Old Altoids/mint metal containers...recycling ideas

[fortyfeetunder]

Anyone got ideas for recycling old Altoids containers? They are too cute to trash.

I've used them primarily as storage, but any other ideas...

Now one idea, which I found on this board, was storing those homemade lotion bars....

[yardwork]

1. If you make your own hand salve, you could pour it into the tins

Also, it might be possible to paint the tins with model airplane paint.

[displacedtexan]

2. Nail polish from the Dollar Store

for painting the tins.

Cheaper than airplane paint.

Then I put labels on the lids.

I just can't throw those tins away!

I have one for paper clips, one for rubber bands, and one for thumb tacks.

[DemBones DemBones]

3. Altoids tins are very popular with artists who

create altered books, collages, assemblages.

[eleny]

4. I keep one in the car

....for stashing a few emergency dollars.

[truthseeker1]

5. great for storing batteries

for small supplies, like in your desk drawer.

[tkmorris]

6. Storing batteries in a metal container

is a bad idea. If you short the poles to each other the battery drains very fast and generates a lot of heat while doing it.

I once melted a very large screwdriver while working on a car. It slipped and fell down in front of the engine, becoming stuck right across the terminals on the starter. It happened that the starter was engaged at the time, and the battery provided enough juice to turn that screwdriver into red hot taffy. It finally folder over and dropped through to the ground. Scared the crap outta me though.

Same principle on a smaller scale with that Altoids tin.

[denile01]

7. Art from Altoid tins

great examples here
http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/alttins.html

Um, don't think I did that link properly but do a google under "altered altoid tins". Lots and lots of ideas.

[gizmonic]

8. Great for wallet-sized photos

I made my tins into little vertical picture frames. Not as fancy as the Altoid Tin Art but the perfect size for pictures of my niece and nephew. I have loads of pictures and loads of tins!

Cut a piece of foam to fit inside the bottom of the tin; I do this to fill up the space in the bottom. The picture will now fit flush. The top lid will not need any foam.

Trim the pictures so that they fit the inside lid and bottom. I would suggest using double-sided tape on the pictures instead of glue. Place one picture on the inside lid and one picture on the other.

I decided to leave the tin as is because it had a nifty-looking design on it. But I suppose it could be decorated to go with the picture theme. :hi:

[lies and propaganda]

9. I make magnets...

out of clear flat back glass marbles and some paper design. I put them in these tins for a cute display when i sell or give them out.

[gizmonic]

10. So do I! n/t

[China_cat]

11. print out child's clip art

for paper dolls and clothes, back them with magnetic sheet and cut out. Paint the tin like a doll house outside and scenes inside. You then have something to keep a child occupied on a car trip.

[politicat]

12. Gift for a smoker: portable ash tray, no stink, no mess.

Everyone who smokes uses them at Burning Man; I've given a couple to various camping people I know who smoke after painting them.

[NMDemDist2]

13. dang that's a great idea !! n/t