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Tin Can Punchware Lanterns

by Ruth Johnson
(Darlington)

These are a great way of having candles at your wedding that is dirt cheap, eco-friendly and dead easy.

Just collect some food cans, keep the base intact. Soak to remove labels and ALL food residue. Pick your design - I started with a simple love heart and mark out in dots on the can with a fine tipped marker pen.

Fill the can with water and freeze. When frozen, steady the can by bolstering in a towel and punch through the holes with a hammer and nail. Place in sink or bucket to defrost.

Place a layer of sand in bottom and a tealight and enjoy. I'm doing this at our vintage wedding to go with my jam jar flowers - also dirt cheap!! In case you're wondering, yes I'm marrying Scrooge McDuck!!

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Tin Can Punchware Lanterns

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Apr 07, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pictures plus how to make tin can and glass jar lanterns
by: Anonymous

Love this idea. Came across it before on a gardening website which did them in three easy steps.

You will need:
Food cans
Electric drill with a 3.5mm bit (gets around having to freeze them and is much faster)
Tin of car spray paint
Galvanised wire
Tea lights

1. Slowly drill evenly-spaced holes through the side of the can, carefully controlling the drill speed. Make two holes opposite each other for the wire handle at the top of the can.
2.Working outside, spray the cans with car paint. We've chosen cool blue to create a calm mood.
3.When the cans are dry attach the handles. Make these from galvanised wire, bent around a can to create the shape. Push each end through the holes, bending to make them secure.
TIP - make sure that the rim of the tins are smooth before you start working with them as you may end up cutting yourself.

See the link below for details in full and pictures.

See also this link for lanterns made from glass jars
Nov 08, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Picture
by: Anonymous

I love the idea!!! but could you please upload a picture of the lanterns? I'll love to see the result.
Thanks
Oct 13, 2009
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starstarstar 		how to hang
by: Wedding Planner in Malibu

Just an idea to put 2 holes near the top and then bend some wire between them to make a handle. Helps with hanging.
Aug 25, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		So pretty!
by: Nicola

I'm off to my sister-in-law's wedding this weekend in the garden where we got married - she's having a yurt rather than a marquee though. Anyway, we've been collecting tin cans for them as they're planning on doing the same. I'm glad you gave us instructions on how to do it, although I'm not sure how we're going to fit their 100 cans in the freezer!

I've seen this before and it looks so pretty. I'll be sure to get a photo to show you all.

Thanks for sharing!

Nicola







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