Learn how to make durable Chinese lanterns from soda cans! Paint them any color and fill with LED tea lights. Great upcycle decor for all occasions and unlike paper lanterns they last a long time. You can also hang them as is without lighting for a daytime event. We used LED tea lights with timers for these. Just like the ones used for our Upcycled Ceiling Fan.
Chinese Lantern Supplies
NOTE ABOUT SHARP EDGES: Most soda cans are now made with very thin, soft aluminum. It would be difficult to get cut on them.
- Soda cans (with tab still attached )
- Spray paint (We used Krylon Rich Plumb Gloss and Krylon Sun Yellow)
- Utility knife
- Raffia etc. for hanging
- Tea Lights, Battery Operated (this is the exact set I purchased which works on a timer 6 hours on 18 off) *
Note on these specific tea lights: I’ve not had mine long enough to determine the usage on these specific lights but from what I read it will be about two to three months if they are kept on the timer 24/7. The way the timer works is you turn them on at the time you want them to stay lit for 6 hours. They will then auto shut off for 18 hours and come on again the next day.
Video How To
Visual Instructions
You can measure around the can and make tiny marks where you will cut. You can also just eyeball it and cut, which is what I did. Make sure to keep the tab on!
Fill the can with water to about 1/2″ from the top and freeze. If you fill it too full it can split the can.
Frozen water in can.
Make cuts with a knife about 1/2″ apart and about 1″ or so from the top and bottom.
Set the can in the sink to let the ice melt.
Once the ice is melted paint the can. Handle the tab very carefully as you want it to stay firmly affixed to the can for hanging.
Carefully push down, making sure the cuts go outward. 
Add battery operate tea lights if desired. 
Carefully place them in the lantern.
Nancy,
Great idea, you didn’t mention when to paint it – before or after the cuts? Guess I could figure it out, but would save me time if you know best.
Thanks so much.
She did actually, accord8ng to her directions, you paint after it’s cut and thawed.
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I think you’re brilliant on using ice to make the cut! I’ve been trying to make this but couldn’t get clean straight cuts! Thanks for sharing this tip!
Hi Carmen! I always say I’m really that smart… just lazy. I’ll find the easiest way to do anything! lol Thanks so much for stopping by!
What do you think of kids 10-13 yrs old making the lanterns?
It would depend on how the parent felt about their child using a knife and if they felt they could do it safely. We have an 11 year old and I’d be nervous letting her do it. Kids and knives can be tricky. Ü A 13 year old could possibly do it ok. Again it would depend on if the parent felt the child was mature and steady handed enough to use a sharp knife.
Safety concern that the aluminum is too sharp once cut. Careful handling a must!
Hi Linda!
Actually not so much with these super thin and soft cans. This is what I put right at the top: “NOTE ABOUT SHARP EDGES: Most soda cans are now made with very thin, soft aluminum. It would be difficult to get cut on them.” Ü
What a fantastic idea Nancy! They are so pretty with the paint and light and would certainly be so much more durable than paper lanterns! Thanks so much for linking this up to our Inspiration Galore Project Party. I will be sure to pin this for later. Hugs, Lisa
Thank you so much Lisa for the kind comment and the pins!
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This is so neat and creative! Never seen anything like it. Thank you for posting this awesome craft! – Suzie
Thanks Suzie!
What a great idea…I love it! And your tutorial is so clear and easy! Thank you for sharing with us at Friday Favorites!! Your awesome Chinese Lanterns will be featured at our next party – Hugs- Christine at Light and Savvy!
Thanks Christine! Glad you enjoyed it. And thank you SO much for the feature!
These are great and so much fun to make. Thank you for sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party. We love having you.
Thanks so much Vanessa. Ü
Thanks for sharing at Inspiration Galore Project Pty, hope to see you next week.
Hi Nancy,
Love this idea, it’s so smart. Would you please share with me the colors of spray paint you used? The deep violet purple one is my favorite color. I must have it! (lol)
Thanks in advance.
Hi Joanna! I need to remember to add the specific colors to my posts. I just added them to the Chinese Lantern posts and here they are: Krylon Rich Plumb Gloss http://amzn.to/2d5I3fL and Krylon Sun Yellow http://amzn.to/2d5Gr5F those are links to the paints on amazon but you can also find them a little cheaper in local stores. Glad you enjoyed them!
This is a perfect, inexpensive way to create or embellish a table centerpiece. Since I need to do a lot for a social event, it’s a great solution to not only save money but also to make an attractive item that can be reused for other occasions.
Thanks Joan. Ü
Nice project to show at your backyard. Thanks for the tutorial.
Thank you!
Thank you, I take it that ordinary tealights cannot be used?
Very inspiring idea. Love it!
Yes you need to use the battery operated ones for safety reasons. Or none at all. Ü
That’s one of the most CLEVER ideas I have seen posted since I started looking at those upcycle sites.
Why thank you! That’s very kind to say. Ü
Love your creative way to up cycle something so abundant and normally thrown away.
Thanks Mary. Ü