Illuminating Garden Art From Recycled Cans

I’ve always been crazy about recycling, and I’m constantly asking myself what I can do with just about anything before I throw it away. Recently, I opened a little closet where I store my empty coffee cans.  I’ve had some idea of what I wanted to do with the coffee cans, but simply never got around to doing it. The time had finally come to use an old time craft known as “tin punching” and turn these coffee cans into what I call “Illuminaries.”

Tin punching is a craft that goes as far back in history as this country. Brought over by the Europeans, tin punching has been used as a functional and design feature on many things. From lanterns in old churches to the panels on an old-fashioned pie cabinet, you will find many images that were created with a simple hammer and nail punched into tin. It is a technique that, when supervised by an adult, a child will have a wonderful time making.

Click here to download a PDF of Carmen De La Paz's Recipe Card for Recycled Coffee Can Luminarias.

Instead of using a hammer (and to make things go faster), I used a drill with a small bit on it. I like projects being quick and easy. These recycled coffee cans create what I call “Illuminaries.” Some people call them luminarias at the holiday season. Either way, when placed on the steps of a landing or a porch with a candle in them to make them glow, they become a wonderful way to say “Welcome!”