here's how I got started...

here's how I got started...
a 20 minute podcast by Crazy BeYOUtiful

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Thursday evening post...

kind of like the Saturday Evening post...
but on Thursday...

anyway...

happy holidays!!!

I LOVE to shop...
Rick teases me that if shopping was an olympic event, I'd be on the center podium...

so it kills me...
but sometimes you have to just give cash...
but here's a quick unique way to make it a little more special...

the first one takes a few minutes to figure out...
but when you have a sample, it's quick to zip more out...
the 2nd & 3rd take less than 15 minutes to complete...
TRUST ME!

here's how to turn a manila tag into a cash envelope...
to look like this...



if you want to play...

start with a #8 manila tag...

one tool that I don't use every day, but I LOVE, is the scor-it...
it makes perfect folds very time...

so...
measure 2 inches from the top of the tag & score...

and measure 1 1/2 inches from the bottom & score again...

your tag will look like this...


ink the tag with vintage photo distress ink using the blending tool & completely cover both sides...

add walnut stain distress ink to the edges...

working on the BACK of the tag...
use walnut stain to stamp the ticking as shown...
over the top 2 sections of the tag...

for backgrounds, I usually, not always...
press unevenly to create a worn vintage look...
or I apply the ink in random areas...

now it looks like this...


use coffee archival to stamp the polka dot border on the lower section...

use jet black archival to stamp the saying over the middle section...

stamp the mini branch with forest moss...
over the middle section...

here's a tip...
you can protect the top section with a post-it note, to prevent stamping on the top...

this is the BACK of the tag...


turn the tag over & work on the FRONT of the tag...

use coffee to stamp the Christmas background over the top 2 sections...

a little tip...
the "have yourself a merry little Christmas" background has teeny tiny words, which makes it hard to read & tell which side is up...

so, to avoid stamping it upside down...
I used a sharpie & put an arrow right on the cling to know which direction is up...
saves an oops & it's a quick tip...

use fired brick to stamp the greeting...

use forest moss to stamp the mini branches several times on the top of the tag...

fold the bottom section up...and use jet black to stamp the mini scroll & "look inside" 2 times...

fold the bottom up & use a thin line of Glossy Accents on just the edges to create the pocket...

the inside now looks like this...


stamp the holly 2 times on grungepaper with jet black...
cut out one full image & an extra leaf...

ink the leaves with forest moss...
front & back...

use a cut & dry nib to ink the holly berries with barn door distress ink...

use jet black to stamp the border of polka dots over the leaves...

add barn door distress stickles to the berries & dry...

cut a ribbon to approximately 14 inches...
put one end thru the hole, across the top of the tag & down the back...

glue the holly over the ribbon to hold it in place...
this is the only adhesive I used on the ribbon...
it's not glued on the back, so the greeting can be read...

fold the tag...
and tie a bow to keep it closed...

here's the finished envelope again...


like I said...
the first one takes a bit to figure out...
if you're using text...
but this next one took no time to finish...

I needed one for a boy...
so, the same folds, but a little different closure...

tim's truck was stamped with jet black...
the initial, from tim's new lost & found salvage stickers...
was put onto black presentation board...
cut out & distressed with tim's sanding grip then a little vintage photo...

the T was glued with Glossy Accents to look like it's in the back of the truck...
a simple way to personalize the envelope...

so...
follow the instructions above...
and after gluing the edges to create the pocket, insert an eyelet on the bottom of the tag...

this time I used black string to keep the envelope closed & cash safe...



this also works for a quickie birthday envelope too...
or it's a simple way to hide a mini love note!
think valentine's day...
YIKES...
let's get thru Christmas first...

one other tip...
if you decide to use other background stamps for stamping the back of the tag...
remember that when the tag is folded, text or numbers will be upside down...
on the top flap...

so, keep it simple & use patterned backgrounds to save time...
just saying...

how about more prizes???

OK...FIRST...

we have one for...
Anonymous Jacki said...

This tree is so cute - and so you, Wendy! I love EVERYTHING that you create! We are so lucky you create ART and share it with all of us! Thank you. :)

December 8, 2010 6:07 PM


and one for...

Blogger karen said...

I made this comment out loud to myself when I saw this atc..and so now here it is in writing...
ahhhhh...that is so adorable!
I love the techniques and the ingenious idea for making the tree. Wendy...You rock!

December 9, 2010 8:22 AM


and a third for...

Blogger Wanda H said...

Lots on my to-do list also and now I MUST make a scalloped corner stamp tree... totally awesome!!!!

December 8, 2010 7:29 AM

I hope your weekend is wonderful & the shopping is moving right along...

stay warm & remember to take time to...

make (envelope) art.
wendy
ps...note to the winners...
email me with your shipping info @ wbv1213@me.com

128 comments:

Lorraine said...

Ooh, I think I can manage this one by myself, lol! Love your creations - so beautiful & unique!

Heidi said...

It's gift cards for the teachers this year, so these will make great holders! Thank you for sharing!

Scrapthat said...

Super cute and practical too Wendy!! Looks like it might be big enough for a GC too...I'm sure you probably don't like those either since you love to shop but sometimes they are a GREAT thing. ;)
anyway...TFS!

Dawn's Creative Chalet said...

Ok.. this is absolutely adorable and how quick n easy it is to make it look like 100 bucks! :) Thank yo for the inspiration, Wendy. You rock!!
Hugsssssss.. Dawn "inn" Michigan

Angie Lentz said...

Ok those are tooo SWEET for words!! I really wish I would have been able to meet you and take your class in St. Louis this year (stupid knee). I think you have a wonderful talent and you inspire me like Tim does. So THANK YOU for that!!!

Elaine A said...

Wendy -

What an awesome idea. I love how this turned out! Thank you again for my goodies. They arrived in the mail today and I was one happy girl! Such a great selection of awesome things. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Congratulations to all the winners!

Elaine Allen

Unknown said...

These are awesome! Such a great idea and love having another way to use a tag. Thanks for the inspiration, I think these would be great fr gift cards also.

Lisa M. Pace said...

I am so breaking out the stamps and inks tomorrow... I am making one for sure.

scrappin-scrappin said...

These are fantastic!! I need a few gift card holders, thanks for the idea Wendy!!

Hels Sheridan said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous and even more gorgeous... Love love love these fabby pouches... thanks for the tip about the upside down stamping, I would have done that LOL Budge up on that podium, I am told I should have a gold too LOL x

Anonymous said...

Love the gift cards holders. Thanks for the inspiration.

Julie said...

Yeah, I would probably be right up there with you on one of those podiums if not first place at least second or third! I like that cash envelope! Great idea. I will have to try to make one of those.

~* steph :) *~ said...

oh wendy, i LOOOVE your little envelopes! so creative and they are fabulous to look at!!! thanks for sharing and have a great nite! *hugs* steph :)

Gypsy Lady said...

Oh, what a wonderful idea! I have several cash gifts to give this year...now I know what I'm giving them in. Thanks for the inspiration Wendy!

Unknown said...

I love the little holder... I just may have to whip one of those up tonight to take to my stamping club tomorrow!

Pat said...

Oh my how CUTE! What a perfect way to dress up a cash gift - or put a 'coupon' inside...yes, yes, yes I'll be making some of these!!

TheLastOfNine said...

I love this one, sometimes you don't want to give money in a plain old envelope or greeting card, this is a great presentation.
Gloria-TheLastOfNine

Nancy D. said...

So darn cute!...what agreat idea!TFS

Kathy Eddy said...

Oh Wendy, these are just fantastic! We had decided we were not giving cash to any of the kids this year, but I will have to make some of these up for next year and birthdays so I remember how. Just awesome!

slbt17 said...

WOW Wendy - that is fabulous!
Love it!
thanks!
you have a great weekend,

Sandra

Meme said...

WOw! I am glad I checked you out tonight, I like the THursday night post.
But I love the idea of the tag cash holder! Awesome easy! SInce you did all the thinking for us, it's easy!

THanks I needed something easy peasy, during this busy time!

Barbara said...

Now this is down right cool. Fun to do and I bought a stack of tags for Tims challenge. you all make me happy!

Melody (lacyquilter) said...

Wonderful way to present cash or gift card.

Linda R said...

This is so dang cute, I can't stand it!! Your brain is on overload ;-) I would love to watch you working in the studio....do you just whip these ideas up a to z or do you make messes that don't work and start over? Do you design the whole thing first? The process to come up with these AWESOME ideas day after day fascinates me!!!! keep it coming...please.

Anonymous said...

umm...not like Im behind on tags or anything...I need one more( or maybe 5 more!) things to do! cash rocks for some folks so guess you answered my wish for this one girly! in love with both of them!again..only you would dream this up! xo cher

Beth said...

Beautiful! I can't wait to play at home :)

Heidi said...

Loving these ideas Wendy! Can't wait to make a bunch for the holiday! PERFECT!

U. R. CLEVER!

Nancy said...

How COOL!!! LOVE this!! I do *have* to give cash to my daughter this year - oh, yeah, she'll be getting one of these! Thank you!!!

Sarah said...

Practical and oh so cute! You just came up with my favorite project of the season. Love, love, love it!!

Lisa Somerville said...

Stinkin' cute gift card holders! Thanks so much for sharing!

Penci said...

What a great idea! I would have never thought of this. Now this makes me want to get some gift cards for some people just so I can make this cute little holder. Thanks for sharing!

Rox said...

Thanks for the great idea. I have a grand-daughter who's birthday is on Xmas eve and this is something with a holiday theme that I easily added a birthday greeting to. Thanks for the solution! It was fun to make.

SusanK said...

Utterly fab!

Tara C said...

I love it!!!! I am a manager for Walgreens and I always give my pharmacy tech and pharmacist gift cards for Xmas that way they all get the same thing. My mom always pounded in my head you had to keep it fair. Crazy--I know. So if you give the gift cards everyone gets the same amount but this way they all have the most amazing gift to go with it. A awesome piece of art to go with it. I have made them all coasters as well. But these are awesome thank you Wendy for a project I can lift!!!! You are amazing!!! My obsession continues.

dblanken said...

How do you come up with so many wonderful ideas???? Everyday I say this is the best idea and then you show a new one and now I really know I am making this one.

Vic said...

Super, fantastic way to give a little moolah! TFS

Jill said...

Another great project Wendy....I find that I give more cash and gift cards as the kids get older. It's not that I don't LOVE to shop, but they don't always LOVE my choices..go figure!! Anyway..I love the cash holder idea and will make one tonight, before I forget!

Juel said...

This is a beautiful gift card, just perfect. I want to be like you when I grow up ;o)

Anonymous said...

I love this idea! I'm giving some gift cards this year and this will be perfect! Thank you, Wendy.
Eileen in NYC

Sharon said...

Fantastic and cool idea - who ever would have thought it except you (and maybe Tim). Love Love Love your blog. Thanks for the terrific ideas.

Mariannes gjenbruk said...

Love the idea! Thanks for sharing ;-)

Jennie -The Artistic Stamper said...

Mrs Vecchi! you have some fabulous ideas.. and this one isno exception! Now can I find time to make one of these.. I mean I would like to make several, but haven't even made my Christmas cards yet!! these look like much more fun
Thanks for showing
xx

Helen said...

What fabulous gift envelopes, what an idea!! Thanks for sharing. Now just have to make some. LOL. Now, can you confure up more hours in the day please?!

BETTY said...

What a great idea. I love it
thanks for sharing.
hugs.

Kat said...

I have to give my nephews cash all 7 of them,for xmas & birthdays,
coz thats what they want.
this is such a fab idea,
I will be proud to present them with one of these, instead of a boring envelope.
thanks for the inspiration,
Kat.

Art By Wanda said...

Can you hear me? I won, I won, I won.... that is so exciting!!! My car is in the shop... our 16yo's car is down... we are trying to share... it's been crazy.... and now I WON!!!! What a beautiful ending to a week. And your gift card holders are fabulous!!!! Very Fabulous!!!! ps. While waiting for my car (until they decided they'd have to keep it too long and gave me a loaner) I was cutting corner scallops so I can make trees!!!

Vicki in MD said...

what a great way to personalize a somewhat impersonal gift. At least with a hand made gift card holder, the reciever will realize that some thought was put into it. Thanks for the reminder that it can be tweaked for different possibilities! Happy Holidays!

Soraya said...

Wow... I would have never thought of this idea, how great this is! Thanks for sharing Wendy!

Anonymous said...

AMAZING!! Such a clever idea, and now that you have shown us how - such a simple idea too! I shall enjoy giving gift cards in these now, so much more personal than a simple envelope. Thanks so much for sharing your amazing ideas and talents with us all!

Elaine said...

Great idea - just the right size for cash or gift cards. Best get some made before the kids finish school!!

Unknown said...

I love gift card holders! Thank you for another fabulous idea! Stephanie Rodgers

Stephanie said...

What an absolutely fantastic idea for a money holder! How creative!!! And it looks like it would be pretty easy once you got the hang of it! I really love it for sending money in the mail...which I have to do!!! Thanks so much for this idea...I will definitely be using it in the very near future!!!

Yours came out fantastic...btw....really love the "look inside" peeking out from below!!

Lauraline said...

I love this project, thanks for the idea! We are giving gift card to all teachers this year, so that will be a quick & nice project to do for that!

Betz61 said...

Wow what a simple idea love it with all the different patterns.

Gerrie Johnnic said...

Great idea, and it's so useful all year long. Everyone will love them. Gotta' go make art! just sayin'

C. Sage Deerborn said...

I love both of your cash gift holders. Love how threading the ribbon differently or using a string can change the look so much.

rhonda said...

Thanks for the sharpie tip! And forget the gift card I would ooh and aah over the packaging!

Unknown said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!!! Thank you so much. I've just recently discovered your blog and absolutely love your creativity! Thank you so much for sharing. I'll most definitely be making several of these.

michelle said...

These are perfect. . . It helps now that the people on my list are older they all seem to want gift cards. .. I on the other hand still want presents!

Sandi said...

This is such a cute idea! I love giving gift cards and this will come in handy since I have a TON of tags! You can adapt it for any occasion.

Liz in MO said...

Oh thank-you so much!!! This is exactly what I needed. I needed something to make those gift cards a little more personal. You've done it again, and to use a manilla tag- pure genius!

Teri-Ann said...

Thanks sooooooo much for a quick and neat way to give cash or a gift card! I've been looking for ideas and this one is just the one I needed! Teri-Ann

Primitive Seasons said...

Wendy this is genius.....a gift card or money holder from a manila tag. I have quite a few on my list this year so I'll be making some of these. Thanks! Merry Christmas!

Mary
www.primitiveseasons.blogspot.com

Larajc said...

another gorgeous tag! I got my SWEET package from you on Wednesday and I wanted to say thank you very much! I can use all of it in my stash! For those of you commenting, Wendi sends out AWESOME giveaways! Thanks again!

Dorothy said...

This envie is perfect!!!
Thanks Wendy!!

Chirpin Is Fun said...

This is an awesome use for a tag! t!m is not the only one who can make an amazing 38 manila tag! Gotta try this!

lilotte said...

Génial ! It is so cute, I'm going to make one right away.

Amy said...

I LOVE this idea. I have a ton of gift cards I must give away this year and now I can do so without feeling bad. This will show I did think about them-and only them-when I made these gift card holders.

cheryl l said...

Fantastic idea! My niece and nephew will love it! Thanx!

KAT said...

Now that is a cutie quickie gift holder - like that you created a "man" version - you know how hard they are to shop and create for!!!

Etta said...

Yup, this is GOOD! Not only is it stinking cute, it's very useful for this time of the year. And, I have the tags on hand...which makes it very nice. Not sure I can pull it off in the same time frame as you, but I want to give it a try. I've got the perfect recipient...my sister and her hubby. They'll "love" it!

Janet L. said...

Oh, those tag gift holders are great! I've got some tags and two card presents, so I know how I want to make them this year, thanks to you!

Renee said...

Great idea!! I have to save this one since there are always last minute gift cards to be given.

Have a great weekend!

Kirsten Alicia said...

Hello Wendy, these are WONDERFUL! They look fantastic & are such a brilliant idea. Thank you for giving us the step by step tutorial & for reminding me to use tools I'd forgotten I had. :) Hope you have a terrific weekend.

Debby said...

Thanks so much for this technique! I have many gift cards to hand out so this will be perfect for them. Great way to dress up an otherwise kind of boring gift. Way cool!

Cim Allen said...

The truck one would of come in handy LAST saturday .. I always get stuck on doing guy stuff. I love bright colors and flowers and it doesn't work well for men :) I will forsure make some of these! Happy Shopping Wendy !! I believe I would be standing on the podium next to you in 2nd place.. LOL

Tona said...

You come up with the greatest stuff! I love these tag money holders.

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Such a great idea to use a tag for a money holder! Yours looks brilliant!!

Anonymous said...

Ok so maybe the tag die will come in handy. Love your creations.

Erika M. said...

So simple and elegant - love what you created and hope to create my own this weekend!

Cassie_lu said...

what a great non-traditional use of those tags. Thank you for sharing how to recreate it too.

Unknown said...

so very very clever ;) now i might actually have a USE for all those tags i have!

Ava Gavloski said...

such a cute cash envelope, thanks for sharing the detail. i hope to make one, as i think it would be appreciated as much as the cash would be.
ava

Kate Burroughs said...

Great ideas for gift card or cash envelopes! Love how you use so many different stamps to create it all. Might have to go shopping for some more stamps!
Aloha, Kate

Anonymous said...

Just in time! I've been wondering what to do for gift cards and cash. This is perfect! Thanks.

sue said...

Great tag! Will be fun to put that extra tip for my nail person and hair stylest. Thanks!

Holly said...

Fabulous idea and fabulous instructions as usual! I just love these! Thank you so much for the inspiration!!

Diana said...

'THIS IS SO PERFECT !!!! YOU DON'T KNOW HOW BADLY I NEED AN IDEA !!!

THANK YOU !

Kathryn said...

What a great idea! I love these, they will be perfect for the nieces and nephews who prefer cash. Thanks for sharing these Wendy.

Gypsybear said...

Love the use of tags as card/cash holders...thanks for the tips too.
Now I need to go create some of these... :)

Mrs Frizz said...

Absolutely stunning ... thank you for sharing ...

Karla Anderson said...

great quick adorable idea for last minute gift cards! thanks!

Nancy S said...

That's the cutest idea! I do give gift cards or cash and am always looking for an original way to present them.

funkycrafter said...

what fantastic gift card holders. am bookmarking this entry for sure. also it reminded me i used to make cards with a similar format but forgot all about them when i discovered ranger and tim and wendy and embossing folders and dies and such things. now i can try it again with the good stuff and wow the recipients.

Juliet A said...

This is a really cool idea, but the one thing I believe I will do differently is use the tiny attacher to seal the sides. I love the look of those little staples!

Bethan said...

just so verrrry clever! fabulous idea for the unexpexted (forgotten about!) gifts! Brilliant Wendy!

Marijane said...

Just in time.............! I was thinking today that I'll be giving a lot of gift cards this year (older grandkids seem to like them better than sox!) and want to make them more special than a white envelope. These beautiful tag-cards will be just perfect. Thanks!!!

grandma m said...

Fantastic idea! Love the giht card holders and it's so fast and easy to do. So Awesome! Thanks again!

2amscrapper said...

Hi Wendy! My shopping these days consists of a lot of gift cards. Hmmmmm---perhaps you're timely post will help me create some awesome envelope art!!!! Helene

Larissa Heskett said...

WOW!! As if you could make me smlie any BIGGER!! Well you managed to do it!! =D I just LOVE this idea!! SO AWESOME!! I can't wait to make some, have a FABULOUS WEEKEND!! =)

NancyH said...

What a great idea!! I'm off to make some!! Thanks for the great ideas...especially ones that can be completed so quickly!! You ROCK!!

Lesabe said...

I love this idea. I never would of though to do that. So creative. I always love looking at your art =)

Kristin said...

Loved that you showed it male/female, THANKS!

Karen Goulet said...

I love to make tags...and now you have given me another idea for them. Your tag gift holders are beautiful! Thanks Wendy!

Barbara said...

Oh! Thank you for these wonderful gift tag ideas! I've used Tim's truck on birthday cards and it's perfect on Christmas tags, too!.I've just finished Christmas cards and now I need tags and gift card holders...This is so timely!!

Pamela said...

This will make a perfect gift card holder for my Mother-in-law, I`m going to try making one! Between you and Tim, we are getting some fantastic ideas for Christmas this year!Thanks for sharing.

jan metcalf said...

Ingenius gift card wrapping!! Love it!

Kaye said...

Wendy...I can't imagine how special someone would feel getting cash or a gift card in this holder. It is just beautiful!

Cyndi Szalma said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea. Just the right size for cash or gift card.
You are amazing Wendy

Chelbella said...

These are typically Wendy awesome! Definitely will be making a few of these - THANK YOU!!!

LorraineB said...

I was looking for the perfect gift card tutorial and although yours is a money holder, for me..gift card holder it is! Thanks. Your creations are wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Wendy,
Thanks so much for sharing the card/money holder made from a tag!!! I LOVE IT!!!! Thanks for showing one for male/female choices.
Have a Merry Christmas!!
Karen S. Ohio

Meme said...

I thought for sure you were going to have a satuday eve post. (thought maybe a hidden message) but nope. Not a Sunday one. But yet still I am here. I will be back in the morn. Will you?

Kathy Eddy said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Wendy! Hope it's the best and you and Rick do something fun!

Anonymous said...

*tap tap tap* on coffee cup
*clears throat*
*hummmms in C*

Happy Birthday to You,
Happy Birthday to YOU,
Happy Birthday dear Wendyyyyyyy,
Happy Birthday to YOU!

*sips coffee*.
Realizes cher don't sing quite like she used to, but I am certain you got the melody.

Already posted how cute the gift tag is..making them today actually....but had to give ya a shout as you are today's birthday girl!

Do something WONDERFUL! but do stay warm!!!!!! congrads to you!

xo cher

Suzanne Bouchard said...

This so simple, so quick and so beautiful! Thank you! happy holidays Wendy!

Unknown said...

THEY SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY (da na na na na na!) HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU (da na na na na na na na)Rocking it out for your special day! Hope it is the best one yet Wendy!

Joyce said...

Love this fold out money envelope. So much nicer than those store bought money cards. Great idea.

Oh yeah, a little birdie told me it was your birthday today. So hope you have a great day! You've come a long way baby! And only 25 years young. My how you hold your age well. :)

Nancy said...

I almost forgot to post here! OH NO!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! I hope you & Rick are out partying like it's 1999 ... lol

Thank you for being YOU 'cause you are AWESOME!

Becky T. said...

Oh December friend of mine! I love that you will begin the week celebrating your birthday and I will end it (on Friday)!! I hope that you have, had or are having the best birthday eva! Mwah! :-)

dawnaclark said...

you totally solved my problem of a unique gift card/cash holder!! i have a bazillion of these manilla tags and they will be put to good use!

HAPPY B DAY!!
from a fellow December baby (10th)

cheers!

Sharon said...

So cool - and relatively easy. I could use these for gift cards too! Thank you. Glad to have re-discovered your blog!

Erin Glee said...

Sometimes cash or a gift card is just the right thing, and this tag envelope is CERTAINLY the right thing to put it in~ great idea, Wendy! Thanks!

Steph Ackerman said...

Oh what a fabulous idea, I love it.

The Craftaholic said...

what a great idea, the project is lovely!

Anonymous said...

These are fabulous Wendy! I have made 4 this afternoon, to hold christmas money for my niece & nephews. Thanks for sharing your wonderful idea!
Happy Christmas,
Alison x

SHARI said...

Hi what a great tag... where did you get...the ticking stamp...

Aliselle said...

Je découvre ton blog et ce joli tuto grâce à une visite sur Pinterest.... Et j'adore! Je sens que je vais essayer dès que possible.
Merci pour le partage de cette jolie réalisation...