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Tin Can Luminaries Things Needed:
1. Begin the tin can luminaries by filling the cans up to the top with water, then place them in the freezer until the water is frozen solid. This will allow you to hammer a nail into the side of the can without the can denting.  2. Next, think about
some designs you want to punch into the sides of the can. I
chose to punch the letters USA, a star, and some fireworks.
If you would like to use my template for the USA and star, click here. A new window
will open (Adobe Reader is required) with a page for you to print.
Cut out your templates, place on the can, and trace around
them with a permanent marker (or draw freehand).  3.
Continue making the tin can luminaries by using a nail and
hammer to punch out the design. Start at one end of the
pattern and place the nail along the line. Gently pound the
nail in with a hammer. The nail will go through the can into
the ice. Continue working around the pattern until the design
is punched out.  4. Allow the ice in the
can to melt, and dry the can completely. 5. Next, spray the bottom portion of the cans blue with the blue spray paint. Protect your work surface with newspapers and use good ventilation (preferably outdoors like I did).  6. When the cans are
completely dry, cut a piece of scrap paper to wrap around the can.
Make it 1/3 the height of the can. The cans I used
were 4.5 inches high, so I made my first strip of paper 1.5 inches.
Wrap the paper around the bottom part of the can, covering
the blue painted area, and tape it closed.  7. Now take the cans
outside again and this time give them a good spray of the white spray
paint, and allow the cans to dry well. When they are dry you
can remove the paper strip.  8. Next, make another
paper strip 2/3 the height of the can. In my case, I made the
strip of paper 3 inches wide. Secure around the blue and
white portions of the can, leaving only the top portion exposed, and
secure with tape. Take the cans outside again and this time spray the
top section with the red spray paint, and allow to dry.
Remove the paper strip and you will see the pretty red,
white, and blue stripes.  9. If you want to
further decorate the tin can luminaries, this is the time to do it.
If you would like the designs you punched to show up better
you can paint them a different color, such as black. When you
are ready to illuminate, add a little sand to weigh down the cans and
add a tea light candle. Your guests will love them!
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