Gift Card Grad

Hi friends, before we get started with Tuesday's tutorial, I just wanted to remind you that we've got our monthly challenge going on right now.  You have until June 3rd to join the fun.

You can read all about it RIGHT HERE.

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Now for todays fun...Katie here and its Tuesday which means that I've got a tutorial for you.  Yup... if you didn't know it, its graduation time all over the nation.  One of the most popular gifts for any celebration these days are gift cards.  As soon as the kids get old enough, I send out gift cards, but one of the dilemmas is how to package them.   

Today, I decided to box up my gift card.  I like the idea of having something a bit more 3-dimensional to give and to decorate.

My first inclination is to go the traditional black and white since I don't actually know a person graduating this year, but I opted to go with my other inclination at the moment... BRIGHTS!  I have been absolutely loving the all the bright colors in the Summer Fun Clearly Coordinating Collection line.  If you are new to this line, Lori offers these colors in color packages or a combination package... best of both worlds.

Graduation is a big deal and its a reason to celebrate so I opted to create a design with these fun bright colors and using a new release stamp set called Air Flair.  I think its so appropriate for this type of event.

I then added THIS single graduation hat image and THIS graduation sentiment to create my tag. I used C-6 and C-7 Copics to color in my cap and a gold glitter pen for the tassel.

So how about the box?  And where is that gift card?

Here is a list of all the dimensions for the 3 main pieces of cardstock that you will need.  I used Still Waters, Turquoise Gem, and Sweet Pea for my box pieces.

But before I get to putting my box pieces together, I decided to create my own background design first.  I opted to create an entire 8 1/2 x 11 sheet using the Cottonball white as my base.

I started with one color and stamped the balloon image.  I wanted this first color spread out because I knew that I was going to be adding more colors.  Click HERE to see a tutorial with more detail about RANDOM STAMPING.

 

Next I added my balloon basket.

Then I continued in this fashion once color at a time until I had 3 different colored hot air balloons.

I then added the sentiment and finally the little fluff flower until I had the following design.  I wanted a pretty busy background since I knew that I was going to be cutting this sheet up relatively small.

 

So now that I got that done, lets get to the box.

The box bottom measures 7 1/8" x 5 5/8".  You will want to score all sides at 1 1/2"

Don't put together yet though... you will want to add your background paper to the sides first.

 

The INSERT is next and measures 4 1/2" x 6" and you will want to score all sides at 1"

 

The insert is where your gift card will go.  On the inside, center your gift card of choice and mark all 4 corners.

 

Then create a diagonal line across the the marks that you just created.

 

Then you'll want to take a straight blade and cut... you don't have to be exact here and you can always cut a bit more if you have difficulty getting your gift card inside the  cuts.

 

Flip your insert over to the right side and place your gift card.

 

Now, you'll apply adhesive to all 4 corners and put together.

 

Place your stamped background pieces onto the BOX BOTTOM.  Remember to be aware of which way is up and how it will look when the box is put together.

 

Now, fold flaps and put together.  Your insert will fit snuggly inside.

To create the LID your piece will measure 4 1/8" x 5 5/8".  You will score all sides at 3/4".

 

Cut your background pieces for the sides and top.  This will really depend on if you want a mat and/or how much of the box you want to show.  

Here is your finished Gift Card Box.  I used coordinating ribbon from the Summer Fun Collection.

There is even room to add some candy or any other trinket under the insert if you so wish.

 

And finally, I'd like to take you down memory lane to this time last year for some fabulous ideas for gifting money at graduation time.

CLICK HERE FOR SOME CREATIVE INSPIRATION FROM LORI

Thank you as always for joining us here at Clearly iStamp and hope you are always inspired in one way or another. Have a fun and crafty day.

 

 
 
 

Comments

[Nancy Ward]

Hi!

Wanted you to know I posted a link to this tutorial today on my blog, PaperFriendly.

Nancy Ward
PaperFriendly
http://www.nancywardcrafts.com

[Amanda]

I love this!!! Can I ask what kind of ink you used to stamp the balloons? Thanks!

[Cassie]

That is such a cool idea! I love it, Katie! I'm going to have to make a few of these ;D

[ARTish]

fabulous idea!!! gift cards are such a great present to give- you just provided the perfect packaging!

[Tracy J]

That insert to hold the gift card is genius, and I really like how you made your own pattern paper. Another tutorial of yours I'll have to copy!

[Candy Fosta]

Love this. I needed some inspiration for some gift cards and cash that I'll be giving out at Friday's graduation! Yay that my oldest has made it through high school!