I wanted a quick handmade gift for a friend who lives for coffee—something she could display on her desk and also use to treat herself. This arches-shaped card checks both boxes: the curved front shows off a cheerful floral bouquet and the inside holds a gift card in a snug little pocket. Two Tombow heroes make it shine from start to finish: MONO Aqua Liquid Glue for clean, reliable assembly and the MONO Drawing Pen Colors to add sweet finishing details on the back.
Supplies:
- MONO Aqua Liquid Glue
- MONO Drawing Pen Colors
- Die cutting machine and metal dies
- Scrapbooking papers and embellishments
To build the base, I adhered the white stitched panel to the lilac arch using MONO Aqua Liquid Glue. I like starting with the broad tip to sweep a thin, even layer across large areas—no warping, no bubbles—then switching to the pen tip for the small tabs that create the pocket. Run a narrow bead along the side tabs, press, and hold for a few seconds; the bond dries clear and strong so the pocket keeps its shape. Tip: keep glue away from the pocket’s top edge so the gift card slides in and out smoothly.
Next, I dressed the front with layered floral die-cuts. A tiny dot of Aqua on each stem and petal corner is all it takes to secure the cluster without oozing. I tucked pieces behind the pocket lip, popped the “Thanks” sentiment on the front, and slid the coffee gift card into place. The arch silhouette makes the card feel decorative—pretty enough to stand up on a shelf or beside a mug.
For the back, I flipped the card and reached for the MONO Drawing Pen (Purple, size 03) to add personality: a crisp outline around the label, a faux-stitch border, and dotted accents framing the sentiment. The water-based pigment ink lays down a smooth, saturated purple that doesn’t feather on cardstock, so it’s perfect for small doodles or a handwritten note to your recipient. Paired with the sturdy pocket and clean glue finish, this little arches card is a thoughtful handmade touch plus a coffee treat—simple, pretty, and ready to gift.
What would you make to surprise a friend?
Love,
Andrea Lake.