DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Luminaria Craft
Thanks so much to Claire for sharing this craft idea with us!
"Here is a craft project that I use and all kids small and large love. The students take the original luminaria home and make more to line their porches for Halloween and parties. They've made hundreds of them for prom. They've sold the metal ones at a craft fair." Claire Stracke, Davidson Fine Arts, Augusta, Georgia
Metal Version
Note: Outdoors only and with adult supervision
Materials:
- clean tin cans with top completely removed.
- rectangular cans (olive oil, molasses, etc.) work especially well
- water
- hammer
one nail- sand or dirt
- small candle
Instructions:
- Draw a connect-the-dots type of design on the can, a simple house, a tree, stars, an adobe church, etc.
- Be sure that the design involves the middle third of the can, at least.
- Make sure the design is on at least 2, opposite, sides of the can. When it is punched out, it should allow circulation of air and so keep the candle lit.
- Fill the clean can with water and place in freezer for at least 24 hours. (More if the can is large.).
- Take out the ice-filled can and place on its side on a towel or a thick pad of newspapers.
-
Now you will need to work fast because as the ice melts the force of the hammer and nail may bend the can.
If it does begin to melt, just put it back into the freezer again until
it's hard. - Use the hammer and nail to punch out the dots for your design.
- Place 2-3 inches of dirt or sand in can.
- Put the unlit candle in the can.
- Move to the location where it will be needed.
- Use another candle or stick to light the candle.
- Note: constant adult supervision should always exist when using real candles! You can substitute the electric Halloween candles (small battery operated candles) if you prefer.
Paper Bag Version
Note: Outdoors only and with adult supervision
Materials:
- paper lunch bag
- sand
- pretend candle (the battery type you can purchase at Halloween)
- scissors
Instructions:
- Draw the designs about half way down the bag.
- Keep the bag folded and draw stars and moons or other simple designs on one side.
- Carefully cut out the design through both sides.
- Open the bag and put about 2-3 inches of dirt or sand in the bottom.
- Put an electric candle (the type you get at Halloween) in the bag and place the luminaria where it will stay - in a flower pot with more dirt, or on edges of path.
Printable version of these instructions