Cut upcycle soda can lanterns using LED lights! ***CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICS, A VIDEO & MORE DETAILS***
NOTE ABOUT SHARP EDGES: These typical soda cans are now made from VERY thin soft aluminum. It would be incredibly hard to get cut on it. Our hands were in and out of the sliced cans and we didn't get even a scratch.
Chinese Lanterns From Soda Cans
Soda cans (with tab still attached )
Spray paint
Tea Lights, Timer/Battery Operated
Utility knife
Raffia etc. for hanging
Spray paint
Tea Lights, Timer/Battery Operated
Utility knife
Raffia etc. for hanging
You can measure around the can and make tiny marks where you will cut. You can also just eyeball it and cut, which is what I did. Make sure to keep the tab on!
Fill the can with water to about 1/2″ from the top and freeze. If you fill it too full it can split the can. Because the can's are so thin you need the frozen water so that you can easily cut the slits in them.
Make cuts with a knife about 1/2″ apart and about 1″ or so from the top and bottom.
Spray paint your can. You're now ready to shape it!
Carefully push down, making sure the cuts go outward.
Slide in a tea light if you're using one.
***THERE IS A VIDEO OF HOW TO MAKE THE CAN ON OUR POST LINK BELOW***
Enjoyed the project?
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Questions on this post
Have a question about this project?
3 of 14 questions
-
The candle won't stand upright because the bottom of the soda can is curved.
-
can you string them and hang them? How hard ids it to take the tealight in and out?
-
How do you get the soda out of can if you have to leave the top on?
Comments
Join the conversation
15 of 137 comments
-
Clever and cheap. Can use on our patio also.
-
Nifty idea.... :) 👍👍👍
-
you used are high school colors here .. I am going to do this around the pool
-
Awesome! Good luck Debbie!
-
-
Filling with water and freezing before cutting the slits is genius. I would never have thought that and would have tried to cut the slips, more than likely ruining the can and cutting myself. Thank you for an ingenious idea.
-
Thanks so much!
-
-
These are so decorative. They sure don't seem hard.......In the picture above you use the cap opener for the hanger......I wouldn't mind tryin' this.....Thank you!
-
You're very welcome! check out our updated version too! http://www.hometalk.com/28596282/diy-chinese-string-lanterns
-
-
The frozen can hint is wonderful. I have been trying to cut them with scissors and Xacto knives and it's been a terrible fail. I'm going to try your hint....wish me luck!
-
It makes all the difference. Good luck Nancy! You might check out our newest version too: http://www.hometalk.com/28596282/diy-chinese-string-lanterns
-
-
Thanks I am going to show my mom how to do this.
-
Your patience alone gets a high five from me. Very nice indeed.
-
Thank you Cynlig. Ü
-
-
YES IT IS A WONDERFUL IDEA, THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Annette and Royce Gorseth in Spokane, WA -
I really love this my Uncle does this here in Puerto Rico for many years and he even makes lanterns out of them for candle holders...
Maybe add glue dots or poster tack to bottom of tea lite.. will pull up easily also.
I believe they're meant to hang ,that's why you leave the tab on.
Put a bit of sand in to host a level candle...or rice if it stays dry where you hang them.
you leave the tabs on to use as hangers. What a great idea and no flames!
You could put foam or something inside to keep the candle upright.
Add a touch of hot glue to the can