The Best Things…

… Come in Small Packages!

Downsizing: 

Mini shadowboxes made from Altoids tins.

Tiny Christmas themed assemblages make great gifts or ornaments.

There’s something special about tiny things; they feel so precious. 

Especially little boxes that open like a locket. 

The best things come in small packages… even more so when they are handmade. 

Who doesn’t have an empty Altoids box or two in their junk drawer? 

I can't just throw them away! 

I gathered all my empties, my supplies, 

and my smallest embellishments, and set to work.

First I covered the inside and outside of the tins in decorative vintage papers 

with Mod Podge (the crafter’s staple!) 

You could use old holiday cards or gift wrap instead.

I created an aged look by roughing areas up with sandpaper and applying antique wax.

The essential element is the chain to hang it from. 

I used a drill to make small holes for jump rings and added a short length of jewelry chain. 

Cord or ribbon would work too. 

My special touch is the tiny “Made With Love” heart that hangs down into the box. It’s all about those details!

Then the fun part: adding trinkets to enshrine your tiny Christmas story! 

It doesn’t take much to fill the small space: 

buttons, 

a key, 

tiny trees, 

flowers, 

or animals. 

And of course, a message of joy!

Check out this Pinterest collection to see what other assemblage artists have done with Altoids boxes.

Here are just a few examples.

Do you see anything that inspires you?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Happy holiday crafting!