I realize that this is LONG but I think it is filled with
some great TIPS for you….enjoy!
(my pictures are still not the best….sorry, I do not know what is up!)
As I quickly shared with you in the earlier post this morning I shared with you that yesterday when I went to town making more of my Mason Jar Tags for upcoming gifts….I realized that the process can be a bit overwhelming without a plan.
I wish that you had seen my work area – A TOTAL PAPER MESS! (does this sound familiar to anyone?) I admit that I was becoming frustrated and I thought, this is silly – make this a process!
This post is about a process…think of it as a recipe just like you would be making in your kitchen. I reworked it and simplified it to 4 different patterns (recipes).
Having a plan and having everything ready makes this a FUN project!
#1 – Go ahead and cut all of you tag bases to the color scheme that you are looking for. I am using Real Red, Mossy Meadow, Heavy weight Whisper White and Old Olive.
- Cut the full sheet of card stock in half at the 4 ¼” and then cut into 2” strips – this way you will get 10 tags from a sheet of paper. I cut a BUNCH at once so I have lots ready…to me this is a time saver and I know that they will always get used up!
- I used the scalloped tag topper to do a quick and decorative finishing touch. If you do not have a punch, simply use scissors and snip off the edges for a tg effect but I will say that I use our tag punches a bunch!
#2 – Cut paper into ¼” strips. I know….I know – I can hear the moans and groans from you now but not only is this a GREAT way to utilize your scraps…it is a great to have a STOCKPILE on hand as you will find that they are super handy and a key element in making clean and simple cards!
- TIP – many times I like to use the right hand side of my trimmer to make cuts…I find it easier to keep them straight.
- In the picture below you will see how I store my strips! This is the container that the markers came in….(I just knew that it would come in handy one day)…be creative and find a system that works for you!
- When I go to cut to an 1/8” inch, I just do them on “as need” basis as I find that they are super fragile and tear….They do make a great statement against the ¼” strip so play around and have fun with them!
#3 – Look at what stamps and Die Cuts you have and just go to town! What I like to do is pull off the shelf anything that works for the theme I am doing…remember, tags are not just for Christmas time….you can make a jar of Birthday Tags – what a FUN gift to give!
- This is another GREAT time to use up scraps. Stamp away and if you need to use a punch go ahead and stockpile a bunch at once….I like to use little cups to keep each design in.
- If you are using bakers twine to make simple bows, go ahead and make the bows and put them in a container to have on hand (like the Santa example today)
- I adore our cotton ribbon. In the Mason Jar I put 10” of the following colors, white, pear pizzazz and real red…these seem to go great for the holiday but then again, this is the PERFECT time to use up scraps and odds and ends of ribbon you might have!
- The Red is 1/4" and the white is 1/8".
- The plaid DSP is 2" X 2" and the Red is 1/4"
- The plaid is 2 3/4" and the Mossy Meadow pieces are 1/4" each
- The plaid pieces are each 1" wide and the strip is 1/4"
There you go…..a quick run down on different looks to make a super cute project! Remember, it is all about having your items ready to rumble! This will be the last week that I will be showing a bunch about Christmas …..I am going to continue with the theme of great and practical gifts that you can make to give…gifts from your hands are simply the best and they are ALWAYS treasured!
Remember that you can win the LOOT of MARKERS….click here to see that post! Enjoy the day, tomorrow will be a different twist but one that I know many of you will like. Enjoy the day!
These are really cute and I like to use that Tag Topper Punch a lot too . These would be cute book marks (done in non Christmas theme )
Not sure if you would want to give someone a jar full of bookmarks ,but you never know ….maybe a teacher to pass out to the students >>>. Just thinking ….
Cute project !!
Wow, you did a another great tutorial, Susan! I do agree that yesterday’s pictures were just FINE!
Thank you so much!
Great tips and ideas and love how organized you are! I adore the tag topper punches, too. Your pictures look fine on this end. Great job, Susan!
Oh Susan, a wonderful idea to cut up a sheet of cardstock for the tags all at once! I am such a dork and look through my scraps for a size close to the punched tag and use it. This will save time and if I don’t use all of them now I can later. My husband is always thinking I can use those little plastic boxes with the little drawers for nuts and bolts and stuff. Well, maybe I can use a drawer for tag bases, one for a planned leftover width to decorate with etc.
I think the idea of birthday tags would be a great idea too! Plus, maybe make them into the 3×3 cards too. I have a bunch of little pieces from some of the SU birthday DP. Little matching tags on gift bags always make me smile.
Oh boo, hiss the last week for showing Christmas tags/cards? Am I the only one that stays up till the early hours Christmas Eve finishing presents or making tags to go with the paper or gift bag? Some last minute ideas are the best!
Now, speaking of organized, I had some fun little things like Snowman Peeps, chocolate reindeer Peeps, etc that I bought as soon as I saw them for a friend. I kept them in the bags in my craft room which is also called the junk room so I knew where they were and what was in that bag. Well, Mike decided to go in there to see what was in some big moving boxes and also throw a few of his things in there, he decided there was too many bags and who in heck eats those Peep things – well, he threw them out after tasting the chocolate reindeer one. So I need to figure out a better system for that! He also saw the new Iowa Hawkeye ornament I bought at the same time but that is on his desk!
Great setup ideas- the prep work makes it easier to make these tags. Sort of like an assembly line or at least, more likely to make and enjoy when things are prepared ahead of time. I love love the idea of cutting the ten tags from one CS! I am totally going to do that TODAY! In fact, I am going to make tags today. I’m having difficulty “matching” tags to my wrapping paper; after hearing a comment that my tags made with DSP doesn’t match – now I am so paranoid about it. Also heard from same lady that people like glitter and gold sparkle at holidays, so now I feel all my cards are too bland.
Anyway, will implement your tips for making tags. I wish you took a photo of your cups that you keep al of your punched out pieces in. That must look cute!