Christmas...Organized, On Budget, and Oh So Chic!

Can you believe it's October already? The months sure do go by quickly, especially those leading up to Christmas. So I try to carve out some time now to start working on those Christmas projects.


I don't know about you, but I always have a hard time staying on budget around the holidays. I typically find some 'little' items after I purchased my gifts and end up buying them. Those 'little' purchases can really add up. This year I'm going to try to stay on budget with this chic little organizer for my purse.

This little organizer is made up from envelopes. An envelope with tab is designated for each person on my gift list. In the envelope, I'm placing the amount of cash that I'd like to spend on that person. This way when the cash is gone, I know that I'm done shopping. I can also use the envelopes to place the receipts for that person's gift. Voila - on budget and organized!!


Here's how I created it:


Determine how many pouches you need - one for each person on your gift giving list. Add one (for a miscellaneous pouch) and gather that many standard envelopes - I used 3 5/8" x 6 1/2" envelopes. Seal all of your envelopes.

Trim all the envelopes at 4 1/4 inches - you could adjust this size to your liking.

Apply glue runner down the center - and only down the center - of the envelope. It does not matter which side because you'll be covering the exposed ends.

Adhere two envelopes together. This is what it will look like.

Adhere the remaining envelopes together. You will create an accordian of envelopes.

Cut two pieces of designer paper - 3 5/8" x 4 1/4"

Add layers and ribbon to both pieces of designer paper.

Adhere paper to both ends of envelope accordian.

Punch tabs from coordinating cardstock. I used the round tab punch from Stampin' Up!. You'll need one less than the number of envelopes you used.

I find it easier to score the punched tabs before folding them. My Scor-Pal makes it super easy.

Write names on your tabs. This will be easier to do before attaching to the envelopes.

Attach tabs to envelopes. When doing this, be sure to attach each tab to only one envelope as shown in the photo. Alternate sides to allow for quick reference. Avoid placing tabs in the center to allow for ribbon tying. I did not attach a tab to my first envelope - this will be for miscellaneous items such as to do lists or receipts.

Color your image and mount on cardstock - I used the oh so chic Melanie. Doesn't she look like she's out Christmas shopping with all those bags! I love using nontraditional colors for Christmas projects - burgundy, green, and blue is one of my favorite combos!!

Add the image to the organizer and tie the ribbon into a bow.

I printed my sentiment on my computer directly onto the cardstock. I then punch it out using the Modern Label punch from Stampin' Up!

Add brads to the each end of the label. When working with tiny brads, I find it easier to simply pierce the cardstock and add my brads that way.

Attach the label to the organizer - I used dimensionals to give it a little lift.

So there you have it! Hope it keeps us all organized and on budget this holiday season!

Happy Stamping,

Stephanie