Tin can lanterns speak pioneer Christmas to me! Our Prairie Life book club decided that the chapter on Christmas was their favorite. I can see Laura and Mary helping Ma make handmade ornaments and dressing up the ordinary into something beautiful.
When given the opportunity, children can make Christmas special for family and friends by using their hands to create a special gift.
This project is suitable for all ages. Using a hammer helps with hand and eye coordination and it’s fun!
Here is what you will need:
- several tin cans
- large nail
- hammer
- wire
- spray paint, silver
- tealights
First, using a permanent marker, dot a pattern on your can. The dots are where you will punch holes. Next, fill the cans with water and freeze them. They will get misshapen on the bottom but we will fix it. Now, punch out all the dots with hammer and nail. Remember to punch a hole on each side of the can for the wire hanger. Then dry off the can and spray it silver if desired or leave it plain. Add wire and make a handle. Finally, put a tealight inside. We use battery operated candles for a safe, no mess option.
The tin can lantern is the perfect holder for a bag of cookies or treats to give as a dual purpose gift. We like to line them up outside on a cool night and enjoy the glow.
Paper Covered Cans
Using paper, ribbon and spray paint is another option to turn tin cans into useful gifts for any occasion. We have made pencil holders, crayon holders, and holders for trinkets and food gifts. The options are wide open with any supplies you have on hand. A glue gun is the best way to secure items to the can.
Recycled glass bottles work for many craft projects. These bottles are miniature wine bottles. I used chalk paint and an outline of a sticker and sprayed the bottles with a permanent label. I have used them to serve lemonade, added flowers to a table and put flavored sugars or hot chocolate powder as gifts.