Learn how to use alcohol inks on metal slider tins to create beautiful handmade gifts for everyone on your list this holiday season.
Last year I made Alcohol Ink Jewelry Dishes and then my girlfriends and I made trivets using alcohol inks. They were so popular (and fun to work with) that I decided to create something new using the alcohol inks.
This time I wanted to try them on metal. I noticed that many people have used alcohol inks on metal washers to make pretty necklaces.
Since I already planned to make solid perfume for one of my holiday gifts this year, I thought these metal tins would make good containers.
And, the alcohol inks would be perfect for making them look beautiful.
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Supplies
Metal Slider Tins
Alcohol Inks
Canned Air
Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 91%
Cotton Swabs
Cotton Pads
(optional)
Protective Spray Gloss or Rangers Multi Medium
Using Alcohol Inks on Metal Tins
- Start by cleaning the surface and sides of the tins with the Isopropyl alcohol.
- Then use just a couple of drops of ink to create stunning effects.
- Use some ink on a cotton swab to decorate the edge.
- Play around with allowing the inks to spread and meld together.
- You can also use cotton swabs with isopropyl alcohol and the inks to obtain different effects.
- Once you get a look you like, let the tin dry for 24 hours then protect it with spray gloss or multi-medium.
Don't like what you see?
Simply remove it with more isopropyl alcohol and start over.
Caution: This project is messy. Make sure that you cover your work table and the floor. Also, wear old clothes.
PS: I did find that aerosol hairspray helped remove the ink from a sweater.
I love the way the gold looks on top of the other colors. It's a little more opaque but spreads beautifully.
You could play all day with these fun alcohol inks. The great thing is you don't need much to create beautiful tins so you won't mind wasting some while you practice.
Other uses for Alcohol Inks on Metal Tins:
- lip balm, salves, solid perfume
- storing medication
- storing mints
- make a mini survival kit
- handy storage for paper clips and safety pins
Note: I read that three of these tins fit nicely in an Altoids container for storage within the storage.
I really love the way the alcohol inks look on these tins.
It took no time at all to create seven beautifully decorated tins.
Time to order more.
P.S. If you enjoy alcohol inks, check out my Alcohol Ink Ornament project. Or try Distress Spray Inks. I used them on my Rustic Advent Calendar Tree Project this year and I can't wait to use them again. See these and much more on my DIY/Projects Page.
How to Use Alcohol Inks on Metal to Create Stunning Gift Tins
Equipment
- Canned Air
Materials
- Metal Slider Tins
- Alcohol Ink
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Cotton Swabs
- Protective Spray Gloss
Instructions
- Clean the surface and sides of the tins with the Isopropyl alcohol.
- Use just a couple of drops of ink to create stunning effects.
- Dab some ink on a cotton swab to decorate the edge.
- Use cotton swabs with isopropyl alcohol and the inks to achieve different effects.
- Let the tin dry for 24 hours.
- Spray with gloss or multi-medium.
Joyce Manser
I have trouble finding Isopropyl rubbing alcohol 91%.
Can you tell me where I can purchase some?
Thank you.
Patti Estep
Joyce, it used to be everywhere for a very reasonable amount. Ever since the pandemic, you are hard-pressed to find it anywhere. I did recently purchase some from this website. https://first-aid-store.com/isopropyl-alcohol-99-16-oz-1-each.html It's 99% but still works well with the inks and it's affordable.
Tina
Hi. How’d you get the gold color. Did you mix color or is there a gold color alcohol ink.
I love that dark Gold look.
Tina.
Patti Estep
Tina, the gold is an alcohol ink. It came in the original set I bought from Jacquard, Pinata Rich Gold. It's different from the others as you have to shake it well before using but adds a really pretty effect.
Barbara Chapman
Ooooh, Patti! I have a just finished tin out in the car... Hmmm!? Looks like a future project. Really pretty how these tins turned out ~ I could see them with little love notes sent to school with kids' lunches or holding small sewing supplies. Anything! Happily pinning. <3
Happy fall and beautiful job,
Barb 🙂
Patti Estep
Thanks Barbara. I love the idea of writing little notes to hide in the tins.
Maria
This is so unique, so inspired. Need to check these out for my next gift idea
Maria
Patti Estep
Thanks Maria. I'm sure you will find all kinds of things to do with them.
kristi
How CUTE is this. They are really beautiful. Thanks for the idea. I have some tins like that and never knew what to do with them.
Toni
These are so cool and pretty. I've been wanting to try these inks for some time. Pinning these for inspiration later 😀
Patti Estep
Thanks Toni. You will love them!
Lori Jo
Beautiful and creative, love this upcycling technique!
Lori Jo - 50 With Flair
http://www.50withflair.com
Patti Estep
Thanks Lori!
Mary
I love this bold look. The colors are stunning and not at all what I have associated with rusty old tins at all!
Patti Estep
Thanks Mary. It's so fun!
Julie Briones
I LOVE this! What a great idea, and so pretty. Love the ideas on how to use the slider boxes, too! Pinned!
Patti Estep
Thanks Julie. I'm a sucker for packaging.
Maureen
This is a seriously cool project! I can't wait to try it 🙂
Patti Estep
Thanks Maureen. I hope you love it as much as I did.
Nikki Gwin
These are beautiful! And I have just the thing to put inside that I've been wanting to make. Very timely. Thanks!
🙂 gwingal
Patti Estep
Thanks Nikki, that's wonderful to hear.
Roxanne
This is the first I've heard of alcohol inks, very cool!
Patti Estep
Thanks Roxanne. You have to try them. So much fun!
R Claudia Richards
Thank you, Patti. I've been fascinated with alcohol inks long enough that I picked up a demo kit on one of my craft store visits. Got it home, looked on Pinterest, and just didn't know where to begin. A case of 'white paper syndrome.' Now I have a plan. And it fits in so well with my homemade lip gloss, body butter, etc. You don't say where you found the little tins but I assume amazon. Thanks again.
Patti Estep
I bought mine from Amazon. There's a link in the post. However, I'm sure that most craft stores sell them too.
Val
Where do you buy alcohol ink?
Patti Estep
You can buy them in crafts stores or online. There's a link in the post to the ones I first purchased from Amazon.
Carole West
What a cool idea and so creative, they have that look of tie dye with detail. This would make a great rainy day project and agree perfect for gifting too. Really like the green ones.
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole. Green is my daughter's favorite color too and she already snagged one of them.