Sure, you could buy gift tags. But where's the fun in that?
Homemade tags look cool and can be as simple or as intricate as you want. Homemade tags hark back to those days when you made Christmas presents for your family. Even though you may not have the time or skills to create gifts from scratch now, a home-crafted tag is still a nice touch that shows you care.
What you need
● Tags. Office-supply stores carry them, or pick up a plastic template (scrapbook and craft stores sell them) — just trace onto paper (card stock works well because it's heavier) and cut, and you've got a tag.
● Stamps and ink pads
● Decorative paper, including vellum
● Ribbon or colored string
● Hole punch
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● Markers
● Wrapping paper
● Thin cardboard
● Glue
● Colored brads
The recycled tag
When you're weeding out Christmas cards from years past, snag a few. Cut 'em up, punch a hole, and you've got yourself a tag as simple as that. Of course, if you feel the need to embellish, whip out the markers and have at it.
The wrapping-paper tag
Another easy one. And if you're one of those people who is big on coordinating everything, this is perfect. It's also a good way to use up those scraps that you can't bring yourself to throw out. Get a strip and trim it down to tag size. Because wrapping paper is so flimsy, you'll want to reinforce it with thin cardboard — or you could use a file folder — glued to the back.
The stamped tag
If you want to crank out a bunch of tags, stamping is your best bet. This cute tree and "Tis the Season" stamps are from Close to My Heart's acrylic stamp line (www.closetomy heart.com online). Acrylic stamps are nice because you can see right through them and look at how things are lining up — and whether you've got enough ink. This would be an easy project with kids. And speaking of kids . . .
The kid-designed tag
Children will enjoy being in on the gift-wrapping action. The best part is, you have an ultra-cute tag and didn't even have to make it. All you need: washable markers and a child's bottomless creativity. Oh, and a tag would help.
The labor-intensive tag
Don't be scared — this isn't hard; it just takes some time. Cut out a tag and "pocket" made of see-through vellum. Using a hole punch, make holes through both the tag and the vellum. Use colored brads — pick what you like, squares, circles or even go with plain silver — and poke them through the holes and fasten. Get contrasting colored paper and trim it to fit inside the vellum pocket. Cut out a holiday design and attach with glue. Punch three holes at the top and pull ribbon through the holes.
● Contact Kristen Cook at kcook@azstarnet.com or 573-4194.
James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star