Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » diy project: karen’s coffee can lanterns

the nights are warming up here in northern ca, so i’m eager to tackle this lantern diy project from karen at maggiemakes. named after her adorable black lab, karen’s blog primarily focuses on crafts for around the home and provides great instructions and photos. i can’t wait to grab a hammer and a can and give it a go. thanks karen! -kate

CLICK HERE for the full how-to after the jump!

summer may have skipped my part of the globe this year but that hasn’t stopped me from dreaming of those long warm summer nights outside relaxing with friends. when summer decides to come our way i will be ready to enjoy those nights with these rustic coffee can lanterns. inexpensive, fun, simple to make and customize, they add the perfect decoration for a late night BBQ with a group of friends or a night of gin and tonics with the one you love. try our three designs or create your own, with a variety of tools the possibilities are endless. -karen

Materials:

- Coffee Cans
- Ball-peen hammer
- 2 x 4 (one foot length)
- 1 x 4 (two foot length)
- Clamps
- Nails, screwdrivers (variety)
- Votives

Process:

1. Prepare your workspace by attaching the 1×4 to the 2×4 as shown using wood screws or nails. Make sure the 1×4 extends the 2×4 on one end by the depth of your can and is attached with the 1inch edge upwards. This thin work area helps to prevent denting to your lantern when punching the design. Use the clamps to secure the 2×4 to a sturdy table.

2. Print out the design of your choice and tape it around your can.

3. Place the end of the 1×4 inside your can. Using a small nail, punch the corner dots in the design you choose. Turn the can as you go to make sure that the area you are punching is supported by the wood.

4. Remove the paper. Using your other tools finish punching the rest of the design following your guide holes. Experiment with a variety of nails and screwdrivers to create different shape and size punches.

5. For hanging, use the wire to create a simple hook by threading a length of wire through two holes on opposite sides of the can and secure.

6. To finish add 2-3 votives, light and enjoy!

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I did a similar project for my wedding, and started out trying to use a hammer and nail. I had a lot of trouble, and it was taking way longer than I anticipated. I ended up using a power drill, and that made it so much easier. I did a little how-to on my blog here: http://jenniferaadams.blogspot.com/2009/09/canterns-how-to.html. Mine were not as elaborate, but I still really like the ambiance they create.

I love this idea! I have been saving cans for a while hoping to come up with a cool idea for making some kind of lantern. I was going to maybe write a word or something, but these designs give so much more light. Thanks!

louisa

i think that just meant that you could replicate their look if you liked that style, but i don’t think there’s a template, etc. just a suggestion to feel free to try that look :) but i’ll ask to double check there’s no template.

g :)

My boss just told me that if you fill the can with water and freeze it then the can won’t go all denty when you punch holes in it. In lieu of having a 2×4 and some clamps laying around. Easy peasy!

I remember doing this when i was little.
But i filled up the cans with water, put them in the freezer, waited for the water to freeze and then punch the can with holes. I’ll try it again this weekend!

I’ve been saving up soup cans and really any tin can of any size to do this project. Instead of votives I was planning on stringing the cans along some christmas lights for something more permanent but basically the same ambiance. Thanks for the inspiration!

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