Cigar Box Purse: Upcycled Art

I am looking forward to spending time making cigar box purses this week and next. I had a week of the Northwest Flower & Garden show and then a wonderful week showing my niece around Seattle and now I can think about making handbags. My delightful life has a lot of categories. When you get a chance to make, what do you reach for first?

Today I am going to upload a few new purses to the Etsy shop and start the custom fabric lining on some new boxes. I've got a spring in my step!

Do you like this photo? When I was first starting out, I sold my purses in summer art shows in Michigan. I had this image made into a 2 x 3 foot poster to hang in my tent. It was so dramatic and beautiful.

#upcycled #wearableart #etsy #finddelight #annereeves  #cigarboxpurses #springgreen

Cigar Box Purses: The Intersection of Beautiful and Interesting

I have a creative life and I am grateful for the flexibility. Did you know that I can't seem to stop turning cigar boxes into high end handbags? I line them with fabric and sew the lining, gussets, Velcro closure and add my ceramic logo tag to distinguish it as an ANA cigar box purse. Most of my sales are direct to customer, but my online business is sure to grow on Etsy. A new customer just raved about my work and I had to share. 

"OK. Let me say what an AMAZING creative high quality purse was designed for my wife's valentines day present. Coincidentally we were at a restaurant and this unusual cigar shaped purse grabbed my wife's attention. She talked with the owner who indicated it was uniquely designed in Carribeans and not likely to have any in United States. So I searched up and found Anna Reeve's distinctive design and character. I could not believe the great price; a fraction of what the lady shared with my wife. Anyway, it arrived quickly and just to add a personal touch, Anna wrapped it perfectly in a pink laden package so right out of the box I hit a home run !. thank you Anna"

#makersgonnamake #momentsofdelight #thiscreativelife #seattleblogger #purses #uniquehandbags #cigarboxpurse #cigarbox

Cigar Box Purse: Happy Customer

 

"Anne - Hi! I just wanted to reach out to let you know that the cigar box purse was a HUGE hit. I wore it to a Cuba themed gala. I thought a lot of ppl would have cigar box purses, but none did! I had more compliments than you can imagine. Here is a pic for you. One of the society magazines was more interested in a pic of the purse than they were of me. If it makes the magazine, I’ll send you a copy. Thanks for taking care of me for a Noche en Havana to support Phoenix Children’s Hospital!!!" 3/5/18

Oh happy day. I just heard from a recent Etsy customer that she LOVED her ANA cigar box purse and received lots of compliments at a charity gala. Doesn't she look fabulous?! How wonderful. I want to thank her for passing on the photo and the praise.

If you'd like to shop my collection of handmade cigar box purses, click here.