People think of prison inmates stamping out license plates, but Arizona's prisoners are turning them into colorful miniature purses and lunchboxes.

The items are marketed in Arizona as "stylish accessories," and production began last week, said Katie Decker, a spokeswoman for the Arizona Department of Corrections.

The tiny purses and lunchboxes not only serve as unusual Christmas gifts, but they also help rehabilitate convicts, she said.

The items are made of motorcycle license plates by some of the 1,799 prisoners employed by the Corrections Department's Arizona Correctional Industries. Participants earn 40 cents to $5.15 an hour, Decker said.

Some of the money goes to the inmates in the program, and some is deducted for room and board, taxes, dependent support, victim compensation, court-ordered restitution and an alcohol abuse and treatment fund, Decker said.

The lunchbox costs $21.50. The purse costs $27. Each may be personalized with up to four letters or numbers for an additional $10. They are available with rhinestones for an additional $4. Quantity discounts are available, Decker said. Both feature hand-painted snaps with intricate brushwork.

Inmates assigned to Arizona Correctional Industries make a variety of other products, including office furniture and inmate clothing.

A study conducted by the Corrections Department found that inmates engaged in basic education and job-training programs, plus work, were most likely to succeed and experience fewer parole revocations and less recidivism after their release, Decker said.