Purse-onal Greetings

This fancy, one-of-a-kind handbag holds just what Mom needs this Mother's Day or any day: a message of love and a new bag.

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Total Time Needed:: 1 Hour

Need a great gift that Mom will love? We've got it in the bag. This fancy, one-of-a-kind handbag holds just what Mom needs this Mother's Day: a message of love.

Materials

8 1/2- by 11-inch piece of heavy paper or card stock
Acrylic paints (optional)

Ink pads (optional)

Instructions

To make one, first decorate both sides of an 8 1/2- by 11-inch piece of heavy paper or card stock--one side for the outside of the purse, the other for the lining. We used acrylic paints to make fashionably bold stripes on the outside and stamped geometric shapes with light-colored ink pads and small stamps on the inside. Allow the paints and inks to dry completely.
With the liner print faceup, fold up the bottom 4 inches of the paper, then draw a purse body shape on the doubled portion and a handle on the remaining single layer of paper.
Cut out the shape, then cut along the arc just below the handle (leave the bottom intact) to form the purse's closure flap.
Use tacky glue to attach plastic jewels to the handle, as well as a single jewel to the flap for a latch.
Allow the glue to dry, then write Mom a Mother's Day message on the purse's liner before folding the card closed.