Constructed from reproduced vintage designs, magazine clip art, or garage sale finds, these gift tags are simple to make and decorate. Use them to trim Christmas presents or birthday gifts or slip one inside a greeting card for a surprise.
Miniature paper dolls are best for making gift tags, but large paper dolls can also be used to trim bigger presents or trim an old-fashioned Christmas tree as an ornament.
Materials Needed for Tags:
- one miniature paper doll and outfit
- glue
- glutter
- small hole punch
- decorative gold cord
- calligraphy pen
Choosing Paper Dolls
Miniature or postcard-sized dolls are available in a range of designs. Classic Dolly Dingle dolls are often sold separately with one or more outfits; while more expensive designs, like Peck-Gandre, range from a medium-sized Goldilocks and the Three Bears to a diminutive Raggedy Ann and Andy set. Dover Publications specializes in miniature paper doll editions, many of which are available for a dollar.
Secondhand dolls from yard sales and thrift stores can often be picked up for a bargain by crafters, since missing outfits or characters make the set incomplete for collectors. Among the most common characters are the Disney princesses, Barbie, even Spongebob Squarepants.
Making the Tag
Punch or cut out the doll, along with the outfit of your choice. Remove the tabs from garment by snipping them away, close to the edge, then glue the dress carefully to the doll. Add any additionalpaper doll accessories, like hats or flowers, then smooth out any wrinkles and let dry.
Punch a small hole at the top, in the choulder or the head, then string a gold cord through the hole and knot at the top so the tag can be secured over the package's bow.
To create a tag that doubles as a toy, leave the tabs on the garment and leave unglued from the doll. Punch holes in both and tie the cords, so they can dangle together from the package.
Finishing Touches and Tag Display
Use glue and glitter to outline and highlight the doll and its dress. Clear or colored glitter from a craft supply store is perfect for adding a decorative touch to the tag; glass glitter and miniature beads also make good choices. Add miniatures to the doll's outfit, like miniature paper flowers or sequins to create a design.
On the back of the tag, write the "to" and "from", along with the names, using a calligraphy pen or a fine-tipped pen or marker. Make sure first that the chosen ink doesn't bleed through the cardboard and become visible on the other side.
Loop the finished project over the present's bow or tape the cords beneath it, so the dangling tag will attract the notice of the lucky gift recipient.
Sarah Briggs - For the last two years, I have designed primitive dolls and folk art sculptures (such as Edwin Drood and the Ghost of Marley) for Cordwood ...
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