My girls are all about the crafts. They would have me crafting all day if they could. With the summer months coming, I figured it would be a good time to do a themed craft with them. So, we decided to try something easy… but different from what we normally would do. We chose red white and blue for our theme… and I decided on a “more manly” craft than normal. You know, one that actually included the use of a hammer and nails.

Well… sorta.

Luminaries Craft Day sim

Red White and Blue Tin Can Luminaries

We spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer. Plus, with all of the patriotic holidays coming up (Memorial Day, 4th of July, and even Labor Day), we wanted to incorporate our Tin Can Luminaries into the celebration. Not to mention the fact that the red, white and blue sort of match my blog. But, you know, the girls don’t exactly get that but it makes me happy.

Now on to our craft. Again, this was a simple craft that I was able to do easily with my 7 and 9 year old daughters. Here is all we did:

Supplies:

  • Empty tin can(s)
  • Red, white, blue paint (or colors of your choice)
  • Paint brush
  • Tea light candles
  • Hammer and 1 nail (see? told you they would be involved in the making of this craft)

Instructions:

  1. If can is not empty, make sure to take contents out and rinse. (Just making sure on this one).
  2. Peel all labels from empty can. Dispose of lid (carefully). Side note: watch the inside of the can as well. The metal pieces left behind by the can opener are still sharp and can, and will, cut you. Then you are left with a Snow White band-aid on your finger as you finish the craft. (I *may or may not* know this from experience).
  3. Make sure can is dry and position on a steady surface. Take the hammer and nail and use them to gently punch holes in the side of the cans. (I said they would be used… just not necessarily in a nail meeting wood way).  Luminaries Nail
  4. Paint can in desired design. We chose red, white, and blue stripes for our patriotic theme. I was actually not allowed to do any of the painting, but the girls did an excellent job.  Luminaries Paint
  5. Let paint completely dry. Carefully (remember the side of the can I mentioned in step #2) place a tea light candle or two into bottom of the can.
  6. Light the candle(s) and you now have glowing tin can luminaries.

You are done. Light up the tin can luminaries the next time you are enjoying a summer evening.

Red White Blue Tin Can Luminaries

What is your favorite summer holiday?

Make sure to also check out the red, white and blue felt wreath the girls made with Staci to go with our celebratory theme.