Altoids tins , the ultimate DIY project box

Altoids tins are project box of choice for many a nerd 'round the world. For example, they've been used for crystal radios and DIY survial kits for years. Check out the list of Altoids projects on the left. This is not a complete list and yet it represents a wide range of projects.

I'm not a wires'n'pliers kinda guy but I respect those that are. My focus is on using Altoids boxes for non-electrical projects like personal shrines and shoving digital cameras into them.

My first Altoids tin project was a simple flashing red LED. This particular LED goes back several years. It started out as part of an early Microsoft mouse package. The box flashed on the shelf in a heavy-handed attempt to get one's attention. Cory repurposed it as an in-the-window blinker in our 4th floor Pioneer Square office. It kicked around the office and my house until I decided to put it into an Altoids tin. I punched out the red flower at the top of the plant on the left (old style tin). Needless to say it made my visitors a bit nervous to see an mint tin blinking at them.

I try to sit and meditate every day. I've made a series of Buddhist pocket shrines in Altoids tins. These are devotional objects made with respect and reverance. Such recycling is consistent with my spiritual practice, transmuting trash into treasure. I've made several prayer wheels out of an Altoids tins.

There are others who've used Altoids tins for personal shrines. Not that I was aware of them before I started mine. Who are they? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, et al. Many seem to be made by women who are into swapping their Altoids artwork.

I've put together a photo gallery of my Altoids pocket shrines. Again, I consider them devotional art. Click on each thumbnail to view a larger image.

Ready to cook with Altoids? No, it hadn't occurred to me either. Some folks do cook with Altoids. How about Altoids recipes anyone?