DIY Ramadhan Lantern
You will need:
- Empty cans of soda
- Tea light candles (Safer than actual candles)
- Several waterbase paint colors (gold spray paint, red, yellow, pink, blue, etc.)
- One Paint Brush (I found the #8 Craftsmart to be very effective and fast)
- A Stanley knife
Optional items:
- A ruler
- Sand paper
- Masking tape
The Directions:
1. Leave about 2 cm at the top of the can and spare about 1.5 cm at the bottom. I noticed that the closer you are to each extremity of the can the better the can looks later on when you snap it down. (It's also easier to crush it.) Draw horizontal lines on the can at interval of 2.5 cm with the ruler. I actually didn't use a ruler because I thought it would take longer. I just winged it and wasted three cans right off the start so that I could get the hang of it. And I did.
2. Cut all the way through the surface of the the can with the Stanley knife.
3. Press down on the top of the can so that it snaps at the scored lines.
4. Some strands will go inward. Don't use your finger to push it out BECAUSE the edges are sharp! I used something long like a pair of scissors. You can sand the edges of the strands but I didn't even though I bought the sandpaper. Maybe another time I'll use it with heavy duty gloves. I was out of time and this project was supposed to be done before Ramadhan!
5. Color your can any color you like now with your brush! I only used spray paint for the gold can because the gold paint was acting out. Anyways, it turned out good. I had to go outside to spray it because of the fumes. So bare that in mind especially if you have a little one around.
6. Switch on your tea light and insert it in the bottom of your revamped can; the new lantern! Another way to use it is to hang it with a rope anywhere you like.
And voilà! That's it.
P.S. You will spend about 6 to 10 minutes per can. That's including the prep of the can and the coloring.