Halloween Luminaries

If you're looking for an easy and affordable way to decorate your home for Halloween, make these luminaries using tin cans! Place them along your walkway or front steps to light the way on Halloween. So cute and charming!  Several years ago we made these in cub scouts for Christmas Gifts and traced christmas shapes from cookie cutters.

What You'll Need: 

* Sharpie or marker in the same color as your paint
* Clean empty tin cans {I like to use the big coffee cans, any size will work}
* Hammer and large nail or awl
* Paint
* Paint brush
* Candles


Instructions

Fill the tin can with water and place it in the freezer. When the water in the can is frozen, remove the can from the freezer.

Using the marker, draw whatever image or word onto the tin can. You can freehand or print a design from the internet and then trace it onto the tin can. Keep the design simple though. Design Ideas: outline of a cat, a bat, a witch's hat, words like Boo or Happy Halloween. 

Place the tin can on a folded towel. This will help brace the tin can and reduce the impact of punching the holes with the hammer. 

Then, use the hammer and awl {or nail} nail to puncture the design in the can. 

When you're done punching the holes, place the can under hot, running water to melt the ice. 

Also, since water expands as it freezes, the bottom of your can will probably not be level. If not, then turn the can over, cover with a towel, and hammer down the edges until the bottom of the can is level. 

Paint the tin can using either spray paint or acrylic paint. Once the the paint is dry, you'll probably have to go back with a toothpick and poke some of the holes through on the can since the paint can clog them up. 

Place a candle inside the can and enjoy!