Altoids tin art projects

What to do with all those empty Altoids tins

Altoids tins have become the project box of choice for nerds in the know. They've been used for crystal radios for years. A list of links about Altoids projects is on the left. I'm not a wires'n'pliers kinda guy though I respect those that are. My focus is on using Altoids boxes for non-electrical projects.

My first Altoids tin project was a simple flashing red LED. The history of this particular LED goes back several years. It was part of the packaging for a Microsoft mouse back when optical mice were the rage. The box flashed on the shelf in a transparent attempt to get your attention. Cory repurposed it as an in-the-window blinker in our 4th floor Pioneer Square office. It kicked around the office and house until I got the idea to put it into an Altoids tin. I simply punched out the red flower at the top of the plant on the left. Needless to say it makes visitors at my house nervous to see an mint tin blinking at them.

I try to sit and meditate every day. I've started a series of 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. My modest goal is to use every configuration of Altoids: mints, sours, gum, et al. Truth be told, I played with something like this about 4 years ago, including a piece I call Pentium Buddha.

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. I consider them devotional art. Click on each thumbnail.

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

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