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Summer Survival Kit
by Aby Garvey
 Whether your warm-weather adventures include hiking with the kids or strolling the beach alone, it’s smart to be prepared for a few minor mishaps along the way (from skinned knees to stomach unease). This cute-as-a-button Summer Survival Kit is a snap to put together. Just toss it into your car or beach tote, and you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.
SUPPLY LIST
  one 8½ x 9 inch denim bag, purchased from a craft store such as Michael’s (if possible, select a bag that already has outside pockets)
a back pocket from an old pair of jeans
one 5½- inch square of fabric
27 inches of 1-inch ribbon
six inches of ¾-inch ribbon
five inches of ½-inch ribbon
one 1-inch binder ring
two decorative buttons and coordinating embroidery floss
two 3 x 5 inch gift card tins (available at a craft store)
one 1-inch safety pin
iron-on adhesive
one 3 x 5 inch piece of laminate (such as a laminating pouch)
one piece of plain paper
one piece of patterned paper
EQUIPMENT LIST
scissors
embroidery needle
corner rounder
iron and ironing board
Tailor your survival kit according to your specific needs. Here are our suggestions for stocking your kit. (Most items are available in sample or travel sizes.)
itch relief stick
antibiotic ointment
adhesive bandages
alcohol wipes
pain reliever
nausea and diarrhea reliever
antacid
laundry stick
tissues
insect repellent
hand sanitizer and wet wipes
sunscreen
eye drops
lip balm
saline solution
tweezers for removing splinters and ticks
nail file
 Cut out the pocket from a pair of blue jeans, keeping it attached to the jean backing. (It should still work like a pocket after it’s removed.)
 Align the ¾-inch ribbon along the top of the pocket, wrapping it around the back of the pocket just slightly for a finished look. Attach the ribbon to the pocket using the iron-on adhesive. (Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.)
 Sew the buttons onto the pocket with the embroidery floss.
 Attach the safety pin to the pocket.
 Attach the pocket to the outside of the denim bag using the iron-on adhesive.
 Fold the fabric square into a mini handkerchief. Tuck it into the jean pocket.
 Attach the 1-inch ribbon along the top of the denim bag using the iron-on adhesive. Be sure to leave a spot without adhesive where the knot will be tied.
 After the iron-on adhesive has cooled, tie the ribbon into a decorative knot.
On your computer, create a new document and adjust the font size and margins so the checklist of supplies will fit within a 2¼ x 3½ inch space. Print the checklist on a piece of 8½ x 11 inch paper, and use a paper trimmer to cut the paper to size. Round the corners using a corner rounder.
Cut a piece of patterned paper to 2½ x 3¾ inches and round the corners. (This is simply a decorative backing for your checklist).
Place the cards back to back, and slip them into the laminating pouch.
Use a hole-punch to make a hole in the top left corner of the laminated card.
Attach the laminated checklist to the denim bag using the binder ring.
Tie the ½-inch ribbon to the binder ring.
When filling your Summer Survival Kit, keep the following in mind:
The gift card tin makes a perfect mini first aid kit. Use it to store adhesive bandages and small tubes of antibiotic ointment.
The second gift card tin can be filled with packets of wipes or other small essentials.
Use the pockets for tubes like an itch relief stick or a stain remover stick.
 Store your Summer Survival Kit in a handy location.
Keep a labeled bin full of extra supplies at home so restocking will be a breeze.
Aby Garvey
Aby Garvey specializes in providing creative solutions for organizing dilemmas. Visit her website at simplify101.com
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