Altered Altoids Tins

I had made four altered Altoid tins in November 2006 and left them shelved even though I made them specifically for the purpose of selling on eBay. Maybe it was the thought of parting with my first altered tins that made it so difficult to give them up. In any event, I was finally able to let them go.

The mermaid tin was my first altered tin, and also my favorite, so far. I used a vintage reproduction photo and real seashells to create it.

Other theme's include Paris Travel, a smudge or ruins box, and a Music themed tin.

Moulin Rouge, pictured, sold on eBay and I had a few requests for more with the same theme. I had consider making another Moulin Rouge themed tin but it takes forever to seal the tin and prepare it for paint. It has to cure for at least two weeks before I can begin to work on it, and I don't really have that kind of patience.

The profit margin for these tins is relatively low since they are so time consuming to create. I did see half of a tin decorated with a vintage reproduction image of a child sell for $75 on eBay, but I think this is the exception, not the rule.

I'm currently working on an Asian/Oriental and Travel/Journey themed tins, and may create a few with a Valentine's Day theme.

NeW sTuDiO!

My new studio is up and running! The walls are painted, the shelving is up and the curtains are hung. I'm so excited!! It took three weeks to transfer all my craft stuff from one space to the other, but I also did a much a needed reorganization during the move. I have tons of shelves now, 36 feet to be exact, and yes, they're full already. I thought I'd have room left over for "future growth" but nope, every square inch is being utilized.

The photo shows a neat and tidy workspace - just a façade. I straightened it up before snapping the photos. Normally, I only have about six square inches of work area that's free from clutter and that's where I create my new pieces. Yes, even with all the new storage and shelves my area is still a mess. I think for an artist, having a cluttered workspace is genetically coded into our systems. When my workspace is too neat and tidy my creative juices don't flow nearly as well. So, with that said, I'm off to create!