The weather has begun to change and there is a bit of a chill in the air. The sun is setting earlier and the street lights are coming on sooner. I was looking for a project to bring a little whimsey and warmth to my home, to invite those holiday guests into the cozy warmth of our home. To guide their way to our door and into the glow of the fall season.
I came up with this easy craft project that I am calling constellation cans. They can be as complicated, by using stencils to guide your design, or as easy, by simply punching willy nilly, as you would like! You could even paint them to reflect your mood or event theme.
These would look so stunning lighting a path or glowing on the porch of your home. For you urbanites they would look stunning casting a whimsical glow on the city from inside your apartment on the windowsills. I personally am looking forward to having them grace the table for a winter wonderland centerpiece.
You will need
Cleaned tin cans- what a wonderfully lovely way to recycle!
A three inch scratching awl or nails of varying size and a hammer
Candles
Paper, pencil, tape if using a stencil
To do
If using a stencil, cut and measure your pattern to fit to the can. Secure your tin cans on a padded surface. Begin punching with the awl letting its graduated shape create smaller holes by not punching so deep or wider holes by really pressing. If you are using varying nails and a hammer it is best to freeze the tin full of water to protect the integrity of the can’s shape.
To create a lantern punch the bottom of the tin can and invert it over the candle, to create a candle holder leave the bottom unpunched and place candle inside. You could also create a hanging holder by attaching wire and creating a loop to hang. The possibilities for these little guys are endless!
I found personally I liked the results of punching all over the can and creating a more free and whimsical pattern or what I am calling the constellation effect.
Happy crafting! And do please share pictures of your projects!
Marcella Rose's 