My sister and I were just talking about where we were when we first saw the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice. Do you remember? I was at Kaleidoscope Theater in Mission Viejo. I remember what order we sat in in the theater. That movie was so formative to me. To draw on a line from Mr. Darcy, it bewitched me body and soul. The costumes, the sets, the cinematography, the music….It’s just so stunning. It’s been 20 years since the film came out so a number of movie theaters re-released it and I commissioned my friend, Merrilee Liddiard, to create a custom Pride and Prejudice Victorian Puzzle Purse and I adore how it came out! They would be fun to give at a party or tuck in with a gift.
My friend, Katie Clifford, instigated the whole thing by buying a ton of movie tickets. I roped all my regency loving friends in and she roped in hers. Of course, she and I had to wear our matching blue toile dresses from our favorite local shop, Koo de Ker. She roped off the theater with British bunting, as one does, drenched us with some stickers (take a look at the Mr. Darcy hand sticker below–IYKYK), and I handed out these puzzle purses to everyone. The original idea was to do a quick workshop before the movie started, but of course we were all chatting way too much so I’m doing this blog post instead. Ha! We had a great time. Everyone knew the lines so well that we could immediately react to it. Somehow the movie is even more stunning after all this time. I could watch it on repeat.
We’ve done a couple of other Victorian Puzzle Purses, also known as Georgian puzzle purses for Valentine’s Day and they really are so impressive considering they are just one piece of paper. You will love putting them together!
How to make a Victorian Puzzle Purse
Difficulty:
BeginnerTime:
10 minutes for the first oneMaterials
- Victorian Puzzle Purse printable
- Scissors or paper cutter
Instructions
Download and cut
- Download and print off the PDF onto regular office paper.
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Use the side of the building, Pemberley, to know where to cut the excess. You’ll basically cut around the whole grid so that it’s in the shape of a square.
Folding
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Now, for the folding. Start by folding the paper in half diagonally. I like to fold the paper on both sides so that the paper is more malleable. And then fold it on the other diagonal.
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Now you’re doing to fold the square of the paper into a 9 cube grid using the lines of the artwork as a guide. Fold the first third up. Then follow for each side to make the 9 cubes.
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Lastly, you’ll bring in one corner not to the full diagonal, but to the cube corner. Repeat to all sides.
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Now, punch the corners together to make them for malleable for the tricky next step.
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See the pink of the flower I’m pointing to here? You’re basically going to bring all of these together so that they form one flower while simultaneously pinching the corners together and twisting at the same time.
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If you’re having a hard time figuring out this part, focus on keeping the pinched corners all out while bringing the center of the pink together.
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Now flatten all the folds so they are nice and crisp.
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Now you’re going to fold the wings in and tuck in the last one under so it forms the final square with the building on the back.
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Voila!
What is a Puzzle Purse?
The puzzle purse is a curious item of Victorian design—an intricate piece of craftsmanship that not only serves as a purse but also as a puzzle. The idea was to create a wallet-like accessory that, when opened, revealed a hidden compartment or series of compartments, often in the shape of multiple layers or interconnected pieces. The purse was designed in such a way that it was nearly impossible to open without a certain level of dexterity or knowledge of its secret. It was both a functional accessory and a playful challenge, perfect for a society that appreciated both wit and elegance.
These purses, often made of leather or embroidered fabrics, were sometimes used as a social statement. They served as a reflection of the holder’s status and taste, not to mention their ability to “unlock” the secret within—a metaphor, perhaps, for revealing the true nature of a character in Austen’s world.
Victorian Puzzle Purse: A Symbol of the Austen Era
The allure of a Victorian puzzle purse, when considered through the lens of Pride and Prejudice, becomes even more captivating. The complex design of the purse mirrors the intricate social interactions and hidden motives within Austen’s novel. Just as Elizabeth Bennet must navigate the labyrinth of societal expectations, family dynamics, and romance, a puzzle purse presents its own form of mystery and challenge.
In Pride and Prejudice, the characters’ actions and words often conceal deeper meanings, much like the hidden compartments of a puzzle purse. Think of Mr. Darcy—reserved, seemingly aloof, yet hiding a deep affection for Elizabeth. The puzzle purse, like Darcy’s character, is multifaceted, requiring patience and understanding to truly unlock its secrets.
Crafting a Pride and Prejudice-Inspired Puzzle Purse
Imagine a puzzle purse inspired by the world of Pride and Prejudice, one that evokes the essence of the Regency era with a modern twist. The design might incorporate elements like soft leather embossed with subtle floral patterns, reminiscent of the intricate embroidery of the time. Delicate silk linings could evoke the elegance of high-society women’s attire, while gold or silver clasps, shaped like miniature keyholes, could symbolize the unlocking of one’s heart—a theme central to Austen’s novel.
Inside, the compartments might be shaped like miniature love letters or hidden symbols of romantic intrigue—perhaps small spaces for holding delicate notes or even a tiny book of Austen’s own writings. The opening mechanism could be a subtle challenge, mimicking the emotional hurdles faced by Elizabeth and Darcy: understanding one another, breaking down barriers, and ultimately, revealing the truth of their feelings.
The Puzzle Purse as a Symbol of Social Expectations
In Pride and Prejudice, much of the conflict revolves around the constraints of social class and the importance of marriage. A woman’s worth was often measured by her ability to secure a good match, and the puzzle purse itself could be seen as a metaphor for this social challenge. Much like how Elizabeth must decipher Mr. Darcy’s pride and misconceptions, the puzzle purse requires both intellectual and emotional engagement to “unlock” its true value.
The purse, while beautiful and functional, also represents the delicate balance of form and function that defined the era. It was a physical embodiment of the complexity of women’s lives in the 19th century: beautiful, complex, and often misunderstood.
A Timeless Keepsake for Fans of Jane Austen
A Victorian puzzle purse, designed with a Pride and Prejudice theme, is more than just a whimsical accessory; it is a celebration of the lasting impact of Jane Austen’s world. For fans of Austen’s novels, it is an opportunity to hold a piece of history in their hands—a physical connection to the elegance, intrigue, and social dynamics that defined the Regency era.
For modern-day admirers, the puzzle purse acts as a tribute to a time when courtship was a delicate dance and every gesture could reveal deeper truths. It’s a perfect addition to a collection of literary memorabilia or a unique gift for anyone who appreciates the blend of romance, wit, and mystery that Austen’s writing continues to offer.
In the end, a Pride and Prejudice-inspired Victorian puzzle purse is more than just a fashion statement—it’s a symbol of the layered complexity of human relationships, a tribute to the timeless allure of Jane Austen’s world, and an invitation to explore the many secrets that lie hidden beneath the surface.
If you make one, please share it with us. Tag us with #LarsMakes so we can all see it!