Fun flip-flap folio with no dies, no complicated cutting or measuring, using materials you probably have right now.
You will need two empty boxes from facial tissue with a center top opening. Kleenex has the right style, Puffs has a side opening that won’t work for this project. Additional supplies: two sheets of copy paper for hinges, scissors, glue, and whatever you desire in the way of decoration.
Open the empty tissue boxes at the short end. Cut off the four flaps on each end, saving the two larger flaps from each end, on each box. You will be saving eight larger flaps, each with some design on them. The eight smaller flaps with only printing registration marks can go into the recycling bin. Remove the clear film from the center and discard.
On the first box (lemon print in the photo) cut the smallest part of the tissue opening off. You will be able to open the box completely flat.
On the second box (blue print in the photo) cut at each fold line so that you have four sections – top, bottom, and two sides. Trim the long edge of each piece by about 1/4”.
Attach the sides of the second (blue) box to the flap from the first (lemon) box.
Hinge the top (blue box) to the bottom (blue) to the center of the folio (lemon box). You will need two hinges that are 8.5” long and about 2” wide. Fold each hinge in half. Attach one half of one hinge to the top and one half to the bottom so that they open like a book. On the opposite side of the bottom, the side with no hinge so far, attach a folded hinge to the underside. The other half of this hinge attaches to our folio.
Use hinges to attach the saved flaps (lemon and blue) in a waterfall pattern in the center of the folio (lemon). Do the waterfall last so it covers the hinge attaching the bottom/top “book” to the folio. The hinges for the waterfall flaps should be cut from copy paper and be about 4 1/4” long and about 1 1/2” wide. They can be narrower (less than 1 1/2” wide” but not wider or you will run out of space for the waterfall.
If you would rather not do templates, these are the measurements.
Library card pocket – 4” x 6” rectangle, mark 2” from bottom, from mark up to top cut off 1/4”. Card for pocket is 3 3/4” x 3 1/4”.
File folder – 4 3/4” x 6 1/4” rectangle, on one long edge mark 1/4” x 3 to cut out and discard. Score at 3” from side without tab.
Envelope – 5 1/4” x 6” rectangle. On each long edge, mark 1/4” from bottom and 1” from top. Remove corners.
Tag – 3” x 4” rectangle, mark 1/2” from two top corners and remove. Add 1/4” hole punch in center.
ATC card – 2 1/2” x 3 1/2” rectangle
Tab – 1 3/4” x 1 1/2” rectangle, use small (about 5/8”) hole punch at center line on each short edge, fold in center.
Polaroid frame – 3 1/2” x 4 1/2” rectangle with 1/4” edges on three sides and 1 1/2” edge on one side.
Paper bag – 4 1/4” x 5 1/2” rectangle, mark 1/2” on each long edge. Of that, remove 2 1/4” at top left, 3 1/4” at bottom right, and 1/2” at bottom left.
I’m using a Zutter Round-it-all heavy duty corner rounder which no longer seems to be available, but the We R Memory Keepers corner chomper is highly regarded
and really any corner rounder is going to be fine. These were huge in the scrapbooking days of the ‘90s so check garage sales and thrift stores. Here’s another new option that’s pretty low cost
Prices are current as of the day I typed this out (obvs.) and do not include coupons, taxes, or shipping. Amazon links (if any) are affiliate, others are not. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Or I would, theoretically, if anyone ever followed a link and bought something, which I do not encourage. Use your craft supplies!
I’m celebrating my YouTube anniversary with a kit giveaway. Each kit is unique, although similar, with a variety of fun book pages, maps, vintage sewing pattern elements, die cuts, ribbon, and other embellishments. A good way to introduce some random extras into your junk journal for experienced crafters, or a good entry point for a new junk journal maker. There is a video overview of the contents here: https://youtu.be/mC0sXvsGn8Y
Please email me at crystal@papercraftcrystal.com to enter. I will select winners from email received by May 4, 2024, and then contact you by email for your physical mailing address. Open to shipping addresses in the USA and Canada.
Tips for beginners and experienced crafters looking for a crafty bargain
Non-shopping
Tell people you know that you’re getting started in card making or scrapbooking and looking for supplies. Tell the people at work, in your Sunday school class or synagogue or mandir, tell your book club or your PTA.
If you yourself are under 50, tell your mother to tell the people she knows, too. My own mother is an octogenarian so her social circle is no longer large, but women in their 50s and 60s know people, and those people craft.
Crafters love to give their less-loved supplies to other crafters (or school teachers or Scout leaders, people who will use them.)
Now, if you are an experienced crafter and you have a crafty circle of friends, how about a craft supply swap? Or make and swap embellishments? That’s a lot less calories than a cookie swap.
There is a lot of cross-over between the various paper crafts of card making, scrapbooking, party decorations, origami, and even painting so don’t stint on who you tell.
If you really want to embrace non-shopping, consider junk journaling. This is a craft that involves making your own book and pages out of found materials, like empty cereal boxes and junk mail. Since it requires no special supplies, it’s perfect for the beginner or the bargain-seeker. Every craft gives you the opportunity to spend money, of course, and this one will too in the form of purchased printables and vintage-style supplies, but you can be successful here with household supplies and no shopping.
Now, on to bargain shopping
Be selective
Have a plan and be selective in your shopping. No matter how cheap the price, if it’s not what you really want, not something you end up using, or not your style then it’s not the right purchase.
We’re going to discuss several strategies
category switching
dollar stores
secondhand
unusual sources
online general retailers
craft retailer clearance and sales
Category-switching
If you have ever bought anything for a wedding you know that sometimes the label is more closely related to price than the item. Not knocking the retailers, just want you to be aware of the pattern. The bigger the shopping audience the smaller the price. Look at the kitchen, office supply, makeup, and party supply areas.
Kitchen
baking mats are silicone, great for messy craft projects and a lot less expensive than craft mats
dough scrapers, cooking spatulas, basting brushes, and fondant molds all have craft applications
organizational containers like spice racks, lazy susans, risers, fridge bins
Office
scissors
rulers
post-it notes for masking
cardstock
permanent markers
organizational containers like paper sorters, magazine holders
Just a note here, if I were starting in scrapbooking today I would embrace the 8 1/2 x 11 size and use office page protectors.
Makeup
brushes and sponges for blending
face mask applicators
Party
Wrapping paper
Tissue paper
Wrapping paper is patterned paper. Look for heavy weight metallic and glitter wrapping paper especially.
Kids’ Crafts
This is a great area for basics, or to try out something new
Watercolor paint
Washable markers
Crayons – wax or gel
Glitter glue
Modeling paste
Air dry clay
Jewelry kits
Color pencils
Using watercolor as an example, I have an expensive Kuretake paint set and a set by Artist’s Loft. One costs $50 and the other $5. Is the $50 set nicer? Sure it is. Is it TEN TIMES nicer, and do I have the skill and interest to make it worth the price difference? Probably not.
Dollar stores
Even though not everything is a good deal even for a dollar, your local dollar store can still be a good source for some craft supplies. I would suggest checking for these items:
Basic tools, like small scrapers, craft picks, inexpensive paint brushes, craft knife, foam tape
Wrapping paper and tissue paper
Glue pens – larger containers are not a great price here, but glue pens (at 1 oz or less) are a deal
Different dollar store chains have different offerings.
Dollar Tree offers a craft section with patterned paper, washi tape, stamps, dies, and stencils. Their prices on air dry clay and jewelry findings are great.
Dollar General carries brush tip markers, patterned paper, acrylic paint markers, letter stickers.
Five Below has a good assortment of basics, but the unusual offerings are iridescent and pearlescent watercolor paint sets, multiple types of gouache, glow in the dark paint.
Daiso (only located on the west coast, Las Vegas, Phoenix, New York, and Texas right now) offers an array of stickers, washi tape, paper flowers, tiny envelopes, and origami paper.
Since I’m trying not to buy craft supplies, i generally avoid haul videos. I generally don’t watch them, and I never record them when I fall off the wagon and go shopping. However, these can give a good idea of what is offered by various retailers. Most people in the US have access to a Dollar Tree, but if you are considering whether it’s worth spending drive time to something further away then those haul videos can be helpful.
Secondhand
Thrift stores and garage sales can be hit or miss on craft supplies, but search for “creative reuse” and “art supply thrift store” to find more focused thrift stores. I will link in the description box to some lists of this type of store by location and a couple that are online.
I would be hesitant to buy used electronic anything, but if you are in the market for a mechanical die cut machine (e.g. Sizzix Big Shot) then keep your eyes peeled at the thrift store or garage sales. If the handle turns, it works.
Unusual sources
Grocery stores. Hey, you’re there anyway. Check the seasonal merchandise immediately before and after any holiday to pick up wrapping paper, garlands, paper napkins, gift bags and other clearance merchandise. Wrapping paper is pattern paper! Garlands and banners are embellishments! I love metallic and glitter wrapping paper for crafting. Grocery stores don’t have room to keep this stuff, so they discount hard and fast.
Hardware stores. Many a craft trend has started in the hardware store, including foam tape and drywall mesh. These are also a good source magnetic cups, used in auto repair, for storing small dies as you work. The Harbor Freight version is significantly less than the Spellbinders version.
Online retail
Overseas: This category is Temu, AliExpress, Wish, et al. These platforms operate much like third-party sales on Amazon, with the company providing a platform for many, many individual sellers. There can be issues with product quality, delivery, and customer service and there have been complaints of mishandling of user data and malware. There is a lot of intellectual property infringement and design theft. However, the price cannot be beat for basics like nesting shape dies or flower stickers.
If you would rather do business with someone in the US, check out Gina Marie Designs for rock bottom prices on dies https://wholesalecraftingsupplies.com
Amazon: This comes with its own issues, but anything by Sizzix or Stampers Anonymous that has been out for even a short while is generally less through those storefronts on Amazon than through their own website. You do need to calculate what a new email signup coupon might be worth and watch for sales at the retail websites, but Amazon gets the lowest price all the time. I notice these brands in particular because I’m such a Tim Holtz fan, but if you favor a particular wholesale line check it out on Amazon.
Craft stores
I’m going to give some counter-intuitive advice here, and that’s not to go straight to the clearance section. I may be projecting my own problems, so you do you, but I end up buying junk because it is cheap. Don’t be me. Be thoughtful and selective and buy WHAT YOU WANT. Be selective and have a plan.
When you have a plan, watch for coupons and sales, and don’t skip the email signup for the new customer discount.
Compare prices. You do it for gas and soft drinks, do it for craft supplies. Any brand that is sold by multiple retailers has multiple prices. I’ll go back to the Tim Holtz example. Simon Says Stamp carries everything he ever designed, so I’m going to watch their sales, but I’m also going to check Scrapbook .com, A Cherry On Top, and Amazon.
Craft stores also sell re-packaged, re-branded art supplies. Card-making did not invent markers, paint, or crayons so why not go to the source? The “store brand” behemoths for art supplies are Arteza and Dick Blick, and they make great products at great prices.
A fun scrap-paper embellishment that’s quick and old-school cool.
You’ll need some scrap paper in yellow, red-orange, silver, and tan. I used a paper crimper, decorative-edge scissors, and a corner rounder. You could substitute a score board for the paper crimper, and regular scissors for the decorative-edge scissors and corner rounder.
Cut the scrap paper into strips of the same width. Mine were 1/2” wide. Trim one end of the yellow strip with decorative-edge scissors, then attach a tan scrap at that end and a red-orange scrap at the other. Run the silver scrap through the paper crimper, then trim to a small piece and use it to cover the join between yellow and red-orange. Trim the tan end into a point, and color the point black. Ink the edge with darker yellow ink to suggest a round shape.
Stash-busting cards with square punches (or nesting dies or a paper trimmer!)
Straight Up and Square
2 punches of 1 3/4” in 2 colors, with a central 2” shape
on two layered contrasting panels
sample is navy and teal with two squares of geometric pattern
3 punches of 1 1/4” in 3 colors
3 punches of 1” in the same 3 colors
9 central images 1/2”
sample is aqua with gold hearts
3 punches of 1” in 3 colors
3 punches of 1/2” in the same 3 colors
overall base 3 1/2” x 3 1/2”
sample is orange
3 punches of 2” in 3 colors
2 punches of 1 1/2” in 1 color
6 punches of 1” in 5 colors
7 punches of 1/2” in 4 colors
lay out to fill card front, largest squares will overhang
layer up until all the squares are used
sample is many shades of blue on lime green
On the Diagonal
3 punches of 1 1/4” in 5 colors (light)
3 punches of 1” square in 5 colors (medium)
3 punches of 1/2” square in 5 colors (dark)
Ombre stacks
4 punches of 1 1/4” in 3 colors
trim and re-use overhang
sample is forest and medium green and green leaf print
16 punches of 1” in similar prints or tones
no need to trim and re-use overhang
on two layered contrasting panels
sample is black prints on kraft
4 punches of 1” in 4 colors
Ombre rows
sample is aqua
16 punches of 1” in 4 colors
sample is two shades of olive green and green damask print
3 punches of 1 1/4” square in 2 colors
2 panels of 2” x 5 1/4” in the same 2 colors
sample is purple
To trim the squares in half, it may be helpful to use low-tack tape (such as washi) to tape square to trimmer, or tape squares to a larger piece of cardstock or paper.
Round the Corner
In color A, one 1 3/4” punch, three 1 1/4” punches
in color B, one 1 1/4” punches, one 3/4” punch
in color C, one 1 3/4” punch, three 3/4” punches
corner round opposite corners on each, layer as shown
sample is yellow and lavender
7 punches of 1 1/4”
corner round opposite corners on each, arrange on panel
sample is aqua
4 punches of 2” in a solid color
4 punches of 1 3/4” in a solid color
4 punches of 1 3/8” in a co-ordinating print
corner round opposite corners on each, layer up
sample is lavender and mint
In color A, 4 punches of 2” square
in color B, 4 punches of 1 3/4” square
in color C, 4 punches of 1” square
central circle punch or button
corner round opposite corners, arrange on panel
sample is orange
I used a 1/2” corner rounder.
If you have trouble using your corner rounder with small pieces, it may be helpful to use low-tack tape (such as washi) to attach square to larger piece of paper as a handle.
To make the DIY memdex holder you will need chipboard, cardstock, something to cut circles, and one round chopstick or dowel. I suggest a 1 3/4” circle punch, 1 1/2” circle punch, 1/8 circle punch (or Crop-a-dile) or nesting circle dies.
Cut eight large chipboard circles, mark the center, and punch a hole in the center that matches the circumference of your chopstick or dowel. Make two stacks of four each and glue those stacks. Test the depth of your chipboard and cardstock stack with a card, since the weight of your materials may be different than the weight I’m using.
Punch the medium circle from cardstock, then punch the large circle around that hole to make rings. Punch 20 rings. Make four stacks of five each and glue those stacks.
Attach the cardstock rings to each side of the chipboard stacks. Thread onto the chopstick.
The holder is a tissue box cut in half, the two halves glued together, with a vertical channel to hold the chopstick. The tissue box is 4 1/2” wide, which is wider than most commercial Rolodex holders.
Dollar Tree adhesive: is it a good bargain or just inexpensive due to size? Let’s do the math.
Elmer’s School Glue 4 oz $0.31/oz
Elmer’s School Glue would not be my first choice for paper crafting, and this is not a good price.
Wal-Mart carries the same size for 97 cents. Wal-Mart also carries Elmer’s extra strong 4 oz for only $1.34, and Elmer’s Craft bond 4 oz for $2.74, both of which would be a better craft choice.
Dollar General carries Elmer’s School Glue 4 oz for $1 and Elmer’s Glue All extra strong 4 oz for $2. I use Elmer’s Glue All regularly, but buy a larger size for runs a little less per ounce.
If you want Elmer’s, shop at Wal-Mart or Dollar General or another retailer and go for something besides School Glue.
Aleene’s Tacky Glue 3 oz $0.42/oz
Aleene’s is a good price for this particular size, since the 3 oz bottle usually runs over $2 each, but it’s not a great price for Aleene’s Tacky Glue in general. Currently unavailable on the website, so local supplies may be hit-or-miss and I could not find it near me.
Wal-Mart carries 4 oz for $1.54 ($0.39/oz), 8 oz for $2.44 ($0.31/oz), 16 oz for $4.67 ($0.29/oz) so this is not a great deal, just good for the unusual size.
If you want Aleene’s, buy the 4 oz or any larger size at Wal-Mart or another retailer.
Mod Podge 2 oz $0.63/oz
Mod Podge price is a deal for this size, and even multiples up to three (6 oz total.) The 2 oz size is unusual – it’s not featured on their website, but you can find it from big retailers is you work at it.
Wal-Mart carries the 4 oz size is $3.12 ($0.78/oz), 8 oz is $3.98 ($0.50/oz.), and 16 oz is $6.98 ($0.44/oz).
Dollar Tree is a good source for small bottles of Mod Podge, but if you are a regular user of Mod Podge, buy a larger size at Wal-Mart or another retailer for a lower price per ounce.
Crafter’s Square Premium Clear Craft Glue 1.7 oz $0.74/oz
I can’t comment on the quality, because I cannot find this to buy, but I can do the math.
This is a clear glue with a price in between Elmer’s Clear at $0.48/oz and Aleene’s Gel at $0.85/oz.
Higher price than Aleene’s Tacky Glue ($0.42) or Mod Podge ($0.63) available side by side right there in Dollar Tree.
It’s not as expensive as Art Glitter ($1.32/oz) or Reptile ($2.10) or Elmer’s Craft Bond ($2.09).
Crafter’s Square liquid adhesive 1.2 oz $1.04/oz
I can’t comment on the quality, because I cannot find this to buy, but I can do the math.
This is a white glue, with a price and size similar to the three-pack of Elmer’s Glue All tubes you sometimes find at other dollar stores, but it’s approaching the price per ounce of Art Glitter glue.
In both cases I would say this is not a good price for a bottle of glue, but it is a good price for a glue pen. I do not endorse glue pens, because they always cost more than any other packaging. However, I realize some crafters have dexterity and hand strength challenges that make this size and weight useful, and some crafters have a strong preference for glue pens. If you like a glue pen and don’t want to fill your own, this is an attractive option. The price as a glue pen is 4%-16% of any craft company glue pen.
Crafter’s Square double-sided tape 33 ft $0.038/ft
Generics available from Chinese sellers on Amazon or direct (Temu et al) for as low as $0.01/ft and name-brand Scor-Tape runs $0.07/ft.
The price is not fabulous, but 400% of a penny a foot is still inexpensive. If this is something you want to try, buy one at Dollar Tree. Tear tape is much less expensive than any tape runner.
Crafter’s Square Pop-Dot Tape 6 yds $.07/ft
Craft company foam tape runs $0.24 to $0.35 per foot so this is a fabulous price. If you use foam tape, you should buy this every time you find it. Go into Dollar Tree just to look for this.
Ranger Stickles in Stardust or Diamond 0.5 oz $5.32 ($10.64/oz) and Scrapbook .com Pops of Color Glitter Snowflake 4 oz $5.99 ($1.50/oz).
I think this is going to be a matter of preference. The Dollar Tree glue is less dimensional, less sparkly, and more watery than Stickles. However, it’s also 3% of the price of Stickles.
It’s very easy to use a template to make your own envelopes. While I wouldn’t want to make hundreds this way, it’s a fun creative element to add to your handmade cards. The advantage of templates is that you don’t need any special tools – just scissors and glue – and can use any type of paper.
You can make your own template by carefully unfolding an envelope and tracing it onto heavy paper. If you would like to use one of my templates, you can download this PDF of three sizes: an A2 announcement (side flaps, fits on 8 1/2 x 11 paper), an A1 (or 4 Bar) baronial, and a #17 “Mr & Mrs” that’s perfect for gift cards.
The sculpture and original art are by Robert Indiana. This piece started its public life as a Christmas card sold by the NYC Museum of Modern Art beginning in 1965. The first sculptural version dates to 1970, was made in aluminum, and is on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. If it looks familiar to you even though you don’t go to art museums much, it was also a US stamp. (8 cents – probably 1971-1974) There are versions all over the world and in multiple languages. “Amor” is on display in Washington DC, Milan Italy, and Philadelphia PA. “Ahava” is on display at the Israel Museum Art Garden in Jerusalem.
The typeface is “Didone” but any serif alpha will be close. A serif is the little thick bit attached to the end of a letter. The font that is used in this description box is a sans serif font. Most newspapers and magazines use serif fonts in the body of articles, since most people find it easier to read. (Recent research, however, suggests that dyslexic readers have better comprehension with sans serif fonts.)
Instructions: Cut the letters using two different dies, 10 of each letter per die. Stack those up, gluing the letters together, then use acrylic paint on the edges – first white, then metallic gold. Layer one more letter on the top after painting. Arrange letters on blue and green background (to mimic the most common color pattern used on the sculptures) then adhere to card front. Background can be made using ink direct-to-paper or acrylic paint swiping.
Prices are current as of the day I typed this out (obvs.) Amazon links (if any) are affiliate, others are not. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Or I would, theoretically, if anyone ever followed a link and bought something, which I guess might happen someday.
Papercraft Crystal 