Accessorize Your Backyard

Light up your backyard and your Fourth of July with these easy to make tin can luminarias. Tin can luminaries are a fun, easy craft project for all ages. They are great for any holiday and only limited by your
imagination! You can transfer any simple shape onto a tin can to create a beautiful candle holder for any occasion.

I made luminaries for a Cinco de Mayo party this year and they turned out really great and were super festive. Here is what you need to make these great backyard accessories...

Materials:

• Tin cans
• Nails
• Hammer
• Spray paint
• Towel
• Tea lights

Instructions:

1.Rinse your tin cans out and remove the label. (Be careful when doing this they can sometimes be very sharp - I can attest to this one since I cut my finger on one of the cans)
2.Fill the cans with water, about 1 inch from the top, and freeze them for at least 24 hours. This enables you to punch holes in the cans without denting them. While freezing, the bottoms of the cans may bulge.
3.Set the tin cans on their sides on a towel to protect your work surface from melting ice.4.Carefully punch a design onto one side of the can using a nail and hammer. The larger the nail you use, the more light will shine through your design. Simple star and geometric designs are easy and perfect for any party. If you want to get more elaborate, you can sketch a design on a piece of paper, tape it to the can, and punch accordingly.
5.After you've completed your design, let the cans melt in the sink or run warm water over them until you can remove the ice. After they've drained, simply tap the bottoms back into place with your hammer if they bulged during freezing.
6.Let the cans dry completely.
7.Spray paint your luminaries in a well-ventilated area using spray paint and don't forget to lay something some newspaper down before you get started. Have fun with it and choose various colors that will match your party theme and décor.
8.Insert a tea light candle and set them on the ground or hang them from tree branches or porch umbrellas. To make a
 hanging luminary, simply punch two holes on either side of the top of the can and insert a small wire, winding it around each opening. A small amount of sand in the bottom of the can helps prevent it from being knocked over or blown around in a tree.

Image by Craftershock.com

 

   

Comments

[Shelley@DivinePartyConcepts]

What a great and easy way to decorate!