Metal Punched Lanterns

Metal punching or tin punching is a practice that has been used for generations by metal smiths. You can easily create your own metal punched craft by hammering a nail into a can – with a little time and recycled metal cans you will have a beautiful lantern to enjoy. All your friends are going to want one!

Materials: Metal cans, hammer, strong nails (a couple of sizes if desired), pliers, wire, tea lights or candles.

1. Collect a variety of sizes of empty metal cans. Smooth sides are preferable. Wash them and remove any labels. If there are any sharp edges around the rim, use some needle nose pliers to flatten edges or file them down with a metal file.

2. We are going to punch holes in the cans with a nail or awl – but we don’t want to smash the can in the process. So, here is a fun part – fill the cans with water and set level in a freezer and wait until they freeze solid.

3. Designs: While you are waiting for it to freeze, come up with some designs. Research old fashioned tin punching folk art for ideas or come up with your own theme.

You can draw right on the can with a marker or crayon before you freeze the can. Or cut a piece of paper to fit around the can and draw on that. Then tape it to the can to start punching holes thorough the design. Or if you are a really free spirit – just start punching holes. It’s still going to look cool with candle light shining out of haphazard holes!

4. Punching: If you have more than one can, punch one at a time, leaving the rest in the freezer until you are ready for them. Put the can on a firm surface, firmly hold a very strong nail against the design and give it a couple of taps  with the hammer until it pierces the can. Move the nail and repeat. Regular metal cans pierce very easily, just a couple of taps will make a hole.  Experiment with different sized nails for large and small holes.

Punch 2 or 3 holes evenly spaced around the top of the can if you would like to put wire through it to create a holder. This is really cool to hang from a shepherds hook or tree limbs.

5. After you’ve completed your design, set cans in sink and allow the ice to melt. Dry them, put a tea lite or candle inside, wait for the evening to roll around so you can sit and enjoy your handiwork.

Optional: Spray paint inside and out with rust-oleum. Use nail polish and draw some funky designs, or use stencils and spray paint decorations.  I also like to leave the cans natural and let them rust outdoors. Rust has its own kind of beauty.

Notes: I made some designs on the computer and cut them out. I taped them on but with the condensation on the cold can, they didn’t stick too well. I sat on the floor and placed the can on a cushy throw rug to keep the can steady while I hammered. The starburst or freeform design was just pierced without any pre-design.

Point the opening of the can away from you – some of the ice chipped off and flew out sometimes. If your design is taking a long time to punch holes in – return the can to the freezer if the ice is getting melted too quickly.

Add some beads and bells using light weight wire. This wire is 16 gauge – that’s thinner and more bendable than a wire clothes hanger.

These are “common bright” nails. If you have to purchase nails, try visiting one of the smaller hardware stores like a True Value. You won’t have to buy a whole box of nails – you can just buy a few and the service is always friendly and helpful.

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