Last week I was invited to celebrate a girlfriend's big birthday. The hostess thought a gift card to the birthday girl's favorite store would be the best gift and we all pitched in toward that. That's a super small envelope so I offered to transform an old pocketbook into a bigger gift wrap presentation. So happy to have a crafty project on my to-do list, I was transported by the challenge and the art therapy.
Here's how:
- Find an old vinyl pocketbook at a tag sale or thrift shop. Look for one that has hard, smooth sides, a decent interior and a solid clip and handle. Clean it with a damp cloth.
- Paint the sides with a color you like. Acrylic paints are fine and streaky is okay. Try to avoid the metal accents, awkward spots and handles.
- Decoupage the front with whatever you choose- old wallpaper, copied photos, cut outs. Mod Podge or gel medium work well.
- Repeat for the back using a paper punch to pop out jumbo polka dots from old book pages. Punch from the margins so that contributors can sign the polka dots with their name, initial or note.
- Seal painted decoupaged areas with a last coat of Mod Podge or gel medium.
- Glue ribbon or trim across the top edges. Tie on a millinery spray and a gift tag.
This would be a cute group gift for a graduation, a bridal shower or any situation where gift cards, cash or checks are involved. Pass the purse with a Sharpie, contribute, sign your name in one of the dots and hand it off. Nice keepsake too.
Thanks for staying with me here, my friends. I told you I'd come back sooner or later with crafts. This is a fun one! xoC
Charlotte, as always, what a fabulous gift 'box' idea!! Love it. LindaSonia
Posted by: LindaSonia | June 15, 2009 at 04:07 PM
I love this idea!
Posted by: karin@creativechaos | June 15, 2009 at 04:31 PM
What a cute idea!!! Love it.
Posted by: frivolitea | June 15, 2009 at 04:32 PM
That's such a creative and fun way to present a gift card.
Posted by: beth p | June 15, 2009 at 04:38 PM
genius! thanks for sharing that idea.
Posted by: amy | June 15, 2009 at 04:39 PM
What a cute idea!! Yeah, another reason to head to the thrift store again :)
Posted by: Elisabeth Costa | June 15, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Charlotte, this is wonderful!!! Who knew you could paint these!!!
Posted by: Linda Richter | June 15, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Great idea- and I think I have everything on hand that I need to make one.
Posted by: Beth Leintz | June 15, 2009 at 07:30 PM
You never, ever, cease to inspire and warm the heart - my day is always brighter for having stopped by!
Posted by: Andrea Hamilton | June 15, 2009 at 08:35 PM
That's adorable!! Love it! And thanks for the instructions. :)
Posted by: Julie | June 15, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Charlotte, I LOVE what you did! That's such a brilliant idea!
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | June 16, 2009 at 06:39 AM
this is seriously co cute! gonna stash this idea away 'til I find the "cute purse"! Thanks for the inspiration-
Posted by: Angie | June 16, 2009 at 08:57 AM
This is so cute. I love how your creativity just spontaneously erupts!! thanks for the post and for your "turbo charge" to my creative energy. :)!
Posted by: Linda Thiltgen | June 16, 2009 at 09:27 AM
Really, really cute idea. What a wonderful gift.
Posted by: Teri | June 16, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Very clever!
Posted by: pam | June 16, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Just when I think that everything that CAN be done HAS been done, I stop over here and find that THERE IS MORE!
My widowed sister is getting remarried next month. Her shower will be a gift-card shower. I'm going to have to look into this!
Thanks for all of the truly inspiring ideas. You and your art are real blessings!
Posted by: judy | June 16, 2009 at 12:55 PM
What fun!
Posted by: Troy Louise | June 16, 2009 at 01:48 PM
simply fabulous! But I'd expect nothing less from you. :)
Posted by: deb | June 16, 2009 at 01:53 PM
Truly inspiring!
Posted by: gardenmama | June 16, 2009 at 05:30 PM
Hello Charlotte!
This is super hip project! Love it!
Lucky recipient...
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela | June 16, 2009 at 06:39 PM
Hi Charlotte,
Great to see you back hitting the craft supplies! Love the purse, what a fun and clever project - I'm all about making the presentation as fun as the gift. Your friend will love it and cherish the memory of her big birthday and all of you! :)
Posted by: Sally | June 16, 2009 at 06:52 PM
Super cute, Charlotte! I want to try this. Thanks so much.
Take care,
Maria
Posted by: Maria | June 16, 2009 at 11:22 PM
This is so cool! I love it!
Posted by: Kim | June 17, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Haven't commented much lately, end of school year a busy time especially at a high school...then I catch up on your blog and it is such a lovely way to spend a few moments. Hope your Mom is doing fine (hard time)but enjoyed the boats, the daughter's place and oh what a cute purse idea!! Pure you! Blessings!!
Posted by: Debe L | June 17, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Very clever and cute idea....thanks for sharing!
Posted by: kana conger | June 17, 2009 at 09:39 PM
This IS a fun one!
mary
Posted by: mary | June 17, 2009 at 09:53 PM
Oh I hope the creative time soothed your heart a bit. Fabulous idea BTW and so cute!
Posted by: Mary Ann/Ca | June 17, 2009 at 11:15 PM
So very cute! I love this idea... and it seem fairly easy & quick.
I'm going out to look for a bag! tee-hee
thanks for sharing! :)
hugs, Joanna
Posted by: Joanna {sweet finds} | June 18, 2009 at 10:43 AM
what a sweet idea!
Posted by: Heather | June 18, 2009 at 05:19 PM
This is a super great idea ~ thanks for the inspiration! I am going to try this one! Blessings, Katie
Posted by: Katie | June 19, 2009 at 10:42 AM
That is so cool!
Posted by: linda | June 20, 2009 at 05:14 PM
So clever -- thanks for taking the time to share!
Posted by: pamelajane | June 24, 2009 at 11:05 PM
charlotte,
i love this idea, thank you!
i liked meeting you at Fiberfest, Im sorry I didnt get a chance to talk to you more!
Posted by: stacey mattraw | June 27, 2009 at 02:26 AM
Great bag and a really nice project.
Posted by: Lisa @celebrate CREATIVITY | June 28, 2009 at 01:45 PM