How to Make Cigar Purses
An old cigar box is just the right size for making a wooden purse. If you don't have an old cigar box to repurpose, most craft stores sell plain, unfinished "cigar" boxes with hinges and clasps installed, as well as pre-made purse handles. If you prefer the look, label designs and smell of real cigar boxes, you can get them from tobacco shops, flea markets and online auctions.
Things You'll Need
- Small screwdriver
- Wood putty
- Putty knife
- Paint
- Pictures
- Decoupage paste
- Craft glue
- Embellishments
- Spray varnish
- Drill (optional)
- Drawer pull or purse handle
Instructions
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1
Remove the hinges and latch from your cigar box to keep them free of paint and varnish while you create your purse. If you want to use the original art on the box, you'll need to re-install the hinges and latch on the opposite sides, so the art will be right-side up on the finished purse. If -- and only if -- you're going to move the hinges and latch to the other side, fill the original fixture holes with a small amount of wood putty and scrape it flat with a putty knife.
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2
Decorate the box as desired. You can paint it or make a collage with paper and photos coated with decoupage paste -- or both. Glue on embellishments, if desired. Allow the decorated box to dry completely.
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3
Spray the decorated box with varnish. Allow it to dry overnight.
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4
Re-attach the latch and hinges. If you need to attach them on the opposite side from their original position, drill holes for the tiny screws, if necessary -- the wood may be soft enough that you won't need pre-drilled holes.
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5
Position a drawer pull or purse handle on the box and use a pencil to mark through the screw holes.
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6
Drill holes through the pencil marks with a drillbit that's slightly smaller than the screws.
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7
Attach the drawer pull or purse handle by inserting the screws through the holes and tightening them with a screwdriver.
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Tips & Warnings
If you wish, line the box with fabric using hot glue or glue a mirror to the inside.
If the original latch doesn't keep the box closed securely, replace it with a more substantial one.
Use spray varnish in a well-ventilated area.
