I was the recipient of hundreds of leftover film canisters from a local photo organization and wanted to make a relatively easy, low-cost project that I could do with students. This version requires no soldering, but hopefully someone will take this idea to the next step and add arduino capability. These little lanterns are safer and last longer than candles. Shades are interchangeable to match theme or mood.

Materials
One bright or ultra bright white LED
One coin cell battery, 3V
Transparent film canister with cap
Tissue paper
Electrical tape
Toilet paper tube

Tools
Glue gun
Needle nose pliers
Nail
Glue or double sided tape
Scissors
Ruler

Step 1: Homemade Battery Holder

Cut 2 cardboard tabs, 1/2"x1" each. I used a toilet paper tube, since this is needed in a later step. On one end of each tab, cut off corners and bend.

Use a glue gun to glue tabs, bent side out, into canister cap.

Step 2: Light Fixture

With needle nose pliers, bend the positive (longer) end of lead into a hook. Bend the negative end into a smaller hook in the opposite direction. Use electrical tape to secure the positive lead to the positive side of a coin cell battery. Test.

Place battery and light into holder, and tape positive side to cardboard tab. Adjust so that the light turns on when the negative side tab is pressed and turns off when it is not.

Step 3: Adding a 'switch'

With a nail, make a small hole about 1/2 inch up from open end of canister. Cut a toothpick into a 3/4 inch length and insert into hole. Slide to check that the toothpick will move smoothly back and forth.

Carefully place canister onto cap so that the hole is across from the 'negative' side. Insert toothpick and push in until lantern lights up. Pull out slightly so that it turns off. Adjust as needed.

Step 4: Shades of Color

To make a shade for the lantern, use leftover tissue paper. Cut out a rectangle of 6 1/2" x 5". Fold up one end of the longer side and wrap loosely around the toilet paper tube. Secure with double-sided tape or glue. Slide off tube. Turn lantern on, and place shade on top.