How to Make a Tin Punch Tea Light Lantern

 This tea light lantern is made to accommodate interchangeable tin punch patterns.

Supplies and Equipment

• 4 pieces ½" x ½" x 2¾" MDF
• 1 piece 1/8" x 3½" x 3½" Baltic birch plywood
• 4 pieces 2½ x 2½" roof flashing
• Liquid wood adhesive
• FolkArt Rust Painted Finish
• Tin punch pattern
• Proxxon MICRO Press MP 120
• Proxxon MICRO Bandsaw MBS/E

Instructions

1. Transfer the tin punch pattern to the flashing blank. I use an electronic cutter to cut the pattern out of decal vinyl. You could also punch the paper pattern, and transfer marks for the holes onto the flashing with a permanent marker.
   
2. Mount to 7/64" punch in the MICRO Press. Note: These patterns are designed to use the 7/64" and 5/32" punches.
   
3. Punch the pattern.
   
4. Use the bandsaw to cut the kerf slots in the corner pillars. The depth of the kerfs is equal to the width of the bandsaw blade. Make cuts on two adjacent edges.
   
5. Dry fit the punched panels and corner pillars.
   
6. Glue the pillars onto the base.
   
7. Check the orientation of the kerf channels.
   
8. Paint the tea light lantern with FolkArt rust painted finish, or acrylic paint of your choice.
   
9. When the paint is dry, insert the punched panels.
   

Carole