I just got my June/July issue of Paper Crafts yesterday and thought it was jam packed with some great ideas - I especially loved some of the travel ideas - Kim Hughes made this awesome World Traveler Game (p. 39) - I'm going to make one for myself one of these days. It's also loaded with Father's Day ideas, Graduation projects - there is an invitation by Pam Talluto on p. 48 that I love - I think the idea of using all the different school photos as a border is just terrific - definitely going to keep that one filed away for future reference. If you are in need of a quick & easy way to spruce up your graduation gift - I'll share an idea with you.
I was asked to work on some projects for a feature called "Graduate Your Design" where the idea is to start with a very simple project and then show how a few little changes can have a big impact on the overall look. I used some fun papers from MAMBI's Sanctuary line to make these gift bags. The stamps are from Technique Tuesday (LOVE their Provence font).
One type of project that I love to make is a decorated gift bag - they are so easy to do, and by using an inexpensive plain bag from the craft or party store, they provide a very quick way to customize your gift packaging. I always feel like the way the gift is presented is just as important as what is inside. (and it's also a fun way to use some of those gorgeous papers you've been hoarding away that you feel are too nice to cut into smaller pieces ;)
For the first bag I simply stamped the message, matted on blue and adhered to the bag with foam adhesive. A little butterfly from MAMBI's Soft Spoken dimensional stickers in the corner and you're done - you could easily make this project in less than 10 minutes.

The second bag is exactly the same except I used ink to color one of Technique Tuesday's Tile Topper frames - I love these because they are white to start with, so easy to just add a bit of color by rubbing an ink pad over the top. I then trimmed the stamped sentiment to fit under the frame (doesn't have to be perfect, just trim off any edges that are showing) - adhere with foam tape and pop on the butterfly and you're done - 15 minutes for this one.
The third version is exactly the same as the second, except I added a resist technique to the frame. Again, I love this technique with the white coaster board TT uses for it's "chipboard". I stamped some of the swirl images from the Whirly Gig set using VersaMark ink (or whatever clear embossing ink you have) and heat embossed with clear powder. Then I rubbed the same blue ink pad over the frame and gently wiped off the ink from the embossed areas with a tissue, allowing the white to show through. This is a fun technique to play around with - looks great with a bright patterned paper underneath and then brayer over the top with a very dark ink - you'll have swirls of fun colors.
Here is the finished bag with the embossed frame - only attempt this one if you have a full 20 minutes to spare - or 30 if you need to hunt around for your heat tool :)
These designs could easily be reduced to work with a smaller gift bag - I love those for dressing up a gift card - which is something that always seems to be a big hit with most teenagers/college grads I know.
Hope you have a great weekend!