ArtFire

This Indian themed trinket box was made by covering a 3 ounce metal cat food can with polymer clay. I thought turning empty, clean cat food cans (which I have an abundance of!) into pretty trinket boxes was a good way to recycle them. I used a reddish pink mix of Premo polymer clay to cover the metal can and create the lid for this little trinket box. Before baking the clay I used an Indian themed stamp to impress this beautiful design around the sides and on the lid. Then I rubbed the raised surfaces with gold Pearl Ex powder, making the stamped design stand out even better. I used red glass tube beads alternated with gold glass seed beads to accent the base and the lid. These are strung on beading thread and have been surely attached to the clay with liquid polymer clay. The handle of the trinket box was formed by threading several different types of gold metal filigree beads onto a long hatpin with a pearl top. I bent the end of the hatpin and sandwiched it between the two layers of clay that compose the lid, ensuring that the handle will not come off. I sealed the box and lid with two coats of high gloss varnish for added shine and durability. With the lid on the box measures about 3 1/2 inches tall. Without the lid the box is 1 1/4 inches tall and 2 3/4 inches across. I covered the bottom and inside of the trinket box in red felt, making for a lovely finished piece. This little trinket box would be perfect for holding your favorite jewelry or other small treasures.

When I started this piece I had something completely different in mind, but my muse took over and I ended up creating something that reminded me of India. The red, gold, and pink look perfect with the stamped design. And the metal filigree beads I used for the handle add an elegant touch. It may not have been what I originally planned, but I'm very happy with the way this trinket box turned out!

empty clean 3 ounce metal cat food can, Premo polymer clay, Pearl Ex powder, glass and metal beads, high gloss varnish, liquid polymer clay, felt