Tutorial: Unique Valentine Gifts

Tutorial created using Photoshop CS3 using Mac OSX

I’m trying to get a jump start on Valentine’s gifts this year so it doesn’t catch me by surprise later on. I love these ScrapSimple Craft Templates: Valentine Day Pop Top templates and think they will make the perfect gift for teachers and friends. Using the digital scrapbooking supplies you already have, you can create a quick and easy Valentine gift, too! Let me show you how:

Items you need:

• Pop-top-type can (typical cans include mandarin oranges, beans and weenies, and pineapple)
• ScrapSimple Craft Templates: Valentine Day Pop Top
• Digital scrapbooking papers
• Printer and paper
• Paper cutter or scissors
• Strong adhesive (I use a “super glue” type product)
• Ribbons to decorate the pull tab (optional)

Directions:

Open up your template using your software. I chose the “Happy Valentine’s Day” template, and I’m using Photoshop CS3. Following the standard directions for using a template (outlined in the ScrapSimple Handbook), fill your template with your chosen digital paper backgrounds using clipping masks (Ctrl+G in Photoshop Elements; Ctrl+Alt+G in Photoshop) or select Group with Previous.

Now you are ready to print your label. You can use your home printer and some good quality paper or you can send it to a photo processor or office supply store to be printed. After you have your label printed, trim it to size.

Following the assembly directions that come with your download of the ScrapSimple Craft Templates: Valentine Day Pop Top, empty your pop-top can of its original contents (eat, discard, or save for later!), clean, then fill with your own goodies. (Confession: Chocolate kisses and M&M’s-brand candies are my favorites!)

Using a strong adhesive, reattach the bottom of the can, then adhere the label to the top of the can. Embellish with some ribbon and a tag, if desired.

You will love how easy these Valentine gifts are to make, and the recipient will love how unique they are and how much fun they are to open!

Cherise Oleson
http://www.scrapgirls.com/AboutUs/AU_CheriseOleson.htm