Here are 3 projects for simple outdoor lighting.
TIN CAN LANTERN
What you need: a clean tin can (like a soup can, sliced peach can, or juice can.), a couple of large nails, hammer, sturdy wire, spray paint, waterproof glue or glue gun, black permanent marker, candle or tea light.
Take the lid off a tin can. Make a dot design on the sides of the can where you want to punch the holes, like a star design. Fill with water and set in the freezer. Freeze solid. When frozen take a big nail and pound holes on the dots. If the ice is melting too fast refreeze and begin again. Make two holes near the top opposite each other for the wire handle. Let the ice melt and dump out. Hammer a nail thru the bottom to hold the candle and glue in place on the outside bottom. (If you will be using tea lights, skip this step.) Cut a length of wire for the handle and twist to fasten to the sides of the can thru the 2 top holes. Insert candle or tea light. Hang outside in an area that is fire safe. Be careful of the sharp edges from the nail holes when inserting the candle.
RECYCLED JAR LANTERN
What you need: recylced jar or pint canning jar, tea light, 16-20 gauge wire, and 24 gauge wire, jewelry pliers or needle nose pliers, beads are optional. Wire size isn't critical, use what you have on hand, but nice if one is a thinner size than the other, for wrapping.
This is a "use your imagination" project. Basics are: measure the height of the jar, and cut 2 lengths of wire that is 4 times that height. Cut a small length of the smaller wire, criss-cross the 2 long wires in the middle and wire together with the small wire. Set the jar in the middle and fold the wire sections up the sides of the jar. From the smaller wire cut a length enough to wrap around the jar just under the rim of the jar, below where the threads are for the lid, plus enough for twisting to tighten. Push the large wires tight to the jar and wrap the small wire around to secure them below the rim. Twist small wire to tighten and fold down twist. Bring long wires together at top for hanger, make a round loop of the 4 wires together, and with a small wire piece wrap tightly to secure that loop. Put a tea light in the bottom and hang on hook, or branch outdoors, in a fire safe area.
Variations: 1. String beads on the wires as you make the project.
2. Cut 2 of the long wires a little shorter, curl them into a loop on opposite sides of the jar, and use the 2 longer strands for the hanger. Hang beads from the curls.
3. Spray paint the inside of the jar for a frosty glow when the candle is lit.
GOBLET OR WINE GLASS CANDLE HOLDER
Use a goblet or large wine glass, one that is big enough to hold a tea light safely, spray paint with gold or white paint, and set the tea light inside. Create a wire hanger like above, only place it directly under the bowl of the glass and around the stem. Enjoy
Edey
