How to Make a Manicure Gift Card

Manicure gift cards take the phrase “gift card” to a whole new level. Inside this oversized cabinet of a card are all the tools needed for the recipient to pamper herself with a do-it-yourself manicure kit. Perfect for a busy mom, attendants at a wedding or take-away gifts for a teenage slumber party--here is how to create yours.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 sheets of 12-inch card stock
• Nail clippers
• Bath salts
• Cuticle oil
• Hand lotion
• Orange sticks
• 4-step buffer
• Small, decorative bottles with stoppers or caps
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Craft knife
• Self-healing mat
• Bone folder
• Decorative papers
• Craft glue
• Colored pens
• Ribbon

1. 

   After transferring the bath salts, cuticle oil and hand lotion into the small bottles, line them up on a sheet of white card stock in the center of the page with the nail clipper, orange sticks and buffer, and mark the edges, leaving a little space between each item for stability. Measure the combined width of all the items to be included in the card.

2. 

   Trace around the base of each bottle and approximate the edges of the nail clippers and buffer along a straight line; the orange sticks can be stuck through little x's made with a craft knife on either side of the center bottle. This will be where the bottles and tools fit into the card. Measure a box around the tracings and then extend the measurements 2 inches in each direction to create the sides, front and back of the inner box with an additional rectangle equal to the center piece for the base of the box. Add 1/2-inch tabs to each side of the narrow side strips and along the edge of the bottom section. Cut out the box form with scissors and then the holes with a craft knife.

3. 

   Score the fold lines with a bone folder using a ruler as your guide to keep the lines straight. Crease each edge to check fit. Instead of folding the back piece down to make an enclosed box, fold it up to help anchor the box to the inside of the card.

4. 

   Make the outside of the card by measuring the longest item (usually the buffer) for the necessary height, the depth of the box for your spine width and the width of the box for the width of your card. Trim the second piece of card stock to size, score on either side of the spine and crease the card along the score lines.

5. 

   Decorate the card and box while unassembled with patterned papers, embellishments and pens. Include basic manicure instructions and label the items to be included in case your recipient needs a little inspiration. Attach lengths of ribbon to the edges of the cards, sandwiched between the card stock and decorative papers.

6. 

   Attach the box to the inside of the card and load it with the manicure supplies. Tie the ribbon into a bow to close the card and you're done!

Tips & Warnings

• Use eyedroppers or pipettes to transfer the cuticle oil and lotion into the decorative bottles to avoid making a mess.

Resources

• American Science & Surplus

[missnice104]

on 7/10/2008 My goodness, you are very creative! That is fantastic! Thanks for the information. I can use this as a way of gift giving. Thanks!