Teach & Inspire.

I have a fun project that I couldn't wait to share with you today! The Papertrey Ink team members each created with the new Teach & Inspire stamp set and the Teacher's Apple dies, and I can't wait to see what amazing things they've come up with. I LOVED this set!! (I apologize in advance for a photo-heavy post!)

For a back-to-school gift for a teacher, I wanted to make a set of cards. Then I wondered how to package them all together. Hmm....a BOOK! Yes, perfect for a teacher.

Here is what my book of cards looks like from the front. Don't you just love that Script alphabet die?

I created a front and back for my book of cards with the Front and Center #2 die. Then for the inside pages, I made pockets with vellum to hold each card. To make the pockets, cut vellum 6 1/2" wide x 7" high. Fold up the bottom 3". Punch a notch in the center of the front with a 2" circle punch. Machine stitch the sides with a zig zag stitch. Finished pockets are 4" x 6 1/2".

Here you can see a little peek at the pockets. I clipped it all together with clothespins, but you could certainly bind it in a more permanent manner if you wish.

Now for the inside! I wanted to have a little cover page on the inside telling the recipient what it is for!

I have six cards - one tucked into each pocket.

I used the Background Basics: Herringbone background here to emboss the cardstock after stamping the lines and sentiment.

I stamped the little rulers onto the background for this one.

Made my own little button apple.

On this card, I placed the Block Alpha die onto Soft Stone cardstock and ran it through my Cuttlebug to cut out the alphas. I used the negative piece on this card, along with the circle from Think Big Favorites #19. I kept the alphas to use on the next card!

The alphas that were punched out were used on the next card! I used a ruler to line them up. (Started in the center with d and e and worked my way out to the sides. This way if you have more room on one side or the other, you can trim the card down to make it look more even and centered.)

Last is a card using the adorable pencil stamp!

So colorful!

One more thing. I know this post is a little long!

...it's a little pencil made with a pack of Rolos candy. I used Summer Sunrise Patterned paper and Melon Berry cardstock to wrap around the Rolos and just taped it on the back.

Hope you are INSPIRED to try making your own teacher gifts this year! Visit the rest of the team to see more with Teach & Inspire:

Ashley Cannon Newell

Betsy Veldman
Cristina Kowalczyk

Dawn McVey  

Jessica Witty  

Maile Belles

Melissa Phillips

Nichole Heady

"Inspire" Book of Cards gift set for teacher:
STAMPS: Teach & Inspire, Background Basics: Houndstooth, Think Big Favorites #19
INK: True Black, Spring Moss, Harvest Gold, Summer Sunrise, Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, Classic Kraft
PAPER: White/Melon Berry/Spring Moss/Classic Kraft/Soft Stone cardstock, Pure Poppy and Summer Sunrise Pattern Pack, vellum. Other: Mistables by Pink Paislee, orange check by Lily Bee Designs
DIES: Front & Center #2 die, Script Alpha die, Teacher's Apple die, Background Basics: Herringbone Impression Plate, Block Alpha die
OTHER: True Black ribbon, felt, rustic twine, Pure Poppy button by Papertrey Ink. Pearls by Melissa Frances, font is Typewriter, clothespins from craft supply store, Rolo candy.