Through the eyes of Suzy...
STEP 1: GATHER YOUR MATERIALS
All you need to do to get started on this lantern is:
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2-4 cleaned, empty tin cans (you can use any size)
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a hammer
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an assortment of nails (for larger or smaller holes)
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colorful permanent markers
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paper, pencil, masking tape, scissors (if you plan to use a pattern)
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votive candles
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a towel
STEP 2: CLEAN AND FREEZE
Gather the used tin cans, remove the labels, and clean them thoroughly. Fill each can with water and freeze them overnight until solid. The ice will stabilize the can and prevent it from cracking or bending when you punch in holes later.
STEP 3: DESIGN YOUR PUNCH GRAPHIC
Decide on a design for your tin cans. Draw the pattern out on a piece of graph paper and tape it to the can as a guide or you can freehand a design.
STEP 4: PUNCH OUT YOUR PATTERN
Using a folded towel, cradle the frozen tin can and position a sharp, narrow nail above each mark on your pattern and gently tap it 3 to 4 times with a hammer until the you make a pattern on the tin can.
STEP 5: REMOVE THE ICE BLOCK
Rinse the can under a hot tap until the ice block pops out and allow the can to dry.
STEP 6: ADD SOME COLOR
To add color to the new punched-tin lantern you can create a variety of fun, shiny designs by simply using colorful permanent markers.
STEP 7: LIGHT ‘EM UP!
Drop in some lighted votive candles, 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.
