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Candle Can-tainer

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-538 -- More Projects »
PHOTO
Chris Mobley shows how to recycle metal containers into decorative objects.

Materials:

old coffee can
fingernail-polish remover
tracing paper
sheet-metal screw
piece of broom handle or wood
fingernail polish or glass paint
wire clothes hanger
sand
candle

Steps:


  1. Clean the can first by rinsing it with soapy water. If there is gummy residue left from the label, remove it with nail-polish remover, then wipe with paper towels.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • Create a stencil by drawing a design on tracing paper that has been cut to the width and circumference of the can (figure A). You can also use a marker to draw the design directly onto the can.

  • Fill the can with water, replace the lid and freeze overnight. This will provide a hard backing underneath the can when the holes are punched.

  • Create a hole-punching tool by screwing a sheet-metal screw through a piece of broom handle or other circular piece of wood.
    • PHOTO

    Figure B
  • Place the thumb over the screw, line up the tip of the screw with the dot on the can or stencil, apply some pressure, twist and pop the tip through the metal (figure B).

  • Decorate the can with nail polish or glass paint (not too thick).

  • Punch two holes opposite each other at the open end of the can, then remove the cardboard from a wire clothes hanger and insert one end into each hole to create a hanging lantern.

  • Fill the bottom with sand, then drop a candle in to create a night-light.

    • Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-538
    •Candle Can-tainer
    •Replenishing Soil
    •Homemade Dessert Toppings
    •Smart Solution of the Day
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