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Cigar Box Purse - A Chic Companion
by Elizabeth McAndrewStamping Deck Crewmember
As we dock in Scotland, there's an old Scottish song (author unknown) that instantly comes to mind. I've always sang it since my childhood days whenever I have parted a path with someone. This path could lead in opposite directions or simply go around an obstacle in the way. Here is the chorus, and perhaps you will recognize this familiar tune as well:
And I'll be in Scotland afore ye;
But me and my true love will never meet again
On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
I probably did land "in Scotland afore ye!" I'm extremely excited about our voyage to this land of Celtic art, castles, folklore of the Loch Ness Monster, as well as the impressive glens and serene lochs. If there is one person across the seas that I would pick to visit, none is fairer to see than my dear friend, Mary of Scotland. She is a rubber stamp artist, too, among other things; what luck!
I am anxious to show Mary of Scotland my new purse and get her opinion of it. Here on the North American continent, cigar box purses are a strong fashion hit. This project was done with a brand new stamp line called Art by Moonlight, an online vendor. It's definitely a, year-round, all seasons purse having a Winter/Spring design on one side and a Summer/Fall design on the other. Since I prefer a shoulder length style, I recycled a brand new detachable shoulder strap off another purse that had never been used. It was a perfect match to the brown tones that make up the sides of the cigar box. The purse, also, has a distinguished decorative handle for carrying that adds a bit of panache to the look. Cigar boxes are readily available at specialty smoke shops or contact an online vendor who carries them as craft kits.
I have an extra special project to share called the Peep Show to go along with the cigar box purse. What a hoot it is! This functional art piece is an original design by Mona Reese, my darling daughter. Upon first glance of this item, you can instantly tell that Mona has a bubbly personality and a robust sense of humor. The project consists of a mini altered photo book on a key chain. The cover is artistically recreated with an alluring photo. As the photo book is opened, there is a mini envelope that states: Peeps 10˘! Friends can then browse the photos that follow. This outrageous design original is one of my favorites by Mona.
I was easily enticed into designing mini journals by my friend and teammate Suzanne Saupe. She regularly creates them as gifts or for sale in her craft mall booth. She claims they sell like hot cakes, too! I love the look, and the journal notebook has a perfect home in the purse. I went on a scavenger hunt all over town searching for a special journal notebook to jot down important thoughts or record information in. I finally came across this 6" dandy with silver metal covers. Almost any journal notebook can be transformed into an appealing necessity item whether for home, running errands, or travel.
A traditional and meaningful way to bring about a closure in Scotland is with the song, Auld Lang Syne. The writing of it is attributed to the revered Scotsman Poet Robert (Rabby) Burns in 1788. It had been a song entrenched and shared among the common people of olden times, yet never written down. Robert Burns refined it and put it to paper. Around the world, Auld Lang Syne is a theme song played at the stroke of midnight every January 1st at New Year celebrations (Hogmonay, as the Scots call it). The tender air bids a final farewell to all that once was. Personally, I enjoy the melodic tune year-round and often play it on the piano. In closing as a tribute to bonnie Scotland and Rabby Burns: let's:
for auld lang syne!”
Are Cigar Box Purses popular in your area? What other important projects will you make to include in your purse? Please submit your art to the Reader's Gallery and share your art endeavors on the SS Reflections Yahoo Group. We look forward to seeing you there!
Although this is my last column for the SSR magazine, it has been a true pleasure to serve S.S. Reflections magazine and you, our faithful readers! In the meantime...
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through!
I'll be seeing you...
In everything that's bright and gay,
I'll think of you that way!
Until we meet again, happy stamping trails to you!
Elizabeth McAndrew
editor@ssreflections.com
Stamping Deck Crewmember
S.S. Reflections, Inc.
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