Easy Snowflake Candle Holder (from a soda can)

Make this Super Easy, yet Beautiful Snowflake Candle Holder using NO SPECIAL TOOLS and an empty aluminum beverage can. 

This is my original design. If you like it and want to mention it on another website, please make a link back here. If you're interested in seeing more Instructables that are easy, affordable and create something cool, without any special tools, then remember to follow me!

I have a lot more great ideas to share.

By the way, this is only my second Instructable, so feel free to give me your feedback!

So let's begin with the Snowflake Candle Holder.

Step 1: Materials

Aluminum Beverage Can (Empty)
Paper (One sheet. Whatever you have: lined, plain, it doesn't matter.)
Pencil
Eraser (Only if you plan to make mistakes.)
Scissors (Smaller ones will be easier to use. Make sure they are fairly sharp.)
Tape (Any type strong enough to hold cardboard.)
Permanent Marker (In a color that will show up on the can.)
Cardboard - Thin. (I used 2 toilet paper rolls, but use what you have, that's thin.)
Ruler (Not shown in image.)
Candle (Use a tealight, votive, stem - whatever you'd like. A few drops of candle wax will help it stick.)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Aluminum cans may be very sharp when they are cut, so I would not recommend this project for children. Please take caution and use safety gloves or goggles, as you deem necessary. You assume all responsibility when creating this Instructable. You can also use sandpaper to dull the edges of the aluminum after you've completed this project, but it isn't necessary.

Additional Note: I was asked "how sharp are the edges?", and wanted to clarify that the edges themselves are not very sharp, but the cut points are. If you want to avoid this, simply adjust your design for more rounded corners. Also be sure to cut smoothly to avoid any jagged edges. Again, you can use sandpaper after its cut to smooth things further.

Comments

[bajablue]

Voted!

[canucksgirl]

Thank you! This was one of my first Instructables, and came to me one day while looking at a bag of recyclables. I hope you give it a try before Winter ends. ;)

[I am in the shed!]

I like! - I made something similar once, but just curled the sides down, not as pretty or intricate as yours. You have reminded me of another I made using half of the can and some wire, I suppose I'll have to do it again as an 'able... well done.

[canucksgirl]

Thank you. Yes, you'll have to try and do your project. I'd love to see it. :D

[canucksgirl]

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

[jen7714]

I saw this on RobotLover's Advent calendar and I have to say it is really pretty! I love the idea of it. Good job!

[canucksgirl]

Thank you very much. I was lucky enough to be the last entry into the Advent Calendar. I'm glad you like it.

[canucksgirl]

btw, I just took a quick peak at your entry. Looks yummy! Thanks for sharing. :)

[jen7714]

Thanks for the nice comment!

[mischka]

Very nice. Perfect advent calendar i'ble!

[canucksgirl]

Thanks mischka. I wanted to make something that would be super easy for anyone to make. - Can't wait to see yours on the 20th!

[Uncle Kudzu]

Nice, detailed 'ible with very nice end result. I love it!

I may cut a few of these and attach them to my front door somehow. Maybe attach them to a wreath, or...

[canucksgirl]

I hope you do! I would love to see what you come up with, so share your photos when you get a chance.

Thanks for the comment

[l8nite]

nicely done ! Hanging them from trees or whatever with some string instead of using a candle would also be a cool look, either paint the "back" or have multicolored "snowflakes"

[canucksgirl]

You're absolutely correct. I thought about that very same idea. You could also embellish the center with a shiny clear gem and really bling it out for the tree. Especially since it weighs almost nothing right now. They also have metallic spray paint which could be a whole lot of fun.

If you happen to make it for the tree, post your photo here. I would love to see it.

Thanks for the comment. :)

[jcanuck]

Great instructions. It looks easy!

[canucksgirl]

Thanks. It is. :)

[ChrysN]

Great looking candle holder!

[canucksgirl]

Thank you

[sunshiine]

This is so pretty! My husband really like it. Another thing I can add to my to do list of Instructables. Thanks for sharing.
Sunshiine

[canucksgirl]

Thank you sunshiine.

[sunshiine]

Congrats!!!!!!!!

[canucksgirl]

thank you... i was surprised when i saw it got featured.

Congrats on yours getting featured as well

[sunshiine]

You are welcome! I hope to try this when they give us a break from contest LOL.

[monsterlego]

Cool!

[canucksgirl]

:D

[Robot Lover]

This is really cool!

[canucksgirl]

thank you

[fjordcarver]

Who said that you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear? Nice Job!

[canucksgirl]

Thanks :)

[Cymru]

How sharp are the cut edges? Do you know of a way to curl them a bit so they won't be a cutting hazard? I'm thinking about using them with an LED tea light as presents for my sister and her family and they've got a small kid.

[canucksgirl]

Hi Cymru,

The cut edges aren't that sharp at all. I can rub my finger against them without any feeling that I'd get hurt, however, the points are a bit sharp.
So I would suggest that you do 2 things. Make the snowflake arms with rounder points (done at the paper design step), and then when you're finished, use a little sandpaper to smooth out any areas that your concerned about.
That should solve the problem. - Keep in mind also that it is made to support a candle, and therefor a flame. (Young kids should be taught to keep away from anything lit.)