One Sheet Wonder Purse Gift Set

Here is a gift set of monogrammed cards in an altered tote I made for *someone* (hmmm, GK, who could it be...?) this past Christmas, I've been meaning to share the pics with you for quite awhile now! (I haven't had a chance to make anymore hand in hand samples like I thought for now because I have been so busy creating things for our release this week with this month's new Gina K stamps. So I hope this tutorial holds you over until the peeks start tomorrow night at midnight!!) :)
The square wooden tote I found at EDITED TO ADD: MICHAEL'S, not hobby Lobby, sorry about that!) for $1.99 (30% off, 2.99 is still a steal!) :). It opens up and has a little gold clasp. I LOVE that funky bamboo handle it came with, allows it to go a little more double-duty as a purse rather than just a box when the person is finished sending out the cards! :) The space inside was perfect for holding some square cards. I rubbed the edges with Gold metallic paste the same way I did this box.

Then I created a One Sheet Wonder with my "A Year of Flowers" by stamping the rose all over a piece of Gina K Pure Luxury 80 lb CS and embossing with Gold EP. Looking pretty fancy already! (well actually I made TWO, one for the four cards, the other for the front and back up the tote)

I went around the edges of my cut up one sheet wonder with my gold paint pen. One sheet yielded four 4" mats for four square cards.

Then I sponged on some of this Antique Linen Distressing Ink all over it, it's such a buttery "shabby" color! I made some areas intentionally darker than others.

Here I attached the mats to the bases. Two sheets of Gina K 120 lb Pure Luxury CS gave me four square 4.25" card bases. I just love this ivory, gold and white combo. I created a white on white double mat, also edged with my gold paint pen, for the GK monogram which I stamped with my Just Rite Times Roman Alpha and embossed with Gold EP. If you scroll back up to the first pic, you will see I used a slightly different layout for each, changing the placement of the monogram, and where I added my 5/8"SU! ivory grosgrain, I love em all, couldn't choose just one (and that allows the recipient to have some variety, too)

I decorated the front and back of the tote to match. You can see here I also decided to add a bit more texture by stamping the retired oldie but goodie SU! "French Script" over the flowers, that always adds a touch of elegance!

I wish I'd remembered to upload the inside of the tote, which was also decorated (hopefully they are still in my camera.) I lined the inside with some beautiful shimmery white-gold paper called "Autumn Hay Glimmer" from Paper Temptress and embossed the sentiment, "A friend is a hand always holding yours, no matter how close or how far apart you may be".

Almost time for a peek, I can only say my newest set celebrates all the best things in life!