Pumpcans (Pop Can Jack-O-Lanterns)

Step 2 Pumpcan Construction

There are many many ways to do pumpcans, and, like many creative processes, it is therefore somewhat hard to go too far wrong. That said, I have the following recommendations for things you might consider when making your pumpcan:

1. Wash out the pop can before you start using it.
2. To allow for easy candle and firestarter access, either cut off the top of your can or create a latchable door on the backside of the pumpcan.
3. The thin aluminum of popcans is particularly hard to work with, especially without a dremel tool. As such, you may want to limit the complexity of your designs to save yourself future frustrations. Any thin parts and round shapes are somewhat difficult to create in aluminum. Keep this in mind when designing your can.
4. When designing a can with a particular pattern, it may be desirable to use a pattern or stencil. For this, print out an appropriately-sized image from the internet, carefully cut away areas with an exacto knife, then transfer the stencil to the can using the sharpie marker. A stencil example (that didn't ultimately work, unfortunately) is shown below.
5. When making cuts, use the pliers to help provide support to the thin walls of the pop cans.