Celebrations, Christmas and holidays in general are never boring for my family. Whether it was the unforgettable moment of my mother having lost an entire meatloaf she cooked for a get-together (we’ve yet to explain that under an hours time), yours truly having caught her hair on fire while blowing out birthday candles (I will never live that one down) or the fact we highly anticipate who receives a gift with the price tag still on! (Yes, we look and keep track so as to tease the giver relentlessly!)
To tie into those slightly uncontrollable, highly unconventional family gatherings we look for ways to be unexpectedly creative with our gifts, from the wrapping paper, the gift bag and even the gift tag!
Yes, something as little and seemingly insignificant as the gift tag can be creatively jazzed up for any gift-giving occasion with a little bit of clay, fabric and these easy directions.
You will need the following from an arts and crafts supply store:
- Premo Polymer Clay (in the colors of your liking)
- Premo Liquid Clay
- Paint brush
- Aluminum foil
- Yarn, fabric or string
- Drinking straw
Recommended but not necessary:
- Clay oven
- Pasta machine
- Clay glaze
- Molds, cookie cutters, etc.
- Stickers, glitter, etc.
Take a flat color such as brown or black to make the base of your tag. The shape can be anything you wish, circles, stars, squares. I suggest using molds, cookie cutters or cut outs. I typically use a paper punch the shape of a gift tag on stock paper.
After rolling out my base clay through the pasta machine I cut out the shape of the gift tag, using aluminum foil to protect work surfaces. A straw is perfect to make the hole to string fabric, yarn or ribbon through for later. (Tip: Push the straw all the way through and then twist the clockwise and pull up so as to get a clean, thorough and large enough hole. This may take a practice run with extra clay. Putting the flattened clay in the refrigerator for a few minutes is also helpful to get a nice circular cut.)
Once you have the base of your tag it is time to decorate with more clay! Depending on the size of your tag use clay molds, cookie cutters or as I have done on this tag, cut out various shapes to create a one of a kind design. (Leave space for stickers or other items that can only be added after baking.)
Polymer liquid clay is great as an adhesive for your design and then bake according to instructions.
Once the tag is completely baked and cooled continue decorating your piece with stickers, glitter, etc. Glaze, if desired, but allow drying time before stringing fabrics or yarn. I like to use wild yarns or for this tag, pieces of fabric with silver garland.
The possibilities are endless and won't your receiver be surprised! A great activity that's fun for kids, as well, with adult supervision, of course.
