Thursday, April 14, 2011

Carrot Patch Money Holder

I am always looking for fun and unique ways to give the gift of money, especially when the recipient is a young person. Since this gift will be for a 2-year old, I knew that it would be destroyed as soon as she put her hands on it. Because of the outcome, I knew that I wouldn't be spending enormous amounts of time and energy on it. At the same time, I wanted it to be cute and something that I felt good giving away.


I designed the Carrot Patch Money Holder to fit a single, tightly rolled U.S. dollar bill. I know that there are templates for carrot boxes out there but I didn't want to search for one and then have to manipulate the pattern to fit my needs. The rule that I set for myself was that it had to be super simple to make without using an actual pattern.

I found that an 8-1/2-inch salad plate was the perfect template needed for this project. Trace the template onto patterned cardstock and cut out the circle.

Cut the circle into 4 equal pie-shaped pieces. Each circle will make 4 carrots.


Make a 1/4-inch cut into the pointed end of the triangle. Trim 1/4-inch off of one side of the triangle (just eyeball it). You should get what resembles a lopsided fan.


Take the side that has been trimmed and bring it over to the opposite end, leaving a 1/4-inch margin. Crease the fold sharply. (The margin will eventually become a tab which will be used to close the box.)


Fold over again and crease the fold sharply.


Trim the pointed end of the tab at a slant.


Form a crease in the 1/4-inch margin to create a tab which will eventually be used to hold the carrot together in a cone shape.


Mark 1-inch from the top of the triangle on both sides.


Trim both sides of the triangle using the 1-inch marking as a guide. (Again, just eyeball it.)


Fold the top down using the 1-inch mark on either side as a guide. Crease well and unfold the entire triangle.


Add glue to the right side of the tab and glue the tab to the inside of the box.


Add a tightly rolled up dollar bill tied with ribbon to the inside of the money holder. Glue or tape the flaps closed.


To create the carrot leaves:

You will need a 1-3/4-inch by 1-3/4-inch piece of cardstock and a 3/8-inch by 8-1/2-inch strip of paper. Run the square piece of paper through a paper crimper if you desire.


Cut thin strips into the 1-3/4-inch square to create fringe. Be sure to leave approximately 1/4-inch at the base uncut. Glue the strip to the uncut side of the fringe approximately 1/4-inch from the edge.


Begin rolling with a quilling tool or a skewer at the base of the 1-3/4-inch square and ending at the end of the strip. Glue in place.


Glue the leaves onto a 1-inch paper scallop.


Glue the unit to the top of the box.


Make one or make more. I happen to think that a grouping of multi-patterned carrots look cute together.


The carrots were tucked into a paper basket along with some wispy paper shred. I'm sure that many of you will remember these woven paper baskets from your elementary school days. Embellish the basket with a cluster of pretty flowers for a fun Spring look.


Despite the lengthy instructions, this is super simple to create. Once I had the pattern configured, I was able to complete 8 carrots in about 45 minutes. I hope you give it a try!

Happy Easter, everyone!

28 comments:

Kim D. said...

You are so clever and creative, those carrots are just adorable. Love the carrot leaves as well.

Janelle said...

Hi Arlette
Those carrots are gorgeous! I'm very tempted to give them a go... thanks for showing us how.

Calicojoan said...

That is just the cutest thing. I might have to make a basket full for my table decoration!

ana-ane said...

Muy bonito y simpático, grancias
thanks

Beansieleigh said...

Hi Lettie! These are so CUTE! Thank you so much for sharing how to make them!... Have a great weekend! ~tina

Renata Mafra said...

Você é sempre muito especial e criativa. Y are very special and creative woman, I Loved you working.
I am very happy for know you blog.
I hope you visit in my blog, is very simple but you are welcome.
tkss kiss
Renata

Anonymous said...

brilliant idea - i love it :)

sweetiepie said...

How cute are these!!! You are so creative. Thanks for sharing.

Take care!!!

Unknown said...

Que bellas te han quedado, me encantaron, te felicito es un bello regalo. Un abrazo.

Kristin said...

That is truly amazing Lettie!

TFern said...

OMGoodness! These are adorable!! I really love the ease of them and the green toppers are the best!! TFS!

BAstelfeti said...

Cool Idea.Thanks.

Greeting BAstelfeti

Posti4 said...

LOVE IT!! Thanks for the post.

Unknown said...

That is amazing! Thanks for the tutorial.

Pam

Solange Barreto said...

Wonderful blog !!!
Fantastic creations !!! Thank you.
Have a great day !!!!

Janine said...

Oh this is again, a wonderfull idea and perfect for the season.
Thank you for the tutorial.
Happy palmsunday
Janine

staysea said...

This is super cute. I can't wait to give it a try.

Talin's Corner said...

Oh that money holder is just too cute. What a very clever and unique way to gift. I am sure the recipient will love it.

saki033 said...

Hi! Just started following your blog. The things you make are so lovely and educative. Would come to visit your blog again...

Mimi said...

You're ingenious!

Pat Hathaway said...

I am a new admirer and just wanted to let you know how much I like your website. You make such cute and practical things, and have such good ideas. I just discovered your site by following a link from "all free sewing" craft site and will definitely book mark it. I have many of the same craft loves as you do so it will take me a long time to browse through all your posts-ahhh heavenly!

I almost hate to suggest it as you probably don't need another craft addiction, but have you tried loom knitting? Since you make fabric and t-shirt yarn it is a perfect match--they work great on the knitting looms.

thanks again for sharing all the wonderful projects.
Patty Hathaway

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

Those came out SOOO cute! Thanks for the great idea, I'll be linking.

Unknown said...

Your stuff is so cute! I was trying to link off my blog to you and can't find a button for your site. All your pics are locked up so I can't find an enticement to get my friends to come visit this wonderful site. ?

Linda said...

Those are so darling...I think it would make a great center piece too! You are such a talent...I love everything you make!! Thanks for sharing!!

Anonymous said...

Me gustan mucho tus trabajos, son preciosos.
Te felicito
saludos
Josefina
tijerasycuchara.wordpress.com

Geltha Dubon said...

Ficou lindo,adorei a idéia!
Amei teu blog,descobri pelo blog Copy & paste da Susi e já estou te seguindo...
beijinho
Geltha-Brasil

The Craft Bucket said...

Wow I have just stumbled across your blog and I love what you are doing, I have become a follower too! Jane x
http://thecraftbucket.blogspot.com/

.......Linaja said...

Thanks for the lesson. You made ​​a super-carrots. How true:)