CigarBoxPurses

I have always wanted to make cigar box purses but didn't have the courage or even know where to begin until I read the wonderful article written by Terry Lee Getz in Somerset Studio. If you are really interested in making one of these I would pick up the January/February 2001 issue. The article will give you more details and more ideas. So far I have made three and have had so much fun. Hope you will too. Also, please let me say that if there are any questions please feel free to ask. I hope this lesson will be clear and easy to understand but there are so many steps and to be honest, my brain cells have been turning to mush lately. Soooooo, I hope it all makes sense but please ask or let me know if it doesn't.

SAMPLES: Roberta's samples are incredible!

SUPPLIES:
Tack cloth
Extra fine grit sandpaper
Acrylic paint
Sponge brush
Water based polyurethane varnish (I use Anita's)
Chain - three feet (purchased at local hardware store)
Heavy duty jump rings or small split rings (I like the split rings)
Gesso
Pair of large picture rings (Housemates or Bulldog brands are good)
Replacement hardware for boxes (hinges, closure for front - also purchased at hardware store - Stanley and Ives brands are good.)
Wooden Cigar Box (I use all wood, not paper covered and I try to find boxes with secure hinges and front closure so I don't have to replace - makes it easier)
Stamps, collage items, embellishments etc.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preparing and painting box.
If you are going to replace hinges remove the existing ones now . Lightly sand entire box with fine grit sandpaper and wipe clean with the tack cloth. Paint the box inside and out with Gesso using a sponge brush. I usually put on two coats but I think only one is really necessary. Leave to dry completely making sure you leave the lid open. Lightly sand and wipe clean again with tack cloth. Paint the box inside and out with acrylic paint. The number of coats depends on the way you want your box to look. I usually paint three coats. If I like the coverage I stop. If not put on more coats. I do not use as many coats on the inside of the box. Once the box is dry you can sponge additional colors on if desired. (My brown box has gold and bronze sponged on. I believe I used Lumiere)
Decorating the box.
Terry suggests putting the hardware on now so that if the wood splits you haven't wasted all your time decorating. I always put it on after I have finished the box. I have used a Dremel tool to predrill my holes and so far, knock wood, I haven't had a problem.
Now the fun begins.
I have collaged on my boxes using Liquitex Matte Gel Medium as my adhesive. I've also actually stamped on my box (Brown box has a writing stamp which I then embossed and the edge of my Oriental box is stamped and embossed using a Magenta Stamp). I love doing the Direct to Paper technique and stamping over that. Use postage stamps. Anything you would use for normal collage works to decorate the box. Both front and back and the sides of the box should be decorated. The one thing to be careful of is to figure out which way the box will be hanging before you begin to decorate. Trust me! LOL The first box I made I neglected to check it out first. I had picked a box with great tight hinges and ended up having to take them all off because the top needed to become the bottom. Hope this makes sense. You can collage a few pieces inside the box if you like. I haven't done that yet. What I do like to do is to glue a small mirror, which you can purchase at any craft store, onto the inside lid. Allow the purse to dry completely then seal with the water based varnish. The directions say to sand between coats but I had a problem where I actually sanded off some of the paper so I don't sand between coats. Make sure you let the box dry completely between each coat. Read the varnish
directions. My bottle said to let dry for at least 2 1/2 hours or so. Varnish may feel dry but wait the amount of time the directions say. I also varnish the inside of the box but only put on two or three coats. The number of coats you use on the outside depends on the finish you want but I do at least four and sometimes five and more. You shouldn't be able to feel the ridge of the collaged paper items. It should all be smooth. Three coats is the minimum amount you will want. Again, be sure you allow box to dry with the lid open.
Hardware
Find the center of the box lid and hold the hasp in place. Place a mark inside the screw holes to indicate where they will be attached. Make sure you put both hasp pieces in place so the closure will work properly. Place and mark the hinges. As I mentioned before I predrill the holes with my Dremel and a very small drill bit. This helps the screws go in more easily and helps prevent splitting the wood. Next you will want to attach the picture rings. These have a screw attached to the ring itself. Measure in from all sides (place the ring on the widest side of the box lid). I also predrill these holes. What I also do is to dip my screws into E6000 before I put them into my box. Helps hold them in better. Open the jump rings and attach the chain. Close the jump ring over the picture ring. I really like using split rings better than jump rings. Less chance of the ring opening up.
You now have a cigar box purse. I hope you all enjoy and again if there are any questions please feel free to ask. I will do my best to answer them.