Learn Your Lesson- Altering an Altoid Tin with a Collage

First of all let me say that my tutorial ended up being something different than I'd planned.  I'd wanted to do a tut on Flag Books like this:

but, alas, I did not have time.  However, if any of you would like for me to do a write in a future post; I'd be happy to do so- just let me know!

For my tutorial, I'm going to show you how to make an altered tin.  I LOVE these; have a bowl full on my desk holding various odds and ends; paper clips, x-acto blades, erasers etc.  Anyway, I think it's an attractive way to store small desk items.  I only wish they were big enough for business cards 'cause I'd be carrying one in my purse too!

But I digress.......to make an altered tin:

Materials:

Altoid Tin

One Sheet Cardstock

Modge Podge

Gesso or othe Primer

Acrylic Paint

Clear Varnish

Step 1. Choose the Image for your collage

I use Microsoft Digital Image but Photoshop will have the same options for altering the values of your image.

Step 2. Altering your image for the collage

Once you've chosen your image, you will need to "Save a copy as" and apply the "diffuse glow" filter (or whatever the equivelent is in your program) to change the darks/lights of your image- here I wanted the difference to be very subtle, so the original colors would show through.  I suggest playing with different filters until you get a contrast you like.  Once you have a combination you're happy with, print 3 in ACEO format size- 2 the same and 1different.  You should have two different images for the collage and one image for the interior of the tin.

Note: you could actually print a whole sheet of different filters and play your collage before modge podging it if you like.

Step 4. Ripping and Glueing and Collaging....oh my!

Note: If your prints are not waterproof, spray them with spray fix or something to cure them BEFORE tearing so the modge podge will not smear the images!

Once you've chosen your two images for your collage trim them out leaving a small border.  Begin tearing one of the images into strips and number each one so you don't get confused as to which piece goes where. 
This sounds like a no brainer, but I've NOT numbered enough to know that it can cause a real headache!

Now you're ready to lay out your collage- this is where the fun begins! Place the strips alternating between both images so it creates contrast. Once you have a composition you like, modge podge it into place.

Step 3. Priming your tin

I use gesso, but really any primer would do. The important thing is to take your time and mask it off carefully with tape where the lid will overlap the bottom so your paint won't get scraped off!

For the example, I only primed and painted the top, bu it looks best when both are painted!

Step 4. Painting your tin

Choose a color to complement your image and paint over the primer.  Sometimes it will take more than one coat.
Step 5. Trim and Attach your Collage 

Trace the outside of the tine onto a piece of cardstock and cut it out to create a template.  Trace this over your collage.  Cut it out out and glue it onto the top of your tin wiping off any excess glue.  I usually cover the tin with plastic wrap and place a heavy book on top to avoid any bubbles or ripples.

Note: sometimes it's more attractive to have the image be slightly smaller than the top- in this case, just trim it out a bit more! 

Step 6. The inside Image

, Trace your template onto your remaining image, cut out and glue into the inside of your tin.

Step 7. Finish your tin with a protective sealant- I like Windsor & Newton's Satin Varnish, but you may use anything you like!

And VOILA, you are done!

Here's what mine looks like: