Paper Angel Crafts

Frugal Christmas Decor, Quick & Easy Too!

I wanted to share a really affordable project I put together, to spruce up the windowsill above my kitchen sink.  The whole project cost about $8!

My windowsill is three feet long, so I used half of a six foot length of pine garland ($2), 4 little nutcrackers I got for $1 each (Christmas Tree Shop), six bunches of frosted red berries (3o cents each, clearance at Michaels) and then in the middle, my framed Victorian Christmas girl.

I found a little frame ornament ($1 at the Christmas Tree Shop) that had real glass in it.  It was already painted gold, so I just brushed some white glitter glue over it to give it a little shimmer.  Then I glued on some crocheted trim, three red buttons, and a Poinsettia with leaves (Prima).  (I brushed glitter glue on the buttons and flower too).  When it was dry, I added the vintage picture inside the frame. 

I am really happy with how it all turned out, and I love quick projects that don't cost alot!

Christmas Gift Card Holders

Sometimes, a gift card is the perfect present for someone special.  How can you make it even more special?  By presenting it in a handmade gift card holder!  This project can be completed in about 15 minutes...Hey, you've got time for that!

For this project, cut two pieces of cardstock one inch wider and longer than your gift card.  To decorate the front, I chose one of my favorite vintage images, inked the edges, matted in on cream cardstock, inked those edges, then tied a piece of sheer ribbon around it.  Next, I mounted than on patterned paper I trimmed with scalloped scissors.  Then, I mounted those pieces on the front green cardstock which is the base of my holder.  Lastly, I hot-glued two buttons on the top, and the ribbon loop for hanging.

To make the back, I trimmed 1 inch off the top, used a circle punch to cut out a half circle, then used permanent tape runner to attach the back to the front.  Last step is to ink the edges of the finished project.

Here is the same project, sides reversed.  I decorated the side the gift card slides into, instead of the"front".  I pen-stitched around all the edges, instead of inking.  Both examples can be hung on the tree as a ornament, or tucked into an envelope for mailing.

Another Machine Stitched Project

The other day I posted  pictures of recipe card files which were made of machine stitched cardstock.  Today I have another project which utilizes the same technique.

Inside is a memo list pad, and a pocket to hold coupons or receipts.

Here is another one that has an adorable picture of a little Victorian girl.

I love Mary Engelbreit note pads!

To make this memo holder, stitch together two pieces of cardstock (ribbon ties get stitched in between the layers).  Next cut a slit in the inside piece to tuck in the backing cardboard for the note pad.  You could also just hot glue the pad inside.  Lastly,  decorate the front with your favorite embellishments.  I like to use vintage images from digital collage sheets purchased on Etsy.  (www.etsy.com)

By the way, it did snow the other day, but it's already melted!