Decorative Luminary 

Follow these steps to create a decorative luminary to place in a window or on a patio table.  These unique luminaries will spruce up any space and add a soft candlelit glow to the surroundings.  
 

  

This project is a great idea for inexpensively decorating for outdoor parties, holidays, or “just because”.  The steps are easy to follow and simple to complete and you likely have most everything you need in your home right now! 

JUST A TIP:  You don’t have to be an artist to create a decorative luminary, be resourceful and look at available stencils at you local craft and hobby store!
  

Materials you will need:

1 old metal coffee can in any size you want 

Crafting paint (available at local crafting and discount retail stores)

Stencils (optional-available at your local crafting store)
  

Tools you will need:

Hammer and nails

Can opener

To get started:  Follow these easy “how-to steps” to complete this crafting project.  In no time at all you will be admiring your own hand made luminary and thinking about the next luminary you plan to make!

Thoroughly clean out your coffee can of any residue.  

Remove the bottom of the coffee can (as well as the top) with your can opener.  (You do not have to remove the bottom of the can, though for this project the bottom was removed.)

Place the coffee can on a steady surface and using a large nail, hammer holes into the can in a random pattern.  Continue to make holes over the entire surface of the coffee can all of the way around.

Once you are satisfied with the number of holes in you can, it is time to begin painting!

Paint the entire surface of the can first and let this coat of paint dry.  You may want to use spray paint to coat the can; it is quite a bit easier, and saves on time.

After the first coat of paint dries you can begin to paint on your decorative touches.  For this portion of the crafting project you may opt to use stencils to create the design on the luminary.  There are several stencils available and many are holiday themed so you can create exactly what you want!  NOTE:  You don’t have to paint additional touches to the can, you can let your “nail  holes” be the “star” of the project (see “ADDITIONAL TIPS” section).

Once the paint of your decorative touches is dry, you may choose to add a coat of clear sealer. NOTE:  The sealer is not really necessary unless you are going to be using the luminary outdoors where it won’t be protected from the weather.

Place a candle inside your luminary and light it.  You will be amazed at how beautiful your  completed luminary craft is.  The soft glow if the candle will surly set any mood and is a  enchanting addition any home or patio decor.
  

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

Instead of nailing the holes in a random pattern around the can, create a pattern such as a large star with several small stars around it.  This will look amazing once the candle is lighted!

Make a “collection” of luminaries by using different size coffee cans and displaying the
finished projects in a cluster.

Use small soup cans to create cute table top decor for outdoor parties or bar-b-ques.

Create a Jack-o Lantern that will last for years!  Paint your coffee can orange and nail in your Jack-o-Lantern’s face!
  

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