Easy-To-Light Luminary

Don’t burn your fingers trying to light a homemade tin-can luminary ever again. This project will create a cute little light that will save your hands.

article-post
by Emily Lawrence Mendoza

Easy-To-Light Luminary - Photo by Emily Lawrence Mendoza (HobbyFarms.com) 

Can or jar luminaries are nothing novel, but this simple modification can make them so much easier to use. Whether you decide to use a tin can or a mason jar for your candle holder, it can be huge pain to try to light the candle. The choices are basically to light the candle inside the container getting burned by a rapidly burning match, lighting the candle first then trying to drop it into the container without burning yourself or putting it out, or using long matches, which seem like a waste. This a is very easy older-kid-friendly craft where a little extra wire can go a long way.

Easy-To-Light Luminary - Photo by Emily Lawrence Mendoza (HobbyFarms.com) 

What You’ll Need:

  • tin can
  • pliable wire (I used a colored floral wire from the dollar store, but you could chose from a variety of craft or hardware options.)
  • pliers/wire cutters
  • tea-light candle holder
  • tea light
  • hammer and nail or drill
  • can opener

Step 1

Subscribe now

Easy-To-Light Luminary - Photo by Emily Lawrence Mendoza (HobbyFarms.com) 

If you haven’t done so already, open the can eat the food and rinse it out. If you have access to a Safety Can opener that leaves the edges dull and not sharp, this is great time use it.

Step 2

Easy-To-Light Luminary - Photo by Emily Lawrence Mendoza (HobbyFarms.com) 

Use the hammer and nail or drill to punch holes in the can either randomly or in a design of your choice. Be sure to place two hole on opposite sides of the can near the top, where you thread wire for the handle. It can be help to fill the can with water and freeze it before punching the holes to add stability. Then dump the ice block when you’re finished.

Step 3

Easy-To-Light Luminary - Photo by Emily Lawrence Mendoza (HobbyFarms.com) 

Cut a length of wire for the handle, and run each end of it through the handle holes, folding the wire back up and twisting to itself to secure it.

Step 4

Easy-To-Light Luminary - Photo by Emily Lawrence Mendoza (HobbyFarms.com) 

Cut two lengths of wire about double the depth of the can.

Step 5

Easy-To-Light Luminary - Photo by Emily Lawrence Mendoza (HobbyFarms.com) 

Twist the wires together at their mid points, and fan the prongs out at 90-degree intervals.

Step 6

Easy-To-Light Luminary - Photo by Emily Lawrence Mendoza (HobbyFarms.com) 

Place a tea-light holder in the center of the crossed wires, and fold the prongs up.

Step 7

Easy-To-Light Luminary - Photo by Emily Lawrence Mendoza (HobbyFarms.com) 

Use pliers to curl the ends of the wires out about one turn.

Step 8

Easy-To-Light Luminary - Photo by Emily Lawrence Mendoza (HobbyFarms.com) 

Place the wire candle holder into the can, shaping the wires so the curls rest on the rim of the can.

Step 9

Easy-To-Light Luminary - Photo by Emily Lawrence Mendoza (HobbyFarms.com) 

To light the candle, simply lift the wires up to reach the wick, and easily rest it back in place for burning. Warning: As with any flame heat is created to be cautious when grabbing the wire handles or can after the candle has been burning.

Easy-To-Light Luminary - Photo by Emily Lawrence Mendoza (HobbyFarms.com) 

Emily Lawrence at The Craft Hub
About Emily Lawrence Mendoza
Emily Lawrence Mendoza is a graphic designer and crafty mom who recently started her own blog SweetMommyMom.com. She loves sewing and crafting without breaking the bank and using items that can be easily sourced.

« More of The Craft Hub »

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CAPTCHA Image