Back in late January I rusted some papers that I never showed on my blog. Although I showed the "before" shots, 
I never showed the end product.Since you can't wash paper in baking soda water, which deactivates rust in fabric, the only way to deactivate the rust in paper is to use a fixative. In case you didn't get the warning about handling paper after it is rusted, you can use a dedicated fixative product (like Krylon Workable Fixatif) or cheap aerosol hairspray to BOTH SIDES of the paper before removing your protective gloves. And in case you didn't know, exposure to any rust affects the hemoglobin in your blood if you have exposed skin. I can NEVER emphasize this enough, although apparently those who make a habit of rusting fabric and paper don't explain this on their blogs or web sites.
This all leads to a candy/mint tin I worked on for Day 21. Many of us have these old tins, so instead of throwing them in our recycle bins along with our tin cans, why not make art with them.
I don't have any step out photos of this, but I used some of the rusted paper to cover the front and inside of the lid to the mint tin.
In addition to the rusted paper, I added some cheesecloth I dyed various colors that mimicked rust.
Behind the little girl I fussy cut, I placed some of my iris flower pounded fabric. 
I added rusty paper to the back, too.
It is a really drab day, and even the use of a full spectrum light didn't help much. I tried to color correct some of the photos, but I'm not sure I ever got the color right. Regardless, I hope you enjoy this little butterfly girl who now lives in her very own mint tin.EDIT: At the suggestion of my art friend Chris, I have carefully observed the rules for entering a new challenge at Frilly and Funkie. The theme is It's Not Easy Being Green, so please follow this link to see more recycled vintage art. Several of my previous projects for April would fit this, too.
For Day 21 I recycled an old mint tin into a rusty assemblage that holds a little butterfly girl. Thank you for visiting and following me through these 22 days of recycle and reuse. I'm very grateful for your visit.
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15 thoughtful remarks:
Lovely altered tin and simply gorgeous rusted paper.
Thanks for the warning Elizabeth, I didn't know about rusted paper and fabric being dangerous like that. Is it just the fabric and paper or should we be aware of this for rusted other things, like tins etc?
Hugs, Neet xxx
ps love and special tickles to your know who but some for the other puddy tat too
This is so beautiful Elizabeth, love the rusted paper and the little girl inside, a wonderful alteration. And I am looking forward to your version of candle in the wind! Hugs, Valerie
This tin is simply amazing.. I love the pink to the rust ..gorgeous!
Happy Thursday dear Elizabeth!
oxo Susi
This really is fabulous Elizabeth! I love the colours you have used! You could link this to the new Frilly and Funkie challenge! Hugs, Chrisx
The tin is beautiful, Elizabeth. I'm glad you shared the rust considerations. I do little intentional rusting but I wasn't aware of any of that, so thanks!
I'm inspired to see what I can do with my tiny altoids tins. I'm thinking maybe old family photos.... Wonderful! Thx!
What a fun little tin! I love rusty bits so much.
LOVE that paper!
This looks gorgeous. Your recycling is amazing, love the rusty vintage look you achieved with this piece.
Yvonne xx
Love the recycled tin, E! Hugs to the Boys from the Girls. They've sent a little something, and I do mean "a little"......tehe. Since I first read your rust warnings sometime ago I've switched over to faux rust (paints) instead of the real thing. It's also easier now that I'm in an apartment and dont have a garage to work in. Happy bEARTHday, a day early! Hugs from me
This came out gorgeous Elizabeth.I love the distressed and vintage feel to it. Its made me think of how someone might react if they found a rusting candy tin along the side of the road, and then picked it up and opened it to find this angel. I'm not sure if that describes my thoughts very clearly. I really like the antithesis between her beauty and the rusted tin. Maybe that is more clear. Anyhow, hope you have some fun plans for your bearthday. So happy bearthday and also happy earth day too!
Elizabeth, I always admire your rust creations. I think it is wonderful you give warnings. Rust is the one art form I won't do. I love looking at the beautiful creations rust artists make. You are all so brave. :) Happy Birthday! I post late at night and at midnight I saw Google's Doodle and I thought it's Elizabeth's B-day. I hope you have a gorgeous day with lots of wonderful memories.
Charming tin! The rust is absolutely cool and thanks for the tips of how to handle it. Beautiful image. Glad you joined us at the Frilly and Funkie "It's not easy being green" with your re-cycled tin!
What a gorgeous altered tin!! It's so gorgeously aged and distressed. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work with us at the Frilly and Funkie Challenge!
Hugs,
Nancy
Amazing recycle idea and what a brilliant transformation! Thank you so much for joining us at Frilly and Funkie for our 'It's Not Easy Being Green' challenge! Hugs, Pamellia DT :)
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