By Noreen Doll.
From what I’ve read, hackers can now use a hand held device to read your personal information on your credit cards even while the cards are tucked away in your wallet.
I’ve also been seeing aluminum wallets for carrying credit cards, to thwart the ability to read the personal information on them.
Being a crafter, I wanted to create my own security credit card holder with aluminum in it.
This project I’ve created uses durable duct tape combined with aluminum foil, and both items are readily available. In fact, duct tape now comes in a huge variety of colors and designs.
This would make a great gift for almost anyone, and a useful stocking stuffer, too.
Supplies.
Duct Tape
Aluminum Foil
Paper
Cardboard
Pencil
Scissors
Ruler
How to Make a Security Credit Card Holder.
1. Make a template. I made one first on paper
and then transferred it to cereal box or other cardboard. This durable template will allow you to make more holders quickly and easily.
2. Cut a piece of aluminum foil that is 5 inches wide by 9 inches long. This gives you enough extra to allow trimming raggedy edges off.
3. Cut a strip of duct tape 5 inches long and lay it across the 5 inch width of the aluminum foil, starting at the bottom.
4. Cut a second strip of duct tape 5 inches long and lay it just above the first strip, overlapping it by 1/4 of an inch or so.
5. Continue cutting 5 inch strips of duct tape and laying them just above the previous strip, overlapping them 1/4 of an inch, until you reach the top of the foil.
Press the duct tape gently but firmly onto the aluminum foil.
6. Turn the aluminum foil over and repeat the process, starting with a strip at the bottom and overlapping each successive strip slightly, until you have covered the second side of the foil.
7. Lay the security credit card holder on the duct tape sheet and draw around it.
8. Cut it out.
9. Make the slit.
10. Fold the holder on the fold lines and crease them sharply.
11. Fold the bottom section of the holder up, and use a 2 1/2 inch strip of duct tape on each side to close the pocket.
12. Tuck the point of the flap into the slit and the security credit card holder is ready to use.
If the flap doesn’t lay flat, adjust the length of the slit slightly until the flap is flat.
How to Add a Pocket or Divider.
1. Make a pocket / divider template.
2. When you make your duct tape sheet for the holder, use aluminum foil that is 5 inches by 12 inches and cover it all the way to the top.
3. Lay both templates on the finished duct tape sheet, one above the other, and draw around them.
4. Cut them out.
5. After folding the holder, use a 4 inch long piece of duct tape to tape the divider just above the bottom fold on the inside of the holder.
6. Fold the bottom section of the holder up and use a 2 1/2 inch long piece of duct tape on each side to close it.
This is how the pockets will look inside.
Make a different color for everyone.
I made 3 dozen of these for Christmas gifts this year.
Noreen Doll
Camille says
Noreen, what a GREAT idea! How many cards will this holder handle?
Noreen says
Because the holder is wider than the credit cards, I was able to get 20 cards in the holder and could probably squeeze in another couple. Of course, it will depend on how thick the cards are, too, as some are thicker than others. The holders are so quick and easy to make that you could use 2 or 3 of them if you have tons of cards.
Aimeslee Winans says
Noreen, you might be pleased to read this (specifically, the last paragraph of the section “Mixed results for shields”).
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2011/june/money/credit-card-fraud/rfid-credit-cards/index.htm
Thanks very much for the tutorial!
Noreen says
I hope you all will check out the link in Aimslee’s comment and then get a holder made to keep your credit cards secure!
Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline says
Thank you so much for sharing this awesome idea at this week’s Project Inspire{d} ~ I’m pinning to share and to remember it for myself. These would make great little presents.
Diane Roark says
This is a cute idea. Thanks for stopping by Wonderful Wednesday blog hop. I pinned you post!
Blessings,
Diane Roark
Robin~All Things Heart and Home says
okkkkaaaayyy! I LOVE this so much! Wouldn’t this be a great dual purpose gift!? A “sheild” & it could hold a gift card! I’m buying some cute duck tape ASAP!!!
Thanks again for linking with T&TB xo
Linda @ A La Carte says
What a great idea and would be an awesome gift for family and friends. Thanks for sharing at TTF!@
Nancherrow says
what a cool craft idea
and great way to make something
that actually protects our money!
thanks for sharing
at Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Cathy says
So unique! Awesome idea and tip! Thanks for sharing at the Foodies & Crafties Blog Hop! I can’t wait to see what you link up next week! I would love for you to hop over anytime!
Have a terrific weekend!
Cathy
the cape on the corner says
this is a great idea! I actually just bought myself and a friend the anti hacker type of wallet, and she loves the whole idea of it.
Randi Sowders says
I love this! My mom had her credit cards stolen like this! I am totally making my own!
Cynthia says
I didn’t know people could do that. Thank you for the great idea – I’ll definitely be making some of these. Thank you for linking to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party. Hope to see you next week.
Susan says
I’ve made duct tape wallets before, but adding the tin foil is brilliant. Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday at Organized 31.
Deb says
I love it! What a clever idea! Never thought that regular wallets could be a security risk. And, thank you for stopping by Shine a Spotlight Saturday and sharing! See you next Saturday! —Deb
Kristina & Millie says
Great idea and tutorial! I had heard too about protecting your cards and saw a news story on it where people would pass by and steal your card info. This is a great way anyone could protect their cards and their identity! Thanks for sharing at snickerdoodle sunday!!
Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above says
What a great idea. I am going to have to try this.
Thanks so much for sharing at Wednesday’s Adorned From Above Link Party.
Debi and Charly
Toodie says
I would never have thought to make one of these. You’re so clever to think of it!
Stephanie Kay says
I’m not really worried about someone reading my credit card through my wallet, but this would make a fun craft for my kids! Thanks for sharing via Family Fun Friday.
Linda says
Hi, Noreen, As soon as I saw this I knew what it was for. My niece said that their credit cards have been “read” through her husband’s wallet! I was shocked! This is a wonderful solution to that problem. I wonder if you just wrap your credit cards with aluminum foil – if you don’t want to (or have time for) make a whole new wallet thingee. 🙂 Best wishes to you. Linda
Noreen says
I’m sure you could just wrap the cards in aluminum foil, Linda. The reason I came up with the duct tape over aluminum foil was that I knew the foil would be constantly tearing, whereas the duct tape makes it really sturdy. I’m using the card holder for my cards. Thanks again for featuring it. I’m hoping lots of people will see it and use it. It really is VERY easy and quick to make!