How to make lanterns: Christmas in cosy candlelight

No sooner have the last pumpkins been carved and suddenly winter is just around the corner. And many people ask themselves, "Are we getting the same old Christmas decorations from the attic again?"
Cookies are baked again and many lights brighten up the dark days. We show you how you can decorate your home beautifully for winter and even reduce waste in the process. Make magical winter lanterns that are also perfect as gifts - because homemade is still the best.

You're might think to yourself, "Making lanterns: with old tin cans for Christmas? That is not very festive!" We disagree and show you how to add colour to the cans with our paint sprayer and make them light up with the help of a tea light. Simply spray and the cans now shine in many bright colours, creating a wintry Christmas atmosphere.

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How to make lanterns for Christmas: A step-by-step guide to upcycling:

Find out here how you can make winter lanterns and Christmas presents out of old tin cans.

  • Tins
  • Nail
  • Pen
  • Template
  • Adhesive tape
  • Paint (colour of your choice)
  • Bottle
  • Newspaper
  • Parcel tape
  • Cardboard
  • Tealight
  • Gloves
  • Mask for spraying

Step 1 of 4: Preparing the work surface for hammering

Step 1: Preparing the work surface for hammering

If you use old food tins, first remove the label. It should be possible to remove all adhesive residues completely with warm soapy water.

First of all, use the plastic bottle and the newspaper to make a support structure for the tin can. To do this, wrap the newspaper around the plastic bottle. Now stick this to the table with the parcel tape. You can then put the tin can over it so that it does not slip off the table when they are being hammered. Place the cardboard under the construction to protection the surface in case you slip with the hammer and nail.

Step 2 of 4: Hammering Christmas patterns into the tin can

Step 2: Hammering Christmas patterns into the tin can

Draw  small dots on your stencil, always following the lines. The dots will show you later where exactly you have to hammer the hole. Now stick the template onto the can using the adhesive tape. Make sure to apply the stencil accurately. Place the nail on the pre-marked point and carefully hit the nail with the hammer, holding it firmly. Then repeat the process until the nail is through the can. Then you can carefully pull the nail out of the hole and line it up with the next dot.

Repeat until the complete pattern has been hammered into the can. At the end, carefully pull off the template. If the can has a few dents, carefully hammer from the inside to remove them.

Step 3 of 4: Preparation for spraying the lanterns

Step 3: Prepare for spraying the lanterns

As your spray area should remain free from paint, we recommend covering the work table and all other work areas. You can use newspaper, dust sheets or old cardboard for this. We have a little extra tip for you: simply place an extra box at the head of the work surface. This creates a spray chamber and any paint mist will be captured.

Now the colour of your choice can be added to the container after it has been stirred using the stirring stick. You may still need to thin the paint or varnish. You can easily find out by doing a test spray. Use a cardboard box for this. To protect not only your work surface, but also you when spraying, we recommend wearing a respirator mask and gloves as well as safety goggles while working with a sprayer.

Step 4 of 4: Spray the lanterns

Step 4: Spraying lanterns

Now the most exciting part begins - the spraying! Make sure you apply the paint at an even pace and spray at a distance of approx. 20 cm from the can. If you spray too close to the can, paint runs may appear.

Tip: To get a perfect coat of paint without finger marks, simply take a bottle, wrap newspaper around it and put the can over it.

Now let the freshly painted cans dry completely!

The result

And the home made lanterns are ready. With their cosy lights, the lanterns immerse every room in a dreamy Christmas atmosphere. Get started now and make your living room ready for Christmas.

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