Pretty Lighting!

Okay, bit weird, but the other day, while packing up my lickle flat, I had 'Super Scrimpers' on the TV in the background. There was a craft smart girl who had an amazing idea for what could be really pretty lighting!

I have taken the images from Google, because as I have said in my last post, I have just moved house! I've only got time to do this because I am in work! 

Anyway, these are so cute, and yes they work! You will need -

Tin cans (duh!)

Protective gloves (optional)

Metal file (optional)

Water

Freezer

Old towel

Sharpie or similar marker pen

Hammer and heavy duty nails

Paint + brush

Tea lights

Thin metal wire

Firstly, scrub your cans. You don't want your candles smelling like tomato soup! Remove the labels and file down any really sharp bits. ( might want to wear protective gloves! ) You can use any shape or size can you like, as long as the lid has been cleanly removed.

Next, we fill our cans with water and place in the freezer. This is one of the longest parts!

While your tin can is freezing, you can think about your design. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you like!

Once your can has frozen, wrap in an old towel. ( this is save your hands from freezing too! )

Start to mark up your design with your sharpie. Don't worry about mistakes, they will soon be covered up!

Now, while it's still frozen, line up your hammer and nail, and start punching in the holes. The ice is vital to ensure that the can holds it's form. If you just started hitting it with anything it would begin to collapse. If your can has started to defrost, sorry, but you will have to pop it back in the freezer! I know it is time consuming, but, it will save you stressing when you've smashed up all your cans!

I suggest that you start off with a more simple design to begin with, as you need to practice and build in confidence before you try anything too intense! If you're wanting something really fancy for your big day, why not practice on a few and give them out of Crimbo pressies? Family always love handmade, and it gives you a tad bit more experience! Don't forget to add holes either side, about a centimeter down from the top for your handle! 

Okay now to the really messy part. Let me guess, you covered both you and your tins in Sharpie pen, you really want them a particular colour and you're worried paint won't stick?

you can use ANY paint to do this, but obviously if you want a flawless finish, you will have to pay out a little extra for metal paint, that is designed for these kinds of jobs. Sometimes emulsion paint can look amazing though if you are going for a vintage or rustic theme!

Consider your colour theme when painting,and take in to account any clashes or compliments!

The final stage is to take a few inches of thin metal wire, and bend into a 'U' shape. Then hook over both ends like a fishing hook.

Simply thread this through your handle holes, and tighten the grip on the inside. 

Lastly, when completely dry, pop in a tea light, turn off the mains lights, and chill!

As I said, I took these images from a Google search, none of these images are of my own work, but when I get a chance over the weekend  I intend to make a couple to demonstrate fully!

Happy crafting!

 P.S.

Feel free to grab a hot glue gun and stick on some bling or ribbons if it suits your theme!