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Here's a simple way to turn old coffee or vegetable cans into lovely garden lanterns.
Clean out and remove the labels from any sized tin can-opened on one end. If necessary, pound down any sharp edges with a hammer, then dry the can thoroughly.
Cut a piece of white paper big enough to fit around the can, cutting off any excess. This paper will serve as your design template.
After cutting the paper to the correct size, remove it from the can and with a colored marker, trace or draw a simple design using a series of small dots (about the size of a nail head). These dots represent the spots you'll be punching with a hammer and nail. Leave at least a 1/2 inch border around the top of the can so you punch out holes for hanging.
Fill the can up to the top with water and let it freeze over night. This will prevents the can from bending and denting while you punch holes into it and give you a hard surface to work on.
Remove the can from the freezer and reattach your template with masking tape. If necessary, secure the template with paper clips along the rim of the can.
With a hammer and large-sized nail, pound holes into the can following the pattern of your design. Make an X with masking tape across the open end of the can to make it easy to mark where to punch holes for hanging.
Decorate the outside of the can with paint as desired. Add small candles or tea lights and use wire or a metal clothes hanger for hanging.
A Note of Caution: Make sure you keep your candles small and your hangers long enough to avoid fire. Never leave a candle burning unattended.
About The Author: Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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