Fun "Survival Kit for Life" Craft Project

by Mary Ruthven
(Palm Coast, FL.)

I made this fun survival kit for 10 of my girlfriends. Aside from Christmas, Valentines Day is my favorite holiday. Coming up with a new and interesting gift for my "gals" is always a fun challenge.

I decided that, with times as tough as they are, any survival tip would be a good thing, so here's what I made...


Materials

Each kit contains one each of the following:

• marble
  
• toothpick
  
• paperclip
  
• eraser
  
• button
  
• lifesaver
  
• Hershey Kiss
  
• bandaid
  
• candle
  

I put these contents in small valentine party bags.

This project was very inexpensive because I already had these objects in my home but they all can be purchased at a Dollar Store.

I also personalized each bag with a foam heart and strung letter beads that spelled out each girl's name.


Instructions

I bought small clear valentine party bags (25 for $1.00) at Dollar Tree. I filled each one with the contents listed.

I chose to use the "Pocket Origami Gift Box" that Stephanie has in her section on Origami. I used different colors of cardstock to make these pockets because I required a stiffer one that would survive the mailing process.

I put each bag in a pocket, punched holes and tied the bag to the pocket. I then wrapped each one in colored tissue paper (leftovers from my Rosebud project) and attached this survival kit poem I wrote. (Feel free to use it.)



I also put this explanation inside the pocket along with the content bag:

TOOTHPICK:

To pick out the good qualities in people.

PAPERCLIP:

To help you "hold it together" during difficult times.

HERSHEY KISS:

To help you remember the power of hugs and kisses.

BUTTON:

To help remember the times one should button their lip.

BANDAID:

To help with life's hurt feelings.

ERASER:

To erase away any mistakes you make that you want to forget.

CANDLE:

To light your way when things are their darkest.

MARBLE:

For the times you feel you've lost all yours.

LIFESAVER:

For the times others will need your help and you will need theirs.

Handy Tips

I chose to put my contents in purchased party bags but you can use baggies. Just put in contents, gather bag above them and cut off excess.

This gift is virtually free of cost because most of the objects it contains can be found at home.

This Origami Pocket is adorable and VERY easy to make. I drew little hearts for trim on mine but the ideas on how one can use them are endless! Give it a try... it's addictive!

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Check out more of Mary's craft ideas on her website www.craftingtales.com.

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