Time: 1 hour
Materials: cigar box, stencil, drill, pencil, embroidery floss, scissors
Over the past few years of running this blog, I’ve shied away from sharing projects that involved power tools for one reason or another. But ever since making these geometric photo holders, I can’t stop day dreaming about new projects that I wouldn’t have done before, including this DIY Embroidered Cigar Box.
If you’ve never used a drill before, this project is the perfect place to start. I picked up this cigar box at an auction ($2 score!), but you can pretty much find them at most thrift stores or online. I chose to do a monogram, but the possibilities are endless!
If you don’t already have a stencil you’d like to use, you can make one by printing out a letter (enlarged) and cutting it out.
Position your letter on your cigar box then lightly trace with a pencil (you’ll have to erase these marks later).
Next you’ll want to mark where you’ll be drilling. I freehanded this by making small dots that were similar to one another in spacing. Also if you were eyeing the color-blocked pencil above, here’s a handy tutorial for how to make your own!
Drill, baby drill! Just be sure to not go through the other side of the box. If you don’t trust yourself, put a piece of wood inside the box to stop the drill from going through.
Erase all your pencil marks and start stitching. I did a back-stitch so that the outline would be solid all the way through instead of dashed.
Tie off your knots and you’re done. I’m using mine as a sewing box, but you could really use it for anything. Photographs, coupons, secret candy stash, the choice is up to you!
Seriously, Rachel, that’s the cutest thing I’ve seen in a while! Love it!!
Oh yay, that’s so nice of you to say! Thank you so much Casey :)
SO creative! I love this idea! After I move, I’ll have to get out all my hardware tools again! (I’m sure you know what a small San Francisco apartment is like…)
Oh absolutely! That’s one of the main reasons I haven’t used them until now. Best of luck with your move Jordan!
Ah! I love this!
Thank you so much Alexis <3
Love this, can’t wait to make my own :)
Yay! You’ll have to let me know how it turns out Kitty :)
Your project is on today’s Poppytalk Handmade! How fun!
http://www.poppytalk.com/2014/09/8-weekend-projects-to-try.html?m=1
Awesome! Thanks for the heads up Kristen :)
This is so amazing! First, I plan to work on my courage with the power tools then use this tutorial as part of my wedding party gifts! Fabulous idea you’ve put together.
Oh my goodness, I LOVE that idea Aushlee! You can totally do it, I promise. After the first few holes, you’ll start to feel like a pro :)
Can’t wait to see how they turn out!