DIY Vintage Cigar Box Craft Ideas
What Can you make with old cigar boxes? This tutorial will show you how to revive vintage cigar boxes, plus DIY craft ideas to enjoy for home decor.
They just don’t make things like they used to, right? Before cheap plastic packaging came into existence, items were sold in boxes that could be reused and repurposed. If you are lucky enough to find old cigar boxes (or have some in your storage stash), I’m going to give you a few ideas of how to enjoy them. Hopefully these DIY Vintage Cigar Box Craft Ideas will inspire you to scoop them up when you spy some!
DIY Vintage Cigar Box Craft Ideas
For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission. There is no additional cost to you. My full privacy policy is here.
Supplies Needed:
Vintage Cigar Boxes, preferably wood (Find some HERE)
Dawn dish detergent, warm water and washcloth
Mini Hinges and Clasps (here, here, here)
Where to Find Old Cigar Boxes
Many years ago I scooped up this pile of old cigar boxes while retrieving online auction items out of the basement of an old downtown building. My guess is the maintenance guys were keeping them to organize their nails, bolts and screws. These boxes have been waiting patiently for their makeover!
Look for old cigar boxes in basements and garages of estate sales, flea markets, or online. Often the lids will be broken off and they’ll be in rough shape. No worries, you can revive them!
Step One: Clean
With a damp washcloth and Dawn dish soap in warm water, wipe the vintage cigar boxes to clean off the surface grime. Be careful of the paper labels. Clean them inside and out.
Step Two: Decoupage Vintage Labels
In order to preserve all those great vintage graphics, use decoupage medium to glue down any tattered paper. Gently peel back any loose areas and brush the glue under, pressing and smoothing down to adhere. Let dry for 10 minutes. Continue to brush decoupage medium over entire cigar box inside and out. This will bring out the colors of the design and wood and make the surface wipeable.
Step 3: Attach Hinges and Clasps to Make a Keepsake Box
I’ve always loved the vintage cigar boxes that have detailed mini hinges and clasps like these:
I wanted to add those kinds of details to these cigar boxes to turn them into a keepsake box. Luckily you can buy mini hinges and clasps online and there’s a wide selection. I bought a couple packages so I could mix and match. You’ll also want to get some of THIS glue to attach them (it does have a long dry time, though).
Once the modge podge is dry, you can start gluing on hinges and clasps. The hardware comes with mini nails and screws, but since the cigar box wood is so thin it’s easier to just glue them on.
Measure and mark where you want to attach the hinges.
Some of the hinges I was able to glue to the outside (which was my first idea), some I had to glue 1/2 to the lid on the inside and 1/2 to the base on the outside. With DIY projects, you have to be flexible! I glued both 1/2’s at once, but it would be easier to first glue to the lid, let dry, and then glue to the base. I was impatient and didn’t want to wait for the glue to dry in between, so did both at once.
Next, glue the clasp on to the top and front. Because the lid is not thick, the top clasp goes above the lip of the lid. When you’re gluing, make sure you don’t glue the box shut (ask me how I know;)
Let glue dry overnight or 24 hours for maximum hold.
With the addition of the hinges and clasps, the old cigar boxes turn into charming vintage keepsake boxes that would be fun to gift, or tuck a gift or treats into! The labels and graphics on these are so beautiful once they’re sealed with the decoupage.
Notice the box on the bottom left that has three screws attached to the outside. I left them on, because it tells the story of where these boxes came from. Aren’t they fun?
Another Vintage Cigar Box Idea: Make a Shadow Box
One of the packages of hinges also contained corner pieces. Since the square cigar box didn’t have a lid and I liked the Minneapolis name on the label, I turned it into a mini shadow box. I simply glued the metal corner pieces to the bottom two corners. That touch of metal gives it a little more interest.
Craft a Wall Pocket with the Cigar Box
One of the cigar boxes was missing an end. No problem! On this one, I glued the top lid to the rest of the box. Glue on corner metal brackets and a clasp for extra detail. Place a picture hanger on the back and you can hang it on the wall with flowers or foliage. It could even be a handsome spot for your mail!
Last Craft Idea
If you only have the lid without the box, but you love the vintage graphics, simply add mini hinges. You can hang it anywhere with simple twine.
These old cigar boxes are so happy they finally got their makeovers and have been revived and repurposed. Now I can enjoy their lovely graphics anywhere in my home decor.
For more vintage revival projects, see:
“How to Clean Galvanized Metal and Revive it’s Vintage Patina”
“Vintage Suitcases: How to Clean and Refresh (and keep their classic appeal)”
“Easy and Fun Ways to Decorate with Vintage Crates”
Hopefully these DIY Vintage Cigar Box Craft Ideas will make sure you never ask “What can I make with old cigar boxes?” Who knew that old packaging could be so much fun?
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to Become an Insider to keep the ideas flowing!
please pin and share!
Sharing at these lovely parties:
Very nice. I’m looking out for a few that hubbie had stashed in the garage! but probably no wood ones
Good luck!
They really are so pretty and some great ideas. I will be looking for one or more, thanks! Pinned.
Thanks for pinning, Marlene!
What a COOL project, Lora!!! I love these old boxes…the graphics are so neat!! The one with the greenery in it is SO lovely, especially for the upcoming holidays. Thanks for sharing this one!!!
Thanks, Rachel:) Maybe you’ll come across one thrifting!
I love this! Super cute idea. Blessings to you.
Thankyou, Renae:)