PVC Pipe

• Plastic plumbing pipe is an excellent medium for round lanterns. Polyvinyl chloride or PVC pipe comes in sizes ranging from one inch to 10 inches around. Choose different sizes of PVC pipe, and end caps to close one end of the pipe.
  
  Purchase PVC glue, beads, chain, paint and any other embellishment of your choice. Purchase the appropriate size candle for the lantern. For example, a tall pillar candle will require an eight or 10-inch PVC pipe.
  
  Cut the PVC pipe to length with a hacksaw. Then, cut circles in the sides of the pipe in a random order or a specific design. First, draw the design on the outside of the pipe; then drill into the edge of those designs with a small drill bit; then cut out the circle. Glue any embellishments around the holes you have cut.
  
  The holes allow air to flow through the lantern and enables guests to see the reflection of the candle flame while enjoying the ambient light of lanterns.
  
  Attach three chains to the pipe, equally spaced, and hang from any area.
  
  

Coffee Cans

• Clean the coffee cans and paint them in any design or color. Cut holes or shapes randomly around the outside of the can with a jigsaw.
  
  Place a candle in the bottom of the can, and your new lantern is ready.
  
  

Chicken Wire

• Purchase chicken wire, straight wire and wire cutters. Measure the chicken wire to a desirable height and width. Bring the edges together and wire in place with the straight wire in several spots. Tuck the edges of the straight wire inside to prevent snagging. Wire a bottom (perhaps the bottom of a tin can) to the chicken wire by bending the chicken wire around it.
  
  Chicken wire bends easily, and so can be bent to match the shape you want. For example, once the lantern is complete and the candle inserted, you may bend the wire into the shape of a wine bottle by squeezing it in your hand, approximately one fourth of the way down the wire column. You may also shape the chicken wire around a real wine bottle for an exact shape.