The holiday season is officially here, and if you're anything like me, you're knee-deep in all things festive. There's just something magical about this time of year that makes me want to craft nonstop! And if there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that you don't need brand-new supplies to create something beautiful. In fact, some of my favorite projects come from using up the scraps I have on hand. Today, I’m excited to share how I turned my leftover scraps into a set of 11 charming Christmas gift tags, using some fabulous stamp sets and dies from Pajama Crafter Stamps.
Even More Holiday Tags with Scraps:
Using What You Have: The Joy of Scraps
There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes with using up your scraps. For this project, I dug deep into my stash and found some pieces of Canson XL Watercolor Paper that were just begging to be turned into something special. It was like rediscovering a treasure chest of possibilities. I also pulled out scraps of patterned paper from the Merry, Noel, Winter, and Holiday Pattern Paper Pads from Scrapbook.com. These papers have been with me through many projects, and it felt great to give them new life.
Stamps and Dies that Make It Easy
When it comes to holiday crafting, the right stamp sets and dies can make all the difference. For these tags, I reached for the Christmas Holidays Gift Tags Stamp Set and Snowflakes Inlaid Stamp Set from Pajama Crafter Stamps. The images are so festive and versatile, perfect for any holiday project. I also used the Holly Jolly Christmas Stamp Set for some additional small holly and poinsettia images.
One of my go-to tips for holiday crafting is to mix and match your stamp sets. It adds variety and keeps things interesting. Plus, it’s a great way to get more mileage out of your stamps. For these tags, I used sentiments from both the Snowflakes Inlaid and Holly Jolly Christmas Stamp Sets. The combination gave each tag its own unique look, while still feeling like part of a cohesive set.
The Process: Bringing It All Together
Now, I’m not going to take you through every single step (I will share a process video tomorrow), but I will share some of the highlights and little tricks I’ve picked up along the way. After stamping all my images in alcohol marker-friendly ink, I colored them with my trusty Ohuhu Alcohol Markers. These markers are a fantastic budget-friendly option that still give you vibrant, blendable colors. And if you’re new to alcohol markers, here’s a pro tip: always start with the lightest color and gradually build up to the darkest. It gives you more control over the blending and prevents harsh lines.
Once the images were colored, I either used the coordinating dies from the Christmas Holidays Gift Tags Dies set to cut them out, or I fussy cut the ones that didn’t have matching dies. Fussy cutting can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s one of those tasks I find oddly therapeutic—like my own little slice of crafty meditation.
For the tag bases, I used those trusty scraps of Canson XL Watercolor Paper. If you’ve never tried this paper, I highly recommend it for any project where you need a sturdy, high-quality base. It’s great for holding up to layers of ink and embellishments.
I layered the patterned paper scraps on top of the watercolor paper bases, creating a festive effect that added texture and interest to each tag. No two tags turned out exactly the same, which is part of the fun when you’re working with scraps.
Finishing Touches: It’s All in the Details
When it came time to add sentiments, I used Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink for a crisp, black impression. For some of the tags, I switched things up with Tulip Red Ink and Green Oasis Ink, which added a pop of festive color. I love how these little details can really make a project feel finished.
Of course, no tag is complete without some embellishments. I reached for my favorite rhinestones and pearls from Pajama Crafter Stamps: Girl’s Best Friend Rhinestones, Tickled Pink Rhinestones, Fairy Dust Rhinestones, and Night Out Pearls. A little bit of sparkle goes a long way, especially during the holidays. I also added white gel pen highlights to all the stamped and colored images, which really made them pop.
Finally, I rounded the corners of most of the tags—some just at the top, others all the way around—and punched a hole at the top for the baker’s twine or ribbon. It’s these little finishing touches that give each tag its polished, professional look.
Why Scraps are Your Best Friend
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something beautiful out of what might otherwise have been thrown away. These tags not only saved me from wasting paper but also turned out to be some of my favorite holiday projects this year. Plus, by using what I already had, I didn’t have to spend a dime on new supplies—a win-win in my book!
I hope this project inspires you to take a look at your own scrap stash and see what treasures you can uncover. With the right stamps, a little bit of creativity, and a dash of holiday spirit, you can create something truly special. And who knows? Your scraps might just become the star of your next project.
Happy crafting!
Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.
Materials Used:
Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
Happy Stampin'
Rick Adkins
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