A Gift of Stamps

I wanted to share with you an idea I did a while ago for one of my giveaways. I never did explain how I made it...so, I'll give it a shot now. It's a way to include stamps as part of your card. Not just as decoration, but as a gift. (I'm featuring the last 2 of my new everyday designs...stamp #C116 - Good Pals and #A118 - Pals)




To start...layout your stamps the way you want them to be, and cut 2 pieces of cardstock to fit. Glue the 2 pieces of cardstock together to make the base more sturdy:

The next picture shows 3 different steps: First, use a pencil to mark a center point on either side of each stamp. Second: Punch a 1/8" hole at each pencil mark. (If you want to do any stamping on this base piece...now would be a good time to do it). Third, cut a piece of elastic. Long enough to fit snugly around each stamp, plus to tie a knot at each end. (I found this elastic at Ben Franklin in the bead section...I guess it's used to string beads to make bracelets). Thread each end of the elastic to the back side and tie a knot.



Here's a view from the back: (Notice that I also used double stick foam tape to mount the base).



Here's a view of all the stamps held in place with elastic:



To make the "card" part (the lavender paper)...cut a piece of cardstock and score into 3 sections. Two sections will be slightly larger than the base piece, and the "spine" will be 1-1/4". (The size of the card depends on the size and number of stamps you use). Here's a look at the finished inside:



...and the finished outside: (Decorate and wrap a ribbon around the card to close it)



Now for the good part...if you would like to win this set of stamps, leave me a comment by midnight tomorrow (Thursday, February 19, Hawaii time)...I'll choose one winner at random and announce their name on Friday, February 20. Good luck!!!

Also, I'll be doing a make 'n take at Photo Craft this Sunday, February 22 from 12:00 - 2:00. We'll be making a little Easter treat...so, stop by if you're in the area!!