Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’ll be hosting a gathering for family or friends you might be looking for innovative ideas for table decorations to make your guests feel extra special. Well, we’ve got an adorably thoughtful (and useful!) idea you’ll fall head over heels for… Pockets Full of Love! This paper craft project was created by Canadian Advisor Tammy McEwen, who first made it as a welcome gift for customers attending one of her events, and then infused it into a layout to hold pictures!
You can make these hearts for layouts, to give to family members who come by your house this holiday season (put mints in them and place them on your guests’ plates!), fill them with small treats or gifts for your child’s teacher, slip them into Christmas stockings or anything else you can come up with. Read on to find out how to make this heart scrapbook paper project, plus get step-by-step instructions for creating Tammy’s layout and get bonus ideas for using Pockets Full of Love from other CM Advisors!

To create this layout project you’ll need:
- Designer paper from any collection – Tammy used the Gather Together Paper Pack
- 12-inch Straight Trimmer
- Original Border Maker System with the Garland Border Maker Cartridge
- Double Heart Punch
- All-Purpose Scissors
- Tape Runner
- Black Dual-Tip Pen
Step 1: You will need three sheets of designer paper for this layout. One piece that measures 8″ x 12″, another that measures 4″ x 12″ and the last one for the base of the layout.
Step 2: Fold the 8″ x 12″ piece of paper in half lengthwise. Then, use scissors to round the top.
Step 3: Unfold and fold the bottom to the lower cut edge (inside point).
Step 4: Fold each bottom corner into the middle.
Step 5: Fold the top flap down and adhere tabs to the backside.
Step 6: Use the 12-inch Trimmer to cut the 4″ x 12″ piece to measure 2-1/2″ x 12″.
Step 7: Use the Border Maker System and the Garland Border Maker Cartridge and punch both sides of the 2-1/2″ x 12″ strip.
Step 8: Use the 12-inch Trimmer to cut a slit between the ‘garlands’ starting at 2″ to 8″.
Step 9: Use remaining 1-1/2″ x 12″ strip to punch hearts using the Double Heart Punch, as well as journal strips.
Step 10: Adhere as shown, tucking the heart into the border slit. Finish by decorating and journaling on the layout as desired.
But that’s not all! Check out some other examples by Creative Memories Advisors Nancy Mason (top images) and Teri Edwards (bottom image).
You’ll also love this basket-like pocket idea using the rectangle custom cutting system that Advisor Sachiyo Omitsu came up with!
So, are you feeling crafty now with all this awesome inspiration? No matter what you use this paper heart project for this holiday season, you can rest assured that the recipient will love it. How do you plan on using it? Let us know in the comments below!
Thank you for sharing all of our ideas! 💕
Thank you for the pocket idea. It has so many uses – photos, memorabilia, etc. – I can’t wait to try it and share this brilliant idea with my costumers! We all love a new technique.
Thanks for sharing!
What a great idea! An extra place to stash photos, ticket stubs or other euphemia. I can see using this on several of my upcoming pages!
I love the basket idea from the “cloth” paper, too. Think I’ll mount it to cardstock around the edges and use it for some small candy treats at each place at my November crop.
Love this! I saw someone use this for their Croptoberfest to stuff little goodies in like a piece of candy and a sticker strip. Then their Croptoberfest Page Kit was off to the side. I am going to do the same!! You are the bomb with the creativity!