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July 8, 2013

Craft for Kids: Tin Can Lanterns

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Tin can lanterns are a classic summer craft and were one of the activities on our “Old School” Summer Bucket List that our kids had never seen before.  I haven’t made one since I was at summer camp so I thought it was the perfect activity to do this summer.Tin Can Lanterns--A fun and classic kids craft for the summer!

How to Make Tin Can Lanterns

Tin can lanterns aren’t hard to make, but they definitely do require adult supervision and assistance.  We didn’t need a lot of supplies and I love that we are able to upcycle cans that would have otherwise gone into the recycling bin.

1.  Tin cans (that have been cleaned and don’t have any sharp edges)

2.  Permanent marker

3.  Hammer and nail

4.  Protective eye gear

5.  Tea light or votive candles

Crafts for Kids: Tin Can Lanterns!Once we had all of our supplies ready the kids designed their lanterns by making dots with the marker on the outside of the cans.  We talked about how the light would shine through wherever the dots were.

Kids Craft: Making Tin Can Lanterns!Once the kids were happy with their designs, my husband used a hammer and nail to poke holes through the can. Older kids could help with this step if they are properly supervised. 

How to Make Tin Can Lanterns. A fun and simple kids craft for summer!Then once it got dark we put candles inside and admired our new tin can lanterns!

Make sure to check out the projects from the other camp counselors too!

DIY Recycled Playhouse Tent from Inspired by Family

{DIY Tutorial} Crate Lemonade Stand for Kids from See Vanessa Craft

DIY Homemade Sparkling Beads from Mama Miss

About Megan Sheakoski

Megan is the creator of Coffee Cups and Crayons, a blog full of simple fun and learning. She believes that kids’ activities don’t have to be complicated to be fun and that learning is better with play.

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Comments

  1. Eric VanRaepenbusch says

    July 8, 2013 at 7:22 pm

    These are very cool and easy to make! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Megan Sheakoski says

      July 9, 2013 at 6:32 pm

      Thanks Eric! They kids love them!

      Reply
  2. Nikki says

    July 18, 2013 at 9:44 am

    I have seen things similar to these before… one GREAT tip! To make sure that the cans keep their shape when you are poking the holes fill with water and freeze overnight the ice inside will stop the cans from bending when you hammer the nail in 🙂 Then just run under warm water to melt and your tin lantern is ready!

    Reply
    • Megan Sheakoski says

      July 18, 2013 at 10:25 am

      Nikki what a smart idea!!!! Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
  3. latisha says

    December 25, 2015 at 7:33 pm

    do you turn the bottom of the can toward the ceiling for better effects? and if so do you poke holes in that too?

    Reply
    • Megan Sheakoski says

      December 30, 2015 at 10:58 am

      No we put the bottom on the bottom, but I think flipping it over is an AWESOME idea!!!!!!! I’d definitely poke holes in it. I bet it would be really cool!

      Reply

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