I have a good customer of mine asking for a purse cake, but he wants it to open and close. He is surprising his wife with it and wants to place something inside for her to find.
I don't think it is possible, and let him know that. Has anyone tried this or something similar?

In theory yes, if you make a purse with a flap.

Make a hole in the top of the cake, to put in the little something

Make the flap out of fondant, but pretty close to the time, where she is to lift it. She will only be able to do it once or twice, before the flap willl either distort or break. I made a bed with naked figures in it, used a fresh fondant blanket, because I wanted it liftable, so people could look under the sheet )

Worked 2 or 3 times, but then the blanket distorted a bit. Was good enough for laughs though

I would try it with candy clay. It keeps it shape as long as it doesnt get warm and will not get elephant skin.

Hmmmm intersting idea....

I am thinking it can be done although I have never attempted something this complex personally...

Was thinking of using som sort of piano style hinge and make flap out of gumpaste (but leaving hinge portion exposed) but this part of cake would not be edible...

Just a thought and hope this helps

Use Sugarveil, maybe? Let us know what you come up with!

I am not sure how to do it but can't wait to see it if you do it. Good Luck!