Imagine the fun you’ll have over the years as family, friends, and other guests, show up at your door. They’ll inevitably ask about that beautiful lantern outside the door and, you’ll tell them it’s a tuna can. They’ll be in disbelief, examining the lantern, and finally realizing that it’s true. And, then, it will start. You’ll have to tell each and every one of them how you made it, but that’s not hard. In fact, it takes very little effort at all to “build” a beautiful lantern that you’ll be proud to show everyone you know.
Besides the tuna can you’ll basically need just one other thing. That “thing” can be your choice of several different objects. One cheap and easy thing you can use is an extension handle for a paint roller. The wooden pole is ideal for making the outdoor lantern. You could also use a metal pipe or a long dowel rod.
It only takes a minute to put a screw through the can and into a wooden dowel or paint roller handle – especially if you have an electric drill. Position the can on the end of the pole and screw right through the center of the can. If you’re using a metal pipe, buy a cap for it, and glue the can to the cap. When the glue is set simply slide the cap onto the pipe.
When you see the tuna can on a pole it’s not that impressive. But after you paint the arrangement you’ll see it can be dazzling, demure, but always pretty. Paint the can gold and the pole black, or paint it all black, or even all white. If you’ll be painting the can a different color than the pole, do so before attaching it to the pole.
The can could be left as it is but it can also be embellished by using things found at a home improvement store. You won’t believe how many decorative pieces, like wrought iron, or wood – even drawer pulls – that can be attached to the tuna can. Just make sure that, if you’re using adhesive, it is suitable for outdoors and for metal.
After your pole is in the ground, set a votive candle – without its container – in the tuna can. Set a hurricane lamp glass over it and it’s done. If you want to make a lantern for indoor use you can just forget the pole and set the can right where you want it. The unusual arrangement is very nice and, unless you call attention to it, no one will even know it was made from a tuna can.
Tuna Can Lantern