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"Cigar Box Chest," circa 1880-1920.  Artist unknown

The Smithsonian Institution has just released over 28 million images into the public domain.  We're currently going through all of them to reveal some great DIY discoveries for Cigar Box Nation.

(Extra: Scroll down to the bottom for video on how to create tramp art chipping)

“Tramp” art was created from old cigar boxes by tradesmen at the turn of the twentieth century. Craftsmen chip-carved the edges of pieces of wood and layered them together to create furniture, sculptures, and religious objects. The Crown of Thorns Construction is named because of the interlocking construction technique, which was supposed to represent Jesus’s crown when he was crucified (Helaine Fendelman, Tramp Art, 1975). These objects were not made by vagrants, but by traveling printers, carpenters, and cigar makers who “tramped” from city to city advertising their skills (Lynda Hartigan, Made with Passion, 1990).

"Cigar Box Crucifix," circa 1880-1920.  Artist unknown.

"Cigar Box Pincushion," circa 1880-1920.  Carved, stained and varnished wood with glass beads and velvet.  Artist unknown.

"Tramp Art Church," Circa 1880-1920.  Artist unknown.

Video Extra:  How to Cut Tramp Art Chips