Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day
If you have an old cigar box that’s just collecting dust, why not turn it into a stylish and unique accessory?
Materials
- Wooden cigar box, 6-1⁄2” square
- Wood veneer (iron-on or glue-on), 3”x6”
- Fabric of choice, 3⁄8 yard
- Dover Publications Treasury of Historic Pattern and Design, ISBN: 048626274X
- Buttons: ornate, three; black, two
- Assorted beads, approximately 1⁄2”, 20
- Black wire, 20-gauge, 16” length
Tools
- Walnut Hollow Creative Versa-Tool
- Delta Ceramcoat Instant Age Varnish
- Adhesives: Therm O Web PeelnStick Double-Sided Adhesive Sheets, Beacon Adhesives Gem Tac Permanent Adhesive
- Drill and drill bits
Basic Supplies
scissors, iron and pressing surface, paintbrush, tape
Directions
STEP 1
Iron or glue veneer to box front. Tape laser image face down on front. (Note: For image, designer laser copied design on page 117 from Treasury of Historic Pattern and Design.) Follow Versa-Tool manufacturer’s instructions to transfer image and stamp box. Stamp veneer in same way. Apply varnish to lid. Glue ornate buttons to box front.
STEP 2
For handle, drill holes on each side of latch. Insert wire through hole and beads onto wire; twist black buttons onto wire ends inside to secure.
STEP 3
For lining, cut 6-1⁄2” squares from cardboard and fabric. Use double-sided adhesive sheet to attach fabric to cardboard, and cardboard to inside of box.
by Rebekah Meier
Great idea. My husband collected the boxes for years. Then he decided he didn’t want them anymore and we have lots of them stored. I thought in addition to purses, they would make great treasure boxes for grand kids or with the right material and decals, could even be put on a coffee table as a conversation piece.
Hallo, can you sent me 2 of those boxes?
Maureen,
Unfortunately, we do not sell the boxes. If you can not locate any old cigar boxes, you can purchase them at Joann Fabrics.
Thank you,
This is kind of a cute idea, but not all cigar boxes have latches, and I’m not sure how well any existing latch would hold up when it’s being carried sideways. Seems to me there needs to be a better clasp or latch or button closure to assure the contents of one’s cute purse doesn’t end up on one’s floor!
This is a great idea that can easily be altered with a different cigar box size; variations on materials used in the design would take this look from casual to evening wear that would turn heads. The clasp and hinges would probably need to be changed out or reinforced – a silk lining with a few easy to add compartments and perhaps decoupage outer design over black enamel paint.
Thank you – I am going to give it a try.