Sunday, November 25, 2012

A time to give back

Roni at Ink Stains had a contest at the end of September, announcing her 5th anniversary.  The idea was, if you won one of six altoid tins, you were to alter it in time for her anniversary blog hop on November 27.  Above is the tin I won, and the handmade paper I used to cover Roni's address and eventually, the tin.  I have managed to squeak in just under the wire.
 

Roni also promised the tin would be filled with alterable items.  We could use them, or not in our design.

I fell in love with everything she sent, including that incredible milk jug lid on the left under the triomino.

Roni showed several tins she had altered, and my thoughts raced to 2008, the first time I altered an altoid tin.  Although many suggest using a Bunz burner or whatever that flame throwing thing is called, I prefer to use my chiminea.  The excess soot easily comes off.  Yes, this is a lousy picture.

 

Also in 2008, I altered 13 of these tins for a Christmas swap.


I called them the "Game of Life."  Continuing the word "Life" from the game of the same name, the sentiment on the inside reads "It's not just a game.



Then in 2011, I rusted this tin, and added it to my White and Rust altered tip-in book I created. Click to enlarge.

However, it seemed time to change thought processes, since I really didn't want to make the same or similar tin this year.  Originally, I was going to turn it into a black and white zebra gift for my art (and shop-a-holic) friend Kathy that she could keep collectibles in, then decided to make something for my own home for the upcoming holiday.


I began by covering the tin with some of my handmade paper I showed in the first photo above.  Then I took a handful of paper from my shredder and spritzed it with Bottle (green) and Butterscotch Color Washes.  When dry, I scrunched them into the tin using a bit of white glue.    Next, I added some autumn leaves I got one year on clearance at JoAnn's (a big box fabric and craft store in the US).  I set the tin aside for a couple of days to made sure everything was completely dry.

 
When dry, I glued a few sticks from my back yard into the tin, then added the focal stick and bird I found years ago in California.  This is not what I originally had in mind when I entered the contest, but I actually like how it turned out.  It will fit in nicely in my main floor bath, which is decorated with cardinals of all types and sizes.  I hope Roni is as pleased as I am with this altered piece.

Today is day 26 of AEDM, and as I've mentioned ad nauseam, I can no longer see links (and possibly can't create them) whether they are mine or not.  I also can't comment on blogs with embedded comments.  To change that, or learn if yours are embedded, please scroll to the end of this post and see what I'm talking about, and how to change your comments.

Roni sent each participant a link to use for her blog hop that we are supposed to use.  She assured us it will go live on November 27.  Since links and I don't seem to be working properly right now, here is what Roni sent:



Remember, this link should go live and you should be able to see the link at midnight (not sure if Eastern or Central time zone) on November 27.  Until then, I hope this altered tin meets your expectations.

24 thoughtful remarks:

Rebeca Trevino said...

when i first started reading this post i was not sure where you were going with this project.
but i love love love the finished piece.

Healing Woman said...

The tin you created in 2011 is my favorite of all. The girl and then the angel on the left..just enchanting. Your latest is also wonderful. Simplicity at it's finest. You have me inspired to try an Altoid tin! Thanks so much for the post.

elle said...

I think you did a great job on your altered tin, Elizabeth!

kat said...

You have been creating such great pieces with your altered books and now this new creation, wonderful!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Your tin really came out cute! Maybe you'll show some of your other cardinal decorations some time?

Dianne said...

Oh E, this tin turned out beautifully! I do love cardinals, so this is a treat. (and an interesting tidbit to hear that your bathroom is decorated with them) They are often the only bit of color that we see in the dreary Ohio landscape during the winter. Enjoyed your project!

~*~Patty S said...

What a beautiful transformation of a humble tin Elizabeth! Extra nice using some of your handmade paper too!

I really enjoy altering tins too
oxo

Halle said...

That is so awesome!! Love what you did...you were definitely thinking "out of the box." *wink*

SandeeNC said...

Hi Elizabeth! I enjoyed looking at all the altered tins as they were very cool, but my favorite one is your latest! I just love how you captured the outdoors in the tin, the cardinal is perfect with it! Fabulous job! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic way to recreate a simple tin into something so pretty. xox

Julia Dunnit said...

My word, this tin went a completely different way..at first I thought you were creating a pot pourri hollder! Love the addition of the branch and the bird, brilliant thinking.

Monica said...

oh this is so very special.

Kelli Green aka Cajunstampingqueen said...

Wonderful altered tins! I too was a bit confused but where you ended is wonderful!!

silvia said...

Awesome!!!

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Elizabeth,

Oh wow -- look at all your altered tins! How very cool. Yep, I can safely say that I'll be making some more (I'm #12 and this is my first altered tin).

I love your cardinal tin -- especially the handmade paper and the twigs from your backyard. A very earthy look!

Hugs,
Kay

Ink Stained Roni said...

Your tin is amazing!!! Well, all of them are actually ~ 13 at one time!!!

The cardinal is beautiful though...the hand made paper, the tiny leaves, etc... the details are perfect right down to the twig from your back yard!

Thank you so much for taking the time to alter this tin to help me celebrate IS turning 5!!

Kriss said...

Wonderful tin with cardinal. You also have a great collection of hanging ones too.

Jocelyn said...

Absolutely stunning!

Anonymous said...

All of your previous tins are fabulous but this little cardinal scene is super fantastic!

Nan G said...

AweSome!!

DIYDesignStudio said...

The use of the paper was genius and coloring the 'confetti' was upcycling at it's best! AWESOME TIN

Leigh S-B - The Sharpie Domino Queen said...

Wonderful wonderful wonderful! Love your trip down memory lane with all your tins :0)

Caroline D. said...

WOW.... all the tins you made from years past are great! As I read about this years, I wasnt sure about shredder paper, but it looks fantstic and you'd never know what it began as. Cheers for the creativity!! Sorry for the late visit for the hop, but I was away on vacation last week when the hop posted and I'm catching up now on visiting everyone!

Cappuccinoandartjournal.blogspot.com said...

Love the BIRD on the wood -- 3D -- so cool. And I have certainly never heard of cooking or burning the tins before. I wonder how I can find out more about that? Google, i guess. Very cool.