One usually sees luminaries during the holiday season but I think they are pretty anytime of the year. They look festive on an inside table, a garden table or on the front porch.

I used a sheet of foil, a scrap piece of cardboard about 1/4" thick, scissors, a pencil, drawing paper, a large nail, a ruler, a container or large soda bottle for shaping and tape

Step 1: Gather Supplies and Begin

Have ready a piece of foil, scissors, cardboard, a pencil and drawing paper and tape. The project took me just under 1 hour.

I cut a piece of foil 17 1/2" wide by 8 1/2" high. With the drawing paper I cut a 2" wide "scallop" or half circle. Perhaps you would prefer a pointed border or just simply straight. You can make the piece of foil any size you wish depending on how large or small you want the luminary. A grouping of different size luminaries look nice.

Come in 3/4" on each end edge of the foil. Then with the half circle and a dull pencil mark a scalloped edge along the top edge of the foil. With the scissors cut the scalloped edge.

Step 2: Draw the Design

Using a sheet of paper that is 16" by 8 1/2" draw the design you want to put on your luminary. I drew a sunflower with a heart in the center, some swirl lines and circles floating in the open space. Any geometric design or free hand image works. Choose your design depending on the season or occasion - birthday, Halloween, spring time, etc.

Place the paper over the foil and with a dull pencil transfer your design on to the foil being careful not to press too hard. Don't tear holes in the foil. A cushion of newspaper will help protect the foil if you are uncertain about the pencil pressure. Take away the paper drawing and place the foil drawing on top of the cardboard. The cardboard will act as an underlay and it will protect your work surface or table.

Step 3: Punching the Design

With the foil over the cardboard, use the nail (or a sharp tool) to make the holes in the foil. Follow the imprinted lines that you transferred from your drawing.

The second picture shows how the holes go into the cardboard as well.

Step 4: Shaping the Luminary

Take the foil off the cardboard. Using a coffee can or container of your choice (soda bottle, box etc.) lightly wrap the foil around the can. You don't want it too tight or it will be difficult to remove the container. Using the 3/4" edge at each end, make an overlap and using clear tape connect the foil cylinder. Remove the can. Make any adjustments to the foil cylinder - there will be minor wrinkles.

I used my pencil to lightly curl the scalloped edge. This step is optional.

Step 5: Done!

Place a battery type candle or a candle in a jar on the table and then place the luminary over it. If using a real candle, a low bowled candle makes for better reflection of the hole patterns. Never leave a candle unattended.

The picture shows a smaller luminary next to the original. They look pretty sitting by houseplants too.

Sometimes luminaries can be expensive. This is a low cost way to make a pretty decoration for your family, for a small gathering or just for yourself. Give yourself a day or two ahead of time to make one or several.

When you are through with your luminary it can be flattened and recycled.