This altered tin has been in the works for some time now. I came across the idea of slicing an old plastic credit card and making a window/frame and wanted to try it on top of a mint tin.
You cut your “X” in the center of the card. Then heating with a heat tool, curl back the four points (I used needle nose pliers) to create the frame.
It was a bit of a challenge getting the plastic card to adhere to the top of the tin at first. Lots of gluing, clamping and patience.
I just purchased some Super Heavy Gesso by Liquitex and am very happy with how it helped fill in the gaps, it gives really nice texture too.
This tin is colored with paints, gold gouache, and Golden’s Micaceous Iron Oxide as a finishing touch. I like the instant patina it gives along with a twinkle best seen in person.
There are so many uses for tins! Eat your mints:)
For tips on how to prepare your tins, see my tutorial from late April.
“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” ~Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910)
10 responses so far ↓
Estivalia // May 27, 2008 at 10:42 pm
awesome! I really like the frame, it must have costed a lot to do, and the texture from the gesso is so cool.
andrea // May 28, 2008 at 1:47 am
what a great idea with the credit card thingy – i love how it curled back like that! will be looking at that tutorial so thanks for sharing! xoxo
Gaby // May 28, 2008 at 2:17 am
Really great! Love the idea with the credit card. The texture from gesso is terrific also.
Your tutorial “how to prepare your tins” is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!
Sophie // May 28, 2008 at 6:40 am
You seem to come up with new and interesting techniques every post I read Patty! Beauitful creation as always
Carole // May 28, 2008 at 10:11 pm
That looks really cool!
I’ve heard about the credit card technique but never tried it. After working with shrink plastic I’m not sure I have the patience. lol
Lennie // May 29, 2008 at 8:54 am
How very cool is this credit card idea, maybe I should give you all my credit cards and life would be simpler for me, and creative for you, HA!!!
Seriously, this is so neat especially with the curly edges, you gotta bring “Walter” tomorrow so I can see him up close and personal, OK.
Sanja // May 30, 2008 at 2:31 am
absolut cool Patty!!
barnie // June 2, 2008 at 5:55 pm
How cool is this ?! Great work.
fatmasplace // June 4, 2008 at 3:44 am
das ist wunderschön. aber noch besser, du hast keine vergiftungserscheinungen, nachdem du die kreditkarte geschmolzen hast;)
WS: Eyelets « Magpie’s Nest // June 4, 2008 at 4:05 pm
[...] on a book page that I scraped paint onto with a credit card. Notice how I’m trying to use credit cards for other things [...]