mama scout lab e-course

▼

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

make a tin can lantern

We love free crafts that utilize things from the recycling bin! To make tin can lanterns, all you have to do is freeze water in the cans for a few hours. When they are rock hard, set the cans on a cloth to help stabilize them and pound sharp nails into the sides (we used roofing nails - they worked great). You can make designs if you like, but we are much more free form around here. The more holes the better! When the ice has melted out - you are done. Just add a candle and enjoy the magic. They are a beautiful addition to the backyard, dinner table or bedroom at story time. Like tiny flickering stars...


















at

13 comments:

  1. rachelle | tinkerlab6/29/11, 2:15 PM

    thanks for sharing a link to your site with me! i love what you're doing and i'm your newest fan :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous6/29/11, 5:25 PM

    I love these lanterns. They use recyclables and my son loves using a hammer and nails! I am (forcing myself to be) okay with this ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. MJ7/1/11, 6:53 AM

    These are so cool! Thanks for sharing!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. cpcable7/1/11, 10:33 AM

    Great project! I love crafts that feature recyclables.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous7/3/11, 7:19 PM

    This is so great! Amazing how magical a simple tin can can look when it's all lit up and glowing like that.

    ReplyDelete
  6. notyet1007/24/11, 12:09 PM

    Will try this :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lisa7/30/11, 4:23 AM

    This is wonderful. Such a simple but effective craft.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Amanda8/10/11, 9:03 AM

    Such a classic, love this!

    I run Fun Family Crafts, a site similar in nature to Craftgawker and Spotlight, but different in that it's a library of craft tutorials geared only at kids. I would love it if you'd stop by and submit this to be featured! (I link to you, I don't post your tutorial on the site) Feel free to submit as many kid friendly craft tutorials as you like! http://funfamilycrafts.com/

    ReplyDelete
  9. nancy8/14/11, 2:24 AM

    I made a bunch of these and spray painted them in bright colors, then added a wire handle:) They are awesome lit up at nite:)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Amy8/14/11, 9:14 AM

    Nancy, great idea! that is what I love about this craft - it is so versitile. You could even paint them all white and use them at a wedding. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous3/16/12, 12:43 AM

    thank you so much my kids love these i will for sure look up some more fun crafts you on this sight thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :):) :) :) :) :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Casey4/16/12, 2:50 PM

    How did you attach the wire handles, and where did you get the wire? I thought that would be really cool too. Also, love the painting idea :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous5/21/15, 10:41 PM

    I'm making these using pop cans and Arizona Tea cans. Can't wait to have them finished for the holiday weekend

    ReplyDelete

Please leave a comment! I love to hear from you!