Valentine’s gifts can be clever and inexpensive and you make them yourself.  For me, it has to be a uncomplicated task or I lose interest real fast.  These easy valentine gift pockets are made from 12 x 12 scrapbook papers. The paper pockets hold candy or small gifts for your loved ones and they’re a breeze to make. This is a paper craft your older kids or grands can easily participate in.

1.  The craft supplies are:  12X12 scrapbook paper, gift tissue, scissors, paper punch (optional), scotch tape, paper clips, tacky glue, 1 1/2 yards of wire ribbon 1 1/2″ wide.  1/1/2 yards of narrow contrasting ribbon 1/2″ wide.

2.  Fold the paper corner to corner. Press the crease well.

3. Hold the paper in front of you with the folded side on top.

4. Fold the outside corners toward the center and over lap them. This will create two points that look like ears. This will begin to form a cone.

5. Roll the paper so the cone fits tight at the bottom. (So, you goodies won’t fall out.) Keep the seam
on the back of the cone so it won’t show from the front.

6. Secure the top with a paper clip in between the “ears” and on the side. Now you have formed your gift pocket.

7. Apply a bead of tacky glue under the back seam. You can apply a small bit of tape to hold the seam down, but make sure the tape doesn’t show from the front side of the pocket. Also, remove the paper clip from between the ears, and apply a bit of glue to secure that area. Reattach your paper clip.

8. For the ribbon holes in the back of the pocket, measure 1″ from the sides of the pocket and 1/2″ down, so the holes don’t show from the front edge. I applied two marks with a pencil to guide me. The space between the holes will be about 2 to 2 /2 inches apart. Use a paper punch to insert the holes if you’re using thin paper.

9. If your paper is heavy or double sided paper, you’ll need to insert the point of your scissors to make the holes. Make the holes about 1/4″ in diameter. The holes might be jagged, but your ribbon will cover them up.

10. Layer the narrow ribbon on top of the wide ribbon.

11. Take one end of the ribbons, insert them into one of the holes from the back side of the pocket. Take the other end of the ribbons, and insert them into the other hole from the back side of the pocket. On the front side of the pocket, hold all ends of the ribbon together and pull forward. The ribbon should come out even.

12. The back side of the pocket should look like the photo. If you happen to pull the ribbon to the backside, the pocket will not be stable when you put in your gifts.

13. The first tie of your bow should be about 4 to 6 inches above the pocket.

14. Tie the bow. You might have to fuss with the bow a bit to make sure the ribbon is turned correctly. Crinkle the wire ribbon a bit… and trim all the tails with the scissors.

15. Insert 1/2 sheet of gift tissue.

16. Fill your pocket with fun gifts such as perfume, jewelry, a small photo frame and candy.

17. Don’t forget to add your Love Note to your pocket. These Love Notes are free… here at insightful Nana. There are 18 designs to choose from. The Love Notes you don’t use in your pockets can be tucked here and there around the house, for your loved ones to find.

You can make small Valentine pockets for party favors or a small gift. Cut your 12×12 paper into fourths. Follow the same instructions. Use 1 yard of ribbon, 1/2″ wide or 3/4″ wide. Fill the small pocket with candy, or a cute pair of earrings.

Wouldn’t you love to come home and find one of these darling pockets filled with fun Valentine gifts and goodies hanging on your door? Hang one on a coat hook at the back door…or remove a wall photo and hang one on the nail. Use your imagination.

Use lots of colorful paper and tissue… and whether you fill them with small Valentine gifts or candy, I can guarantee the receiver of one of these cute pockets will be thrilled. Don’t forget to add your Valentine Love Note to your gift.

Have fun crafting these simple Valentine gift pockets and sharing them with your friends and loved ones.

Till Later

Kathy
Insightful Nana

P.S. Valentine Advice: You have to walk carefully in the beginning of love; the running across fields into your lover’s arms can only come later when you’re sure they won’t laugh if you trip- Jonathan Carroll

P.P.S  See me in action making these paper crafts on the video below.