Moroccan-Inspired Hurricane Lanterns

I'm back. I hadn't planned on such an extensive blog departure but I've been dealing with cat scratch fever for the last month, which for me involved a month of fever and the kind of exhaustion I haven't felt since my son was a newborn. It's good to start feeling human again, though I've got a lot of catching up to do, so posting may continue to be spotty for a little while.

At any rate, I thought I'd jump back in with a project I did for my column in the November issue of Family Circle. I've been inspired by aluminum sheeting for a long time, but this was the first time I'd worked with it. The most specialized tool I needed was tin snips and they were a dream to work with (and not more expensive than a regular pair of scissors). Cutting metal isn't nearly as difficult as it would seem.

Another recent discovery is black primer, which I like to use as paint. I love the matte finish and it eliminates a step since I'm priming and painting at the same time. Of course you can put your own twist on these and paint them any color you like. Just prime first, then topcoat with the color of your choice.

Aluminum sheeting, for the most part, is sold in large sheets and you'll be able to make several hurricanes from one sheet. However, if you like the eclectic look of varied patterns this is a good project to share with a friend or craft group so everyone gets a mix. The only note I want to make - the magazine took a little creative license with photography. Use these hurricanes with votive candles housed in glass or with the candle on a small plate. 

For directions on how to make your own hurricanes, visit Family Circle's site here.

Find aluminum sheets here.

 

Photograph by James Worrell

Comments

[Saffron]

I liked these and now that I know they're homemade, I love them! Thanks for sharing your creative ideas :)

[Sonya-Dime Store Thrift]

I.Love.This. Thank you so much for your inspiration woman!
Sonya

[Kate]

Suzonne! I saw these in FC and said, "wow!" out loud. I love these. Another awesome Suzonne project!

[A Serenade for Solitude]

Wow! I love these, they are fantastic! I'm impressed that I could actually make these? With your help, of course!

[Wendy]

I love this look! I saw it in the Family Circle magazine at the Orthodontist the other day. I love seeing your projects. They're always presented in an easy to understand way and are fairly simple to replicate at home. :)