Craft Hoarders Anonymous Holiday Blog Hop

Hello and Good Morning! The Craft Hoarders are back with a fun Holiday Hop to get you inspired and ready for the holidays! The hop starts here on my blog, then hop on to all the ladies in the list. Make sure to leave a comment, because we are all giving away prizes to one lucky crafter!

Gloria Stengel

Debbie Seyer

Bonnie Garby

Donna Idlet

Wendy Robinson

Marisa Job

Jacquie Southas

Amber Milone

Pam Bray

If you get lost or find a broken link, come back here to find the next Blog in the hop.

I am giving away this prize to a RANDOM DRAW from my comments. The prize pack contains stamps, paper pads, and other goodies for use in making your holiday cards and tags. I have even included TWO of my wood-mount stamp designs produced by Hampton Art! 

This random draw is closed. The winner is Jean Marmo!

Since this is a Hoarders post, I did dig into my hoard and not one new product was harmed in the making of this project! {grin} I also wanted to make something than any level of crafter can accomplish, using mostly scraps and cast-offs from your stash of supplies!

I had two ideas in my head, so I created both! I created a large envelope gift card holder, and I also made a notepad holder with matching pencil. They coordinate, so I can put the notepad and pencil into my envelope, add a gift card, and ta-da, instant gift! 

To create the gift card holder, you need a business-size envelop, called a #10 envelope. I used a Brown Bag Kraft envelope, which is top-loading and has a string and button closure. I had a pack of these from my Design Team term with CutCardStock.

I cut printed paper to fit the front of the envelope (Authentique Peaceful - Solitude, which is long retired).   

To create the add-on gift card pocket and decoration for the front I used the Tim Holtz tag die to cut another piece of decorative paper into a tag shape (Authentique Festive - Jolly, also retired).  I cut a second tag from kraft cardstock, and attached the tags together to make them more sturdy. The tags are 6 1/4" tall by 3 1/4" wide.

I cut a piece of red cardstock to cover the back of the Graphic 45 To/From ATC tag and attached that to the top of the larger tag. I slipped the large tag into a frosted paper treat bag. The treat bag is 4 3/4" tall by slighly wider than 3 1/4".

I used the My Favorite Things Treat Bag die to cut the gift card pocket from a scrap of snowflake paper (Canvas Corp Farmhouse Christmas - Snowflakes on Kraft Reverse, which is in stock, for a whopping 80 cents a sheet! Will wonders never cease?!)  I lined the treat bag/gift card pocket with a scrap of the candy cane stripe paper.

I used a very old Fiskars scallop circle punch to cut out a scallop circle. I placed the decorative sticker onto the circle to make a decoration for my gift card pocket. The sticker is from the Authentique Festive Details sticker sheet (yes, retired, this is Hoarders, afterall). 

I added some flowers, a rusty bell, and an old Tim Holtz reindeer charm to the tags. I also added a few white enamel dots (which, I confess are younger than 6 months old!). A standard gift card fits into the pocket.  

Add some coupons, more gift cards, or another small, flat item to the envelope, and you have a fun and festive gift! 

Since I had all my stuff out, I decided to make a matching notepad holder, too. I love making these. They are easy, use just scraps, and everyone loves a notepad! I decorated a pencil to go with it. (I hope the pencil can be sharpened now that it's all gussied up!) 

To make the holder, start by cutting kraft cardstock (Brown Bag Kraft) to 8 1/8" x 5 1/2". Score on the short side at 2 5/8" and 2 7/8" to create a 8 1/8" x 2 5/8" folder. Attach a notepad to the right side of the folder with strong adhesive. The notepad used here is 8" x 2 1/2" and is approximately 1/8" thick. If you cannot find this size notepad, most office supply stores sell 8" x 5" notepads. For a small fee, they will cut them in half for you!

Decorate the inside with some paper and a few stickers. 

The decoration for the front is simply some scraps of paper and cardstock. I used some stamps and stickers to make a label for the front. I also added some twine and a few jingle bells. 

To create the matching pencil, I just trimmed a lightweight piece of printed paper to 7 1/8" x 1 1/2". I coated both sides of the paper and the surface of the pencil with gel medium. I wrapped the pencil, sealing the seam with more gel medium. I allowed the pencil to dry overnight. (The pencil won't fit into my standard pencil sharpener, so I have no idea how to sharpen it. Some sharpeners come with an adjustable hole, so I am guessing that's what's needed in Gloria's Craft Emporium.)

I added some twine to the top of the pencil and then glued on a tag and some tiny bells.

Thanks for hopping with us today! I hope you get some good ideas for making holiday gifts and projects! Make sure to leave a comment for your chance at the prize!

Envelope: CutCardStock Brown Bag Kraft envelope
Cardstock: CutCardstock Brown Bag Kraft, Authentique Red Linen Artisan Cardstock, WorldWin Papers ColorMates Smooth and Silky Midnight
Printed paper: Authentique Peaceful Solitude and Festive Jolly, Glistening; Canvas Corp Farmhouse Christmas Snowflakes on Kraft Reverse; St. Nick Vintage Collage (unknown source)
Stickers: Authentique Festive Details, Festive Elements
Stamps: My Favorite Things Document It Holiday Traditions, Document It December
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Twine: Really Reasonable Ribbon Red Burlap String, Icicle Metallic Baker's Twine
Flowers: Little Birdie, Petaloo
Bells: Darice
Deer charm: Tim Holtz
Enamel dots: Your Next Stamp White Gumdrops
ATC tag: Graphic 45 To/From - Kraft
Frosted bag: unknown
Dies: My Favorite Things Wonky Stitched Rectangle Stax, Treat Pocket; Tim Holtz Bookplate and Tags
Punches: Fiskars scallop circle
Pencil: school supply
Paper pad: Papertrey Ink
Adhesive: Ranger Multi Medium, Scor-tape, ATG tape, 3L foam squares, Liquitex Matte Gel Medium, hot glue