Wednesday, August 14, 2019

"Handy" Thank You Gift

Dear Craftin' Friends,

Do you ever feel like you're living life at the speed of light? When I was a working Mom, I thought that would last until I retired. Guess what? Life is still racing by. Some days are full of joy and others are just full, but the days just keep on speeding along. That's why you need to make today's project. No, sorry, it won't help slow the days down, but it will help you be prepared!

Today's project is a little thank you gift. This would be appropriate for anyone you want to recognize, although I might choose different paper and embellishments for a man!


I love hand cream as a thank you gift, particularly for volunteers, as it looks after the hands that have looked after you! This project was CASED from Julie DiMatteo, the Paper Pixie. She designed packaging for Bath and Body Works hand cream. My favourite hand cream is Marc Anthony's with Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, so I adjusted the sizes for my product, then added a little emery board as well. 

Today I used the Garden Lane Designer Series Paper from the Annual Catalogue. This paper is all in green tones and I just love it! I cut the DSP to 6" by 8 1/2". With the 6" edge at the top of my trimmer, I scored at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2" (dashed lines). Then I turned the paper and scored at 7" (dashed line) leaving 1 1/2" on the other side. I cut tabs along the 1 1/2" edge, as shown in the picture below. To make assembling the package easier, I cut in on an angle from the bottom edge of the paper to the the 1 1/2" mark as shown on 3 of the tabs.The shaded section in the upper right corner is cut out completely.


To create the scalloped upper edge, I used the largest scalloped circle from the Layering Circles dies. I marked the circle with a Sharpie to make a 2 3/4" scalloped edge. The photo below shows Washi tape where the marker spots were, so it is easier to see. 


Next, with the DSP folded on the score lines, I inserted one end into the die so that the marked spots lined up with the edge of the paper. It's important that the other end of the paper goes over the outer flat part of the die, so it doesn't get cut. Also, to ensure that it didn't get marked at all by running through the die cutting machine, I placed the top clear plate over only the part of paper I wanted to cut (see below). Then I put this through the die cutting machine.


See the image below to see the paper after cutting. Use a hole punch to punch a hole through both layers in the centre of the scalloped edge near the top.  Now, use Tear N Tape along the 1/2" strip and glue the 1/2" piece to the inside of the other layer. Apply Tear N Tape to the wrong side of the bottom right tab shown in the cutting/scoring diagram above.


It is easier to complete the assembly with the hand cream inside the package. Slide the hand cream inside from the scalloped edge, then fold two opposite flaps in. Next fold the third flap inside (without the Tear N Tape). Peel off the Tear N Tape and press the last flap down. This should hold the entire bottom closed.


To go with the hand cream, I decided to add a small emery board. I got these 3 to a pack from one of the dollar stores. My paper is cut to the size needed for my emery boards, so I cut a piece of Soft Seafoam cardstock to 4 1/2" by 3 1/2". I scored as shown below at 1/2" and 2". Because the cardstock was too thick to cut with my punch, I punched another piece of paper 1 1/2" wide with my Delightful Tag Topper punch, and then traced the scallop. With my paper folded closed, I used my paper snips to cut the scalloped edge through the multiple thicknesses of cardstock. You will need to punch a hole near the top of the scallop.


To close the emery board package, add Tear N Tape to the bottom edge first. Fold the 1/2" edge down, then add Tear N Tape along the 1/2" edge, and glue the long edge closed. I stamped my emery board package with a Thank You Kindly and some meadow-like flowers from the Enjoy Life Stamp Set using Versa Mark clear ink. Then I heat embossed it with gold embossing powder. (You could do this before gluing the edges down. Just be careful about the positioning of your sentiment so that it is right side up after assembly.

To complete the decorating of my gift, I used 16" each of the Linen Ribbon from the Magnolia Lane Ribbon Combo Pack, and the 5/8" Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon, to tie a bow through the holes in the emery board and hand cream packaging. I added some gold sequins for a bit of shine to complement the embossed sentiment.

This package is beautiful, and quite easy to put together. Why not make one for your child's teacher? As a retired teacher, I know it would be appreciated. While you're at it, make a couple for gift giving over the holidays or whenever you want a quick thank you for a friend. All supplies needed for the paper crafting are available in my Stampin' Up store by clicking on the Shop Now link at the top of this blog. 

For more crafting ideas, why not subscribe to follow this blog, or tune in on Thursday evening at 7 pm EST for Facebook Live on Craftin' Granny's Facebook Page. I'd love to have you join me! Thursday's video will feature another fun fold card using the Lilypad Lake bundle.

Happy Stamping!
Craftin' Granny








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