Showing your appreciation for another’s hard work is so important. Especially today where everything is so fast-paced. I just love Michelle Wooderson’s take on this Tween teacher gift idea. The stationary theme, colors, and creative way she used a plain kraft paper bag are what makes this gift so special. I’d like to thank Michelle of Mish Mash blog for allowing us to showcase her project today.
Here is how Michelle put this great project together:
I used a Library Card stamp, stamped on a lined index card. Then I added a circle that was stamped with images from Tag-Its #6. I love the sentiments in this stamp set + the small apple image, little smiley face and star are just too cute.
For the larger punched circle behind the ledger circle image, I used vintage dictionary paper. Look for old dictionaries at yard sales or thrift shops. I also used the *teacher* stamp from Teacher’s Apple + the *A+* stamp from It’s Official. It’s fun to mix and match all the office supply type stamps for school themed cards. You can also reach for fun supplies like index cards, date stamps, paper clips and clothespins. For my colors I was inspired by the Aqua Mist and Dark Chocolate from the Library Ledger Paper Collection.
Okay, now on to the projects. First up I created a back to school card using one of my library cards as the focal point. I tucked a die cut Spiral Notebook Page under the accent that was stamped with Background Basics: Text Style II. I used some more of the dictionary paper on the card base and finished up the card with some Pure Poppy Baker’s Twine and a metal clip from the office supply store. I love the little snippet of red from the baker’s twine. Reminds me of a teacher’s red ink pen..or teacher’s red apple…without being too kiddy-like.
Here’s a close up shot of the accents. Very office supply/library looking.
Next I made up a few treat sack pouches for a few of the girls’ favorite teachers. I used brown paper sacks to create the stitched pockets. The front of the pockets have more patterned paper from Library Ledger, more red twine, and mini clothespins to attach the library card accents.
Inside the pockets, you can tuck in any little treat you like. You can bake up yummy treats and package them in glassine bags or take the simple route and use Kit Kat bars like I’m doing this year.
Lastly, I thought I would show you how to mix things up a bit just in case you still have younger kids at home. I stuck with the same, basic color scheme and library card accent but I added in a few things that are very well suited for the littletikes. My nephew Nick just had his first day of Kindergarten this week. The girls and I called him when he got home and he said it was grrrreat! He got to ride the big bus both ways and liked his teacher. How can we forget that wonderful, first day of school ever? Well now Nick is sick and is so sad that he has to miss a day or two of school. I thought a fun card in the mail, addressed just to Nick, would be extra special.
I created another paper bag pocket to hold a card + little something extra. I used a cheery Simply Chartreuse polka dot paper from Funky Town along with a Dark Brown ribbon to tie around the card. I also used a metal rimmed tag with letter stickers to spell out Nick’s name. More Pure Poppy Baker’s Twine was used to tie on the tag.
When stitching up the paper sacks, there are actually two pockets created. I used the front pocket to tuck in two dollar bills for Nick, using a mini clothespin to hold the bills in place. I’m going to write a special note that Nick is to use the $$ for an ice cream treat when his mama can take him.
And let’s face it…once a kid sees the $$, they could really care less about the card. Money talks, cardstock walks, right?? But I couldn’t resist making Nick a fun card that his mom can keep in his scrapbook.
I used the same basic library card but fancied it up a bit with stamped apples from Teacher’s Apple, little letter stamps that spell out Nick’s name + a handwritten sentiment to commemorate Nick’s first day of Kindergarten. I know he’ll be happy when he gets his little package in the mail. 🙂
Thank you Michelle for your tutorial!
This one little gift idea covers not only a teacher but also the student as well as a memento for mom to use as a keepsake. What could be better?
I hope you’ve found inspiration in today’s showcase. Go ahead, make someone feel special by giving them a handmade gift they’ll cherish. I challenge you!
SUPPLIES:
Paper:
- Funky Town Paper 8×8 (PaperTrey Ink 62248 $8.00)
- Library Ledger Paper 8×8 (PaperTrey Ink 62232 $8.00)
Stamps:
- Tag-Its #6 Mini (PaperTrey Ink 2395 $5.00)
- Library Card Mini (PaperTrey Ink 2256 $5.00)
- It’s Official (PaperTrey Ink 2248 $24.00)
- Teacher’s Apple (PaperTrey Ink 2102 $24.00)
- Background Basics: Text Style II (PaperTrey ink 2173 $15.00)
Inks:
- Tuxedo Black Memento Ink (Tsukineko tsmp900 $5.29)
Tools:
- Spiral Notebook Page Die (PaperTrey Ink PTD-0038 $8.00)
Accessories:
- Pure Poppy Baker’s Twine (PaperTrey Ink TWN-004 $5.00)
- Mini Clothes Pins (Made by Mish $2.50)
- Brown Paper Sacks (Made by Mish $3.00)
- Dark Brown Grosgrain Ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon 130080 $5.75)
Really like the teachers appreciation pocket card. Do you have this uploaded to pinterest? If yes please send me the link to the board – would love to follow.
Hi Claudia, There is a link to the original blog in the article. Try that. Thanks!