DIY Gift Tags

It’s probably an understatement to say that I go a little overboard when it comes to wrapping Christmas gifts every year. One of my favorite memories from growing up was wrapping Christmas presents with my mom. She was always so meticulous with everything. From the size of the piece of tape used to the exact placement of the final piece of ribbon, I absolutely loved it when I got to accompany her in their bedroom, door closed so no one else could see, sitting on the hardwood floor to help wrap Christmas presents (which really meant watch, place a piece of tape here and there and lend a finger to hold down the center of a ribbon knot).

To this day I have such a clear memory of those moments. And to this day my Mom’s present wrapping will always out do mine. But I still try.

Typically my presents are completely glammed out. I'll search for the shiniest wrapping paper, and I always have a theme; even if the theme is as simple as red and silver. Husby gets entertainment from my annual fight with Kessler, our giant polydactyl cat who truthfully resembles a small lion, as he sits as a spectator on the couch to see who will win over the roll of curling ribbon for that present.

News flash: all of that is going to the wayside this year! My presents are taking on a new look: shabby chic.

I’m not really sure what prompted my change in wrapping spirit, but I’m really excited about this year’s new look using brown kraft paper, cream doily ribbon, red tulle and DIY clay tags.

Here’s what I used to make the tags:

Sculpey Oven Bake Clay, pearl (or any other brand)
Rolling pin
Circle cookie cutter, or something in a circle shape you can use as a cutter (mine was about 1.5” in diameter)
Skewer, or similar shaped object that will poke a hole
Clean, flat surface
Parchment paper
Cookie Sheet

To make them, preheat your oven according to the directions on the package. Then take a good chunk of the clay and roll it into a ball on your flat work space.

Take your rolling pin and roll out the ball of clay like you would pizza or cookie dough. Your clay should be a few millimeters thick when you’re done.

Next, take your cookie cutter or whatever object you’re using and press it down into the piece of clay. Cut the clay as you would cookie dough, using up as much clay is possible at one time.

Once you’ve removed the scraps of clay, use the skewer to poke a whole through the clay wide enough that a piece of ribbon can fit through. When you’re finished, place the clay tags on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Pop the sheet into the oven and bake according to directions on the clay packaging. Mine stated 15 minutes, but I ended up baking them for 25. Once they’re finished baking, wait for them to cool before handling, then attach your ribbon or twine and you’re all set!