Chinese Lanterns From Soda Cans
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.
Spray paint
Tea Lights, Timer/Battery Operated
Utility knife
Raffia etc. for hanging
Enjoyed the project?

Questions on this post
Have a question about this project?
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Adelheid Olivier on Sep 15, 2016
The candle won't stand upright because the bottom of the soda can is curved.
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Jill Bierenbaum on Mar 28, 2017
can you string them and hang them? How hard ids it to take the tealight in and out?-
Nancy at Craft Your Happiness on Apr 10, 2017
Yep you can string them. It is a bit tricky getting the lights in and out I have to admit. You have to bend a couple of the bars and shake them out.
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Chrisspo on Oct 07, 2019
How do you get the soda out of can if you have to leave the top on?
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Anthony on Oct 07, 2019
I would guess that when you make your first side cut, have a glass ready to get the soda or just let it drain.
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Nancy at Craft Your Happiness on Oct 08, 2019
You pop the top tab, and drink or pour it out. Then proceed as normal. Ü
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LauraJane on Apr 07, 2020
Drink the soda! Just don't pull the tab off after opening.
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Comments
Join the conversation
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Merelyn sale on Mar 28, 2017
Clever and cheap. Can use on our patio also. -
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Lucy Marie Bernier on Mar 28, 2017
Nifty idea.... :) 👍👍👍 -
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Debbie on Mar 28, 2017
you used are high school colors here .. I am going to do this around the pool
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Nancy at Craft Your Happiness on Mar 29, 2017
Awesome! Good luck Debbie!
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Bren on Apr 09, 2017
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.-
Nancy at Craft Your Happiness on Apr 10, 2017
Thanks so much!
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Joanie on May 08, 2017
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!-
Nancy at Craft Your Happiness on May 09, 2017
You're very welcome! check out our updated version too! http://www.hometalk.com/28596282/diy-chinese-string-lanterns
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Nancy Wilson on May 08, 2017
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!-
Nancy at Craft Your Happiness on May 09, 2017
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
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Jefferey Engel on Oct 05, 2017
Thanks I am going to show my mom how to do this. -
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Cynlig on Oct 19, 2017
Your patience alone gets a high five from me. Very nice indeed.-
Nancy at Craft Your Happiness on Oct 19, 2017
Thank you Cynlig. Ü
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Royce and Annette on Jan 26, 2019
YES IT IS A WONDERFUL IDEA, THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Annette and Royce Gorseth in Spokane, WA
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Made Rodcas on Mar 16, 2020
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...
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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