TheAlteredBox

Oh, you want creative? Buckle up.

Free shipping—because let’s face it, nobody likes surprise fees at checkout. Every single thing here is handcrafted by a disabled vet and his wife, right in our cozy little workshop. We’re not some faceless factory—just two humans, a pile of tools, and a wild imagination.

You want a cigar box purse that screams "one in a million" (and yeah, we totally made those for Bloomingdale’s)? Maybe a treasure box that looks like it holds pirate secrets? Or how about a clock that turns time-telling into a conversation starter?

We’re basically upcycling wizards—90% of what we use is reclaimed, rescued, or revived. If it’s destined for the landfill, we’ll probably snatch it up first. We fuss over every detail, so you get a piece that’s sturdy, sparkly, and absolutely drenched in charm.

Your home called. It wants some of this magic!

Contact shop owner

David and Terri

Reviews

5.0 (124)

Average item review

We calculate this number using a recency-weighted average of all ratings, with a rating's value decreasing by half each year to best reflect the current experience.

Etsy buyer on Sep 3, 2021

5 out of 5 stars

I love this journal! It's made very well. Nice paper. I love the cigar box graphic, very different. The shop shipped my journal very quickly. It was packaged very well and arrived in perfect condition.

Refillable Cigar Box Journal, Sketchbook, Travel Diary, Notebook

Refillable Cigar Box Journal, Sketchbook, Travel Diary, Notebook
Etsy buyer on Aug 24, 2021

5 out of 5 stars

It was a gift and she loves it!!!

Little Red Riding Hood Jeweled Treasure Box, Jewelry Box, Keepsake Box, Trinket Box, Upcycled Cigar Box

Little Red Riding Hood Jeweled Treasure Box, Jewelry Box, Keepsake Box, Trinket Box, Upcycled Cigar Box
yvette on Apr 2, 2021

5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful whimsical! I love my robot! He arrived just in time for my new home! Thanks!!!⭐️

Assemblage Robot Lamp, Found Objects Robot Sculpture

Assemblage Robot Lamp, Found Objects Robot Sculpture
Etsy buyer on Mar 26, 2021

5 out of 5 stars

Another beautiful purse! Thank you!!

Art Deco Mixed Media Cigar Box Purse with Glass Beaded Handle, Evening Bag

Art Deco Mixed Media Cigar Box Purse with Glass Beaded Handle, Evening Bag
Larene on Mar 24, 2021

5 out of 5 stars

Omg so personal! I don’t know if it was just because I was randomly close enough to be delivered personally but I got the feeling even if I needed to be mailed to they still would have been personal and just sweet as pie

Day of the Dead Refillable Cigar Box Journal

Day of the Dead Refillable Cigar Box Journal
Etsy buyer on Mar 23, 2021

5 out of 5 stars

This is beautiful. Perfect craftsmanship. Love this and want another!!!

Queen of Hearts Leather Cigar Box Purse

Queen of Hearts Leather Cigar Box Purse
Stacy on Mar 9, 2021

5 out of 5 stars

I love this one of a kind cigar box purse. Also thank you for the note included.

Wicked Witch Leather Cigar Box Purse

Wicked Witch Leather Cigar Box Purse
Etsy buyer on Jan 4, 2021

5 out of 5 stars

Love this purse, can’t wait to show it off!

Day of the Dead, Sugar Skull, Leather Cigar Box Purse

Day of the Dead, Sugar Skull, Leather Cigar Box Purse
Diane on Dec 7, 2020

5 out of 5 stars

Lovely & unique hummingbird clock. Base is made of an old cigar box and reclaimed materials. The colors are very bright.

Hummingbird Cigar Box Clock

Hummingbird Cigar Box Clock
Inactive account on Dec 2, 2020

5 out of 5 stars

I love my purse. Actually I can’t stop looking at omit. The artist did an absolutely perfect job. I could not ask for anything better. The artistic image and the excellent craftsmanship are superb. I highly recommend this artist team. Thank you kindly, Janice

Art Deco Woman Leather Cigar Box Purse

Art Deco Woman Leather Cigar Box Purse

About TheAlteredBox

Fun & Unique Products Handmade w/Original Cigar Boxes

Sales 299

On Etsy since 2008

Fun & Unique Products Handmade w/Original Cigar Boxes

Our products ready for sale.
We only use high quality cigar boxes.
90% of our products are upcycled!
David at one of our holiday shows!
Our inspiration!

From an Idea to a Reality

David—Army veteran turned cigar box craftsman. He has a knack for seeing possibilities in discarded cigar boxes, transforming them into treasure boxes and clocks with a little creativity and craftsmanship. He’s been at it for decades—woodworking has been part of his life since childhood, and his passion for the craft runs deep.

But it all started with a simple idea—me, adding a purse handle to a cigar box just for fun. I showed it off to David and my mom, and their reactions said it all. Soon, I was reaching out to Bloomingdale’s, and before I knew it, our creations were in multiple showcases and selling internationally. Today, you can own one of our designs for far less than the original retail price—with the same high quality and attention to detail.

Beyond the business, we give back. Our pieces are donated to charities that support veterans, women’s health, and cancer research—each creation carries a bit of heart. Who knew cigar boxes could do so much?

Shop members

David

Owner, Designer

A disabled vet with an obsession for cigars. I see a cigar box and my brain flips into MacGyver mode, dreaming up ways to transform it. I donate some to organizations that help support fellow veterans. Creativity with a purpose.
Terri

Owner, Designer

My inkjet printing process is pure magic, distinctly mine, undeniably dazzling. As a bling enthusiast, I elevate artwork on fabric with Swarovski crystals, turning each piece into a shimmering masterpiece. One-of-a-kind creations designed to stun!

Shop policies

Last updated on Jun 10, 2025

Shipping

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Customs and import taxes

For US deliveries, Etsy policy requires that import duties and fees are included in the checkout price. Non-US buyers may need to pay these fees upon delivery. You can message me to confirm how these fees will be paid for your order. I'm not responsible for any customs-related delays.