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CRAFTS
Project:
Creative Tin-Can Candle Holders
By Jeremy Gauthier
Edited by Linda Kevich
Ah yes, the good
old Tin Can. The tin can has been around for years, providing the
inspiration for many a good craft project. Tin cans are one of the
most versatile mediums for crafts, besides wood and foam. Best part
about them, they are cheap - in fact, usually free (after you use
what was in them). Tin cans can be used to make all kinds of candle
holders, providing a unique touch to your home or garden. In this
article, we will share some ideas on how to make interesting and
unique candle holders out of plain old tin cans.
There are two
primary size tin cans, soup cans and coffee cans. Both offer a wide
variety of different craft ideas. Tin cans can be cut, punched,
painted, weathered and modified in multiple ways. They can be set on
top of a table or hung out in the garden.
Let's start with
the basics. Most people will decide to punch holes into the can,
which is the easiest. However you can use any type of cutting tools.
A drill is handy, but even better is a Dremel tool. But for those who
will be using a hammer or even a drill, let's start there. Before you
start anything, fill the can with water and freeze it. This will
allow you to punch holes easier, with out bending the can.
It always helps to
have some kind of plan or design in your head or on paper. In fact
drawing the design out on paper allows you to modify it and then tape
it around the tin can as a template. Think about weather or not you
may want to paint the tin can or weather proof it for outside garden use.
One example of a
design is a simple western motif. Download of a silhouette graphic of
a dog howling at the moon. With the Dremal tool cut out the scene on
the tin can. After painting it black and punching two holes at the
top, you can hang it in a garden. Simpler designs would include punch
out designs such as creating a bunch of tiny wholes to create a night
sky effect. Patterns also look great.
Once you have cut
out a design, painting time can finish the look of your candle
holder. I often choose black, because the light will shine through
better at night or in a dim room. A light blue and white to match
your kitchen décor will add a unique touch. You can add almost
any type of embellishing to the can, such as colored stones or ribbon.
For those of you
who want a more elaborate candle holder, try the larger coffee cans.
They provide a larger area to work with. One idea for the larger cans
is to cut wholes about half inch in diameter and attach pieces of
stained or any colored glass on the inside of the can. You could
create an entire stained glass tin can candle holder. The larger cans
are also great for outdoors. Their large base is perfect for decks
and walk ways, as they will not tip over easily.
By cutting slits
down the sides of cans you can bend the edges downward, creating nice
flared out look. Just remember to file down the edges, they will be
sharp. For an added flare, twist the ends with a pair of pliers.
There is a lot you can do with this method and even adding other cut
out pieces to the cans. You could create angled top for the can, just
like a lantern.
With a little bit
of imagination and paint, you can turn any tin can into something
worth putting on a table or mantle. So experiment and have fun. Don't
worry about messing up; I'm sure you have plenty of cans lying
around. To find more articles on Candle Decorating, Candle Scaping or
Decorating Tips, visit www.expressivecandles.com.
About
The Author
Jeremy Gauthier is onwer
of ExpressiveCandles.com. Expressive
Candles offers Scented Hand Poured Candles and a growing collection
of Candle Decorating and Candle Scaping articles. Jeremy Gauthier
co-owns and runs Expressive Candles, a small candle making company in
Florida. Besides offering hand poured candles, his site has a growing
candle decorating and tips guide.
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