Card & Gift In One submitted by Karen Aicken
Sometimes occasions call for something more than just a card, yet a
gift would be too much. For those times, you can make a stamped,
laminated pin and incorporate it into the design of your card.
Because most of us do not own a laminator, you can purchase
self-adhesive laminating sheets to do your laminating. These are at
business supply stores, like Office Depot.
Decide on a design for your card, stamp it, then stamp a co-
ordinating image on a scrap of card stock **DO NOT EMBOSS THIS** - if
you are using a laminator, the heat will melt and smear the embossed
image; the self adhesive sheets do not adhere well to embossing. Cut
out your pin very close to the edges, then laminate both sides. Use a
stylus to press the laminate sheets together right up against the edge
of your pin. Basically, you're outlining your design with the stylus,
through the plastic. Cut out again, leaving about a 1/8" border of
laminating plastic around the image.
Use self-adhesive pin back, or E600 or Goop glue to adhere pin backs
to your laminated pin. Set aside to let the glue set, overnight is best.
Use a compass or Xacto knife to poke/cut two holes/slits where
you want your pin to sit on your card, and pin the laminated pin to
your card!
You can use jumprings to attach dangling parts to your pin, ie: cut
the legs off Printworks little angel before laminating. Laminate both
pieces, cut out, then re-attach the legs to the bottom of the dress
using jump rings. The legs wiggle and move, and really look sweet.
You can stamp small co-ordinating images to go with your pin, cut out and
laminate these, then attach to your pin with jumprings: I had tea
cups dangle from a Mary Englebreit 'Happy Day'(with teapot) square
stamped image, and small stamped spades dangle from a stamped flower
laminated pin. You can even add charms and/or beads instead of
laminated dangle's.
For a different look, cut your card slightly smaller than it started
out, using fancy edged scissors. Attach the laminated pin as above
but then insert a colored card inside this decorated card. Tie the
spine with gold elastic, and stamp & emboss a verse inside the colored
card. When the card is opened, you do not see the pin poking through
the card, as it is poked through the cover.
You can substitute a ribbon hanger for the pin back, and you have a little
tree ornament, or something to hang from a peg, or attach a magnet
piece to the back for a pretty fridge magnet. Remember people often
have metal file cabinets at work, and front doors usually have a metal
core. Fridge magnets can go farther than the kitchen! You can
laminate larger stamped pieces and decorate your front door with these
magnets. Easy to change with the seasons."