Altoid Tin Padded Box Topper (Tutorial)

I've been wanting to try my hand at using a repurposed Altoid Tin to make a padded box that could showcase a bit of my needlework for years, and until now, I'd never gotten around to it.

But when I got my June Broderi Box subscription of fibers and other needlework goodies, I knew that a small project using these decadent teals and metallic golds would be just perfect for my first try.

I'm not going to share the chart (at least not today), because I haven't actually charted it out - I worked the stitches as I went, doing no more planning than it took to estimate the size I'd need to cover the box.  If I do get it charted, I will certainly share the graph, though!
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My piece was 30 x 44 on 28ct fabric over two - and could probably go as large as 34 x 46 without issue.  So if you do this with a needlework decign, keep the stitched area that size or smaller.  That said - you can make a lovely padded box this same way using just a piece of fabric you like.

This is definitely not the only way to go about doing this, and likely not the best way - but it is the way I did it:

Supplies:
Altoids Tin
piece of (stitched) fabric, cut to approx. 4.5" x 6"
Adhesive backed mounting board
Quilt batting
Ribbon or cord
Scissors
Exacto knife

Instructions:
1. Use the Altoid Tin as a template, and trace around it onto the matting board.

2. Use Exacto Knife to cut out the matting board shape.

3. Peel off adhesive backing and mount quilt batting to it.  Use scissors to trim batting so it is the same size and shape as the matting board.

4.  Center fabric over the batting, and fold over edges to the back of it. (use pins if needed to hold it in place.)

5. With thead, attach the fabric to the back by making a series of stitches across and back and forth - there is no specific order to this.  You simply want to create tension and balance until the entire thing is centered and neither too loose or pulled too tightly at the top.

6. Using either a cool heat glue gun or fabric adhesive (a friend recommended E6000 Craft Adhesive to me after I'd used a glue gun and I will follow her advice in the future), cover the back of the padded piece and fix it to the top of the tin, taking care to place it correctly.  Hold it in place for a few minutes (or compress with a flat heavy object, such as a book) to ensure good adhesion.

7. Cut a length of ribbon or cord long enough to go around the edge of the tin lid.  Working an inch or so at a time, glue the ribbon to the tin, placing it high enough to cover the area where the topper meets the tin.  Hold as needed to make sure it attaches solidly.

8. Carefully trim excess ribbon.

That's it!  Now you have a pretty little box that can hold everything from a sewing kit to tea bags to incense to jewelry!

What would you put into your little box of treasure?