DIY Tin Can Luminarias: Easy Outdoor Lighting for Pennies

Create magical pathway lighting with recycled tin cans — simple, stylish, and nearly free.

Materials

• 26-ounce tin cans
• Bottle opener (old-fashioned beer can type)
• Work gloves, hammer, sharp nail
• Terra cotta saucer
• Votive candle

3-Step Instructions

1. Prep cans: Remove labels, tops, bottoms. Use bottle opener for triangular holes around top/bottom perimeters. Wear gloves — sharp edges!

2. Punch patterns: Hammer and nail for additional holes in simple, stylized designs. Practice on spare cans first.

3. Assemble: Place each can in terra cotta saucer with votive candle. For taller base, hot-glue two saucers bottom-to-bottom.