1. much more detailed information on using polymer clay for this project can be found on my homemade knitting needle toppers page.

2. as i researched this project, it seems that covering an altoid tin is a popular polymer clay 101 project among enthusiasts.

note: be sure to remember to wipe down the inside of your tin to remove any mint fragments and dust.

3. there are tons of site tutorials available on how to make various polymer clay "canes".

the two cane methods i used for this project were a basic "jelly roll" for the larger swirls seen on the tin. the second method is a "spliced jellyroll" which results in the smaller "squigly" lines.

4. the four steps i did are as follows:

first, i took individual cane slices and placed them on top of the lid and smoothed the edges into each other to form a solid surface.

5. next, i made a long skinny flat snake to run along the top edge (the light purple clay).

then repeated with a large flat snake to run around the bottom edge (dark purple clay).

6. lastly, i made one large sheet of the dark purple to cover the very bottom (outside) of the tin.

7. after each step, i trimmed away any portions that were sticking out.

be sure to trim away from the hinges to ensure that your tin will open. (kelly's instructions are really good for this part.)

8. i baked my tin at 275 F for 35 to 40 minutes.

:: questions, comments, suggestions ::