Lanterns, luminaries and lamps are among the more famous of the Pavee metal crafts. The skill of mending, brazing and tapping even now brings a lot of cheer and happiness to those fortunate to still work with the earth and her gifts.
Traditionally lamps would be mended out of a single sheet of metal, mostly tin or brass and to the more fortunate that of copper and would of taken a long time with much patience. However modern conveniences offers up a modern aid that puts making a lamp within the reach of most people.
Gather some empty food cans that have plain sides without ridges. Although those with ridges can be easily tapped out with a light hammer and a side stone. Remove the label and wash well to remove any lingering food/juices.
With a marker draw a pattern of dots on the outside of the can. Although this was not done traditionally, with most minceirs/metal workers using the eye for direction, it makes it a far easier approach to start with.
Next you can either fill the can with water and freeze over night until fully solid or fill with sand or dry soil and sit it mouth down on the ground or on a stone to keep the contents in.
When filled or solid with ice use an assortment of nails (although I like to use an old screw driver tip) to pierce the metal along the dots.
Next, either dry out or empty the can, clean it out.
You can either pierce it through the top, on both sides and fit with some thin wire for hanging or leave it on a table.
Just add the candle and light the light shine though.
Having a sheet of copper at home I hope to take a step by step post of how to craft a camp from one piece alone.
*Photo taken by the ever gifted and camera ready Blaine.
*I like making these as gifts for those with people's names on it in English/Shelta or Ogham.
*Why not pick up some heat resistant paint... and go wild!
*This is my 101st post so I want to take a moment to genuinely thank people for following, sharing, caring and building the bridges between us all – thank you x
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