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How to Transform Tin Cans into Candle Holders

Unique Tin Can Candle Holders

by: Michelle and Jeremy Gauthier

Ah yes the good old Tin Can. The tin can has been around for years, providing many different projects to be made from tin cans. They are one of the most versatile mediums for crafts, besides wood and foam.

Best part about them, they are cheap. Tin cans can be used to make all kinds of candle holders, providing a unique touch to your home or garden. In this article, we will share some ideas on how to make interesting and unique candle holders out of tin cans.

There are two primary size tin cans, soup cans and coffee cans. Both offer a wide variety of different craft ideas. Tin cans can be cut, punched, painted, weathered and modified in multiple ways. They can be set on top of a table or hung out in the garden.

Pick the Best Tool for the Job

Let’s start with the basics. Most people will decide to punch holes into the can, which is the easiest. You can use any type of cutting tools. A drill is handy, but even better is a Dremel tool. This is one of the most versatile tools a crafter can own. If you've used one or just have seen the TV add, you know all the things it can do.

But for those who will be using a hammer or even a drill, let’s start there. Before you start anything, fill the can with water and freeze it. This will allow you to punch holes easier, with out bending the can.

Plan Your Design Ahead

It always helps to have some kind of plan or design in your head or on paper. In fact drawing the design out on paper allows you to modify it and then tape it around the tin can as a template. Think about whether or not you may want to paint the tin can or weather proof it for outside garden use.

One example of a design is a simple western candle holder motif. Download a silhouette graphic of a dog howling at the moon. With the Dremel tool cut out the scene on the tin can. After painting it black and punching two holes at the top, you can hang it in a garden.

Simpler candle holder designs would include punch out designs such as creating a bunch of tiny holes to create a night sky effect. Patterns also look great.

Once you have cut out a design, painting can finish the look of your candle holder. A lot of times I'll choose black, because the light will shine through the candle holder better at night or in a dim room. A light blue and white to match your kitchen décor will add a unique touch. Further you can add almost any type of embellishment to the can, such as colored stones or ribbon.

For those of you who want a more elaborate candle holder, try the larger coffee cans. They provide a larger area to work with.

One idea for the larger cans is to cut holes about half inch in diameter and attach pieces of stained or any colored glass on the inside of the can.

You could create an entire stained glass tin can candle holder.

The larger cans are also great for outdoors. Their large base is perfect for decks and walkways, as they will not tip over easily.

By cutting slits down the sides of cans you can bend the edges downward, creating nice flared out look. Just remember to file down the sharp edges so no one cuts themself. For an added flare, twist the ends with a pair of pliers.

There is a lot you can do with this method and even adding other cut out pieces to the cans. You could create angled top for the can, just like a lantern.

With a little bit of imagination and paint, you can turn any tin can into a candle holder worth putting on a table or mantle.

So experiment and have fun. Don't worry about messing up; I'm sure you have plenty of cans lying around.

To find more articles on Candle Decorating, Candle Scaping or Decorating Tips, visit ExpressiveCandles.

Written and copyrighted by: Michelle and Jeremy Gauthier
December 18, 2003

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