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?
Repurposed piano front as wall decor
Hi, there! Iām Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. Iām obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful againāmyself included! I hope youāll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the wayā¦ literally!
Linda@MixedKreations
I love these! I pass the decorative sheet metal at Home Depot all the time. Thinking I could use this to make something but nothing comes to mind so I past on by. I will have to remember this, would make great Christmas gifts for my girls. They both love anything to do with candles. Thanks for sharing.
Mindi
This is really cool Gail! Such a fun look for candle holders, I think they would be fun in bright colors too!
Cecilia MyThriftStoreAddiction
So clever! Love it! Blessings, Cecilia
Tuula @ The Thrifty Rebel
These turned out great Gail! What a perfect use for those scrap pieces. Just lovely!
Pam
I love them all. Great job but while I was reading that I was thinking on different uses for that metal!
Sherry
Could put a plain white candle inside, prior to spray painting, for an interesting pattern on a stand alone candle.
Always love your ideas and projects!!
Tracy@www.bluridgevintage.com
Quick and easy project.......just what I like. Thses will definitely add sparkle to any room.
Terri Hughes
Very pretty.....I agree with you about the way the light shines through the sheet metal. Love the different patterns. Have a great weekend!
Laurel Stephens
I think I'm a little obsessed with these candle holders. Wow!
cassie
these are so fun! i love the moroccan look one!
kirby carespodi
Gail, these are so cool! DL has a lot of metal insert-type things in the warehouse...I need to get some out! Do I need special gloves?
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Kirby,
thanks so much! no, I didn't need any gloves, it's so much more user friendly than chicken wire! I look forward to seeing what you come up with.