Tin Can Purse and More

An ordinary tin can, like a soup can, isn't that impressive. But when you buy a printed tin, it can have a completely different shape, a logo, a scene, an unusual pattern, or even a swirl of colors. Sometimes the can has a design, but with many tins, just the lid is printed. You can purchase such a tin at a craft store, online, and often, right in your local grocery store. Tea, cookies, and other grocery items, are sometimes sold in decorative tins. Many people use a tin to store toys, papers, craft items, and similar things, but a tin can also be used to make a little girl's purse. It's the cutest thing and takes just a few minutes to make.

The perfect tin for the purse is one that's somewhat large - but not huge. A nice choice for a tin is one that is shaped like a box, or a canister, and about four to six inches tall.Remove the lid for now and poke a hole on each side. Mark an area on two opposite sides, near the top - but well below the lid - and create two holes. It's easiest to do if you have a drill but, if not, hammer a nail into those areas.

Decide what you want to use as a handle for the purse. It can be a piece of leather, a doubled piece of fabric, or even a piece of hard plastic. Cut it to go from one side, over the can a few inches, and back down to the opposite side.

Use two brads to attach the handle. Poke a hole through each end of the handle and align one handle end on each side of the can. Push a brad through the handle, and the can, and to the inside. Spread the brad arms apart and that's it.

A tin is made so that its lid fits very tightly. That can be a problem for a little girl who needs to get into her purse. Use a paper towel to spread baby oil - or even cooking oil - around the inside lip of the lid. Wipe off any excess and replace the lid. Now, whenever she wants, the girl can easily remove and replace the lid on the tin purse.

Although the tin makes an adorable purse for a little girl you can also use it in another way - particularly if it has no lid. You can make a tin with a handle and use it as a pail to carry fresh flowers into the house, or use it to carry your craft supplies around. Depending on the size of the tin, you could carry garden utensils, store your art supplies in it, or even give it to your child to carry around toys.