DIY Project Sharing | Autumn Whispers in Maple - A Handmade Sublimated Wood Clutch

There’s something magical about taking natural materials and transforming them into a functional piece of art—and this maple wood clutch purse is one of my favorite examples of that magic coming to life.

This piece began as a flat sheet of beautiful, light-toned maple. I carefully selected this wood for its smooth grain and warm undertone, knowing it would provide the perfect canvas for the soft, botanical design I wanted to showcase. Once the wood was prepped, I sublimated a delicate autumn-inspired print directly onto the maple. The warm oranges, muted browns, and soft golden notes of the leaves and berries fused seamlessly into the wood’s surface, becoming part of its natural character rather than sitting on top of it. This technique allows the artwork to remain vibrant while still showcasing the organic texture below—a true blend of nature and design.

After the sublimation was complete, I created the purse’s shape using precise laser cutting. Every curve, edge, and interlocking notch was intentionally designed to complement the artwork while ensuring durability and function. The top flap features a beautifully ventilated pattern that not only enhances the visual interest of the piece, but also highlights the craftsmanship behind it.

To complete the clutch, I added rich, espresso-colored straps that contrast perfectly with the warm maple tones. The antique bronze metal hardware finishes the piece with a modern touch, providing both style and stability. The strap is adjustable, allowing the purse to be worn as a shoulder bag, crossbody, or carried as a stand-alone clutch.

This purse isn’t just an accessory—it’s a fusion of woodworking, sublimation artistry, and laser design. Every element, from the botanical print to the structural build, reflects the artistry and care invested into its creation. It’s a piece meant to be admired, used, and talked about… a little wearable slice of autumn, handcrafted with intention.

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Such a gorgeous clutch purse! I’ve got some cut files similar to yours, but my iEngrave can’t handle anything longer than 12”, so I’ll need to create a smaller version. I can imagine how much fun it must have been to transform a flat sheet of wood into that beautifully curved clutch!

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I actually did that one in the iEngrave @rinsky. I had to use a vector program to slice the longest piece in half and let it join in the middle on the bottom. Moving the vectors was easy enough ONCE I got it uploaded to the program, for some reason that part was difficult. LOL! That allowed me to stack the two pieces side by side so the iEngrave could handle the longer length.

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Very cool!

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Hey there @Cory_Barger ! That vacation really did you well. This is a very beautiful wooden clutch purse. As an collector of purses you said it right "[quote=“Cory_Barger, post:1, topic:45562”]
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You really recreated the best craft yet incorporating sublimation, antique harware and leather! Great job! You just inspire me to crafting anything! Nothing seems impossible for you! You’re the one! :index_pointing_at_the_viewer: :clap:t2: :clap:t2:

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:sparkling_heart:

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Congratulations, Summoner! You’ve summoned Rune [B]! :heart_hands:

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@LAJUANA_ANTHONY, thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate all the love I get from this community. I love that you are a collector of purses, that is amazing. As a man, I can admire how a purse is an extension of the outfit that is being worn. So it makes sense that you would want to have a lot of them. Thank you again for all the love.

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Wow, that’s amazing @Cory_Barger . It’s a bit odd seeing an object typichally made of leather, made of out of wood. I don’t know, it is a bit shocking. And even a weapon if you use subway :joy: or it may not survive, I don’t know…, so many questions :sweat_smile:

It looks as a beautiful decoration, that’s for sure.

I’m so so.m curious about that join in the bottom. I can more or less figure out the rest of the assembly, but since you said that about the bottom join, I’m all puzzled. Is it possible for you to post a bottom pic? I won’t sleep tonight if it is not :woman_shrugging:t2:

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I think it would certainly serve its purpose in a fight on the subway for sure @redhada! LOL! I am not sure it would survive, but would definitely hurt worse than a purse made of leather.

I added a picture of the bottom just for you @redhada. I don’t want to keep anyone from being able to sleep or keep them in suspense. :slight_smile:

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BOO!! My first duplicated rune! Do we get second chance spins @Elena? LOL!!

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:joy:

Thank you so much for the pic, you’re very kind. I feel relief and relax now :sweat_smile: Many things from the iEngrave are a mistery to me until the day I can put my hands on it, so I’m very amused reading from all of you!

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Wow! so beautiful!

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Thank you so much for your kind words @Rose_Anne_Elejorde.

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