Halloween luminaries from recycled baby formula cans

It’s well-documented that I’m a pack rat when it comes to items I think could have another life. When Elise transitioned from breast milk to formula, I was amazed at how we flew through cans of formula! True to form, I stashed some away in my craft closet.

I whipped up these no-flame Halloween luminaries from flameless battery-operated flickering votive candles

, empty baby formula cans, oatmeal containers or other cardboard cans, tissue paper, a Black Sharpie markers an Xacto knife in less than 30 minutes. You could also use oatmeal containers or other cardboard cans. Kids could help too for all steps other than cutting.

My nighttime photos aren’t the best quality but you get the idea. I put these in our entry way to greet today’s trick-or-treaters. Next year I think I’ll add more to go all the way down our front stairs. Boo!

WANNA MAKE IT? Free supply list and step-by-step instructions for creating my DIY Halloween luminaries from recycled baby formula cans –>

Supplies for making Halloween luminaries lights from recycled baby formula cans:

• Empty baby formula cans (I used Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula), oatmeal containers or other cardboard cans
• Flameless battery-operated flickering votive candles that run on batteries but flicker like a real candle
• Xacto knife
• Orange tissue paper
• Green tissue paper
• Rotary fabric cutter, self-healing cutting mat and clear acrylic ruler
• Black Sharpie marker
• Double sided tape
• Rocks to weight down cans (optional for windy days)

Please post a comment if you use this project so I can smile when I see that it’s being used. Craft and pass it on!

Peel off the label from the empty baby formula can. There will be some adhesive remaining on the can back which you’ll actually use later. Turn the can so the adhesive is on the back.

Draw a pumpkin face using a sharpie pen.

Carefully cut out the face using an Xacto knife. I liked the look of the black highlight, so I cut inside the lines to keep that emphasis, but it’s up to you.

Cut a slice of tissue paper the same width as your can. Mine was 5″ wide.

Place one side of the orange tissue paper on top of the can’s leftover adhesive, or use double-sided tape.

Roll the paper taught around the can. Affix using double-sided tape, cutting off any extra.

Cut a piece of green tissue paper slightly larger than the lid. Roll the paper inside.

Cut off any extra. I didn’t even use tape here.

Now it should go without saying here that you can’t use a real candle but I’ll say it anyway. Put a flameless battery-powered votive candle inside. You can also put rocks or sand in the bottom if it’s a windy day. Repeat for a bevvy of silly and spooky Halloween luminaries!

COPYRIGHT NOTE: You’re more than welcome to use this free idea and step-by-step tutorial instructions for personal use. Contact me for any commercial use – this includes etsy sellers.

Please post a comment below if you use this project so I can smile when I see that it’s being used. Craft and pass it on!