Tin Can Punching

I'm pooped tonight.  I worked on these tin cans all afternoon until my hands hurt.  My project involved taking a clean tin can and using a nail to punch holes to create a pattern. 

 

So here are the templates I used on my tin cans.  I had different size cans, so I had to pick the appropriate can to fit the pattern.

 

Bike man helped me set up my work space....standing was much more comfortable for me. 

 

I used different size nails, but it certainly wasn't easy.  I worked steady and slow, but my hands were getting sore from holding the nail in place and then pounding with the hammer.  Because these cans will be displayed on tables for a wedding reception, I used the pattern on each side of the can so you'd see the lights from any side of the table.

 

 

 The bigger cans were easier to work with and the smaller cans were a bitch!  I also had some problems with the tin denting in from the pressure of the nail punching.  I tried to be careful, but it happened regardless.  I know they won't be perfect.

 

I tested one out in my bathroom where it was nice and dark.  I placed a tealight candle in the can, and look.....it's really pretty!  I did seven cans this afternoon and that meant punching 14 designs.  I'm not sure how many more cans will be needed, but I have at least three weeks to work on this project.  I'll tell you more about the bride and her wedding preparations later in October.

PS.  And what was Bike man doing this afternoon?  He was building a bat house.  Sorry, can't show you a picture because I was busy punching.  I'll take a photo later when the bat house is ready to be put into place.