Designing Outside The “Box”

Make painted cigar box purse

How to Paint a Cigar Box Purse

Of course, a pun was intended in using the title; painting outside of your cigar box is just another fun way to make a purse. What we are seeing around fashion circles is a timeless trend in accessorizing outfits with gorgeous box bags. The fun part of the design and decoration of these nifty purses is that there is no limit to your creativity in designing your box.[spacer height=”10px”]

Make painted cigar box purse

Why Paint a Box?[spacer height=”20px”]

Box purses are not new to us. In fact, they have been around for more years than I would like to count. Boxes of all shapes have been upholstered, jeweled, decoupaged, stamped and even painted for a myriad of purposes. Some creative people begin with the transformation of an old cigar box. There was a time the boxes used for this were traditional cigar boxes but today the rising trend has caused box makers to create a variety of nifty wood boxes for embellishment. Regardless the shape, size or color, one thing is certain, there seems to be a style for everyone.

The beauty of creating a cigar box purse is not having to sew if sewing is not your cup of tea. This proves the point that much can still be done with little if only you choose to think beyond the established norm.

Some purses give the appearance of antique artistry having been embellished with old world charm using burnt oranges, gold and a myriad of rustic colors and chPaint a box pursearming braid trims; not to mention being topped off with antique replica gems set in burnished mounts and hardware to give that popular vintage look.

But if the old world look is not drawing you in, perhaps a more subtle theme of flowers or an art deco look of bold abstract colors may be more up your artistic alley. In any case, whatever your style, you may wish to apply it to the outside of your box to come up with yet another super purse design.

Hardware for Box Purses[spacer height=”10px”]

Another consideration in designing your purse is the choice of cigar box hardware. Choose your hinges, closures and handles wisely. After making your masterpiece you will not want to install mediocre finishes that bring down the value of your product. Think quality; always make an effort to produce quality. Also, know that quality does not necessarily mean costly.

For those of you who want to take your purses beyond the basic craft project look, you may want to consider our painting tutorials that would take your skills a notch higher which could place you in the professional artist category. At this level, you can produce designer purses for the art lovers market. Not only will this give you a head start in painting a box bag, but it will also help you to focus your amazing style on what matters most, and that’s designing outside of the box.

1 thought on “Designing Outside The “Box””

  1. Ampusam Symonette

    I remember as a temporary teacher in Malaysia after finishing high school a seven year old Chinese male student brought a dog made from cigarette box which I will cherish the memory. In East Malaysian open markets I have seen many creations from cigarette boxes. Painting those are very creative.are familiar that is art out of the box.

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