Sending Cheer, Matchbook Candy Holder, Teacher Gift, Weekend Projects, Stampin' Up!

Hello and welcome to my blog. Today I have a fun stocking stuffer for you to make. You can add these to your Christmas stockings or give them out to your mail carrier, co-workers, friends, etc.  They are easy to make and are fun to give. I believe this layout is called a "Matchbook Holder" Please read on to see how I made today's project.

You can make these for any candy you have. I chose the M & M's because my granddaughters like them. All you need to do to change the holder is to measure.  I will provide measurements for this M & M package. 

My M & M package measures 2-3/4" x 4".  Add 1/8" to 1/4" to the 2-3/4" end to equal 2-7/8" or 3".  Now you take the 4" and multiply it by two, one for the front and one for the back.  I also add a little for the top, I don't like the piece to just bulge. This part will vary depending on how thick your candy is. There now that you know the basics of the piece I will give you the measurement for the M & M project pictured here.

The card stock for this was cut at 9-1/2" x 2-7/8".  I scored it as follows: 3/4", 1-1/2". 5-1/2", 5-3/4". I like to have the front piece thicker, that's why I have two 3/4" scores there. Now go score your piece and come back!

Fold all score lined inward. I stapled the front piece down. I stamped it about 1/8" from the fold. And I stapled it backwards, meaning that the bumps from the staple are on the front. Doing it this way makes the back smooth and the bumps will be covered by your Designer Series Paper (DSP).

Next you will want to decorate the front.  The (DSP) is from the "Joy of Christmas" 12" x 12" package. I cut the top piece at 3-3/4" x 2-7/8" and a 2-1/8" x 2-7/8" piece for the lower part. Score this piece at 3/4" and 7/8" I glued both pieces in place. The bottom piece is larger than needed but that was planned. Glue it from the bottom edge and then roll it over the fold towards the inside. I prefer to use glue because the piece bends a bit and I know glue isn't going to release. Tape will work, it's up to you which you prefer to use.

Once I got the DSP on I stamped the Gingerbread man from the "Sending Cheer" bundle. I used Pecan Pie ink to stamp him. The hearts were stamped using Real Red and the face was stamped using black Memento ink. Then I die cut him using the matching die. I cut off the loop on the top, it's used for making him into an ornament or tag and it's not needed here. Dimensionals were added to the back and it was set in place on the front of the holder. 

The words are from the same set and were stamped using Real Red ink on a scrap piece of Basic White card stock. I used the "Double Oval" punch on them. I added a little glue to the bottom of the oval and attached it to the upper edge of the bottom section. 

I tucked the upper part to the inside and the piece was done, all closed up and ready to give! 

Wasn't it fun? It's pretty quick and easy too. Even easier if you have some DSP that has characters on it that you can just die cut and affix! I just kept mine simple but you can add some bling too. 

Thank you SO very much for taking your time to stop in and see today's Stocking Stuffer/gift,
Wanda