Stylish and Classy Tags Tutorial by DT Khushboo Gandhi

Hie guys! This is Khushboo Gandhi, and I'm here today with my very first post as a DT member for Rainbow Craftykari. It's such an honor! And I'm so excited to create tutorials for you guys. 

I always try to share certain off-beat projects and that's why I chose to do tags this time around. In this tutorial, I will show you how to create 2 very different tags - one heavy tag in a green monochromatic, jungle theme; and second, a classy house-shaped tag with a pastel colour scheme - quite opposite to the first one. 

I will also share a handy technique where you wouldn't have to waste time creating a pocket from scratch. So let's get on with our tutorial without further ado.

Tag #1: Green Monochrome Tag

Step 1: First of all, decide what colour tag base and what type of cardstock you want to use. I've custom-made these tag bases according to the size (6 x 3.25 inches) and shape that I wanted. For the green mono tag - I used a white cardstock; and for the pastel tag an off-white textured cardstock.

Step 2: Randomly spray your tag with a colour spray of your choice. Don't worry if it gets splotchy (just dab a tissue over it to minimise the bold effect); and don't focus much on the pattern; the absence of one creates a strong effect.

Step 3: As I mentioned earlier, I will be showing you how to create a pocket without actually creating it. I do so with lots of layering and for that, you need a strong base - since your personal messages/etc would be going into a makeshift pocket and not an actual pocket. So, for the base, put down a big fan flower - which acts as a strong base. Cover it with a beautiful and characteristic flower.

Step 4: Gather a few 3d stickers that go with your theme. I've chosen a floral bird cage and a Valentine's Day sticker. Stick one partially on top of the fan flower and partially on the tag base to seal one side of the makeshift pocket. Stick the other sticker on the right side of the fan flower for the same reason. This way, you've sealed all the exposed sides and your small tags won't fall out of the pocket. 

And Voila! Your makeshift pocket is ready. It's time to make it look pretty! As you can see in the picture below - there's enough space created to store your tags.

Step 5: Now, accentuate the fan flower furthermore with more stickers or any other embellishments that you would like to use. Don't forget to balance the opposite side of the tag with some embellishment too - I've stuck a bird 3d sticker.

Step 6: Next I wanted to add some texture to my tag and a colour pop to tie all the elements on my tag together. So take some roughly cut sponge bits or salts and spray the same green colour, that you used for the base, over them (since it's a monochrome tag). Let them soak in the colour.

Step 7: Once the green bits dry, paste them onto the tag randomly. Don't worry about any pattern. Once the glue dries, get on with finishing your tag. Add your ribbon or twine; your baby tags in the pocket, any more elements that you'd like to include - and your Green Monochrome Tag is ready!

Check out some detailed pictures of the tag!

Tag #2: Classy Pastel Tag

Step 1: Take your tag (6 x 3.25 inches) and choose a colour scheme you'd like to stick with. Since my colour scheme is pastel - I've used pattern papers with colours like pistachio, baby blue, faint pink, etc. Take your pattern paper and cut it 1/8th inch shorter than your actual tag. I've trimmed the edges with my fancy scissors. After sticking the pattern paper onto the tag base, flicker some green colour on it to add an effect.

Step 2: To create a house look, I've created a fan pocket here (which goes at the base of my tag) - coz c'mon, an ordinary pocket is so passe! So take a 5.25 x 2.75 inches cardstock piece. Score vertical lines at every 3/8th inch from the left and the right. For the horizontal fold, score the cardstock at 2.5 inches.

Step 3: Now fold the score lines like you would do for a mini album's spine - in a fan-like manner. Add double-sided tape to the back of the pocket which will need to be stuck to the tag base. Also, add a small tape at the bottom of the vertical folds (in between two folds) so that the base is stuck and the upper part of the fold fans out - as shown in the picture below.

Step 4: Now adhere the pocket to the tag as shown. Adorn it with a beautiful pattern paper. You can also smudge the edges with a 'Black Soot' distress ink to give it a mild Gothic look.

Step 5: Our base of the house is done. Now we need a roof! So take a piece of cardstock and match it with the top of the tag for the size as shown in the picture below.

Step 6: Now add a contrasting pattern paper on the roof cardstock. Next, if you would like to add metal chains and embellishments as I have added at the edges of the roof - you need to pierce two holes towards the ends of the edges. Take two jump rings and a piece of chain. Add the jump rings at both ends of the chain. Next, take your metal embellishment, and add it to one of the jump rings. The other jump ring will go into the pierced hole at the edge of the roof. Repeat the process for the other side too.

Step 7: Add some more embellishments, your baby tags, ribbons and what not! And your tag is ready!

Some close-up pics for you guys!

Materials used:

• Cardstocks - white and textured

• Colour Spray

• Fan flower (stash)

• Paper flowers

• Fillers

• Fabric leaves (stash)

• 3d stickers

• Sponge bits (stash)

• Prima brads

• Pattern paper

• Ribbons

• Pearls

• Metal embellishments

• Acrylic embellishment

• Resin corners

• Metal chain

• Jump rings (stash)

• Distress inks

Hope you guys enjoyed my creations and the tutorial. Can't wait to see how you add your own twist to this!

Above mentioned products are available at Rainbow Craftykari Store OR you can pre-order the products by sending email at rainbowcraftykari@gmail.com

That's it from me, folks!

Khushboo R. Gandhi