Gift tags are important. Other than the obvious identification they provide, they can also serve as a holiday card or greeting to the gift recipient from the giver--especially for gifts that are mailed or exchanged other than in person. And what's the point of selecting just the perfect gift and wrapping it so beautifully if you're going to stick one of those plain little skinny gift tags on it? The larger more special ones are often very expensive, too. Fortunately for us crafters, there's a simple solution!
These gift tags are so quick to make and can be simple (stamped only) or elaborate (stamped, embossed, colored, and glittered with ribbon ties)--or anything in between. You can make dozens in an hour, and even if you make them all the same, each one is unique. They make perfect accents to handmade gifts and clever wrapping.
1. Begin with store-bought tags (these are from Impress Rubber Stamps) or use card stock to cut your own. Office supply stores are a great resource for tag supplies, too. Don't forget the decorative-edge scissors to give paper tags an even more special 'edge'--no pun intended!
2. Stamp all or part of a design on one side of the card using various colored inks, or use embossing ink and heat-set embossing powders for a raised design.
3. Stamp or write "To" and "From" or a similar message (like "Handmade for ____ by ___") on the back.
4. Color the designs with markers or colored pencils, or leave them as they are. Or, Crayola has a set of glitter glue pens (9 colors in a pack) that are perfect for these projects; it's glue with colored glitter inside, but it comes out like dimensional paint. You can apply it thickly (for dimension with sparkle) or thinly (just for sparkle). I'm putting it on everything this year; it's easy to use and each little pen is going a long way. Outline simple shapes with the pens, or just use a dot here and there to add sparkle to stars, snowflakes, etc.
5. Embellish further with bells, sequins, ribbons, beads, glitter, etc. I used Making Memories' embellishments like little glass bubbles with holiday words printed underneath (they are self-adhesive) and pewter charms in various shapes ands words (attached with glue).
6. Replace the strings in the tags with ribbon or wire for an even more special look.
Resources circular & heart-shaped notes in tin - ImpressImpress Rubber Stamps, Inc.
Tukwila, WA
Phone: 206-901-9101
Website:
impressrubberstamps.com
metal letters, charms, photo corners - Making MemoriesMaking Memories
Website:
www.makingmemories.comcolored wire - Making MemoriesMaking Memories
Website:
www.makingmemories.comeyelets & eyelet tool - Making MemoriesMaking Memories
Website:
www.makingmemories.comJolee's Boutique and Jolee's By You stickers, cardsEK Success Ltd.
Website:
www.eksuccess.com
vellum and paper tagsImpress Rubber Stamps, Inc.
Tukwila, WA
Phone: 206-901-9101
Website:
impressrubberstamps.com
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