I really like paint can lanterns (yes, I know I’m a dork), and what’s cooler than a snowman sitting on your porch or in your apartment window? They’re easy to make and are quite festive. You’ll need:
1 1-gallon paint can with lid
1 quart paint can with lid
1 pint paint can with lid
white spray paint
black enamel paint
orange enamel paint
awl or large-gauge nail
hammer
3 battery-operated votive lights
Crafting the snowmen is simple:
1.) Fill each can with water and freeze until solid. Using the hammer and awl or nail, punch a ring of holes around the top and bottom of each can. Defrost water and dry cans.
2.) In a well-ventilated area, spray all the cans and lids with the white spray paint and let dry. If any of the punched holes are filled with paint, just use a toothpick to clear the hole.
3.) On the pint can, paint your snowman face with the black and orange paint.
4.) On the quart can, paint a row of buttons down the front.
5.) Put a battery-operated votive in each can, stack the cans with the largest on the bottom, and enjoy!
I recommend using the battery-operated votives instead of real candles in these lanterns because the cans will have the lids on and be stacked, causing a fire hazard and ventilation problem. You can get a 10-pack for what I think is a decently reasonable price at Plow & Hearth. You can also embellish your snowman any way you want- dress it up with a knit or felt scarf and hat, mini broom and corncob pipe. And instead of painting on the face detail and buttons, you can always hot glue buttons and a wood or paper mache carrot to the face- whatever your imagination dreams up, as always!
Barbara said,
December 4, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
I think I got the blog address right, speaking of dorks,lol. I love this idea, I had seen earlier in the year making yard lanterns putting cans on spikes. I could not figure out how to punch the holes without crushing the can, and now you have given me a way. Thank you so much!!
By the way, you are far from a dork!
Barbara
christmas craft said,
December 8, 2007 @ 10:26 pm
[...] Christmas Craft: Paint Can Snowman Lantern [...]
Mariana Lima said,
November 26, 2009 @ 8:09 am
Hy, i loved this idea and i want to do it, the problem is that i can´t picture in order to make it.
Could you please send me a picture??
I would really apreciate it.
Mariana