Category: Eileen Hull

How to Make a Tussy Mussy Gift Topper

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How to make a Tussy Mussy Gift Topper.

What’s a tussy mussy you ask?

A tussy mussy is a Victorian-style bouquet of a small group of flowers.

And flowers always make for a great gift topper.

A little back story…Way back in the day tussy mussy’s were a thing.  Ladies would carry tussy mussy’s or stick them onto their lapel to mask body odor.  (I’m sure glad we don’t have to do that anymore.)

For my Tussy Mussy I used:              (*affiliate link)

 

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Directions:

Add it as a package topper and give it as a gift.

 

Winter Fun Folio Album

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The Winter Fun Folio Album made using Eileen Hull’s New Folio Journal Die from Sizzix*

and the Carta Bella Paper Company Winter Market Collection*.

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m participating with Eileen Hull and Teams for a Chapter 1 Release Party Blog Hop using

the New Folio Journal Die*.  Just wait till you see all of the fun options the New Folio Journal Die* has in store for you!

Here is my Album using the New Folio Journal Die*. 

It is a fun Winter Themed album with four smaller albums tucked inside.

It’s the perfect album for adding little nooks and crannies.  This album was fun to make.

I even added an Antique Bronze Hasp Latch Hook* to keep everything securely in place.

For fun, I will be giving my album away to one lucky commenter.

(Information on the Hop and chances to win prizes at the bottom of the post.)

Materials Used:   (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Album Details:

  • The album pieces are die-cut using Sizzix White Matboard Sheets*, which is the perfect size for cutting long pieces.  (You will need to cut the album pieces twice.)
  • Before I assembled my album, I painted both sides of the album pieces with DecoArt Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint in Night Sky.
  • The two smaller rectangle die-cut pieces shown in the bottom right corner of the picture comes with the die. They are used for creating pockets with the outer flaps.  I painted them dark blue as well.

Album Making Tip:  I like to use my Xyron Creative Station* to add adhesive to my paper before sticking it onto the matboard.  It adds a complete adhesive layer with puckering or wrinkles.

Here’s a picture of the album when it’s open.

  • On one end, I left the flap in tack, I use it to corral the mini-albums in the center of the spine.
  • On the other end, I cut the flap down and created a pocket to hold a small removable album.
  • I used Rapid Fuse Adhesive* with the matboard to adhere to the pocket pieces. It not only dries extremely fast, but it holds well too.

(I apologize, there are too many details to write a full tutorial on the album.)

  • I used Blue and White Twine to attach the three small albums to the spine.

  • Each little album has several blank pages to add pictures and journaling.

Here is a close up picture of the back pocket. 

The Mini-Album easily slips in and out of the pocket.

There is plenty of room in the pocket for adding pictures or a second small album.

Would you like to Win my Winter Fun Folio Album?

There are several ways to enter.  

  • Leave a comment on this post telling me you’d like to win.
  • Follow, Like and Comment on my Facebook Page
  • Follow, Like and Comment on my Instagram Page.
  • US Addresses Only.

Winner will be chosen:  Wednesday, February 9, 2021

Welcome to the Chapter 1 Eileen Hull/Sizzix Release Party Blog Hop!

Please hop through the blogs and be inspired by the work of the talented Inspiration and Educator teams.  Leave a comment for each designer (list below) and, you could win a Folio Journal die (as soon as it arrives!)

Join Eileen and special guests for a Facebook Live on Wednesday, February 3rd at noon Eastern.  Comment on the Facebook Live and be eligible to win either the Mandala Die or the Folio Pages, Pockets and Flowers Die.  (two winners!)

Winners will be announced on Eileen’s Facebook Live show on February 9th at 6:00 EST.

We appreciate your love and support, friends!

Floral Pocket Folio Card

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The Floral Pocket Folio Card. 

A sweet and simple card made using two of Eileen Hull’s NEW RELEASE dies from Sizzix,

the Folio Page, Pocket and Flowers Die Set, and the Mandala Die Set.

The Floral Folio Card is like two cards in one.

I just love pockets for adding little extras.

The front of the card is a great place to add a sweet note or gift card.

Sizzix Products Used:   (*affliate link)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Additional Materials Used:       (*affiliate links)

Cardmaking Tips:

  • The flower pieces and mandala were all cut out of white cardstock.
  • Using the ink applicator and distress inks to gently apply ink onto the flower pieces.
  • To add a little extra detail, add gold around the edge of the larger flower pieces using the gold calligraphy pen.
  • Place thin 3D adhesive foam between the larger two flowers to add dimension.
  • Measure and cut the mandala to fit inside the folio pocket. Cut excess mandala away and glue to the inside edge of the folio pocket.

Decking the Halls with Comfort and Joy Christmas Album

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Comfort & Joy Christmas Album

Christmas is going to feel a lot different this year.

Instead of large family gatherings, we’ll be keeping it simple.

Sharing a little Holiday Encoragement

This year, the Eileen Hull teams got together and decided to celebrate the Holidays by creating

Comfort and Joy Albums and asked the Eileen Hull Facebook Fan Club to join along.

For my album, I choose the theme Decking the Halls.

You can find the Eileen Hull Facebook Fan Club Page here.

My Comfort and Joy Album uses the Eileen Hull Journal Die* and papers and embellishments

from Simple Stories Simple Vintage North Pole Collection*.

Instead of giving you a tutorial on how I made the album, I’ve decided to explain the inspiration

behind the album and share with you how I decorate my home for Christmas.

Materials Used:                  (*affiliate link)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Because my family won’t be together this Christmas, I’ve asked my daughter and daughter in law to send me Christmas pictures for my album.  I will have a family album filled with Christmas Memories.

I also come from a large extended family, which usually gets together for a big Christmas party.  I’ll be honest, the thought of missing all these celebrations makes me a little sad.

While making my album, I got the inspiration to take this weekend and drop off small gifts to my siblings.  I’ll be able to take a few porch pictures of the families and get my much-needed family fix.

Decking the Halls

When it comes to decorating the outside, I like to keep it simple.  We wrap twinkle lights around the large bush by our lamp post and hang icicle lights on the upper balcony.

Sprucing Up with Holiday Greens

I cut pine branches from the large pine tree in the yard and spruce up my pots with Holiday greens.

The Front Door

The front door has a simple wreath and a decorated sled.

The Christmas Tree

A few years ago, I got this frosted tree and absolutely love it.  I keep it simple with a red and white theme.  (I only use a fraction of the ornaments I’ve collected throughout the years)

Bookish Gnomes

While working on the decorations, I moved these gnomes on top of the books because my little pup thought they were dog toys.  I liked the way they looked, so I kept them there.

The Mantle

In my Dining Room, I have a large fireplace, which I decorated the mantle with a few of my Santa’s from my Santa Collection.

My Santa Collection

I’ve got Vintage Santas, Skiing Santas, Golfing Santas, and Toymaking Santas.  I scatter them randomly around the house.

Keeping it Simple

I would love to one day have a fully styled house for the Holidays.  Instead, I keep it simple.

I create small vignettes around the house to make it feel festive and homey.

Dexter

Even my sweet little pup, fresh from the groomers, matches my decorations.

Dexter and I would like to wish you all a Happy Holidays filled with Comfort and Joy.

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A Merry Little Christmas Tiny Book and Book Case

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A Merry Little Christmas Tiny Book and Book Case

A perfect little album for adding small Holiday photos and writing special memories on the

pages.  The set would make a nice little gift or to use as an ornament to hang from your tree.

Materials Used to make the Merry Little Tiny Book and Book Case:    (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Directions:

    • Place a piece of white mat board over the Tiny Book Die and place between the two cutting plates on the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine*.  Crank the handle to run the die through the rollers of the machine to cut out the tiny book.
    • With the book base flat, adhere the scrapbook layers onto the front and back of the book.
    • Cut the words “merry” and “Christmas time” out of gold adhesive craft vinyl and the Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*.  You could also use small Christmas Word Stickers.
    • Cut a Small Scallop Square out of white cardstock and the Nested Scalloped Frame Die.
    •  Apply the vinyl word “merry” using a small piece of transfer paper onto the top left corner of the scallop frame.
    • Apply the words “Christmas time” on the spine of the tiny book.
    • Adhere adhesive craft foam under the small scalloped square.  This creates a small shadow box frame for the front of the tiny book.
    • Cut a small 1 1/4″ piece of coordinating scrapbook paper and place under the craft foam on the small frame and adhere to the front of the tiny book.
    • Glue the holly embellishment inside the frame.
    • Gently fold book along score lines.
    • Wrap twine several times around the front cover.
    • Cut two pieces of cardstock 2 3/4″ x 11″.  Score both pieces of cardstock every 2 1/8″ to create a long accordion piece.  You will end up with a small tab at the end of both strips.  Use the first tab to connect the strips.  Cut the second tab off.  Refold to make a long accordion strip.
    • Adhere both ends of the cardstock into the front and back cover.

Tiny Book Case Directions:

  • Cut two pieces of coordinating scrapbook paper 6″ x 8 1/2″.
  • Place the scrapbook paper design side up through the Xyron Creative Station*.  Crank the handle to run the paper through the machine.  The machine adds a complete layer of adhesive onto the entire piece of scrapbook paper.  Repeat with the second piece of scrapbook paper.
  • Cut a piece of mat board 6″ x 8 1/2″.  Adhere a piece of the scrapbook paper onto both sides of the matboard.
  • Place the covered mat board, outside pattern down, onto the Tiny Book Case Die sandwiched between two cutting plates onto the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine*.  Crank the handle to run the die through the machine.
  • Gently fold the Tiny Book Case along score lines.  Glue both sides of the bottom section of the case closed using Rapid Fuse Glue*.
  • Paint the Miniature Drawer Handle* with white acrylic paint, after the paint has dried, glue it onto the top of the book case.
  • Die-cut a small white handle (from the book case die).
  • Wrap elastic around the slots of the handle and glue onto the underneath side of the elastic.
  • Glue the wood snowflake embellishment onto the front of the handle and add an adhesive pearl to the center.

The Merry Little Christmas Time Book and Book case is one of the projects made in

Sue’s 2020 Virtual Holiday Workshop.  (There are still a few kits available.)

The cost of the kits are $25 plus shipping.  For more information or to order a kit click here.

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Christmas Letter Box and Cup of Christmas Tea

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I really love these New Winter Release Dies from Eileen Hull and Sizzix.

The new dies cut the cute little Post Box*, which is perfect for letters to Santa or even a gift card

and the Teacup Box* that you can fill with teabags and other holiday goodies.

You will have fun embellishing and creating holiday treats for everyone on your list!

Letters for Santa…

I created the Christmas Teacup first and thought that it would be my favorite project.

Then I created the Christmas Letter Box*, and IT IS MY FAVORITE.

I think it would make a cute ornament to hang on the tree.

Little kids can write a note and stick it inside for Santa to read.

The Post Box Die* cuts the box in one piece.  Just fold on the score lines and glue.

I like to use Rapid Fuse Adhesive*  to hold my sides together.  (Thirty seconds and it’s ready.)

A Cup of Christmas Tea.

This project was inspired by the book A Cup of Christmas Tea*.


           A Cup of Christmas Tea*

Many, many years ago, I owned a Gift Store.  One of the many items we sold was Teapots and Teacups.  One Christmas, I happened across the story of A Cup of Christmas Tea*.  It’s the story of a young man’s reluctant visit to an elderly aunt at Christmastime, and the unexpected joy it brings.  I loved the story so much I decided to sell it in the store.  Many times, customers would stop and read the book while browsing.  I had more than one customer with tears in their eyes purchase the book.  It’s a sweet book, and it reminds me now more than ever the importance of taking the time with those we love.

A few details on the Christmas Teacup.

  • Before cutting out the die, I used my Xyron Creative Station*to put adhesive on the back of the Snowflake scrapbook paper.  Just place the paper on the Creative Station design side up and crank the handle to run it through the machine. It adds an even layer of adhesive on the entire piece of paper.
  • I adhered the paper to a piece of white mat board*and ran the covered mat board and die through the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine* to cut.
  • I edged the teacup with a DecoColor Premium Silver Calligraphy Pen*.  I used the pen to paint the mat board spoon also.

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Materials Used on the Christmas Letter Box and Christmas Teacup:

      

Authentique Paper “A Magical Christmas Collection” available at Scrapbook.com

For more great projects from the New Winter Release make sure to check out the Blog Hop on Eileen Hull’s Blog.  

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Palm Springs Junk Journal

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How to make a small pocket-sized journal.

Whenever I travel to a new location, I like to keep memorabilia like brochures, maps, and ticket

stubs.  As a scrapbooker, I never know when I’ll want to reference the information for journaling

or even add it to a layout.

The Palm Springs Junk Journal uses a combination of memorabilia and a little bit of recycling.

To Make the Junk Journal I used:                  (*affiliate link)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Directions:

  • For the front and inside cover of the journal, cut two 6″ x 8-1/2″ pieces from the brochure.
  • Lay the paper (design side up) on the  Xyron Creative Station* crank the handle to run the paper through the machine.  As it moves through the Xyron Creative Station, it adds adhesive to the backside of the paper.  Easy to use and it doesn’t need any electricity.
  • Cut a piece of a thin recycled box the same size.
  • Adhere the decorative paper on each side of the cut box.

I  like using the Xyron Creative Station…
when making mini books because you get complete coverage, no wrinkling, no bubbles!

  • I thought I was “so smart” because I cut the map so, the words “Palm Springs Aerial Tramway” would be at the top of the journal.  Being a little too confident, I didn’t measure my placement and “oops” I cut it too short.
  • To “fix” my mistake, I cut out a small picture of the tram with the words and adhered it to the front of my journal.

The inside if the journal.

  • I used an ink applicator and Vintage Photo Distress Ink to age the edges of my Junk Journal.

  • Add a strip of washi tape around the spine of the album for added interest.
  • Cut 5 cardstock pages using the notebook die.
  • Crease the cardstock on the center score lines.

  • Wrap the twine around the inside creases and around the outside of the book cover to secure the pages.
  • I did one page at a time tying the twine in a knot on the outside after each page.

After I had all my pages together, I tied all the pieces of twine together in one knot on the spine and added a small metal tag charm that says the word journey.

Album ready to be filled.

In January, after the Creativation Trade Show in Phoenix,

my husband and I took a few days to relax and explore in sunny Palms Springs.

On a whim, we decided to take the Aerial Tramway up the side of the mountain.

It was a lovely warm sunny day.

Of course, we didn’t think about the temperature change at the top of the mountain.

I had on jeans and a light sweater, and my husband had shorts and a light jacket.

(We had just been in the sunny desert a few minutes earlier.)

Upon arriving, I immediately went into the gift shop and bought an oversized hoodie,

while he braved the elements.

The 15-minute ride up the mountain to 8500 feet was stunning,

and the views left us breathless. (literally)

After a nice lunch, and a brisk walk around in the snow, we headed back down to the desert.

Where we warmed our feet at the hotel, around a firepit.

Christmas in July with Eileen Hull’s Dies

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Christmas in July with Eileen Hulls New Release Snowman and Mitten Dies.

I wanted to share with you a couple of fun Wintery projects using the NEW dies that are

now available from Eileen Hull and Sizzix*.

The Gingham Mitten Gift Box uses the #664510 Mitten Box Die by Eileen Hull. 

It cuts out all the pieces you need to make a super cute gift box that you can fill with treats.

A few tips…

  • Adhere the gingham paper to Sizzix, Little Sizzles White Mat Board* using your favorite adhesive before cutting out the mitten die.  I like to use the Xyron Creative Station* to adhere the paper to the mat board so I get complete adhesive covering.
  • Paint the inside and sides of the box with red acrylic paint.
  • Glue lace onto the front of the gingham mitten before assembling the box.  I like to use a super-fast grab adhesive like DAP Rapid Fuse Adhesive*to glue my pieces together.

The second project is a Snowman Note Card Holder.

I used the #664511 Snowman Box Die by Eileen Hull and adapted it a bit. 

  • When I saw the scored piece that is supposed to be used to create the box, I saw a fence.  So, of course, I had to make a Snowman decorating a fence.
  • I glued two of the box parts together to make the fence.  I created a platform out of extra pieces of Little Sizzles Mat Board* for a place for the fence to stand.

The Snowman Box Die cuts all the pieces to makes these two adorable Snowman Boxes. 

Extra Snowman Supplies                 (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

There’s a lot of dimension that was added to my Snowman.

  • I painted the fence and snowman with white acrylic paint.  After the paint had dried, I gave them both a coat of One Step Crackle Paint*.  The thicker the paint the larger the crackles.  (My crackles are more subtle.)
  • I used White Liquid Applique* on the rim and top of the snowman’s hat.  I let the liquid applique dry before heating it with a Heat Tool* to raise it.  If you let it dry before heating, the liquid applique raises evenly not bumpy.
  • I used DecoArt Dimensional Effects*on the tops of the fence and around the base.  I also used it on the bottom of my Snowman.

Check out the creative ways the Inspiration and Education Teams have used the Mitten and Snowman dies! We hope that you will be inspired too and share how you use the dies in the Eileen Hull Fan Club.

For a full list of designers visit Eileen’s Blog Here.

But wait- there’s more- the Release Party continues!  You won’t want to miss the Facebook Live at Eileen Hull Designs at 12:00 noon Eastern time on Wednesday, July 1! Join the chat- and a random commenter will win the Snowman die.

Please hop with us through all of the projects and leave comments on the different designers’ blogs. A lucky commenter will win the Mitten Box die…

Thanks everyone!

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Spring Farmhouse Tiny Book

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If you love making mini albums you’re going to love Eileen Hull’s NEW Tiny Book Die from

Sizzix*.  I do believe this is the smallest mini album I’ve made so far.  (measures 2 ¼” x 3″)

The tiny book was made using Eileen’s NEW Tiny Book Die* and the Spring Farmhouse paper

collection from Simple Stories.

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Directions:

  • Cut apart and use the small squares from the Spring Farmhouse 12″ x 12″ Element Sheet to decorate the inside and outside of the tiny book.

There is also another NEW die that Eileen created that works perfectly with the tiny book die.

It’s called the Tiny Book Case Die*.    (see link below↓)

It’s adorable.  The perfect size for storing your tiny book.

Add a gift card for the perfect gift combo.

Sizzix 664423 Tiny Book Die*

The Tiny Book fits perfectly in Eileen’s NEW Tiny Book Case!

Sizzix 664424 Tiny Book Case Die*

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Sweet as Honey Pocket Notebook

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How to Create a Pocket Notebook Album…

If you love yellow and black your going to love the bee inspired paper pack from DCWV.

Once I looked through the paper pack and  saw the gold embossed patterned papers I knew

it needed to be made into a mini album.

I used the Eileen Hull Notebook die along with the 12″ x 12″ paper pad to create my album.

You can find the DCWV Honey Dear Premium Paper Stack exclusively at JoAnn Fabrics.

To Create the Sweet as Honey Pocket Notebook I Used:                (*affiliate link)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Directions:

  • Cut two 6″ x 8-1/2″pieces of decorative scrapbook paper for the front and inside of the cover.
  • Lay decorative scrapbook paper (design side up) on the  Xyron Creative Station* crank the handle to run the paper through the machine.  As it moves through the Xyron Creative Station it adds adhesive to the back side of the paper.
  • Easy to use and it doesn’t need any electricity.
  • I like using the Xyron Creative Station* when making mini books because you get complete coverage, no wrinkling, no bubbles!

  • Cut a piece of mat board 6″ x 8-1/2″.
  • Adhere the decorative paper on each side of the mat board.
  • Lay the covered mat board over the notebook die* sandwiched between two cutting plates.
  • Crank the handle of the Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine*and run the die through the machine.  The Big Shot will cut and score the mat board.

  • The notebook die creases the center of mat board as it goes through the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine* making it easy to fold the cover for your mini album.

  • Cut a 2 1/4″ x 5″ strip of decorative paper to use for the spine and run it through the Xyron Creative Station*.  Adhere to spine.
  • Included in the Honey Dear Premium Stack is a two pages with twelve 3″ x 4″ journaling cards.  Choose one of the journaling cards from the page to embellish the front cover of the notebook.

  • Choose 5 coordinating patterns from the Honey Dear Premium Paper Stack.  Cut the pages using the notebook die.
  • Crease on the center score lines.
  • Using gold and white twine, wrap the twine around the inside creases and around the outside of the book cover to secure the pages.

  • After I had all my pages together, I tied all the piece of twine together in one knot on the spine and tucked in the ends.

A cute little pocket notebook for taking notes or adding pictures.

After making the pocket notebook… 

I decided to make a gift card holder with tag using the Gift Card Folder & Label Die*.

To make the Gift Card Holder:

  • Cut a piece of 6″ x 9″ paper from the Honey Décor Premium Paper Stack.
  • Lay the paper over the Gift Card Folder Die* sandwiched between two cutting plates.
  • Crank the handle of the Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine*and run the die through the machine.  The die cuts and scores the gift card folder.
  •  Fold along the score lines on the three sides to create a little pocket.
  • Adhere bottom three flaps together using a xyron tape runner*.
  • Cut a 1″ strip of coordinating paper to create a band.  Adhere the band to the holder using the xyron tape runner*.
  • The Gift Card Folder Die* also comes with card insert and tab to use for holding gift cards.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Xyron Makers Program I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.