Mother’s Day Gift Purse

This paper crafted purse is life-size (8″ x 8″ x 3 1/2″), has a generous
compartment (perfect for something small and light: jewelry, scarf etc…)
and most importantly, 4 pockets to fill with gift cards, tags and notes.

So, when you just don’t know what to get for your Mother, you can fill the
pockets with gift cards from all her favorite shops, restaurants, spa and
stores.

This gift Purse is so versatile and customizable.

Peruse your scrapbooking paper collection or your local Scrapbooking store
for the perfect pattern to reflect your Mom’s taste.

On a budget? Place fewer gift cards (maybe just 2 in back and front for a
total of 4) and then just put $10 on each. Or share your Gift Purse with
your siblings and you all fill a pocket with your own gift card.

You can even forgo the gift card idea and use the purse as a gift bag and
use the pockets for sweet notes of love & appreciation.

Either way, she will love this hand-crafted treasure, which also doubles as
home decor!

Best part? Quick & Easy!

I’ve designed this purse so you can create this with limited and basic
supplies.
I can whip one of these up in 45 minutes!

· Computer & Printer (download templates and print them)
· Scissors and trimmer (to cut out and score paper pieces)
· Good, strong adhesive (including velcro)
· Sewing machine (for pockets…but you could use adhesive)

4 easy steps!

1. Cut out paper pieces
2. Sew on pockets
3. Adhere & assemble
4. Details & Embellishments (the fun part!)

Cut out Paper Pieces

Visit my blog (www.sueneal.blogspot.com) to download templates). Print
on plain white 8 1/2″ x 11″ cardstock. Cut out. Save these for future
purses, because once you make one, you’ll want to make more!

· Side Panel (cut 2)
· Front Panel (cut 2)
· Pockets (these are openings so you can find the perfect design/pattern
for the pockets)

Trace templates on paper.

With this particular paper (for side panels), it was covered in glitter and I
wasn’t sure it would adhere very well, so I layered it on some plain
cardstock. If you’re using non-glitter paper, just cut the whole thing with
template.

Also cut two 1″ x 12″ strips of cardstock for the handle. Adhere together,
one on top of the other for a strong handle.

Sew on pockets

If you don’t have a sewing machine, you could use a super strong, thin
(1/8″) adhesive like Wacky Tacky.

Adhere matching pieces together.

Adhere & Assemble

Cut 1″ slit on either end of Side panel piece. (this is for the handle).

Adhere Velcro Tabs. I LOVE these self-adhesive oval Hook &
Loop Tabs by
Tombow, however, if this is hard to find, you find the same thing (different
packaging) in the sewing department at Walmart.

You’ll want the Velcro tabs on each end, but one should be on the back and
one on the front.

Adhere Side & Front Panels together, where both pieces intersect.

Attach handle.

Place a 1/2″ of adhesive right below the slit on the inside of the purse.
Insert handle and adhere over this adhesive.

Secure the handle with brads. You can be creative with this. The easiest
way is just 2 brads through side panel & handle.

In this image you can see I used 4 brads.

Here you can see what the purse looks like when you put it together.

Once you’ve attached the handle, close the side panels with Velcro strip
and then the front panels with Velcro strip.

All that is left is the fun details!

I love a big flower to really make it pop. I found these at hobby Lobby.
You’ll want to look for something that lies fairly flat.

I took off the stem and the back plastic part so it laid flat. All that was left
was a stem stub.

I simply punch a 1/8″ hole on the top right-hand corner of the front panel
and pushed the stem through. I held in place without adhesive.

You could create your own paper flowers, but these silk flowers make the
whole project really quick.

I’m a big fan of My Mind’s Eye Paper collection (www.mymindseye.com).
Especially since each collection will also include matching buttons, ribbon,
tags and beautiful illustrations which are perfect for the little details.

Lastly, because gift cards will likely clash with your colors on your purse, I
lined the back of them with a matching cardstock. Optionally, you could
print out what the gift cards are for and adhere them to the top of the gift
cards.

Once I made the first one, I wanted to make more.
You can see for the Black/Red Damask, I didn’t include any gift cards, just a
note card tucked into the pocket. This one has my niece Leia written all
over it, so I’ll put it aside for her birthday in August.
Enjoy!