You’re Filling Dad’s Wallet?

Last year, we were getting ready to move halfway across the country as Fathers’ Day approached, and the last thing my husband (or I) wanted was something else to unpack. So I made him this nifty wallet, stuffed full of gift cards and a little cash.  Oh, and a photo of his hooligans.  It was a big hit, and came in handy several times during our jaunt across the Midwest.



I used digital stamps for the quote and the sentiment.  You can find the quotes here, at Basic Grey.  The sentiment is from Ali Edwards Holidays + Celebrations Hand-drawn Set and it’s found at Designer Digitals.


To make the wallet, cut Early Espresso cardstock to these dimensions:
1 piece 3” x 8-1/2” (cover), round the corners and emboss one side
1 piece 2-1/2” x 8”
2 pieces 2” x 3-3/4”
2 pieces 1-1/2” x 3 –3/4”

Making the faux crocodile cover is really fun.  To do it, cover your entire wallet cover with Versamark ink.  Sprinkle it heavily with clear embossing powder, then use a stylus to randomly draw lines through it, like a croc skin.  Blow off the crumbs of embossing powder, and emboss.  Ta-da!

Sponge all the edges with Early Espresso.  On the 2-1/2” x 8” piece, use 1/8” sticky strip or strong glue to add the pockets, lining up the bottom and outside edge.  Score the center.

Score the center of the cover piece (3” x 8-1/2”).  Use Sticky Strip to adhere the outside edges of the pocket piece, as well as the bottom, leaving about an inch on either side of the center, along the bottom, not adhered.

Embellish it with your sentiment, then fold it and fill it.  I left it under some heavy books for a day or two, to make sure it would stay closed.

The dad you give this to will be thrilled to have his wallet filled and not emptied by his offspring, I bet!

Stockings for Stuffin’

Making gift card holders for birthday yesterday reminded me that I needed some Christmas ones as well. Since I go all out with creativity and buy gift cards for my little nieces and nephews and various people, I feel guilty if I don’t at least put a little effort into the card holder. Emphasis on “little effort” since I need multiples.

So, of course, I pulled out my favorite helper for multiples (no, not my husband or children)…my Big Shot. I also needed to justify buying this stocking die that I couldn’t resist. It’s a win-win, really.

I used various Christmas papers and cut out the fronts, then just plain cardstock for the backs. That way, I could write my message on the back. I mean “Merry Christmas from the Hooligans,” not some earth-shattering message I need to share with the world.

The snowflakes are made of felt and from Stampin’ Up! a couple of years ago, but you can find similar in any craft store, I'm sure.

This one was my favorite, I think. Now if you get this one from me for Christmas, won’t you feel special?

This one is completely finished, with the gift card tucked in (I secured it with tape, just to make sure it doesn’t go sailing out when a toddler waves it around in the air. Not that that would ever happen). I used a silver Sharpie to personalize it. When I was in junior high, I was fascinated with that writing…I think it’s called Tinker Toy. It’s a good way to fancy it up a little, without having to get your letters in a straight line.

These just took a few minutes to make with the Big Shot, and I feel a little better about the impersonal gift card when the card is handmade. And that’s what it’s all about, making sure I feel good about it. Right?

If you’re getting snow today, know that I’m envious. I can’t believe it’s almost December and we’re snowless in Wisconsin! Who would have thought it?

A Pretty Little Purse

Suddenly it’s birthday season in the boys’ classes, and the kindergartener is attending a party for twin girls this week. Their mother told me they are Starbucks Frappucino fiends, so we got them a little gift card to go with their gifts. But, of course, we can’t just hand them the card in the holder you get for FREE. Here’s a little purse I made for them:

I’m not even listing supplies, since everything except the Bring on the Cake stamp set I used has been retired or are generic craft store supplies. I’m sure you have things in your stash that you can substitute, or please feel free to use this as an excuse to buy new supplies!

To make this, simply fold a 6” x 6” piece of patterned paper in half and cut a little off each side to make it look like a purse . The fold is at the bottom. I used my Big Shot to cut the “flap” but any symmetrical piece would work. Fold that in half, adhere your ribbon/handle at the bottom of the fold, and adhere to the back piece of your purse. I cut a Stampin’ Up medium clear bag in half for the gift card and adhered all 4 sides of it for strength. To keep the purse closed, use a Velcro dot.

These are super cute for girls’ night or any girly gift giving occasion (and there are so many of those!) and come together really quickly. I usually try to have a few ready to go, except for the sentiment, in various patterns.

Now I’m off to continue easing back into a routine after Thanksgiving. Time always seems to accelerate as soon as Thanksgiving is past, and Christmas is approaching. Hope your day/week/season progresses calmly!