Victorian Puzzle Purse Workshop

Learn how to create unique “folded” greetings for conveying heartfelt messages

DATE:  Saturday, December 5, 2026
TIME:  10:00 am to 1:30 pm (approximately 3.5 hours)
LOCATION:  In-person @ Studio #206 on the upper level of The Alton Mill Arts Centre
FEE:  $125 + HST per person

Take a deep breath and step away from the hectic holiday rush with this gentle invitation to pause, slow down and conjure some creative magic during the busiest season of the year.

In this workshop spend a quiet, unhurried morning learning a charming, 19^th-century interlocking papercraft known as a Victorian Puzzle Purse, once used to convey romantic messages or hide gifts and secret notes. Each folded section contains a hidden message or image which is revealed step-by-step as the recipient unfolds the intricate design. Victorian puzzle purses symbolize love and devotion, making them a cherished keepsake

After practicing the specific folding sequence required to create a puzzle purse, you will use fine-line markers to add intricate patterns, holiday greenery, and heartfelt words, then apply soft watercolor washes or coloured pencil for a delicate blush of color.

Because this workshop takes place in early December, you will have plenty of time to use your new skills for creating more puzzle purses as unique gifts for loved ones and friends this holiday season.

What to Expect:

• Three hours of quiet in my distraction-free studio environment to help you decompress and recharge your creative batteries.
• Step-by-step guidance to master the folds needed to lock and unlock the purse of a puzzle purse.
• How to write your own hidden message inside.
• A finished paper purse by the end of the session and instructions to take with you so you can easily make more at home.

No experience is needed and all supplies are included. Note, this workshop is not suitable for children.

Please try to register at least one week prior to ensure this class runs and doesn’t have to be cancelled.

This is an in-person workshop and limited to 6 participants.

Any questions can be emailed to  artist@dancingmoondesigns.ca

CANCELLATION POLICY. Please note that all workshops are non-refundable if you are a no-show, cancel or change your mind at the last minute. A raincheck for another workshop may be offered if there are extenuating circumstances that prevent you from attending but this will be solely at the discretion of the instructor. In the event a class needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather or other unforeseen situations it will be rescheduled, fully refunded or used as a credit towards another workshop.