Upcycled Fabric Christmas Gift Tags How To

I don't know about you, but at this time of year I love being surrounded by wrapping paper and ribbons and glitter and sticky tape, watching a Christmas film as I wrap Christmas presents! I like to give my gift wrapped packages a personal touch by adding handmade gift tags. Today I'm sharing my really simple and thrifty How To for fabric scrap gift tags...

1) You will need

Fabric scraps (I used felt, tweed and tartan), gift tags, scraps of ribbon, scissors, double sided tape (not pictured)

2) Cut small squares of fabric for your "presents." You could make a template if you want to, but I cut mine freehand. Add double sided tape to the back of each square and stick onto the bottom of each of your gift tags

3) Cut pieces of ribbon to decorate your fabric present and attach using double sided tape. You can make each tag unique by using different fabrics and differing pieces of ribbon to dress your present design

4) Tie a little bow in contrasting ribbon to decorate the top of each present. Attach using double sided tape

That's all there is to it and you'll soon have a lovely set of unique gift tags... Happy making!

You could also use the fabric present idea to make your own Christmas cards

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas!

How To... Hand Coloured, Embroidered Gift Tags

I never seem to have gift tags when I need them so I often make my own and this has inspired my latest How To! As always, I have designed this How To with thrift in mind- you just need basic materials that you probably already have in your craft stash. This is a really simple idea that will bring a lovely handmade touch to your gift wrapping. Also, If you enjoy the trend for adult colouring, this is the how to for you! Happy crafting, here's how to make them...

1) You will need

Swing tags (or make your own using spare cardboard), drawing pencil, coloured pencils, hole piercing tool/a needle if you don't have one, sewing needle, embroidery thread, scissors

2) Draw your design on to the swing tag. The world is your oyster here in terms of designs and colours, just bare in mind you will need to make holes and stitch around them, so a bolder and less intricate design would be best. I have been given some seventies style fabric so the designs on this inspired my gift tag designs!

3) Choose your colours and colour in your design. You could use felt tip pens rather than coloured pencils if you wanted a bolder look

My lovely pencil roll was made by my friend Karen, check out her Facebook page at Karen Felt Sew Crafty

4) Use the hole piercing tool or needle to pierce stitching holes along the outline of your design. I have found it easier to make one row of holes and embroider this row before moving on to make holes for the next row, as this can mean you need to make less holes.

When I first made these tags I didn't pierce holes before starting to stitch and I found it difficult to bring the needle up in the right place every time

5) Stitch the outlines of your designs in embroidery thread. I chose to use four strands of embroidery thread but you might like to use more or less depending on the look you are going for. I've just used a simple back stitch here, but again, if you would like to use other embroidery stitches, go for it!

6) Stick some plain paper or card onto the back of your tags to hide the stitching and there you have it, very simple but effective gift tags to add a handmade touch to your gift wrapping!

If you try this How To I'd love to see your gift tags,share in the comments below!