Looking for creative ways to make giving a gift card extra special? Let’s face it, sometimes a gift card is the perfect solution, especially for those hard-to-shop-for teenagers! But how do you elevate that simple plastic card into something more thoughtful and unique? The answer: DIY gift card holders!
Here at Robert Kline Art, we believe in the magic of handmade, and these festive holders are a great way to add a personal touch to any gift card. This tutorial is easy enough for even beginner crafters, and the design possibilities are endless!
Why Choose Handmade Gift Card Holders?
You might be thinking, “Why not just buy a gift card holder?” Well, crafting your own holders from recycled Christmas cards allows you to:
- Personalize: Choose designs and colors that match the recipient’s personality or the occasion.
- Be Eco-Friendly: Repurposing old cards is a fun and creative way to reduce waste.
- Save Money: DIY is almost always cheaper than buying pre-made, especially when you’re using materials you already have.
- Add a Special Touch: A handmade holder shows you put extra thought and effort into the gift.
Gathering Your Supplies
You likely have most of these items already:
- Recycled Christmas Cards: Look for cards with images the size of a standard gift card. You can also use decorative paper or scrapbook paper.
- Heavyweight Wrapping Paper: Provides a sturdy backing for your holder.
- Cardstock: Can be decorated with Christmas stickers or stamps for a festive touch.
- Double-Sided Tape: Extreme double-sided tape is best for a secure hold. Glue sticks, glue dots, or decorative washi tape will also work.
- Basic Tools: Ruler, pencil, paper trimmer or scissors.
- Optional Tools: An oval paper punch makes a clean opening for the gift card, and a Scor-Pal tool helps create crisp folds.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your DIY Gift Card Holder
This easy-to-follow tutorial will guide you through each step:
- Prepare Your Card Image: Place your gift card on the chosen image and lightly mark the dimensions with a pencil. Add 1/16 inch on all sides to allow for easy sliding.
- Measure and Cut: Add half the card’s height to one side for the flap, plus an extra ¼ inch for overlap. For the width, add ¼ inch to the card’s width for the side flap. Cut your card or paper to these measurements.
- Create Crisp Folds: Use a Scor-Pal or a ruler to score and fold the card along the marked lines, ensuring clean, straight folds for a professional finish.
- Secure with Tape: Attach the side flap using double-sided tape, then fold and secure the bottom flap, creating a pocket for your gift card.
- Add the Finishing Touch: Using an oval punch or scissors, cut a thumb hole on the top flap, making it easy to slide the gift card out.
Tips and Tricks
- Storage Savvy: Save space by cutting off and storing only the front of your Christmas cards.
- Theme It Up: Match the card design to the holiday, recipient’s interests, or even their favorite store!
- Get Creative with Embellishments: Add ribbons, buttons, glitter, or other decorative touches to make your holders even more unique.
Gift-Giving Made Special
These DIY gift card holders are not only practical but also reflect your care and creativity. They’re perfect for slipping under the Christmas tree, tucking into a stocking, or presenting as part of a larger gift.
Looking for more inspiring DIY gift ideas? Explore the fantastic crafting tutorials on Robert Kline Art and discover a world of handmade possibilities. Happy crafting!