It's time for a new challenge at A Vintage Journey and our hostess Anne has chosen the theme Mini Marvels. She says, "This month's challenge is to create something in miniature - it could be a little book, a tiny scene, a small canvas, a wall hanging or even a box. It MUST be 4" or less in size and be created in your vintage; shabby; mixed media; art journaling; industrial, timeworn or steampunk style."
Each year we try to spice up the holiday fun in our home by giving the kids 12 small gifts each day leading up to Christmas. I used this challenge as a way to get started on my presents and made little 4x4" matchbook gift card holders. Each one is unique so that each child feel special.
To streamline the process, I worked in assembly line style and cut out four matchbooks, all of my die cuts, and my top layers all at once. To make the matchbook, cut a sheet of 8.5 x 11" down lengthwise to 4 x 11. Score at 1", 5" and cut off at 8.25". Save the cut off piece.
Tape the cut off piece on both sides onto the center section. Fold up the 1" section and staple with the staple fold on the top (so the back will be smooth). Make sure your staple is about .25" from the edge so that the gift card will fit inside. (I used Tim's Tiny Attacher.) Use a glue dot to attach a pretty bow over the staple fold.
Of course you could use designer paper for this project if you need to make a bunch, but I love any and every opportunity to play with my stamps, inks and die cuts! I cut little watercolor overlays and inked each one to coordinate with my colored cardstock.
I used stamps, embossing, and die cuts to create a background for each of my chosen die cut focal images. I used whatever scraps of organza ribbon I had and made loopy bows. The organza in my collection is rarely used, but I think it's perfectly festive for Christmas crafts.
I have to admit that the challenge to work small really threw me for a loop! I usually make cards that are 5x7 or other larger projects. It seems I can hardly make standard sized cards anymore, let alone ATCs! But in the end I enjoyed these "mini wonders" and would like to make some more for my crafty friends. What do you think? Is this something you would enjoy making?
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32 comments:
Such a festive way to handle the gift giving season. I love the idea of the 12 gifts. I'm sure they will be treasured for years to come. Hugs, S@ndy
These are so gorgeous, Autumn!! I love how you decorated each matchbook!! The colors are stunning!! I want to make some of these now!! You've inspired me!! Have a great evening!! Big hugs :)
Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Beautiful Christmas gifts, Autumn!!! Great presents for your children!!! I love each design!!!
Hmmm - I tend to use 5x7 as my go size for cards too, but these tiny projects are delightful. They are all lovely and the turquoise one is my favourite. Thanks for the inspiration.
These are super gorgeous, Autumn!! I love the matchbook idea and you have coloured and decorated each one so beautifully!! They are not just the sweetest little gift card holders but they are also gorgeous little keepsakes!! Thank you for the inspirations!! Have a lovely day! hugs xx
These are so adorable Autumn and what special and unique little marvels for your children to receive. A great and inspiring start to your Christmas makes xxx
Such a great idea Autumn, each one is just delightful!
Super idea ... I am alway looking for different ways to present gift cards or money and this will be my go to this year ... oh is the plaid a stamp if so who's and is it still in production ...
Awesome minis, Autumn! I'm so inspired, and this is just what I needed this morning. My new boss did me a huge favor last evening, and I wanted to thank her with a Starbucks gift card. Didn't have a clue as to a quick card to make. This will be perfect. On to your batch of festive beauties here--marvelous details! Love the snowflake the most, but all are gorgeous! You ROCK! Sending big hurried hugs, my friend!
Hey sweet Linda! <3 The plaid is by Wendy Vechi and I believe it is still in production. It is an absolute favorite of mine because it is 6x6". Here's a link where you can buy directly from Stampers Anonymous: https://stampersanonymous.com/wendy-vecchi-background-stamp-perfectly-plaid-wvbg023.html
I got mine from the Funkie Junkie Boutique, but it is sold out right now. I hope your kiddos love your gift card holders. Hugs, Autumn
Lovely cards!
Thank you very much for coming to play at IKEsWORLD Challenges!
Good luck!
These are charming, Autumn - just perfect for making those gift voucher or money gifts more exciting and attractive. We used to have a Danish-style Advent calendar, with tiny parcels to open on each of the 24 days running up to Christmas - so your idea of the gifts brought back happy memories.
Alison x
Beautiful in every way. Thank you for joining us at City Crafter :)
These are wonderful , Autumn and such a lovely way to present a girt card. Love that you have given each one its own identity so each of your kids will feel special and what a great family tradition. I'm sure there are lots of smiles around your place over the festive season. hope the kids love their mini marvels .
hugs x
What a lovely idea to present a gift . Love the CAS design and the seasonal colour palette. I am sure the little ones will adore these mini gifts. Tracy x
OH what a fabulous selection of Christmas cards. Thank you for taking the time to join in with our challenge and sharing your creativity with us, I love to see your talent, creativity and imagination at work. I hope to see more of your creativity in the near future. Love 'n' hugs Sall IkesWorld Challenges DT
Wow! You do have the coolest collection of dies. Lovely cards. I really like the little boy on the sled... adorable!
Kate
What a great set of folders! Thanks for joining in at City Crafter.
These are such a wonderful idea to give your children very special gifts in the run up to Christmas Autumn, I bet they enjoy opening them! I love the plaid stamping and the snowflake one is stunning! I think I may have to borrow this idea for the kids and grandkids this year - thanks so much for the inspiration! Hugs, Anne xx
What STUNNING cards. I like that you made them into folders for the gift card. Totally adorable!!
LOVE the glittery snowflake with the blue and the sheer ribbon! FAB card!
This is one of the prettiest gift card pockets I've seen! Gorgeous colours too.
These are amazing! They are a gift in and of themselves.
Such a great set of gift card holders. Love the monochrome style and those light bows. Thank you for joining SSS Monday Challenge.
Fabulous creations - what a cool idea :-) Thank you for playing at IKEsWORLD Challenges.
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Oh what wonderful gift card holders.
luv
Debby
Such a lovely idea Autumn and so beautifully made. I really love them. Jennie x
Your cards are so pretty! I really love the one with the snowflake! Thanks for sharing it with us at Sunny Day Crafting! I can't wait to see what you create next! Thanks! Cyndi, DT
What perfect gifts they are (lucky recipients! ) - beautifully designed Autumn (as always!) xxx
The gift card holders are beautiful! I love how you have continued the design inside the card holders and the organza ribbon is a lovely finishing touch - perfect 😁. Wishing you a Happy November! J 😊
Cool way to present a gift - beautiful xx
What a wonderful tradition and what wonderful little gifts Autumn, I do love making those little matchbooks, they are so versatile! Love the embellishments you've added to your mini marvels, your kids are indeed going to feel very special each day that they open your treasures. Thanks so much for sharing them, Deb xo
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