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DIY Holiday Tin Can Luminary

DIY holiday luminary final image with text next to the tin

Take your holiday decorating to the next level with these festive tin can luminaries!

They're really easy and affordable, and all you need is a few simple supplies. If you’re missing anything, just stop by your local Valu Home Centers and our knowledgeable associates will help you out!

Supply List:

  • Tin can
  • Marker
  • Stencil
  • Hammer
  • Nail
  • Towel
  • Spray paint
  • Candles

Start by filling your can with water and freezing it. The ice stabilizes the can and stops it from bending when you punch your holes. We used a coffee tin, but it's really up to you. If you prefer a smaller luminary, soup cans are also a great choice.

Person filling the can with water to put it in the freezer

Next, draw your design. It can really be anything, but it’s best to keep it simple. A lot of great designs can be found online, like this one. If you print a design, poke holes in the paper first. Then, use a permanent marker to draw your dots. Place your can on a towel to prevent it from moving.

Person drawing out the design on the can for the next step

There! That was the hardest part, now all you have to do is poke holes based on your markings. Double check that you design is exactly the way you want it, there's no going back now!

Person with a hammer and cloth to poke the holes in the can

Once you've made all your holes, flip your can over, cover it with a towel and gently hammer out any bulges.

Person putting the towel over the can and hammering out the bulges that came from the last step

Next, paint your can. We used Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch spray paint, but the options are nearly limitless. Valu has an incredibly wide range of paints to choose from -- stop in and see for yourself!

Ruste-Oleum spray paint next to the can ready to be painted'

We also put on an extra layer of Krylon Glitter Blast to really make it sparkle.

Krylon glitter next to the now blue tin can

Once it dries, place some candles inside and see your project shine! Tea lights are a safe and easy alternative to traditional candles.

Finished blue holiday tin can next to tea lights

We would love to see photos of your finished project!

Share with us on FacebookInstagram, or Twitter and we will re-post photos for all of our fans to see. You never know who you’ll inspire to get started on their next DIY endeavor!

Lit up holiday tin can next to a Valu Home Center logo

Need a little help?

Not to worry! Visit your local Valu and speak to our knowledgeable Associates. They are always happy to answer questions about your project, and come up with unique solutions.