Idaho winters are long, but you can brighten up the outdoors with a little creativity. Old tin cans can be transformed into charming lanterns that cast a warm, inviting glow.
I love punching patterns into the cans and watching the light dance through them, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s an easy, fun project that repurposes materials you already have at home.
Hanging them along walkways or porches adds instant personality and charm to any space.
1. Punched Pattern Lanterns
Creating constellation patterns with a hammer and nail transforms ordinary cans into starry night lanterns. Idaho’s dark sky reserves make these perfect for backyard stargazing parties.
Simply clean your can, fill it with water and freeze it (prevents denting), then tap your nail through to create pinprick light patterns. The Gem State’s crisp evenings are ideal for showcasing these twinkling beauties.
2. Potato Stamp Decorated Cans
Celebrate Idaho’s famous crop by using potato stamps to decorate your tin can lanterns. Cut designs into potato halves, dip in paint, and press onto the can’s exterior for a folksy pattern.
Once dry, spray with clear sealant and add a tea light inside. These homespun lanterns honor Idaho’s agricultural heritage while creating warm, inviting light for your patio or garden path.
3. Wire-Handled Hanging Lanterns
Boise crafters love these suspended beauties that sway gently in Idaho’s mountain breezes. Drill two holes near the rim, then thread sturdy wire through to create a hanging handle.
Paint the can in earthy tones reminiscent of the Sawtooth Mountains, or leave it silver for a more industrial look. Hang several at different heights from tree branches for an enchanting Idaho garden party atmosphere.
4. Frozen Ice Lanterns
During Idaho’s frosty winters, create magical ice-encased lanterns. Place a smaller can inside a larger one, fill the gap with water, and freeze overnight. Remove both cans and place a candle inside.
The ice amplifies the light beautifully across snow-covered Idaho landscapes. These ephemeral lanterns are perfect for lighting walkways during holiday gatherings in Coeur d’Alene or McCall winter festivities.
5. River Rock Base Lanterns
Gather smooth stones from Idaho’s famous rivers to create stable, natural bases for your tin can lanterns. Glue the rocks around the bottom third of your can in an overlapping pattern.
The weight adds stability while the stones catch and reflect candlelight beautifully. Perfect for Idaho camping trips along the Salmon River or backyard fire pits, these lanterns bring a piece of the state’s natural beauty to your lighting.
6. Stained Glass Effect Lanterns
Cut colorful tissue paper into small squares and adhere to your tin can with diluted glue. The translucent papers create a stained-glass effect when lit from within, reminiscent of Idaho’s historic churches.
Idaho Falls artisans have perfected this technique using sunset colors that mimic the state’s famous evening skies. The warm glow creates an inviting atmosphere for dinner parties or quiet evenings on the porch.
7. Lace Pattern Shadow Lanterns
Wrap vintage lace around your tin can and secure with spray adhesive. Spray paint over the lace, then remove it to reveal delicate patterns that cast beautiful shadows when lit.
Many Idaho crafters find lace at Boise’s antique shops, connecting these lanterns to the state’s pioneer heritage. The intricate shadow play works wonderfully for romantic dinners or wedding centerpieces at rustic Idaho barn venues.
8. Pine Cone Embellished Lanterns
Collect pine cones from Idaho’s abundant forests to decorate your tin can lanterns. Paint your can a forest green or deep blue, then attach small pine cones around the rim with hot glue.
These nature-inspired lanterns celebrate the Gem State’s woodland beauty. Place them along garden paths in Sandpoint or Sun Valley for a distinctly Idaho touch that honors the state’s magnificent pine forests.
9. Recycled Barn Wood Bases
Mount tin can lanterns on reclaimed Idaho barn wood for a truly rustic lighting solution. Attach the can to a weathered wood plank using metal brackets, creating a wall sconce or table lantern.
The contrast between weathered wood and shiny or painted tin embodies Idaho’s blend of pioneer history and modern creativity. These sturdy lanterns work beautifully in Twin Falls homes or vacation cabins near Payette Lake.
10. Copper Paint Dipped Lanterns
Dip the bottom third of your tin can in copper paint to mimic Idaho’s mining heritage. The metallic finish reflects candlelight beautifully while nodding to the state’s rich mineral history.
Crafters in historic Silver City particularly appreciate this style. The warm copper glow creates a perfect ambiance for telling tales of Idaho’s gold rush days while enjoying evening drinks on the porch.
11. Floating Pond Lanterns
Create magical floating lanterns for Idaho’s many ponds and lakes. Attach your decorated tin can to a small wooden float, add a tea light, and release onto still water for enchanting reflections.
These floating lights are particularly beautiful on Redfish Lake during summer evenings. Remember that Idaho’s environmental regulations require retrieving all materials afterward to preserve the state’s pristine waterways.
12. Pressed Wildflower Lanterns
Collect and press Idaho’s abundant summer wildflowers, then decoupage them onto painted tin cans. The translucent dried flowers create ethereal patterns when the candle is lit inside.
Idaho’s syringa (the state flower) works beautifully for this technique. These delicate lanterns bring a touch of the Boise foothills’ spring blooms to your table year-round, perfect for nature-inspired dinner parties.
13. Snow Flake Cut-Out Lanterns
Embrace Idaho’s winter wonderland by creating snowflake cut-out lanterns. Draw snowflake patterns on your can, then carefully cut along the lines with metal snips or a small drill.
These frosty-looking lights are favorites in Idaho ski towns like Ketchum and Driggs. During holiday seasons, line your walkway with these lanterns to welcome guests with a magical winter atmosphere that celebrates Idaho’s famous powder snow.
14. Potato Farmer’s Lanterns
Honor Idaho’s agricultural legacy with burlap-wrapped tin can lanterns. Cut holes in the can, then wrap with burlap from actual Idaho potato sacks (often available at farmer’s markets).
The rustic texture filters light beautifully while celebrating the state’s farming traditions. These practical lanterns are popular at harvest festivals across Idaho’s Snake River Plain, bringing warmth to autumn gatherings.