Things to do with old Altoids tins

Yesterday, I explained how easy it was to make your own breath mints (like Altoids). Sure, you can reuse an old Altoids tin for your new homemade (and less expensive) mints, but I was reminded this morning of other things you can do with used Altoid tins, should you choose not to refill them yourself.  If you're a crafty person (and EVERYONE is crafty in some way or another),

Here are some examples:

Tin Sculptures with Polymer Clay, created by Carolyn Ribstein:
http://www.visualnews.com/2013/09/08/curiously-awesome-altoid-tin-sculptures-carolyn-ribstein/

Memoir Boxes:
by https://www.etsy.com/shop/ferrytalesgifts

Ornate Clocks

Coin purse or wallet:
http://www.cremedelacraft.com/2012/07/diy-all-purpose-card-holder-from.html

Organizers

Miniature Rooms:
221 Baker Street, by Pixie Hill on Etsy, https://www.etsy.com/shop/PixieHillStudio

Mini Stoves (toasted marshmallows, anyone?):
http://www.instructables.com/id/Better-Sterno-Alternative/?ALLSTEPS

Sculptured Shrines

Jewelry

Pocket Sized Watercolor Box:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Altoids-Tin-Pocket-Sized-Watercolor-Box/?ALLSTEPS

Mini Gardens:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Altoids-Tin-Mini-Garden/

Survival Bread Oven:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Altoids-Tin-Bread-Bake-Survival-Bread/

Pocket Pool Table:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Pocket-Yard-Pool-Table/

Travel Games:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Altoids-Tin-Travels-Games-Pocket-Size-Fun/

Altoids Electric Guitar:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Altoids-Tin-Guitar/

Mini Flashlights:
http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Best-Altoids-Tin-LED-Flashlight/

Gift Card Holders:
by Jami Sibley, http://jami.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2008/04/05/tart-tangy-tin-class/

The possibilities are ENDLESS!

What kind of ideas do YOU have for an empty Altoids tin?

Make Your Own Breath Mints (like Altoids)!

Ever wanted to know what to do with a leftover Altoid tin? Want to save money on your favorite breath mints? Make your own!  It's EASY!

Ingredients needed:

Wilton Gum Paste (powder)
Distilled Water
Your favorite (tasty) essential oil - I like peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon bark, lavender or rose
Powdered Sugar
Waxed Paper
Rolling Pin (optional)
Large-holed Straw (regular straw works too, but the mints won't be very big)
Spoon (for mixing)
Mixing Bowl

you can also use the pre-mixed gumpaste, but I have found that it's more difficult to knead the essential oil in in a consistent manner.

only a little bit needed!

peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, rose, lavender...whatever!

I found these at an asian market. The hole is 5/8" (large), which results in the finished mints being the same size as regular Altoids.

For one batch, which makes approximately 100 to 125 mints here's what you do:


Add 1/4 cup of powdered gum paste into the mixing bowl. Add 15 drops of your favorite tasting essential oil (20 drops if you want a stronger mint) and mix well to incorporate. Add distilled water a 1/2 tsp. at a time and stir...until your gum paste mixture is the consistency of Playdough.

Set a good sized piece of waxed paper on your work surface and dust it heavily with powdered sugar. Scoop your gum paste mixture out onto the waxed paper and gently roll it around in the powdered sugar until it's no longer sticky. Cover with another sheet of waxed paper and with a rolling pin, roll out to about 1/4" thick.  Use the straw as a cookie cutter, and cut out your mints, placing them apart from each other and making sure they are lightly dusted with powdered sugar.  Form any leftover gum paste back into a ball, roll out again and cut more mints, until you've used all of the gum paste mixture.

Keep your mints lightly dusted with powdered sugar.  Set aside on a piece of waxed paper and let your mints dry for 7 to 10 days. Refill your old Altoids tin as necessary, or make a pretty container to keep some in your purse or pocket.

Enjoy!