How to Make a Ticket Coupon Book

A coupon book is a gift a child can make all on her own.

A book of coupons is a creative, thoughtful and useful gift that a child can make for a parent, grandparent or sibling. The coupons are tailored to the recipient and can be decorated into little works of art.

Things You'll Need

• 5 to 10 unlined 3" X 5" index cards
• Ruler
• Darning needle
• Yarn
• Markers
• Crayons
• Colored pencils
• Stickers

Instructions

1. Make a list of five to 10 surprises for the coupon book's recipient. Ideas include an offer to take over a dreaded chore, to make breakfast in bed, to proofread a homework assignment, or to play a favorite game. Think creatively about what the recipient might enjoy.

2. Fold up half an inch on a short end of each index card and use the edge of the ruler to press a sharp crease. On that folded edge, mark a spot a quarter inch from the card's end and three-quarters of an inch from each end. Mark a third spot one-and-a-half inches from one end. You now have a folded edge with three evenly spaced marks. Use the darning needle to punch a hole through each mark. Repeat with the other cards.

3. Write one surprise on each card. The cards will be torn from the book and redeemed for each chore or offer. Use the crayons, markers, pencils and stickers--or any other art supplies--to decorate the cards.

4. Stack the cards so that their folded ends with the holes in them match up. Thread yarn on the darning needle and bring it up through the left-hand holes, leaving a six-inch tail. Bring the needle down through the middle holes, then up through the right-hand holes. Continue in a figure eight, going back down through the middle hole and up through the right-hand hole again. Cut the yarn, leaving a six-inch tail. Tie the two yarn ends together neatly in a square knot over the edge of the cards.

5. Have the recipient tear a coupon from the book at the fold when he wants to redeem one.

References

• Craft Bits: DIY Coupon Book