Mint Tin Upcycle: How to Make A Doll Purse

This post was originally published on DIY Network’s blog Made + Remade in May 2014.

I’m joining in on the mint tin upcycling fun today with a little project inspired by a little girl who loves purses … because what teddy bear or American Girl doll should go without stylish accessories? Right.

This is probably the cutest thing I’ve ever made.

Step 1

It doesn’t take much to create your own DIY doll purse, just a little creativity with some unexpected materials like a narrow belt and paper fasteners. (And if you’re thinking like I do, yes, in a day when staplers reign, those brassy paper fasteners are still sold readily in stores!)

Step 2

Start your project by identifying where the purse strap will attach to the sides of the tin. Tap a nail through the tin on either side.

Step 3

Cut the belt to an appropriate length to be a purse strap. Trim the ends of your strap in a cute design.

Step 4

Using the nail and hammer again, create new holes in the strap at the ends that will attach to the purse itself.

Step 5

Spray paint the tin in a well-ventilated area. Add 2-3 very light coats at different angles (with the tin open and shut) to prevent dripping. Allow it to dry well between coats.

Step 6

Attach the belt strap to the dried purse using the paper fastener.

Step 7

The clasp on the paper fastener is perfect for this application. See?

Step 8

Depending on your kid’s style, add a graphic detail to the front. This is a dimensional sticker that I picked out at the craft store, but traditional stickers would work too, as would hot gluing on an iron-on patch.

Step 9

Ta-da! Easy upcycle of a common household recyclable. How much did the kid like this? Beary much.