I'm guessing you came here because you wanted to make a gift card holder for Christmas like the one above!

Well, you're in luck! You can! (Sorry if you still want to celebrate Thanksgiving, and I do too, and it's like, all the stores are already selling Christmas trees!)

You'll need:

A CNC machine (small router or large end mill will both work, just cutting wood!)
A small bit for that CNC machine, 1/8 inch or smaller
A piece of wood, 6x12in, 1/8in thick (Can be bought here, opens in new tab) Birch plywood also works OK.
Wood glue
Sandpaper, anywhere between 120 and 200 grit is OK.
Stain (optional, but recommended if you want it to look purty.)
Some sort of finish (also optional)

And that's it! Off to step one you go!

Step 1: Cut

Cut your wood! I sure hope you know how to do this!

Files can be found and edited here.

Step 2: Glue

I just used some basic Elmer's wood glue. Glue the half with the design facing out and the half with the long notch in it together. Make sure the notches to grab the card are lined up, and use a SMALL amount of glue along the edges to make sure no glue gets into the card pocket.

Step 3: Sand

I used some 80 grit just to round the edges and then I went back with 150 grit to refine the design on the front. Remember that anywhere from 100-200 grit will work, just make sure you go slowly with coarser sandpaper.

Step 4: Stain (Optional)

If you are using something like I am (Minwax Wood Finish 230) just shake the can and pry it open. Stir and then just use a paintbrush to "paint" the finish on to the wood. The can says to wait a few minutes before dabbing (lol) the excess stain off, but mine soaked in fast so I ended up waiting around fifteen seconds before dabbing (again lol)

Step 5: Finish

This step is also sorta optional, but don't be lazy if you like a nice christmas present!

Apply three coats of wipe-on poly, two to three hours in between each one. Apply by pouring some of the wipe-on poly to a fiber-free cloth, then wipe that on to the wood. Make sure to apply thoroughly.

Step 6: Done!

Yay! Your amazing christmas present should work great! If cards do not fit, try folding a piece of low-grit sandpaper and slide it in the slot until it fits a card.

Merry Christmas and please give feedback - this is my first Instructable and I am only a student.