Tuesday, January 12, 2010

A new idea with an old item



I've had this tin since we got married. My brother in law, Chuck, sent this to us with alot of goodies in a box and of course it was filled with Altoids but I saved it.....you know me. And I think it could be used for a nice little stitching box. I just don't know how to finish it without showing wrinkling in the fabric. Do you glue the finished piece on ? Do you know of a tutorial somewhere showing how to cover little boxes? I just think it would be a great little needle and thimble box. It could also house a small pair of Kelmscott scissors.
And the shape is unusual. I would like to stitch something small and put on the top of this box, line the inside with red velvet or felt for a cute finish.
When I opened the box I had left the heart papers in there and had the idea to use them for heart templates to make some ornies. What's your ideas?

Jennifer

15 comments:

  1. A long time ago, Lori Birmingham had some patterns just to make tops for the altoid tins including a heart shaped one. I have seen them at Hobby Lobby in the past. There are several patterns out for tin tippers for the rectangular shape. The ones I have done you use cardboard and pull the design over it and glue it to the top of the tin and use trim around it. They are a lot of fun to make. Your new stash looks fun. I love the oval frame. It looks great with that design.

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  2. I would put fusible interfacing on the fabric and then lace the fabric with strongquilting thread onto your heart form.

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  3. Jennifer here is what I conside the best tutorial for tin finsihing.

    http://tts-tutorials.blogspot.com/2007/12/altoid-tin-finish-tutorial.html

    Hope this helps you,
    hugs
    -missy-

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  4. Jennifer, don't know if my first e-mail went to you. In regard to the tins, I have made several for gifts and they are really nice. I ended up just spray painting the tin and making a smaller cross stitch design that I mounted in the middle of the tin. This way I did not have to worry about the fabric wrinkling over the tin. I lined the inside putting magnets under the lining for scissors or needles. The girls just loved them. Good Luck, Jo Ann

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  5. Boy! I am sure there must be a tutorial out there somewhere -- I'm just not sure where (at least for the hinged tin). I'm sure someone will know. I need another one of these 'cause I'm not sure what I've done with mine. I love your ideas though.

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  6. I have one of these tins that I have had for a long time. I think I purchased it around Valentines Day one year.

    I have thought about stitching a Quaker Heart Pattern and finishing it like the regular Altoid tins.

    There are several tutorials for finishing the tins if you do a search. Though I am wondering if I might have a problem because the top is not flat?

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  7. fix the ebroidery on a light weight cardboard, then glue on the box and glue a nice cord all around

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  8. I've never seen those in a heart shaped tin. That's pretty rare, I think.

    I don't have many suggestions. I do know a spray on glue is an easy way to stick something on but folding things around the edges might cause a few wrinkles.

    I can't wait to see what you do.

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  9. I thnk it would make a fabulous covered tin for needles etc. There is probably a heart pattern somewhere that would be perfect.

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  10. Jennnifer - I am sending you an email re heart shaped Altoids tin.

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  11. What a unique tin! I love the idea of finishing it!
    You may try the "Twisted Stitcher" blog - she has some great tuorials and may even have one for a tin.

    Seems like you have had a lot of help already - I am sure you'll come up with something perfect! Can't wait to see!

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  12. Jane Timmers of FancyWork actually designed a pattern to fit this tin--her website is www.fancywork.net
    Hope this helps.

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  13. Heart Shaped Altoids Tins like this cost $17.50 at an LNS. You are holding a treasure!!

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  14. There are a few links to tin tutorials on the Focus on Finishing blog :) I agree with others above, that Vonna's is a great one :)
    http://focusonfinishing.wordpress.com/tutorial-links/

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  15. The Victoria Sampler has a lovely free hardanger tin topper for the heart shaped Altoids tin. One of the these days I'm actually going to get time to stitch it. Here's the direct link:
    http://www.victoriasampler.com/Free_Patterns/Be_Mine_Valentine.aspx

    Unfortunately there are no finishing directions, but it looks from the picture that the stitched topping is smaller than the top of the tin and is probably glued on.

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Comments are welcome at the homestead at any time! I appreciate your time out of your day to stop and say hello!!
I hope you find some useful information and gentle inspiration for your day.
Jennifer