Matariki Craft Idea

Matariki - The Māori New Year.

These tin can lanterns have been a hit over the years! They are a fun, creative project for children and will be a beautiful addition to your classroom festivities, mimicking the Matariki stars!

Materials Needed:

Empty tin cans - washed.
Small Hammer
Nails
Water

How To Make Simple Tin Can Lanterns:

1. Remove the labels and glue from the cans and wash thoroughly.

2. Get the children to draw their design on the tin. (If you prefer to freestyle it you can skip this step).

3. Fill the cans with water and freeze overnight. Having solid ice inside will prevent the cans from denting and collapsing when hammering.

4. Once frozen use the nail and hammer to punch holes in the tin, either following the pre-drawn design or free-styling with a random design.

5. When your design is complete submerge the tin in warm water to melt the ice.

6. Put a tea light candle or battery candle in the bottom of the tin and enjoy on an evening!

Lisa's Top Tips:

• Get the children to draw their designs on the tins before freezing as pens won’t work on the cold surface.

• Make sure you have a towel or other non-slip surface to hammer the cans on.

• You could try using an battery drill or hand drill to make the holes as well a hammer and nail.

• Give older children a Matariki theme - Draw the Pleiades star cluster or a Maori design.

• Remember to wear safety glasses!

How about an evening feast followed by a lantern walk among the stars?