This particular DIY has been around for ages but a ‘best’ version was something we’ve been asked for. Instead of reinventing the centuries old luminaria, we’ve compiled a project with a couple of options from a number of great resources. This is for you Gillian and Laura!

A luminaria is a candle-lit lantern made of paper. I believe they traditionally sit on the ground or a tabletop although its not uncommon to see handmade paper bag lanterns strung on wire from trees but that does require some slightly different materials. We’ve heard the word in reference to candle-lit metal lanterns as well (made from tin cans of various sizes). Place a grouping of the lanterns in different sizes on the guest-book table, dinner tables or down a garden path for a beautiful, glowing display.

Tools and Materials for the basic paper bag design

Light-colored paper lunch bags in various sizes
Sand
Votive candles in heavy glass holders
Utility lighter

Optional Tools to create a lacy effect

Scalloped rotary cutter
12-inch gold-colored doilies (white ones won’t show through as well)
Scissors and ruler
Glue stick or Xyron sticker-making machine

Directions

1. Lay each bag flat; cut a new top edge 1 inch below the bag’s original edge with the scalloped rotary cutter (you may want to use a ruler to guide your hand)

2. Cut doilies to fit the front panel of the bag. Lay a bag flat on the work surface. Lay a doily on the bag, and determine where to cut in order to create a pleasing design. The final size of the doily should be slightly narrower than the width of the bag so the doily will lay flat inside.

3. Coat the gold side of the doily generously with glue from the glue stick, or coat it with self-adhesive using the Xyron machine. Attach doily to the inside of the front of the bag, positioning it as desired. After gluing, close the bag, and run your hand firmly over the design to seal. Open the bag, and let dry at least 1 hour.

4. Set the bag in desired location, add 2-3 inches of sand and set the votive candle, in its holder securely in the sand base. Light the wick once the candle holder has been securely placed; do not carry the lit luminaria.

Tin Luminarias

Materials

Metal containers–clean paint cans or buckets, small soup or vegetable cans

Water
Freezer
An awl and rubber mallet or a hammer and nail
Clean rags
Sand
Votive candles
Thin wire

Optional

Paint and paintbrush

Directions

1. Create a solid surface to punch a pattern of holes by filling your chosen containers with water, and freezing them overnight.

2. Set each ice-filled container on its side, and punch a pattern of holes, using an awl and a rubber mallet for heavier metal or a hammer and a nail for lightweight containers. Add two holes opposite each other at the top of small cans so you can add wire handles.

3. When the punched pattern is complete, set each container in the sink or outside in the sun while the ice thaws.

4. Loop a length of thin wire through the holes at the top of small containers to form a handle. Apply enamel paint if desired.

5. When the containers are empty and dry, pour about 1/2″ of sand in the bottom of each one, and position candles in the sand. Set the can in desired location and light the wick once it is securely in position.