Turn Empty Tin Cans Into Twinkling Holiday Lanterns With This Charming DIY

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Homemade holiday decor has a special touch to it. These handcrafted pieces captured the season's spirit of fun, creativity, and comfort. Plus, they can save you a few dollars and make a great holiday activity. DIY lanterns check all the boxes. This project is budget friendly, easy to make, and customizable. You just need to punch a few holes into your tin can and add a candle inside to create the glowing decor.

While these DIY lanterns are a great way to reuse leftover soup cans around the house, you can also repurpose metal coffee containers, soda cans, small buckets, or any other canister. To avoid a fire hazard, LED tea lights or string lights are best to illuminate the design. A long metal nail and hammer will work to punch the holes in the can. A General Tools awl tool is also handy and offers better grip than a nail.

Whether decorating inside or outside your house, these lanterns are the perfect festive lighting idea to help set the mood for the holidays. They work as a centerpiece for your tablescape, an ornament for your stairwell, or an alternative for your traditional wreath. They look even better when styled in a cluster or paired with lanterns of different sizes, so be prepared to make more than one.

Start by cleaning your empty can. Wash it with soap and water, and remove any labels. Then, fill the container with water, and put it in the freezer overnight. The ice will help the can keep its shape and prevent dents once you hammer the holes for your pattern. While the freezer does its job, pick out your lantern's design. Stars, snowflakes, Christmas trees, and snowmen all fit into the holiday season theme. Printable stencils that already have the dotted outline will make things even easier. You can also create personalized ornaments by punching loved ones' initials or special dates.

Once your tin is out of the freezer, tape the stencil where you'd like, and use your hammer and nail to punch each hole. The ice at the opening will melt first, so start there. Gloves will also help keep your fingers from freezing. Albeit easy, this is a time-consuming project. Feel free to put on Christmas music or a classic holiday movie while you work. After all the holes are punched, empty the ice, wipe the can dry, and pop in your LED candle. Now the old can is a shining lantern.

As is, the decor has a rustic, industrial look. A coat of paint would give it new life and tailor it to your other ornaments. Glitter, stickers, bows, and tinsel also work to bedazzle the can's exterior. To turn it into a hanging lantern, punch a hole on either side at the top of the can, and add a handle of twine, ribbon, pipe cleaner, leather, or fabric. These lanterns are ​​​creative Christmas decorations you can make with household items, and you can revamp them when the next holiday comes.