HOW TO MAKE A CIGAR BOX PURSE

STEPS TO CREATING A RE-PURPOSED WOODEN CIGAR BOX PURSE
Here I am...finally posting another blog. This time I wanted to show how I decoupage and create a cigar box purse. This one ended up being pretty cute. Not a lot went on it...except for time...and beads...you know the old saying...Sometimes less is more. I enjoyed making this one and now I'm enjoying showing you how I did it!


Step One:
Finding the right cigar box. I liked this one because it was small. Just the right size for a sweet little purse.

By the way...I find my cigar boxes at a tobacco store here in town. Every tobacco / cigar store has different policies about their extra boxes...some don't sell them at all...some sell them according to how "nice" they are, from $1 to $10 each. I happened to find just the right guy who was selling all of his at the same price, no matter what the style. At first he was selling them for $3 each. But then changed his prices to $2 each!!! I think that's a great deal. I'm very picky about which ones I buy. Only the nicest, heartiest, strongest boxes.



Okay....

Step 2:
Peeling off the annoying stickers. (I don't worry about the ones on the inside. They are covered by batting and fabric most of the time). I use Goof-Off to get the stubborn ones to obey...boy...it's strong stuff...so use sparingly!






Step 3:
Sanding the cigar box where I want to add paint or decoupage something to it. I use fine sand paper. It doesn't take a lot of sanding...just enough to get the varnish roughed up to take the paint or Mod Podge.







Step 4:
Removing the clasp. There are some cigar boxes that have cute easy clasps that I keep...but for most of them I replace them with a nicer clasp. I like the swing clasps the most. They are easy to use, are screwed in so they will last, and just look a lot nicer.






And...
Putting on the new one...hint...I attach both parts first with hot glue. That way, when you start to drill in the screw your clasp won't turn and end up being crooked. Most of the time I center it to the box using the same holes that the old clasp used to occupy!







Step 5:
Cutting out paper. I use an exact-o knife to cut out paper that I want to use on the box. I measure the area first. Some boxes may not be exact. So some extra trimming may have to be done.





Step 6:
Decoupaging the paper to the box with Mod Podge. Hint: If the paper is thin spray it with acrylic sealer and let it dry (to help keep it from bubbling when applied)...also, it is best to apply the Mod Podge to the back of the paper and the box. After putting the paper on, let it dry for a few minutes and then apply the Mod Podge over the paper again. (unless you have other elements to add first).




Step 7:
Painting the sides (Of course, this step changes from purse to purse) For this one I wanted to keep some of the wood exposed because it was a lovely color...but I felt that a little bit of blue would work nicely on this one...and my fingers! (I use crafter's acrylic paint).






Step 8:
Putting on the "blingage"...I wanted this cigar box purse to be sparkly and fun. So I applied rinestones in different sizes and shades of blue to the center of some of the flowers. This step takes time and patience...and fingernails help a little!






Step 9:
More "blingage"...next I added beaded fringe (actually this pretty blue fringe was the inspiration for this particular cigar box purse). Because it was so long and the box so small I added it to the lid of the box. (after adding glass feet to the purse it was just the right length). Most of the time I would have put the fringe on the bottom part of the box so that it would not interfere when closing the purse...but in this case I think it's so cute that I don't mind it.



Step 10:
Drilling the holes for the handles. I use a small bit and carefully drill holes about 1/2" to 1" from each side and in the middle from front to back. This takes careful consideration so that you don't accidentally make your handle crooked. (remember to measure twice and drill once...or your purse is ruined)...yep...happened to me!





Step 11:
Adding the handle. Here I'm different than most who make these cigar box purses. I don't like the rigid round bamboo handles that most cigar box purses have. I use jewelry beads to make flexible individualized handles. Most of the time the handle determines the style of purse I decide to make. I use either black waxed cord (if the beads are not see-through or clear beading string... to put the beads together (fishing line works good too - nice and strong).




Step 12:
The inside of the purse. Hint...these boxes may not stink to some...but to me...peee-uuuu...so I hide a good smelling dryer sheet under the batting and fabric. And before you know it no more stinky!!! I hot glue down the batting at the edges




Step 13:
Adding the fabric. I love choosing the fabric for the inside of the purse. I sometimes add ribbon and buttons as well to hold cell phones and lip stick in place. (although I didn't in this purse). For this fun little purse I used a bandana. What I like about bandanas...besides the good price (less than $2), is that the inside is usually less detailed than the border...so you can use that for the top and the border for the bottom of the purse...coordinated yet different!






Step 14:
Adding the mirror: Here I find the center of the top...make a hole in the fabric and batting...put a large bead of hot glue to the wood and attach the mirror...pressing down firmly.








All Done!!!!
After touching up any paint oops, pulling off the hot glue strings and wiping with a dry cloth I spray the purse with acrylic sealer and taahhh daahhh! A re-purposed cigar box...nice and shiny and ready for use!!!