Easy Sheet Metal Candle Lantern

I have an easy and fun project to share with you today, it’s a sheet metal candle lantern. It’s sort of like a koozy for your candle.

Last year I picked up some decorative sheet metal to use on some projects. After cutting the pieces to fit those projects, I had some small pieces left over. Then I saw this idea on Pinterest.

This is the first one I made. It’s pretty simple using tin snips, clamps and wire. I tied off some wire every few joints, while using the spring clamps to hold the ends together.

I wore some non-slip gloves in order to get a good grip on the wires to tie the knots. I trimmed all of the wires close to the knots.

This is how it looks in it’s natural bronze finish.

I used some Krylon Dual Superbond to paint the sheet metal candle holder black.

Here’s the after

I recently made another sheet metal candle lantern out of a different pattern of sheet metal. I used the tin snips to cut the sheet metal, then rolled it around a can of green beans to get a nice circle shape. (Not using the can sort of makes little folds/creases in your sheet metal)

I used the same wire as before, but instead of tying knots, I sort of did a backstitch all the way up the seam.

I really liked this technique better, but I’m not sure it would have worked as well on the larger pattern of the sheet metal in the earlier (black) candle cover. When I say I liked it better—it  took a little longer, but I felt it held the seam together better.

It would be your choice whether you put the “selvage” edge on the top or the bottom of your sheet metal candle lantern. I prefer it at the top.

I love how the sheet metal makes an illuminated pattern.

I would have a difficult time choosing a favorite. The best thing is, they are all so easily changed up by using spray paint or colored candles.

Which do you like best?

gail

ps Do you remember the projects that got the decorative sheet metal treatment?

Vintage Armoire Doors Cabinet

  Repurposed piano front as wall decor