Just when you start to think the world is falling apart, something really wonderful happens. On October 27, 2009, my cousin (he just turned 50, like me) and his lovely wife became the proud parents (for the first time) of Joseph (age 9) and Isabella (age 8). Joseph and Isabella's future will be rich with love, adventure and possibilities.
The beauty of adoption is hard to describe. I discussed the idea of adoption with them on a visit in 2007, relying on my personal experience of adopting our one and only child, Caroline, in 1994 (she was such a wee thing, just 18 days old--I'm tearing up thinking of how dear she is to us). Less than two years after our discussion, my cousin and his wife became a family of four. What an incredible Christmas gift for all of them!
As a special surprise from their new extended family, I made each child one of these sweet and simple holiday gift card holders. My initial inspiration for these 4.25 x 3" (finished card size) came from Kim, one of the Stampin' Pretty Pals. I love how she used the Deer Friends set. I made a few changes and also relied on this fun (musical) video tutorial by Dawn.
A few key points (the measurements go by quickly in the video), I cut my card stock (Sage Shadow Textured for Joseph and Pink Pirouette Textured for Isabella) to 4.25 x 11. TIP: The textured side of the card stock was folded to the inside . . . it gives a rich interior finish.
I next scored the long way of the paper at 3", 5.5" and 8". TIP: The card is then folded and a Bone Folder sharpens the creases. This is the point where you should stamp to decorate the card stock, if you choose to do so.
TIP: Adhere the center "pocket" using Sticky Strip or strong adhesive, making sure you apply close to the edges . . . otherwise you won't be able to slip a standard gift card in when you're done.
As Dawn does in the video, I used a Word Window Punch twice to create the slot for the gift card. TIP: I lined up the outside edge of the Word Window Punch with the outside edge of the card stock when punching from the left, then the same on the right to keep the slot an equal distance from each side. There will be a little "peak" remaining in the middle of the two Word Window Punches which gets chomped out with a Circle Punch. I used a 1/2" Circle Punch. Dawn uses a 3/4" Circle Punch in the video.
Both card interiors receive a Whisper White panel (for adding our handwritten sentiments). Very Merry Christmas is from Window Dressing (Hostess Level 3). For Joseph, I added a Star Punch in Old Olive and for Isabella, Boho Blossom punches in Regal Rose and Pink Pirouette.
Joseph's exterior combines a gorgeous stripe from Stampin' Up!'s Windsor Knot Designer Series paper and a layer of Chocolate Chip. The snowmen are from Window Dressing (Hostess Level 3). However, any image that will fit in the 1 3/8" Circle will do (think snowflake, valentine heart, cupcake, flower). Using Stampin' Up! Markers in coordinating shades, I did a little coloring of the hats and scarves.
The snowmen are layered on a Scalloped Circle of Old Olive, popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals and layered over a luscious strip of Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon. Isabella's card is almost identical. I opted for Sweet Always Designer Series Paper and Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon.
Whenever I use a bunch of Stampin' Up! Punches (so easy and fun) for my creations, I pop them in a category called "Punch Bunch." Punch ideas are always available on my left side bar under CATEGORIES. Here's a link to past examples which relied on four or more punches.
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Stamp Sets: Window Dressing (111712, Hostess Level 3)
Paper: Windsor Knot Designer Series (112039), Sage Shadow Textured (108695, Soft Subtles Assorted), Old Olive (100702), Whisper White (100730), Sweet Always Designer Series (112468), Pink Pirouette Textured (111345, In Color Assorted), Regal Rose (105130)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Stampin' Up! Markers: Sage Shadow (10040), Old Olive (100079), Regal Rose (105108), Pumpkin Pie (105115)
Punch Bunch: Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Word Window Punch (105090), Star Punch (109045), Boho Blossoms Punch (110711)
Cool Tools: Bone Folder (102300)
The Perfect Touch: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109051), Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109056), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
