I love a man in a kilt

But what about giving a man you love a kilt .. gift card holder.  That's todays project and it's super cute. 

  

This was originally a birthday card present but needing more pictures, I created a valentine one.  If you've every been to Scotland you would have seen kilts of all colours, patterns (not just plaid) and styles (dress,utility, mini). I figure that means you can make this gift card holder with any DSP you want.

Start with a base piece of cardstock 9 3/4" x 2 3/4" - then score on the long side at 1 1/4" and 5 1/4". 

Make 2 sets of inserts for the inside: coloured layer is 4" x 2 1/2" and the white layer is 3 7/8" x 2 3/8". 

You will also need layers for the fold over pocket piece.  Coloured layer is 2 1/2" x 1" and the dsp layer is 2 3/8" x 7/8". This could also be cardstock but I like to bring a little of the plaid into the inside.

Place both layers down before adhering the pocket.  You want to make sure the tear and tape is all the way to the edge - or hang it over the edge and just fold it back on itself. Once you fold up the pocket, you can add the small plaid layer and any embellishments.

 

To make the kilt for the front, start with a piece of dsp that is 6 1/2" x 4 1/2".  If orientation of the paper matters, the long side is the top.  Score on the long side at:

1/2"   1"   1 1/2"   2"   2 1/2"   4"   4 1/2"   5"   5 1/2"   6"

The outside edges will be folded under to cover the back of the flare because you can see it from the inside. The rest alternate up and down:

The pleating is easier to show than explain I think so I made a little video, using a bigger piece of cardstock so it's easier to see.  You are basically keeping the score lines but manhandling the sections in between to get a little shape.  As I say in the video, practice on a piece of paper you don't like first and then on the good piece. 

 

Once you have the pleats done you adhere the kilt to the front.  You need enough adhesive to catch all the pleats.  When placing down the kilt, start with the bottom corners and make sure you have the tucked under piece secured in the adhesive and the lay down moving up. The flared corners will overhang the cardstock by about 1/4" but the top will line up with the sides. 

The paper is designed to go past on the top and you can trim this off before applying the belt. You can give the bottom a trim if needed as well.  Apply double tear and tape on the belt to hold it down over the pleated edge.  Put down one strip, peel the backing and then overlap the second strip. 

  

The sporran is just free hand cut - I do it in one piece and fold the flap over (then trim as I never cut evenly) but you could also do 2 pieces.  The tassel is free hand from the bakers twine and the "button" can be any embellishment or brad.

And there you have it, a kilt - not a skirt!  Although with different paper and a little different embellishing, you could make a skirt. Or maybe the bottom of a wedding dress? Have fun playing with the possibilities.

If you need help or clarification, feel free to reach out. Happy crafting.

Tracey