Tinnovations - Altoid Tin Works of Art

I love creating works of art from empty Altoid tins - tiny, 3D shadowboxes with delightful scenes. Recently, I was contacted by howstuffworks.com, a Discovery Channel affiliate, about my Altoid tin art, and was asked if I would be interested in submitting my work for an new Altoid ad campaign called "Tinnovations". My "Flying Circus" piece was selected, and included on the "howstuffworks" website.

To make an Altoid tin shadowbox very few supplies are needed - an empty tin, paper, paint or fabric to cover the tin, some graphic images, a few embellishments or "found" objects and a good craft glue. You can use the entire tin, or just the top or bottom. The tin pictured is a hanging tin. I used a drill and small bit to add two holes in the top for the string, and one hole in the bottom center for the charms and clown shoes.

Tins make a great gift and can be personalized using the recipients favorite theme.

ATC/ACEO's and Shadowboxes

I've been busy getting ready for the holidays and creating artwork to sell on eBay instead of blogging. Shame on me!

Don't get me wrong, I love eBay, but hesitate to sell my artwork there. It can be quite discouraging. I've seen beautiful pieces with VERY low starting bids go unnoticed and very sloppy artwork go for upwards of $50.

My "Queen of Bee's" is an ATC/ACEO (2.5 x 3.5 inches) that sold for $17.89. This was a little surprising since I had only about $1.50 invested in materials. Let's face it, it's made with chipboard, a scrap piece of decorative paper, a rhinestone, rusty wire, a reproduction vintage photo, and a few beads. I can compete with Domino's Pizza, assembling one of these little ditties in 30 minutes or less.


I also sold a 3D shadowbox. The shadowbox was 5x5 inches and a Dollar Store find. It took me about an hour to make the piece. Actually, I profitted nothing from its sale, but I suppose I gained exposure on eBay as many people viewed it... and the following week when I listed other items all but one sold. Its puzzling how a piece of cardboard can sell for much more than a concrete piece of artwork.

In any event, I seem to be attracting more "lookers" and that can potentially lead to bidders. With the Christmas season upon us, I hope to unload a few more pieces before I begin creating artwork for Valentine's day.