MAKE A QUICK GIFT CARD HOLDER, NO DIES NEEDED - A STAMP HAPPY HOLIDAY POST

Hi Stampers!

Christmas is coming up next week! My holiday card making is finished, but I needed a couple more gift card holders. I have several dies that cut out various types of gift card holders, but I thought today I would share two patterns for gift card holders that require no dies, just cutting, scoring, and adhering together. As always you can keep it simple, or really dress it up. These projects allow you to use what you have on hand to make the gift card holders truly yours. Let’s take a look at the samples:

VIDEO

MAKE A QUICK GIFT CARD HOLDER, NO DIES NEEDED!

QUICK GIFT CARD HOLDERS

BACK OF GIFT CARD HOLDERS

This version of a gift card holder is so easy to put together. You can use either cardstock or patterned paper to create it. Here is a list of supplies needed to create the gift card holder:  

SUPPLIES

* Cardstock or patterned paper cut at 7 1/2” x 3” scored along the 7 1/2” side at 3 3/4” - score along the 3” side at 1/4” and 2 3/4”. On the 3” side at one end make a score line about 1/2” long at the 1 1/2” point. 

* Small circle or small oval punch or die to cut a notch. Line up the punch or die with the 1/2” score line centered.You will only punch or die cut 1/2 the circle or oval.  

* Scissors - cut away the 1/4” tabs from the sides of the panel the notch was cu from (See diagram.)

* Bone Folder - burnish the score lines with the bone folder

* Adhesive - Fold tabs inward. Place double sided tape, tape runner, or liquid glue on tabs and press front of holder onto the tabs.

CUTTING AND SCORING DIAGRAM

QUICK GIFT CARD HOLDER - SNOWMAN VERSION

MY SUPPLIES

* Cardstock - Sweet Sorbet (retired), Old Olive, Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned paper - HOLIDAY Patterned Collection (Scrapbook.com) - 3 1/2” x 2 1/4”

* Stamp and die - Snowman (Art Impressions)

* Ribbon - Old Olive (Stampin’ Up! retired) 8-10”

* Oval Die - 2 3/4” x 1 7/8” (Stampin’ Up! retired)

* Alcohol markers - Stampin’ Blends (Stampin’ Up!) - Basic Black, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Pretty In Pink, Old Olive, Lost Lagoon, and Wild Wheat

* Deminsionals and adhesive - Clear Double-sided Adhesive Roll 1/8” (Scrapbook.com)

QUICK GIFT CARD HOLDER - JOY VERSION

MY SUPPLIES

* Patterned paper - Holiday Patterned Collection (Scrapbook.com)

* Ribbon - 3/8” Bordered Ribbon, Pretty In Pink (Stampin’ Up!) 8-10”

* Adhesive - Clear Double-sided Adhesive Roll 1/8”

FRONT FLAP GIFT CARD HOLDER

INSIDE FRONT FLAP GIFT CARD HOLDER

This gift card holder resembles a little card. The gift card is tucked into a pocket on the back of the card. Watch the corresponding video to see how to create this gift card holder with the pocket opening inside the card.

SUPPLIES

* Cardstock or Patterned Paper cut at 7 1/4” x 4” Score along 7 1/2” side at 2 1/2” and 5”.  Also score about 1/2” down at 3 3/4” - punch notch here.On the 4” side score at 1/4” on the side opposite where the notch will be. Follow the diagram below for scoring and trimming. 

* Adhesive 

DIAGRAM FOR THIS GIFT CARD HOLDER

FRONT FLAP GIFT CARD HOLDER -ORNAMENTS VERSION

MY SUPPLIES

* Cardstock - Shaded Spruce (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned Paper (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Ribbon - Shaded Spruce with gold (Stampin’ Up! retired) about 10”

* Adhesive - Clear Double - Sided Adhesive Roll 1/8”

QUICK GIFT CARD HOLDERS

I hope these gift card holder patterns come in handy. These are Christmas themed, but you can create them for any holiday or occasion you like. Thank you so much for stopping by, and thank you for checking in for this year’s Stamp Happy Holidays. I am taking off for a couple of weeks to spend time with my family over the Holidays. I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year! I will see you in 2025 and we’ll see what we can create. Until then . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

NOTE - I list supply sources as a resource only. Items are available at various retail outlets on line. Stampin’ Up! items are available from Stampin’ Up! unless they are retired. Retired items are listed as such.

IDEAS FOR QUICK LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS CARDS - A STAMP HAPPY HOLIDAYS POST

Hi Stampers!

Christmas is two weeks away. Life is full of shopping, and wrapping, and Holiday activities, and you have yet to make your Christmas cards. How will you ever find time to make cards this year? First of all, no need to panic and no need to put undo stress on yourself. If you do not have the time to create and send cards this year, it is okay. Just take a big breath, let it go, and make a workable plan that will allow you to have your Christmas cards ready to mail by 1 December 2025! Then stick to that plan. 

If you feel you really must create some cards to send out this year I have some suggestions for really quick cards that are full of holy jolly and merry and bright, but take just minutes to create! Let’s take a look:

VIDEO

IDEAS FOR EASY LAST MINUTE CARDS

TIPS FOR CREATING LAST MINUTE CARDS

BE REALISTIC

1. Decide the number of cards you want to create before you start creating.

2. Check your card stash and look for cards you had leftover from last year or even the year before. This is a good time to use them.

3. Decide on the time or times in your day that will be available to create the cards.

4. Definitely use supplies you already have on hand.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

1. Select a simple design or layout that requires few layers and uses the sentiment as a focal image.

2. Skip all the fancy techniques and focus on basics. Dress up the card with specialty papers and gems or sequins.

3. Create the cards in steps (assembly line style) -score, cut, and fold card bases; cut all the pieces of patterned paper needed, etc.

4. Avoid stamped images that require a lot of coloring.

5. If you just cannot abide with all the cards being exactly the same (this is me),  use different colors of card bases, different patterned papers, etc - the layout will be the same, but each card will be a unique creation.

PLAN AND FOLLOW THROUGH

1. Take the time to make a sample card. This will give you an idea of how long the card takes to make, and if the layout needs tweaking.

2. Gather all the supplies you need so you will have them close at hand.

3. Once the cards are finished sign them, address envelopes, pop the card inside, at a stamp, and pop them in the mail.

4. Give yourself a pat on the back. You did it!!!

FOR FAST CARDS:

USE A COVER PLATE OR LARGE DIE CUT

Using cover plates or large die cuts  allows you to cover a lot of space in not a lot of time! The die cut serves as the focal point and in the case of the “Merry Christmas” die, the greeting as well. It is okay to not include a greeting on the front of the card. The die cut Santa and snowflake embellishments shout,  “Merry Christmas!” I did stamp Merry Christmas on the inside of the card. 

SUPPLIES:

* Card base - Basic White cardstock  (Stampin’ Up!) cut at A-2 (8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”)

* Glimmer Paper - Real Red (Stampin’ Up! -retired, similar available) cut at 6” x 4 1/2”

* Die - A-2 Card Die Merry Christmas (Scrapbook.com)

* Embellishment - Iridescent Adhesive Backed Discs (Stampin’ Up!)

* CARD BASE AND DIE - SAME AS ABOVE

* Specialty Paper - (Stampin’ Up! - retired, similar available)

* Embellishment - Adhesive Backed Snowflake Assortment - (Stampin’ Up!) 

* Card base - Cherry Cobbler cardstock (Stampin’ Up!) cut at 8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored along the 8” side at 4 1/4”

* Basic White cardstock cut at 4” x 4”

* Die - Detailed Santa (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Embellishment - 3 snowflakes  (Buttons Galore - Sprinkletz, Pearly Snowflakes)

COVER THE CARD FRONT WITH PATTERNED PAPER

These cards were so quick and easy to make! Just cut patterned paper at 5 1/2” x 4 1/4”, adhere it to the front of the card base. Add a greeting a few embellishments and the card is finished.

SUPPLIES:

* Card base - Basic White cardstock cut- A-2 size

* Patterned paper - Christmas Spectacular (49th & Market) cut at 5 1/2” x 4 1/4”

* Greeting mat - Basic Black cardstock ( Stampin’ up!) - cut at 3 1/2”x 1”

* Greeting panel - Basic White cardstock cut at 3 1/4” x 3/4” (I used the Picture This Die - Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Greeting - Hope & Peace (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black 

* Embellishment - Iridescent Pearls Basic Jewels

* Card base - Real Red (Stampin’ Up!) A-2 size

* Patterned paper - Christmas Spectacular (49th & Market) 5 1/2” x 4 1/4”

* Inside panel -Basic White cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

* Greeting - Holly Jolly Wishes (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Ink - Real Red (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishments -red gems (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

USE AN EMBOSSING FOLDER

I used an embossing folder to create the trees on this card. Do you have an embossing folder with a tree or forest pattern, snowflake pattern, other Christmas themed image? I embossed the image on white  cardstock and used a blending brush and ink to add a bit of color to the images. The raised areas will rake on a bit darker color than the lesser raised areas. This is a quick way to add more depth. I used another blending brush to add a bit of light blue to the background to suggest a sky and add more contrast. I added a greeting directly to the focal panel, and finished it with a few iridescent snowflakes. This card took about 5 minutes to make.

SUPPLIES

* Card base - Soft Succulent cardstock (Stampin’ Up! - retired) cut at 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2” along the 11’ side

* Focal panel - Basic White cardstock 5 1/4” x 4”

* Inside panel - Basic White cardstock cut at 5” x 3 3/4”

* Embossing Folder - Painted Trees (Stampin’ Up!)

* Ink - Soft Succulent, Soft Sky (Stampin’ Up! - both retired), 

* Blending brushes

* Stamp Set - Hope & Peace (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Embellishments - Picket Fence Studio - Winter Frost

USE A BACKGROUND STAMP OR OTHER LARGE STAMP

Background stamps cover an entire panel, and look great with a sentiment on a die cut. If you have time add a mat - gold, silver and white work well. If you do not have time to add the mat, cut your panel at 5 1/4” x 4” and adhere it directly to the cardbase. Usually I use 1/4 sheet of cardstock (5 1/2” x 4 1/4”) and a stamp positioner (like a MISTI) to stamp the large image. The stamp positioner allows a stamper  to get the cardstock inked perfectly. Using the 1/4 sheet of cardstock makes it possible to trim any not so great edges from the panel. Since the purpose of this post is to create cards quickly, I suggest you cut the panel the size you want for the card, and do use a stamp positioning tool if possible. 

SUPPLIES

The supplies for these cards are the same. The mats and ink for the greetings are different.

* Card base - Shaded Spruce (Stampin’ Up!) A-2 size

* Mat layer - Basic White cardstock or Gold Foil (Stampin’ Up!)

* Inside panel - Basic White cardstock - 5” x 3 3/4”

* Greeting - Hope & Joy (Stampin’ Up!)

* Circle die cut - Basic White cardstock 2” diameter Stylish Shapes (Stampin’ Up!)

* Background stamp - Fragrant Forest (Stampin’ Up!)

* Ink - Shaded Spruce; Crumb Cake (for gold card) (Stampin’ Up!)

USE A PORTION OF THE STAMPED BACKGROUND - TWO FOR ONE

These cards are just variations of the previous cards. I cut the stamped panel into two pieces that are 5 1/4” x 2” and adhered them to a mat that measures 5 1/2” x 2 1/4”. This matted panel can be placed to the left, right, or in the center of the card. 

SUPPLIES

* Card base, inside panel, and greeting supplies are the same as for the previous cards, except Real Red cardstock is substituted for Gold Foil, and Real Red ink for Crumb Cake ink.

QUICK LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY CARD IDEAS

I hope these samples give you some ideas for those last minute cards. Take a look through your stash and I bet you will find supply to create your very own versions of these cards. Thank you so much for checking in. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

CREATING GIFT TAGS TO GIVE AS GIFTS OR USE YOURSELF - A STAMP HAPPY HOLIDAYS POST

Hi Stampers!

We are less than a month away from Christmas! I can’t believe how quickly time is passing! I thought today we’d take a break from creating cards and create some gift tags. You do not need any special tools to create tags. If you have a paper trimmer, card stock, patterned paper, adhesive - you can create gift tags! If you have dies, embellishments, ribbon, and twine - even better. I do create tags to use myself, but I also create tags to give as gifts, and I create boxes to package the tags. These make great favors for dinner guests, co-workers, teachers, etc. So, let’s get started creating tags!

QUICK & EASY TAGS

HAND CUT & DIE CUT TAGS

STACKED GIFT TAGS / ORNAMENTS

VIDEO

CREATING GIFT TAGS TO GIVE AS GIFTS OR USE YOURSELF

QUICK & EASY SELF-ADHESIVE GIFT TAGS

SUPPLIES

* Tag base - white or light colored cardstock - cut each at 3 3/8” x 2 1/8”. Leave the corners squared or use corner shaper punches, such as a corner rounder punch.

* To / From stamp -to / from can be hand written with markers if you like.

* Adhesive sheets or other double sided adhesive. I cut adhesive sheets into pieces about 2 1/2” long x 1/4” wide. Peel off the backing on one side of adhesive place it on back of tag.

* Other supplies dies, punches, colored cardstock, patterned paper, dimensionals, etc.

SUPPLIES I USED 

SANTA HAT TAGS

* Cardstock - Balmy Blue, Boho Blue, Real Red, and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!®️)

* Santa Hat Builder Punch (Stampin’ Up! -retired)

* Stamp - Sending Cheer (©️Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Ink - Real Red (Stampin’ Up!

* corner rounder punch (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Adhesive, dimensionals, adhesive sheets (Scrapbook.com)

STRIPES AND RED TAGS

* Cardstock - Real Red and Basic White

* Patterned paper - Take a Bow (Stampin’ Up!) cut at 3 1/8” x 3/4”

* Stamp - Sending Cheer

* Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black 

* Adhesive and adhesive sheet 

CANDY CANE TAG

* Cardstock - Basic White

* Patterned paper - Take a Bow

* Die - candy cane (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamp - Sending Cheer

* Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black 

* Adhesive, dimensionals, adhesive sheet piece

HO HO HO TAG

* Cardstock - Basic White, Real Red

* Ink - Real Red

* Dies - Silly Santa’s (©️Simon Hurley)

* Dimensionals and piece of adhesive sheets

MITTEN TAGS

* Cardstock - Basic White

* Other paper - Real Red cardstock and Take a Bow patterned paper 

* Ink - Real Red

* Adhesive, dimensionals, adhesive sheets

PACKAGING THESE TAGS

I made small boxes to package these tags. I call them “sleeves” for lack of a better term. There are two versions of this “sleeve” box. A tall version, and a short one. Here are the instructions for these little containers.

HAND CUT & DIE CUT TAGS

SUPPLIES FOR HAND CUT TAGS

* Patterned paper - cut 1 per tag at 4” x 2”

* Cardstock - coordinating color  (white or light colors work best) -cut 1 per tag at 4” x 2”

* Ribbon or twine - about 7” - 8” per tag 

* Hole punch - or adhere the ribbon / twine between the patterned paper and cardstock layers

* Stamps, dies, punches, embellishments, etc

* Inks, other coloring tools

* Adhesive

FOR DIE CUT TAGS

* Supplies listed above 

* A tag shaped die or set of tag dies - die cut the patterned paper and the cardstock with the same die.

NOTE - For both versions of the tags the patterned paper is adhered to the cardstock. This makes a sturdy tag and the plain cardstock gives you a place to stamp to and from.

SANTA TAGS

* Patterned paper - Merry Patterned Collection (©️Scrapbook.com)

* Cardstock - Mint Macaron (Stampin’ Up!®️- retired)

* Stamp set - Silly Santas (Simon Hurley)

* Ink - Poppy Parade (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishments - Classic Christmas (©️Trinity Stamps)

* Twine - Stampin’ Up! - retired

OH WHAT FUN TAGS

* Patterned paper - Merry Patterned Collection (Scrapbook.com)

* Cardstock - Mint Macaron (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Ink - Poppy Parade (Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamp - greeting - Holiday Cheer (©️Waffle Flower)

* Ribbon - Mint Macaron (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

PINK SNOWMAN TAG

* Patterned paper - Merry Patterned Collection (Scrapbook.com)

* Cardstock - Pretty In Pink (Stampin’ Up!)

* Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black; Stampin’ Blends (Stampin’ Up!) - Pretty In Pink, Lemon Lime Twist, Highlander Heather, Pumpkin Pie, Tahitian Tide (retired). Polished Pink (retired)

* Stamp - Snow Day (Photo Play) and coordinating die

* Embellishment - Fairy Frost (snowflakes - Trinity Stamps)

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT TAG

* Patterned paper - Merry Patterned Collection (Scrapbook.com)

* Cardstock - Pretty In Pink (Stampin’ Up!)

* Ink - Real Red (Stampin’ Up!)

* Circle die - Stylish Shapes (Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamp - Holiday Cheer (Waffle Flower) and coordinating die

* Embellishments - Classic Christmas (Trinity Stamps)

* Baker’s Twine

SNOWFLAKES TAGS

SUPPLIES

* Patterned paper - Snow Much Fun (Doodlebug)

* Cardstock - Pool Party and Highland Heather (Stampin’ Up!)

* Dies - Mini Snowflakes Shaped Dies (Scrapbook.com)

* Tag die - Greetings of the Season (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishments - Snow Swirl (Sparklets, Buttons Galore & More)

* Twine

BOXING UP THE TAGS

PACKAGING TAGS FOR GIFTS

The cellophane bags are Wilton treat bags. I purchased them at Walmart. There were 100 in the package for $6.25.

DIAGRAM FOR TAG BOX

SUPPLIES

* Cardstock 8” x 5 1/2”

* Strong Adhesive

* Patterned paper, die cuts ,etc.to decorate the box

STACKED TAGS / ORNAMENTS

These tags are so much fun to make. They do require stamps with coordinating dies, or stamp images on shapes (circles, squares, etc). Once the images are stamped, colored, and die cut, cut three more of the die cut shape from white or light colored cardstock. Glue a blank shape to the back side of the image. Glue together the other 2 die cuts. Cut 10” of twine or ribbon, adhere to backside of the image put adhesive on the backside of the die cut and adhere the other 2 die cuts to the piece. Stamp to / from of the backside of the piece. These tags resemble chipboard, and can double as ornament. 

STAMPS & DIES I USED

*Top hat snowman - It’s A Wonderful Christmas (Photo Play)

* Ear muff snowman - It’s A Wonderful Christmas (Photo Play)

* Five snowmen - Snowmen (Crafter’s Companion)

There you go, a few ideas for creating tags to use yourself or to give as a gifts to others. Tags can be very elaborate, or quick and easy. They always dress up gifts and bring smiles to the recipient!

Thank you for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim