June 14, 2010
I need another purse like I need a hole in my head. I can’t help it; it is one of my fashion weaknesses. I justify my purse shopping all of the time. My argument; purses are versatile, functional and people are always commenting on them; “Omigod! I LOVE your purse!” or asking, “Where did you get it? It’s F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!”
According to some quirky purse forum on the internet; the average woman owns six (6) handbags. I have that many just sitting on top of my dresser! So, let’s discuss purses. Sure, they are practical and serve a purpose. Some historians say men were the more common carriers of purses until the early 19th century. Society exchanged coin money back then and since men were the keepers of the money- well, they carried it…in purses…let’s move on. Now, don’t misunderstand; women carried “purses” too but they were not fashionable. Women’s purses were rather small and not very useful and the need for one was much less than the need of one by a man. During the 19th century it did become fashionable for a young lady to create her own purse; usually a drawstring type. These purses were handmade with intricate beading or needlepoint designs. Years later the beading and needlepoint designs of purses became more and more intricate and more and more popular. It was in the late 19th century that handbags were being designed and sold for women through retail establishments.
Purses come in all sizes, shapes, colors, designs, yada-yada-yada. A few years back, I was shuffling through a pile of junk items. They were of no particular value or consequence; and I picked up a cigar box. Without thinking, I opened the box and put something small into just like I would put something into a small purse or coin purse. Et voila! I was inspired! I had to create cigar box purses! I began collecting boxes of all shapes, sizes and materials from tobacconists and friends. Some of the more decorative cardboard boxes were pretty to look at but not very sturdy for everyday use. I fashioned handles out of wire and Murano beads, I tore apart old purses for the fasteners and findings, I was going to be the next Tom Ford in balsa wood purse history.
At first, I made a purse or two for myself. I considered them edgy; an extension of my personality and attire. And, as mentioned before, people began commenting on them and asking me “Where did you get that?” So, I had another inspiration; I will create OOAK cigar box purses to sell. I found a market for this type of purse and every purse I created I was able to sell. However, the same time that this new found venture was blossoming, I was working 50 hours a week in a demanding legal position and my need to pay homeowner’s insurance and buy groceries outweighed my need to create purses. My art was put on the back burner. Things are different today.
Transforming a cigar box into a purse is a creative way to show off your individuality. The design, though limited to a square box with a hinged lid, can be very artistic. My favorite cigar box purse is adorned with a vintage Bakelite handle, a photocopy of Andy Warhol’s “Marilyn” lacquered on one side of the box and tied to the handle is part of a hot pink feather boa I used to wear while hanging out in the French Quarter. I haven’t used that purse in years but it makes me happy just knowing that it is there- with the other umpteen number of purses I own!
