Saturday, December 15, 2012

Matchbook gift card holders


This is the my latest published tutorial at A Cherry On Top.  I hope you enjoy it!!!! Stop by the ACOT Shop for all the goods to make this project happen!!! 
Some people think gift cards are a cop-out during the gift-giving season . . .but I for one LOVE to receive a gift card! Come on, free money for guilt-free shopping expeditions!? It's the gift that keeps on giving! Jazzing up a gift card in fun packaging can give the gift card some added zip and personality. It's the perfect finishing touch.

matchbook gift card holder by laura williams, for www.acherryontop.com
These matchbook gift card holders can be whipped up in just a few minutes, using whatever supplies you have on hand.  
In addition to my everyday tools and supplies, here's what else I used:
Scor-Pal (The Scor-Pal makes quick work of the scored lines on this project, but a ruler and folding by hand will get the job done as well.)

First, we'll construct the matchbook base.  
matchbook gift card tutorial by laura williams, for www.acherryontop.com
Trim patterned paper (or cardstock) strip to 9.25x3 inches.  Score strip at 4, 4.25, and 8.5.

matchbook gift card holder by laura williams, for www.acherryontop.com
Fold in and sand edges.
matchbook gift card holder by laura williams, for www.acherryontop.com
Staple the small flap near the very bottom.  This will keep the large flap secure when you tuck it in.  
(Before you staple, fold the large flap in, so you know how low to add the staple.)  
matchbook gift card holder tutorial, by laura williams, for www.acherryontop.com
To prepare the pocket, use a small flat bag (like Canvas Corp's Mini Bag) and punch a half circle from the top front.  
matchbook gift card holder by laura williams, for www.acherryontop.com
Adhere pocket to inside of matchbook.  Now comes the fun part. . .decorating!
I created two different coordinating gift card holders, simply playing around with the Bo Bunny Snow Day cardstock stickers, and journaling paper.  I added some twine to finish off the projects and then all that's left is to add the gift card of your choice.  
matchbook gift card tutorial by laura williams, for www.acherryontop.com  matchbook gift card holder by laura williams, for www.acherryontop.com
I decorated the front of each, plus the inside flap, using a journaling tag to add a "to/from" and a little note. 
matchbook gift card holder by laura williams, for www.acherryontop.com
And the bonus . . .
With just the two sheets of patterned paper, plus coordinating stickers I had enough leftover product to create three quick cards with the addition of just some cardstock in my stash!  I like to make up cards when I have coordinating product already out. That way, I can use up scraps while the mess is already spread out, and then I have a few spare cards to give away.
cards by laura williams, featuring Bo Bunny Snow Day, for www.acherryontop.com
Remember that the matchbook gift card holder can be easily transitioned from a winter theme to any holiday or celebration you can think of.  Follow the same instructions and substitute any themed product you'd like!

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