How to Use an Empty Altoids Tin

Don't throw away that Altoids tin. Instead, those empty Altoids tins can be used to store a multitude of small items. You can decorate them and use them in craft projects, too. Their size and shielding properties make them popular as housing for electronic devices. Here are some steps for recycling used Altoids tins.

Instructions

1. Sand the surface and dust it off. Paint with acrylic paint. Decorate the inside and outside of the tin with decoupage, scrapbook paper, polymer clay, stamping, fake flowers, ribbon, and other embellishments. Use ribbon or colored tape to cover the edges. The altered tin can be used as a mini shrine or a decorative container for Bible verses, tiny art and craft supplies like buttons and beads, change and other small items.

2. Add handles to the top of the container. Mark the places where the handles will go, then use a drill bit or nail to poke the holes. Decorate with decoupage, beads, and other findings. String large beads on a piece of thin gauge wire. Insert the ends of the wire into the holes and twist them into a knot with pliers. Use the tin as a small purse, wallet, or suitcase for a doll.

3. Cut six pieces of double-sided scrapbook paper to fit inside the tin. Bind the papers with brads or ribbon, or use a hole punch to make holes and secure the pages together with ribbon or chain. Use a corner rounder to make rounded edges. Attach photos and embellishments to the pages to make a miniature scrapbook.

4. Make an electronic gadget, like a USB charger, digital thermometer, amplifier, or robot. Purchase a circuit board and parts, or a kit that contains all the items you need. Solder the components to the circuit board.

5. Line the interior with foam. Use the tin to hold an iPod, small camera, or other device. Drill holes in the case to expose headphone cables.

6. Use the tin for a survival kit. Roll up a garbage bag and place it in one side of the tin. Add matches, fire tabs, a birthday candle, a small flashlight, a water bag, water purification tablets, fishing line and tackle, a snare wire, a compass, X-Acto knife blades, antibiotic ointment, butterfly closures, nylon string, two magnetized sewing needles, a fresnel magnifier, a safety pin and aluminum foil.

Resources

• Make Magazine's online blog features many Altoid's tin electronic projects, and links to sites that sell kits.
• Field and Stream's website includes complete instructions for an altoids tin survival kit.