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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKXfSGNUXo4Kt8a0RK0FktHCKAJH_zZMeexLUKKDdn2B-Z4FKhXk9eDzu311VU_zL1mGb7XtPR3baH18UTkQq49pjSREW_gb4dh4x8Fuv9om7aRIWRnOO3ziyTCVBR3mUyu10mCSyywY/s320/IMGP5573.JPG)
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilabNCk44D23mn2nLQP_C3C9UD_i1c-uuU1sZ4qMLVhNRe0H8XuBRpCE_6_waOJedbntd-RhoXil3PQf6cefMNXW73CiZWhwpnaiC5XsMjYdbERnPOfDLXzWMU6TxmlPejeQIcNm_41c/s320/IMGP5561.JPG)
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJMsbjZjYA31_SlVMEJw6otr-RM3rLRTnuWKUOHZbPLtbzXcjiqssYF9OPK2mj4dSvJQuJaWTrHFLK2CWXHpwCLIOJD1WB7rQB1nt-qijGdwFZz-DHRz9CYuWDHgB4geNkjqA-LrwugQ/s320/IMGP5563.JPG)
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.)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsq2xMiQiewLWzF7_cJdLh5rGmQn5oNDHWk2s1PhegrvgMBjq7n2HR9fG2LaVvPmAbJgujM5X439Kctyd1tE092EteII0DtDB0nKNKRffsJEkW7yGUTA7Yeu_C31ito2M8C2jcum2iEF4/s320/IMGP5503.JPG)
Fold over again and crease the fold sharply.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88vvBAG7XNCAAVmAmslyH1p73kg7Vu9pukluKNNO051cUYT-nEbjdWJF4LEHx-upA5Mj3JiM5-JF9jCx7Q6qTYfS1oH9NW-INo0YVow8s1-D76VN8HpIgdbEZ5fF7WN2o6dzMK4W-0NA/s320/IMGP5510.JPG)
Trim the pointed end of the tab at a slant.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMF2ktZeJqL0ryABgg5Tn59QX30fm0V1It3NHSxojJBe6lssMrtqLNuJ6eKhaRbEp0C_sS5jRdHxNZdc_vClHk5XRdPeAvmVmtAFSZkV6ni777K-zQVUE_Shpp_rguJMIsCt7X4C2gBE/s320/IMGP5518.JPG)
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatAa1ewJmR3fwl0GbEnGQVaQzdiu7PQU1veOX11k-pTPg4zR4GmR9NFA_wkvIYAGdVF4LQjVeX3jUFgrFybWowt3X4UQq_iSxFlGrSo1EwPvHtQCBT6Qtbp1ZF0XA-vjgnKtHOb4p94Y/s320/IMGP5512.JPG)
Mark 1-inch from the top of the triangle on both sides.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tWaFW4u-Z-piVJJqzmyHTmUuoRG8vH-XSVOwGKGTA1KhNVA37orLtyStklMAgaRONcLu1gkNfo9tC2YHBDtYg5zwbara-1T3sWuwUgh_vAo2uMUplm2OBTe2L5pMGcsfQ732tv2cpKI/s320/IMGP5524.JPG)
Trim both sides of the triangle using the 1-inch marking as a guide. (Again, just eyeball it.)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp3kxkaqksgqLA8w8ReX2wDk3_3BAiWqslkEYObhMYE-_JbxHX0x-0xrxkocBJQbxalNL6T_mtYVgAQoM7YiCYTKW33QZWkRF3iPhmhPctH3yQ5okUYS4pe3gOzWt34nQp5G9P46wvmk/s320/IMGP5530.JPG)
Fold the top down using the 1-inch mark on either side as a guide. Crease well and unfold the entire triangle.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t1azN8UtrBztar2VsDBUi-8m6Q3ZJLxARt6exK59O3f3EcVZ9KtGhJVhnmCSFr881Khn2IMxFS4-N0fzMvILTN79-mpjs8p0uzgWluNAXzV3NFOF-iQ1l98TXd9NwVYxVz0uaNVhBoA/s320/IMGP5533.JPG)
Add glue to the right side of the tab and glue the tab to the inside of the box.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggx0t2SNk5Rl_VaXM-lk7bt6j1SgAmYZKStECeUs9KhqGXWqgzg_udhbJC05sXXcjpFRzk6WIGvjNG8AVtTZSezPOUhMVB1m-prI3mw1d1D8i6Kh-l1VoIEyC-2xZnyTYSbKXSVhImKwY/s320/IMGP5537.JPG)
Add a tightly rolled up dollar bill tied with ribbon to the inside of the money holder. Glue or tape the flaps closed.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-2X0UUl1vFT4dv9tVyhogty5i_g58Mb7fDHktTvP1rmeSebdB6G8aTNMTnPgj8Z8s-RozUl5MbIwnRO9REuMyRppi4reiOkJtoYw3AXn8nsDnv8Q1Napo6X-8dQhvWuvDAF7VT6bzEY/s320/IMGP5540.JPG)
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTwhlo1zCK81XXev5ji6mgHh7eVKxzjSH_xPkN2w8Sko92A8T-XeMjv4sYNH65DauVfok_P90xERWj4_EJaMiSZQ1EXNkOgEMsWDowJ7mlvjk1SS99ONT7KoCKYihCWDC1YggzF4Ahfk/s320/IMGP5615.JPG)
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFRp2yvQLz97160FAQBt066Hm-j2FR8zrTUYRWby4GpKC9hzMUM-U_f0Mh_4QF3xjfl8LYCgEpVgigug51DvekxO_yUgjL07lw-_OH2WoA12J_nTpTUIKRwctyTVo8IwW5CRPE1NAYEY/s320/IMGP5616.JPG)
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_crYavWbWHzYvXHb3vBfO7Wyd44NVLCc3KHZ3LiLJ28xgUour54JqjhK8MgWCkWh8WT9-u1p7JyCt_YC6T4MtLo-qRp0rPMJcE9bwccpcrt-qf_i0fxnD-e-W0I8pQcAX0T9USZS5bg/s320/IMGP5623.JPG)
Glue the leaves onto a 1-inch paper scallop.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8-lWpi9v6T4um2F64dwW24Iz8UJ8oWv8nDnrGtUMD_wxRMvY6Cv4BA_lVmkyL5T4pzSBz415BQVqiI_Hfg-AT8CxkQk-m_x4R0Z6zslutS6DZnVJfCUg7LUUtT_WgPj3iXmgrA2695U/s320/IMGP5634.JPG)
Glue the unit to the top of the box.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWfQ-KHrt-MbHfdRe4EHG8rUvwSanPtmbpdamR9rMBTIEVbTR4aHQ1hLxY1AZE-HT0nxGHgYumKCcENFmBKxqQFUUbDx9gs9yFnHcwsrxF_Z0t5ZCwrNgO9LpOElUl6pRaJiIqQObH_0/s320/IMGP5555.JPG)
Make one or make more. I happen to think that a grouping of multi-patterned carrots look cute together.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje38B-jH5yEPR6TBzYqoajOmaB9Gz315cOtsPwphyIlTFJuPvFa8lvIzuhYb3ID_ObwbaaOjAAdIh9ywd6pL13L9cRPicXCKGuagMM7SApLRjpR2RbL_wohPPW_7QDnwvWv9cN61xPKjM/s320/IMGP5572.JPG)
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CFRmobeoiC4jLfqXsHmYH92rwNyu9M-B3OPwJEjKx-ql54iYKGd8Fn4C3shweazoeKDSe2GErutjrTJvTqkDH9DCbGBnlMrpcjwBMP6QjAYwcNjycvdwDqXc_FXqiF4DVVx5AQK0zbU/s320/IMGP5600.JPG)
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!