Tin Can Luminaries Light Up Malton!

On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, the Sustainable Community Aid Network (SCAN) hosted its 7th “Sustainability On My Mind” Workshop — and this time, it was all about creativity, community, and sustainability.

The focus of this session was tin can luminaries, a fun and eco-friendly way to upcycle used tin cans into beautiful outdoor decorations. The workshop took place in Malton, Mississauga, and brought together a diverse group of residents eager to learn sustainable practices they can do at home — affordably and creatively.

 What We Did

Participants learned to transform recycled tin cans into glowing lanterns using:

• Frozen tin cans

• Hammers and nails

• Parchment paper and markers for design

• Acrylic black paint

• Flameless tea lights or candles

Each person created their own design, transferred it onto a frozen can using parchment paper, and carefully hammered holes to form patterns. Once painted and lit from within, the results were stunning — from simple stars to intricate patterns.

 Behind the Scenes

Preparation was key to a successful event. The SCAN team collected, cleaned, and froze the tin cans in advance to prevent them from denting while being hammered. All other materials — from nails to sandpaper to paint — were provided by SCAN, ensuring the workshop was free and accessible to all.

A big thank you to Angie Minnick for her vital help in organizing and recruiting participants for this event!

Everyone left with a one-of-a-kind luminary and the know-how to recreate it at home — a simple, sustainable decoration made with love and recycled materials.

What’s Next?

Don’t miss our next “Sustainability On My Mind” Workshop:

Green Cleaning Products Workshop
June 26, 2023
Click here to sign up

Learn how to make safe, affordable, and eco-friendly cleaning products for your home!