DIY Stamped Gift Card Holders Tutorial

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?

Perhaps you have your own mini project in mind.  Do play along with our challenge for a chance to win a Southern Ridge Trading Co. $50 chipboard prize pack.  Happy crafting, Autumn <3

I'm also sharing with:

Simon Says Stamp: All Creatures Great and Small

The Holly & Ivy Christmas Challenge: Anything Christmas Goes

Ike's World 100th Challenge Celebration: Anything Goes

City Crafter: Little Snowflakes

Sunny Day Crafting: R is for Ribbon

The Merry Christmas Challenge: Anything Christmas Goes