Granny Purse Gift Tags

Gift tags, mini-notepads - or needlecases. It's up to you!

Granny-style change purses are just so cute - and here they are in paper. They are generously-sized for gift tags (about 6 x 7 cm/ 2-1/2 x 2-3/4in) - so you can fit on a proper inscription instead of just a "to and from". Or, you can cut two or three sheets of liner paper to make sweet mini-notepads. Here's an idea for sewing enthusiasts: cut the liner out of non-woven interfacing to make a compact needlecase - a needle keeper for while you are at work on your current project.

I choose retro prints for the purse bodies. Prep: the frames are cut from double-sided pearlescent paper. Just cut out the purse bodies, liners, and bag frames. It is a good idea to trim a little off the top of the liner, especially if you are making a notepad - so it doesn't show above the frame. (You could photocopy the liner pattern at 99%.) Punch or piece the three bottom holes on the purse body and the liner. (The liner is cut from plain cream paper.) If you want to go the whole hog with the shabby chic look, dab the edges of the purse body paper with Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Tea Dye - my all-time favourite - used.)

Assembly: glue the bag frames onto the purse body with tacky glue. The trickiest bit: take care to face the bag frames so that the clasps on the front and back go in opposite directions.(You want an operational clasp.) Fold bags and liners in half. Place the liner inside the bag. Sew through the holes from inside, across bag base fold, and out through middle holes (craft thread used). The thread ends should straddle the centre cord. Knot cord and tie a bow. Thread beads onto bow tails.

Here's the pattern - three purse styles to choose from:

 You can, of course, big-up the pattern to make full-size cards.

Stuff I used: October Afternoon paper; double-sided gold pearlescent paper, 125gsm. Beads, craft thread.