and wash with warm soapy water.
Dry completely.
Discard any cans that are damaged or rusted.
This will prevent bulging of the tin can when frozen. (Water expands when it freezes.) ,,, Then remove the tin from the freezer. , Tape the leaf in place on the can.
Check that you like the placement and size before you begin to hammer. , Consider hammering the first nail toward the top of the leaf to stabilize your design. , Space the nail holes evenly so your design appears symmetrical. , You should be able to see the same leaf pattern now outlined in nail holes on the tin can. , Spray paint it the desired color. , However, most spray paints will dry within 3 hours if left in a cool, dry area. , Fill it with about a ½ cup of sand, depending upon the can size. ,, (Or, turn on battery operated votive.) This will light up the night. ,
About the Author
Brandon Cook
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in organization and beyond.
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