How to make Note Pads
Paper is costly in most places where your Operation Christmas Child shoebox will go. So make sure there is paper in some form in your shoebox. These note pads are easy and very inexpensive to make. Remember to keep the cover of your note pad as bright and colorful as possible.
Supplies: 10 sheets of copy/computer paper, one sheet of colorful paper of either card stock or normal paper weight, one sheet of colored paper, ribbon or yarn, hole-punch, stapler, scissor or paper cutter
Where to find: dollar stores, office supply stores, discount stores
Hint: reams of paper may to the cheapest at the end of the summer with all the super back-to-school sales
To make:
1) Cut 10 sheets of white copy paper in half and half again to make 40 sheets of 4 ¼ x 5 ½ inches
2) Cut a piece of colorful paper with an interesting pattern to the same size as the cut paper (4 ¼ x5 ½ inches) and place on top of the stack of copy paper
3) Cut a solid colored paper the same size as above and place on the bottom of the stack of paper
4) Punch two holes side by side on top of paper or on left side of paper and insert a piece of ribbon or yarn through holes; tie off into a knot or bow
5) Or, staple 2 staples across the top of the pad of paper (may reduce number of sheets of paper to 25-30 to accommodate your stapler)
How to make a Party Bag of School Surprises
Turn those school supplies into a fun gift using a bright colored cellophane party bag. Opening a party gift bag only heightens the fun of receiving pencils, pens, crayons, and other items. And don’t forget to include paper as that is a premium item in most countries receiving shoeboxes. So instead of putting a few pencils at the bottom of your Operation Christmas Child shoebox, consider making the party bag of school surprises.
Supplies: pencils, black/blue pens, pencil sharpener, erasers, box of crayons, note pad
Optional supplies to make note pad: 10 sheets of copy paper, one sheet of colorful card stock paper or other interesting paper, piece of ribbon or yarn, hole punch, scissor or paper cutter
Optional school supplies: package of colored pencils, box of markers, calculator, paper punch, scissors, ruler, drawing compass, etc.
Optional fun items: buy multiple packs of party favors like small balls, noise makers, tiny ball puzzles, stickers, etc.; choose 1-2 party favors and include in party bag. Hint: at dollar stores you can find lots of multiple pack party favors for $1
Where to find: dollar stores, office supply stores, discount stores
Hint: buy school supplies at the end of the summer with all the super back-to-school sales
To make:
1) Buy or make note pad
2) Optional – to make note pad: cut 10 sheets of white or colored copy paper in half and half again to make 40 sheets of 4 ¼ x 5 ½ inches; cut a piece of colorful card stock or other paper with an interesting pattern to the same size as the copy paper and place on top of the stack of copy paper; punch two holes side by side on top of paper or on left side of paper; insert a piece of ribbon or yarn through holes and tie off into a knot or bow - or put 2 staples across the top of the pad of paper (may reduce number of sheets of paper to 25-30 to accommodate your stapler).
3) Place in party bag: 3-4 pencils (or more), 2 pens, pencil sharpener, eraser, box of crayons, note pad and any optional items
4) Tie off bag
How to make Tote Bags
Any girl would like to have a pretty little tote bag to hold her special treasures. So be sure your Operation Christmas Child shoebox has a bright and colorful tote bag for her to treasure and hold her treasures.
Supplies: felt (on bolt or 9x12 inch pre-cut pieces), matching thread, sewing machine, scissor, hot glue gun with glue sticks or tacky glue, measuring tape, decorative supplies – ribbon, lace, felt, fabric, pom-poms, etc. When choosing your supplies, think bright colors and interesting textures.
Where to find: fabric/craft store, discount stores, dollar store,craft department of your favorite store, yard and garage sales
To make:
1) Select a 9x12 inch piece of felt or cut from bolt of felt; cut 1 or 2 handles (1x12 inches of felt for each handle)
2) Fold felt in half (making a 9x6 inches folder) and sew sides together; turn inside out
3) Choose double handle (a handle on each side of the tote) or single handle (basket style)
4) For double handles – place one end of 1x12 inch felt about 2-3 inches in from sewn edge; pin in place; place other end of 1x12 inch felt about 2-3 inches from other sewn edge; pin in place; sew handles down securely; sew second handle to the other side of the tote
5) For single handle – place one end of 1x12 inch felt on the center of one side of tote; stitch in place; place other end of 1x12 inch felt on the center of other side of tote; stitch in place
6) Be creative and decorate the tote bag
7) Suggestion: sew or glue or hot glue ribbon/lace around tote bag
8) Suggestion for applying animal shapes or designs to one side of tote bag – cut out desired shape from a coloring book to make a pattern; then use the pattern and cut felt or fabric of animal or shape; glue or hot glue onto tote bag; may glue or hot glue small pom-poms on for 3 dimensional effect
9) Suggestion: if you are putting ribbon on the handles, sew the ribbon on handles before sewing handles onto tote bag
10) Suggestion: to strengthen handle – fold 1x12 inch felt in half (making ½ x 12 inch); sew down the length of felt; then sew handle in place as noted above
