search kidssearch all NWF

Hammer a Luminaria from a Recycled Can

Design your own starlight lantern or luminaria from a recycled can.

Average Rating:	1 2 3 4 5
Participant Age:	7 to 12, 12 and up
Approximate Cost:	$0
Duration:	1 to 60 minutes
Difficulty:	1 2 3 4 5
Physical Challenge:	1 2 3 4 5

Candle - small one such as a tea light
Freezer
Hammer
Match
Metal can
Large nail
Paper long enough to wrap around the can
Pencil
Scissors
Tape
Towel
Water
Work glove (optional)

Cut the paper so it wraps around the can.

Use your pencil to draw a pretty design on the paper made of dots. Don't put the dots too close together. You could make designs like stars or flowers, and repeat them to make a pattern.

Fill the can with water and put it in the freezer
The water forms into ice. The ice allows you to hammer out the pattern in your can without causing the can to dent in.

Once the ice is frozen, take the can out of the freezer.

Tape your design around the can.

Put down a towel on your table to protect the working surface and keep the can from rolling around.

You can wear a work glove on one hand to hold the can so your hand doesn't get too cold.

Tape a large nail into each dot on your pattern.
If you have a complex pattern, you might find that the ice starts to melt, and some water will come out and make your pattern wet. So you might need to re-freeze the can periodically in the case.

When your pattern is all tapped, let the ice melt out of your can.

Light a small candle and put it in your can.

If you make more than one luminaria, it can be a romantic touch for a night-time picnic. Or welcome night time visitors as they walk to your door.

You can make spooky themed ones for Halloween too.

Advanced Search >

Song: Hello Little Red Sea Star

Sung to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
Fruity Jack-o'-Lanterns

Start a new healthy Halloween tradition by making these fruity, funny faces.
Pumpkin Patch Fun

Play these pumpkin games to make Halloween time extra fun.
Sea Star Pretzels

Here’s a treat that looks like it came from the salty sea.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

When you're finished carving your pumpkin, don't toss those pumpkin seeds—they make a terrific treat!

From:	Ranger Rick, rick@nwf.org
Subject:	{ Your name goes here } sent you a laugh from Ranger Rick
Message:	The following message was sent to you by { Name } from Ranger Rick's Laugh Finder website: { Your note } Click here to find the answer on Ranger Rick's Laugh Finder >>

From:	Ranger Rick, rick@nwf.org
Subject:	{ Your name goes here } sent you a question from Ranger Rick
Message:	The following message was sent to you by { Name } from Ranger Rick's website: { Your note } Click here to find the answer on Ranger Rick's website >>

Your First Name:
Your Last Name:
Your Email Address:
Your Friend's Email Address(es) (up to 10 email addresses, separated by commas):
Your Personal Message (optional):
Yes, I would like to receive National Wildlife Federation emails.
	Cancel