Cigar Box Purse

After spending her days in a high-pressure work environment, LaTrisha unwinds at home by keeping her mind and hands busy with crafts. Her latest stress-reliever is a stylish and inventive cigar box purse.

Materials:

cigar box
small cordless drill
sanding attachment
drill bit
small sponge brushes
crafting knife
crafting glue with a glossy finish
purse hinges
purse feet
purse handle
purse closure *
hardware
decorative paper
bookbinding cloth
beads, flowers, ribbons, etc.

* If you choose to use a button for your purse closure, you'll need your button and two elastics with metal t-bars on the ends.

Steps:

1. If you're using a paper-covered cigar box, carefully remove the paper by using a straight-edge crafting knife to peel away the excess. If a gummy adhesive has been used to secure the paper to the box, use a hair dryer, set on medium heat, to loosen the glue, and carefully peel the paper away.

2. After removing as much paper as possible, use medium-grade sandpaper to sand down the rough edges where the paper and box meet.

4. To decorate your box: It is fun to use different papers in the same color family but with different patterns. After you decide what pattern or picture is going to be the major backdrop for your purse, cut out unique shapes and features from each of the complementing papers and concentrate on patterns you'd like to highlight on the final purse design.

5. Using a small sponge brush, carefully apply a medium amount of crafting glue onto the back of the paper, and place it where you want it on your purse. Lightly smooth out the paper, getting rid of any air bubbles or wrinkles (figure B). Then apply a sparse layer of crafting glue on top of the paper. Let dry for a few minutes until it is tacky.

6. Begin layering the papers all over the purse in the same manner to achieve the desired collage design (figure C). Be careful not to glue the purse shut! Once you have completed your purse, apply a layer of crafting glue all over the purse as the finishing layer for a glossy effect.

7. To finish the inside: Measure the inside dimensions of your box, and cut bookbinding cloth to fit (figure D). If you choose to cover the inside walls of the purse with the bookbinding cloth, cut those pieces separately from the bottom and inside lid pieces.

8. Trim the seams of the inside with decorative ribbon. LaTrisha likes to use suede and leather ribbons and flat beads.

9. After your purse has dried, it's time to apply the hardware. Measure on the bottom of the purse where you would like to place the purse feet, and drill holes using your cordless drill (figure E). Insert the purse feet, and fold back the metal arms to secure them in place.

10. If you are attaching a button closure, measure how far down you want the elastic to stretch, and make sure the hole is centered on the front of the purse. Drill a hole large enough to accommodate the metal ring on the back of the button so that the button sits flush on the lid of the purse. Insert the button, and secure it with glue and the small length of elastic. You will notice that there is an unsightly hole on the inside of the purse. This is another opportunity for embellishment! Place a bow or small flower over the hole where the button has been secured.

11. To secure the longer length of elastic that will hold your purse closed, sit the purse upright on its feet and measure the center of the top of the purse. Drill a small hole, and insert the long length of elastic, turning the metal pieces so that it is secure.

13. To place the screws: Apply firm but gentle pressure as you screw them in. Make sure to also use a small dab of glue to permanently secure the screws in place. Be sure to get familiar with the type of handle you are using. If you are using handles that require a small bar to secure the loops, you will have to screw in four times. If you are using a handle that has only two screws with no bars or loops, you will only have two screws for which to measure holes.

Caution: Do not get your purse wet or damp for at least two weeks. It is not advisable, even after the purse is finished, to leave it exposed to wet environments.

Website: www.elteedesigns.com