TIN CAN Luminaries are such a practical idea.  They have been around as long as candles. They were necessary to shelter the flame from winds.  They come in many styles and materials, both big and small, both simple and complex.  The one discussed here is one that costs nothing, saves a can from going into a landfill, or cleans up old cans that have been cast aside by others.  I first started making luminaries out of cans from my old homestead trash pile.  I made all kinds and friends and family loved them.  They used them inside and outside, and you can too.

LET'S BEGIN

Materials needed for your tin can luminary are quite simple.  

A tin can - the size of your choice

a large nail

 a hammer

a piece of round wood ( a piece of firewood, a limb you have trimmed off a tree, etc)

a pencil.  

Some wire for the handle.

Think of a design you would like to have punched into your luminary.  I have chosen hearts for the can in the photo below.  It can be straight lines, abstract, or geometrical.  DO NOT punch the lower part of the can.  The melting wax needs room to melt and not come out of any holes you have made. Put the bound piece of wood into your tin can.  It will be the surface that the nail will penetrate after going through the can. Try to get a piece that is just a little smaller than the circumference of your can. With a pencil, draw your design on the surface of the can.  Hold the nail on the pencil line and hit it with the hammer until it is punched through the metal.  Punch holes that are evenly spaced until you have punched along all of your pencil lines.  Now take your nail and punch two holes near the top edge of the can to allow a wire to pass through.  These holes should be straight across the can from each other as shown in the photo below.  You can turn the wire around your nail if you want a spiral affect as shown in the photo sample.  The wire should be long enough to give plenty of room between it and the burning candle so it won't be too hot to carry by it's handle.  You need to choose a candle that allows plenty of room between it and the sides of the can.  One with a broad base is best so it won't tip in the can.  Contained candles, such as tealights, work well too and keep the inside of the luminary clean.

THAT'S IT, your ready to light the candle and watch the shadows dance on the wall.  (never leave your candle baring while unattended)