Thursday, May 25, 2023

Learn How To Make Aluminum Foil Luminaries

Aluminum foil luminaries are simple and fun to make and the final project will have your kids in awe as they enjoy the beautiful light shining through the patterns they made!

If you have always wanted to try to make a tin can lantern but thought your kids were too young to use tools like hammers and sharp nails this luminary project is for you! Aluminum foil replaces that tin can and no hammers are needed.

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The Perfect Craft For Kids

This is a great craft project for kids of all ages and makes for the perfect summer craft, birthday party craft or even something to do on a camping trip. Younger kids will probably need a little adult assistance but older kids can certainly do this craft all on their own.

Make sure to check out this post: 10 Awesome Camping Crafts To Make On Your Next Camping Trip

Since kids are going to be using this craft you may want to consider using a plastic jar like an empty peanut butter jar otherwise an empty glass jar like a pickle jar will work well too.

How To Make An Aluminum Foil Luminary

Supplies:

clean and empty jar with a lid (plastic peanut butter jar or a glass pickle jar)
aluminum foil
toothpick
pencil
small sheet of styrofoam (a clean to-go container will work)
battery powered tea light candle or glow sticks
cookie cutters (optional)

Step-by-step Tutorial

Step 1

Tear off a long sheet of aluminum foil then fold it in half to create a long narrow rectangle shape. Lay your empty jar next to the rectangle and adjust the height of the aluminum foil by folding it a little more if necessary so that the height is the same as the inside of the jar.

Next, gently wrap the foil around the outside of your jar to measure how long your foil rectangle needs to be. Cut the foil where the cut edge meets the rest of the foil.

Step 2

Lightly trace shapes or words along the length of the foil with a pencil. Use cookie cutters to gently press into the foil to make fun shapes. You can skip this step if you feel comfortable just free-handing your design.

Place the foil on top of the styrofoam sheet and then use a toothpick to puncture the foil along the lines of your design.

Step 3

Carefully wrap the foil into a tube shape just slightly narrower than the outside of the jar. Then slide the aluminum foil tube inside the jar gently pressing the foil along the inside of the jar.

Step 4

Insert a battery operated tea-light candle or activated glow stick inside the jar, screw on the lid, and enjoy your luminary!

For younger children, these luminaries make great night lights since they aren't too bright and are fun for sleepy eyes to watch. Make several to place on outdoor tables in the summer or inside on a shelf or fireplace mantel.

Make sure to PIN this tutorial and follow me on Pinterest for more inspiring ideas!