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:

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

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

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

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  4. Muy bonito y simpático, grancias
    thanks

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

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  6. 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

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  7. brilliant idea - i love it :)

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

    Take care!!!

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

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

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  11. Cool Idea.Thanks.

    Greeting BAstelfeti

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  12. LOVE IT!! Thanks for the post.

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  13. That is amazing! Thanks for the tutorial.

    Pam

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

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

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

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  17. 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.

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

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  19. 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

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

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  21. 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. ?

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  22. 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!!

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

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

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  25. 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/

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

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