I wanted to come up with cute packaging for the $1 manicure set I got to use as a giveaway at my
Jamberry Nails parties. I looked into several different options from buying little gift bags to ribbons before I was finally inspired by the crayon rolls I've been seeing all over pinterest. If they work for crayons surely they can work for manicure tools!
With little more than an idea I headed to my craft room to see what I could whip up. The first one was a mess, but it was functional. And, I have to say, each new one I make keeps getting better. So I thought I would share my design to, hopefully, help others avoid the trial and error that I have gone through!
All you will need for this project is some scrap fabric and coordinating ribbon
First you start off with two piece of fabric cut to 9"X12" (you can adjust size as you like, this is just the size that worked best for me.)
Line up fabric, with the right sides together. Sew all around the outside, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance, leave an opening of about 2-3 inches to turn the fabric right side out.
Turn the fabric right side out. At this point I iron the loose fabric at the opening. Fold it inside so that when sewn the sides will be straight and even, run an iron over it to make sure it stays put while sewing. Make sure the opening is along the edge that will be the top of the roll.
Now from the bottom fold up about 3" of fabric. This will make the roll between 5-6" from top to bottom.
On one of the ends (I always use the left end) take an 18" length of ribbon, folded in half, and pin it along the edge with the fold inbetween the two pieces of fabric. This should leave two loose ends, about 9" long, to tie the roll when you are done.
Now sew all the way around the perimeter of the fabric. I try to get as close to the edge as I can and still sew a straight line. Make sure you are closing up the opening along the top and attaching the ribbon with this seam.
After you've sewn around all that is left is to sew the vertical lines to hold the tools. I like to sew a variety of widths, I don't use any specific measurement, I have been known to eye ball with the tools on the fabric before sewing, but I've found that as long as you don't make the slots too big it doesn't really matter. I do make a few narrow slots to hold cuticle pushers.
There are two ways to make the vertical lines. You can either start at the bottom, sew up and cut the thread for each line. (I didn't like that option because I hate having so many cut threads, too much potential to unravel) or you can start along the bottom seam, sew along the seam, pivot, sew up to the top of the pocket, pivot, come back down the same seam you just sewed, pivot, sew along the bottom seam to the next vertical line you want to sew, pivot, sew up... etc.. I tried to take pictures of this process but they really didn't explain anything, it really needs a video. I'll work on that when I make the next one.
And then... You're done!!! Add your manicure supplies...
And roll it up!
This hold everything you need to do a manicure and tucks away nicely when not in use.
