A Little Tutorial

We've cleaned up the house and taken our fire-hazard of a tree down to the street. But there's one decoration I didn't get to do in time for Christmas this year, so I'll just get it done for next year. Here's a how-to, in case you'd like to do it, too. It's fun for girls and boys, since there are tools involved.

First, save all those cream-of-mushroom soup cans from your Thanksgiving green bean casserole. While you're at it, save cans for a while, all sizes. Clean thoroughly, fill most of the way full with water, and freeze.

Once the cans are frozen, you'll need to create your template, taking into consideration the height of the can. I created a star using Word and printed a few out. Each template can be used only once.

Gather your tools: one frozen can, two rubber bands, your paper template, a small towel, a hammer, and a sharp thing. I used an awl, but you could used a nail or screw, even.


Roll the towel from both ends and flip over, creating a little gully for the can to sit in so it doesn't roll around.


Yeah, there's the punch, but I think I've seen Martha suggest a nail. So whatever you have around...


Put your template on the can and rubber band it in place. Once you get it there, the condensation from the ice will make the paper soggy, so you won't want to move it around much.


Put the can in the towel gully and start punching holes. I punched them about every quarter inch...


... with about four or five solid taps. I wanted the holes to be big so the light would shine through well.


Keep punching until you get all the way around your pattern.


Remove the soggy template and discard it. Wait patiently for ice to melt, or run it under the faucet for a few seconds until the edges melt enough for the big ice chunk to fall out.


Dry with a towel, being careful not to snag your towel or skin on the inside-- those punched holes are sharp. Drop a tealight candle inside and light!


I think I'd like to save up cans and do one letter per can to spell out MERRY CHRISTMAS. Or maybe I'll just do a bunch of stars. I just think they're a little shabby-chic looking and super easy to make. Enjoy!