November 2004 Idea of the Month

Stationery Holder

Here's an impressive way to package the handmade cards and stationery you plan to give as a gift this year.  Or tuck in a decorated note pad and a pen.  These stationery holders are simple to make using 6x6" page protectors (yes!  page protectors!), and you can give them any personality you wish with your choice of stamps and ink colors.  Add a velcro closure, and voila!  A great gift idea!

Stationery Holder Closed:

 Stationery Holder Open:

Supplies:

6.125 x 11” piece white cardstock

1- 6x6 Clear Close To My Heart Memory Protector TM

StazOn TM Ink Pad

StazOn TM Cleaner

Glue Dots or other adhesive for buttons

Embossing Tool (for scoring)

Autumn Buttons

Velcro Dots

Ruler or straight edge

Scissors

Rag

Your choice of stamps and ink pads (I used B1082  Spring Leaves stamp set, and Close To My Heart Exclusive Inks Stamp pads in Olive, Goldrush, Barn Red, Autumn Terracotta, and Chocolate.  I also used Goldrush embossing powder and embossing ink pad).

Step 1: Create the Holder

 Use scissors to cut off the holes on the Memory Protector.  DO NOT cut off the seam!!!!  Insert the white cardstock into the Memory Protector (several inches will extend out).  Use the embossing tool and ruler to score the cardstock along the top edge of the Memory Protector (you are creating a fold line for a flap).   To form the flap, trace the flap of any My Acrylix TM storage envelope onto your cardstock, matching up the fold lines.  Trim off remaining cardstock.  (Note: If you don't have a My Acrylix TM storage envelope, you can design your flap however you'd like and cut off the excess cardstock).

 Step 2: 

Random stamp both sides of the cardstock with your choice of stamps and inks.  I also embossed a single leaf in the center of the front of the flap.  Insert your decorated cardstock into the Memory Protector.  Glue on a single button on the front flap as shown, and adhere the velcro dot closure.

Using StazOn TM ink, stamp a message CAREFULLY onto the Memory Protector.  THE STAMP WILL SLIDE EASILY SO BE VERY CAREFUL.  But if you mess it up, don't worry!  You can easily remove any mistakes by immediately rubbing on the StazOn cleaner (yes, rub it right onto the ink on the Memory Protector), and wiping it off with the rag.  Let dry a minute and try again.  Once you like the result, set the stationery holder aside to dry thoroughly before filling it with goodies.

OPTIONAL:  Instead of StazOn TM ink, you can stamp your message onto the white cardstock instead using a "regular" dye-based ink.  Of course, once you fill the stationery holder, your message may be covered up, depending on where you stamp it.  Or stamp it on the flap.

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©Linda Harrison 2004