How can I make simple lanterns for outdoor use without candles?
I have some events coming up in a forest/wooded area that requires some paths to be lit. The first thing I thought of was paper bag lanterns, which would indeed create the atmosphere I need, but I am afraid of the whole candle/paper/forest aspect. Is there any kind of cheap, simple, DIY lantern I could make? It needs to have an old-timey feel. No flashlights or anything. Please help!
You can still use candles safely if you want to make lanterns from cans (like 1 lb coffee cans) that will create that old-time, pimitive, rustic look.
Remove any paper label and punch the metal with a big nail either randomly or in a pattern to let the light show through the can.
You can leave the cans shiny metal or paint the outside of the can in the color of your choice in a heat resistant paint.
Put a few inches of sand inside to weigh down each can and push the bottom of a glass votive candle holder down an inch or two into the sand to secure it. Place a votive candle inside the holder.
Even if someone kicks over a can by accident the sand and the votive holder will contain or put out the flame to prevent any problems.
Another alternative is to get some of the new solar lights to line the path. They come in all sorts of styles and have become fairly inexpensive.
Wall Lanterns, Indoor Lantern, Outdoor Candle Lantern, Decorative Candle Lanterns
