Festival of Light:
Looking for a way to add a touch of "industrial-chic" magic to your next garden party or cozy evening indoors? Don't toss those baked bean tins! With a little bit of creativity and some basic tools, you can transform humble kitchen waste into stunning, atmospheric lanterns.
These lanterns are incredibly versatile—string them across a marquee for a romantic wedding vibe, or cluster them on a tabletop for an intimate dinner. The best part? You can customize the hole patterns to create monograms, geometric shapes, or delicate floral motifs.
What You Will Need
Before you start, gather your materials. You likely have most of these in your garage or pantry!
Tin cans (washed and dried)
Sand (and a fabric bag to hold it)
Masonry nails & Hammer
Wire coat hangers
Tools: Small mole grips, small bolt cutters, ring-bending pliers
Finishing touches: Spray paint, paper, pencil, sticky tape, white spirit, and a cloth
Light source: Battery-operated tealights or real candles
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep and Freeze
Remove labels and any glue residue from your cans (use white spirit if they are stubborn). Fill the can with sand, top it up with water, and freeze it overnight. This creates a solid core so the metal doesn’t dent while you’re hammering.
2. Map Your Design
Draw your chosen pattern onto a piece of paper that fits around the can. Tape it securely in place. Pro tip: Ensure the gaps between your dots are at least as large as the diameter of the holes to prevent the metal from tearing.
3. Punch the Pattern
Place the frozen can on a sandbag to keep it steady. Using your hammer and masonry nail, punch holes following your paper template.
Note: If the ice starts to melt, pop it back in the freezer for 30 minutes to keep it solid!
4. Create Handle Holes
Once your design is done, punch two holes directly opposite each other, about 1cm (3/8in) below the top rim. Empty the sand and ice out.
5. Shape the Handle
Cut a length of wire coat hanger. Use ring-bending pliers to create a decorative loop in the center, then bend the ends into gentle downward curves.
6. Add a Splash of Color
Stuff the inside of the can with newspaper to protect it. In a well-ventilated area, spray-paint the exterior. Soft pastels like sage green, sky blue, and cream look beautiful for a "shabby chic" look.
7. Assembly
Once the paint is dry, bend the ends of your wire handle at right angles and trim them to about 3mm (1/8in). Squeeze the handle slightly to fit the ends into the holes—the natural spring action will hold it in place!
Light it Up!
Drop in a tealight and watch as your custom patterns cast beautiful shadows across your space. Whether hanging from trees or lining a pathway, these "cool beans" lanterns are sure to be a conversation starter.
What pattern are you going to try first? Let us know in the comments!
Disclaimer: This post is for art inspiration purposes only. The images and instructional content were found on the internet and/or generated/processed via AI. I am not the original author or creator of this specific craft guide. This information is being shared for free to inspire your next DIY project.
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