AIA: Victorian Puzzle Purse

Also known as Vintage Puzzle Purses, these little folded pieces of art have a very long history. They actually originated in Japan (tatogami) centuries ago but became very popular in England and the colonies in the 1700-1800s as a way to send love letters.

For this swap, you'll create one fully decorated puzzle purse. Please start with a square piece of paper no smaller than 8"x8"; no maximum size limit. You may paint, draw, fussy cut images, doodle, stamp, etc. using whichever mediums inspire you. Both the inside and outside need to be decorated. Please do not use pre-decorated downloadable templates. You don't need to make this in a vintage theme; bright & modern, black & white, gothic, all good here! Yours need not include a message of love but, that's sender's choice as well! 😉

Below are some tutorials and photos of completed puzzle purses:

Making with Mouse Tutorial

Theodora Gould tutorial

Kathy Schowe images

Be inspired every day! (Image is from Silke Doerlitz – Calligraphy)