Upcycling Christmas Gift Tags

Getting back into the crafting groove, and trying more than anything to have a clear out of craft supplies, I've upcycled some festive gift tags for Christmas.  I found some super cute gift tags at the dollar store last season and thought that they would make wonderful embellishments.  Originally a mini-card with a little envelope, I've cut the backs off and adhered the bright graphic images to a 2" scalloped square which I've die cut in matching colours.



This is my process in case it's any inspiration to you.  You can cut great images by recycling your old cards, cutting up gift bags, all sorts of things.

I've selected a background card stock to suit the embellishment image - Santa, and then added a strip of white card stock.

 This is a great way to make the colours pop if you're using washi tape, or other decorative tapes, and for the best results wrap around the card stock so you have a nicely finished edge. Once I've done this I adhere the card stock with tape to a super sturdy 100lb card stock, but the normal 65lb would work fine as well.  You don't want a gift tag to be too flimsy.

I liked the jolliness of putting Santa a little askew, so in this version I've placed on an angle overlapping the candy cane stripe tape.  For balance, a large bright white die cut on the bottom right pulls it all together.    

Because I'm not sure it's possible to make something without a little bling, a nice large silver gem in the center of the snowflake gives the whole thing a lovely effect.

Punch a hole and add something to tie the gift tag on to the gift - in this case I've used Rafia as it's my new fave, but you could use butcher's twine, string, embroidery floss, wool .. it all works.

I've packaged them up 2 in a bag, added a bright red bag topper, another snowflake, and yup, more bling with another gem.  I think they'll be very cute for craft shows.

It's Anything Goes challenge at Christmas Card Challenge this week - a no stress challenge - so take a look at some of the lovely creations over there for more inspiration.