Tin Container Shrines

Wood and Glass Shrines

Tin container shrines, made from altoid-type tins, are perfect for holding little images and statements of truth. They are just big enough for an artistic statement, but small enough to present simple snippets of a symbolic, visual journey for the senses. The tin containers provide a "pallet" small enough to make a quick, but meaningful shrine as a gift for any occasion that lends itself to a significant importance. The hinged lid adds even more options for embellishments. The lid can be partially opened to allow the container to stand on any surface to display a miniature masterpiece. Close the lid for an instant gift within the tin for easy carrying. Add ribbon to the top for hanging. Charms and beads are a beautiful addition to dangle below the shrine. All kinds of findings can be added for an unusual latch for opening and closing. Look around the house for even more brilliant additions. You will be proud to offer a one of a kind tin container shrine as a special remembrance.

Click for options in a variety of tin container shrines. Choices include my design, your own imagery as commissioned, or unfinished for do-it-yourself.

Tin Container Shrine - "Prayer"

This tin container shrine holds one of my most favorite images - a woman in quiet communication with her maker. Painted in a blue-green, the tin was finished with a bees wax coating for a lingering aroma. Opening the tin using the attached pearl, you will discover a string of smaller pearls that hold a tiny silver cross with a single rhinestone in the center representative of prayer beads. It lays upon a soft bed of vintage lace torn from a old wedding dress. The right side houses more vintage lace, as well as vintage velvet flowers taken from an old hat. The image is of a stained glass church window. Simple text with the word "Prayer" is added. A tiny pink candle lights the way. It was perfectly sized in it's partial use when taken out of an old box of birthday candles. I wonder what stories of happiness it could tell? Unknown script is stamped over all. This original is signed by Janie Mills. I imagine this piece as a beautiful container for prayer beads, rosary or simply placed on a shelf as a sweet, meditative, remembrance. Measures 2 1/2" x 3 3/4" closed.

Tin Container Shrine - "Silent Nature"

This tin container is painted in robin's egg blue and soft pink. Sealed with beeswax adds a luscious aroma. The front is a vintage bird and rose image decoupaged along with the title - "Become part of the silence". Inside is a sweet bird nest and egg (wooden) The metal bird is carrying a banner reading "nest,,,home..." The opposite side is musical notes with the quote continued "then if the simple sounds of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive..." The back of this original is signed by Janie Mills. Measures 2 1/2" x 3 1/4" closed.

Tin Container Shrine - "You are Powerful"

The view from the top of the shrine shows the quote "You are powerful beyond measure". To give an impression of a crown, there are beads, a rondelle and jewelry bits attached. All original and signed by Janie Mills. Measures 2 1/2" x 3 3/4" closed.

Tin Container Shrine - Madonna and Child "Gift of Birth" - SOLD -

I altered this tin container shrine into a sweet homage to the gift of birth. The front image is of a Madonna and Child framed with Dresden gold foil paper scraps. The lid is hinged and opens with a vintage amber rondelle bead. Inside features the image with a snippet of the word "birth" along with it's definition taken from an old dictionary. There is a vintage gold colored heart charm and umber beads suspended at the top. Dried hydrangeas are sprinkled within and are surrounding the word "gift". A gold color metal filigree finishes the top and hides a wire hanger. The word "Mother" is decoupaged at the top.

This tin nicho, or shrine is designed in the traditional cross shape container, measuring 6" x 9". The glass front is hinged to open from the bottom, up. There are 3 separate compartments inside. I choose a vintage Italian Holy card of a Madonna in adoration of a rose that appears to have sprung up in the midst of nothing. I couldn't keep from thinking about how many times I have been surprised at finding beauty in the midst of what might have been viewed as ruins or despair. Following the rose symbol, I remembered some dried roses I had hung in the rafter in my studio from a bouquet that I couldn't bear to discard. With the baby's breath, a wash of bees wax and a sprinkle of glass glitter, I knew that the rose would now be encased for a loving memory. The milagro hearts, dripping with more bees wax seemed perfect for both the small compartments. I cut metal filigree to embellish each of the 4 points of the cross. After attaching, they were then painted with bees wax. There is a metal loop for a hanger on the back, but I added another option for hanging with the ribbon. The ribbon is composed of old lace taken from a wedding veil, pink,vintage baby blanket binding and a newly hand dyed silk ribbon. The back is signed, Janie Mills.

This beauty is gonna be hard to part with.

*Click image for enlargement

Click here for other tin nichos available

Wood and Glass Shrines

Shrine - "First Gift - Guide Me"

"Baby's First Gift" is a very special memento shrine that I thought could take the place of the old bronzed, shoe book-ends that was once popular.

I would be honored to create a similar piece, commissioned by your specifications, using your own baby shoe in any color.

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Shrine- "I Have Begun to Emerge"

*Click here for enlargement

I made this shrine in honor of a young woman who emerged out of what could have been a hard shell of a life into a rare pearl that has been polished to it's luster as a direct result of the harshness of life. The resulting strength as well as beauty is celebrated in this homage. I painted a 6" x 7" x 5" wood box with glass on each side to enable the viewer to see through. The lid opens by way of shell and pearl with silk ribbon and a removable tag that reads - "Delicate and fragile, yet endowed with an inner strength that survived and defied the sea storms of life." The top of the box is encrusted in shells, pearls, a vintage earring and diamond dust. Inside the box, there are more encrusted shells pearls, glass beads and diamond dust-glass glitter along with other bits found on the beach. An image was collaged depicting a mermaid reaching upward, as well as another mermaid watching in admiration. Unfurling from the largest shell is a message that reads " I have begun to emerge. I have begun to reveal myself". Most of the items in this piece are bits and pieces washed up on the shore where I collected them in Virginia Beach. I have left them just as I found them, using the natural elements to my advantage. i.e. no drilling of holes were necessary for attachments, due to natural holes that were already in the shells.

It should be noted that I have never met this young lady. I have only heard stories of her strength. In imagining her, this shrine took on a life of it's own. I hope that she is pleased. This piece is SOLD.

I made this shrine just for myself. It encapsulates a constant dream I have about our daughter who went to heaven at the age of 2 years. She left a body of limitations for one that walks on clouds, one that runs among flowers, and even one that lifted her with wings to fly!!!!!! An old worn out chippy, composition doll leg is hanging in a wood-glass box. The quotes on the silk ribbons read "I dream you walk", "I dream you run", "I dream you fly". Also added are vintage lace and tatted bits. The shrine and framed,photo is suspended and carried in a metal bird's mouth.

This shrine I shall keep to cherish, but I am happy to make a special one from your specifications. Click here for info. and pricing of available Shrines

The little tin containers are inexpensive and perfectly sized for artistic projects for kids.