10 Easy and Affordable Backyard DIY Projects to Do this Summer
8. Turn Tin Cans Into Lanterns
Inhabitat
In six simple steps these creative tin can lanterns can be yours! This backyard DIY costs next to nothing and creates beautiful speckled light for all your summer night entertaining. Try making a few and scattering them around your yard or lining them in a row down your backyard table.
You’ll Need:
- 2-4 cleaned, empty tin cans (you can use any size)
- a hammer
- an assortment of nails (for larger or smaller holes)
- colorful permanent markers
- paper, pencil, masking tape, scissors (if you plan to use a pattern)
- votive candles
- a towel
Instructions:
1.) Fill each can with water and freeze overnight until solid. The ice stabilizes the can and prevents it from bending when you punch holes in them later.
2.) Decide on a design for your punched-tin decorations. You can draw the pattern out ahead of time on a piece of graph paper and tape it to the can as a guide.
3.) Cradle the frozen tin can in a folded towel (to prevent the can from moving and to catch ice chips). Position a sharp, narrow nail above each mark on your pattern and gently tap it 3-4 times with the hammer until just the point has punched the tin can. Repeat for eachmark until you have completed your pattern.
4.) Rinse the can under a hot tap until the ice block pops out and allow the can to dry.
5.) If you want to add color to your new punched-tin lantern, you can create a variety of fun, shiny designs by simply using colorful permanent markers.
6.) Drop in some lighted votive candles and enjoy the fun, flickering patterns cast by your new handmade lanterns! Be sure to place the lanterns on a fire-safe surface as the candles can get hot.
