Is there anything more enchanting than the glow of candles around the "glamp" site. These tin can luminaries made from pails in different shapes & sizes use battery operated tea lights to provide a magical sparkle to your bachelorette celebrations.
Add a touch of boho with my arrow templates and you have pretty, affordable and easy to transport lighting decor.
Better yet, your guests will love the fact that you made them. Follow these easy DIY steps to make your own tin can luminaries. Be sure to download the Free Printable here!
Select an arrow from the template. Cut out one or more to fit the pail you are using.
I am using the Mini Pink Favor Pail. I also used a Medium Galvinized Metal Pails and Galvanized Tall Pots.
Tape the arrow(s) into position.
OPTIONAL: To make it easier to punch holes in the pail, freeze the pail with water in it first. Leave 1/4 inch space at the top for the ice to expand when freezing. Any bulges that may occur at the bottom of the pail can be flattened after you remove the ice (using hot water).
Download the free Arrow Printables here!
Using a hand drill (or hammer and nail) drill (or punch) holes into the tin pail.
Follow the lines of the template and drill a hole approx every to 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch.
TIP: Lay a towel under the pail to protect the surface (or catch ice chips if you froze the pails).
TIP: A larger drill bit or nail results in larger holes, use a smaller drill bit. I recommend a 1/16 or 1/32 drill bit.
TIP: Drill slowly & firmly to not break the drill bit
Next remove the tape and template. I did not use the ice method, where I found some small dents I rolled the handle of the hammer over the inside of the pail. This smoothed the design from the inside.
If you used the freeze method, melt the ice under hot water. Use the hammer to remove any bulging from expansion.
Finally, add a tea light to the pail. The luminaries are now ready to place around your glamping site.
The beauty of using pails is that you do not need to drill extra holes for a handle or make a handle to hang the luminaries. They are extremely versatile, hang them from trees, place them on tree trunks, tables and more.
For more ideas and inspiration be sure to check out my Boho Glamping Bachelorette with simple DIY Individual Picnic Kits and DIY Glamping Comfort Station.