Sunday, November 1, 2009

Shipping Tag Placecards

Do you remember my shipping tag place cards? Well I'm finally getting around to showing you how to do them. It's pretty cut and dry, but I think the result is very nice. I like the handmade feel of them. I think I just might get a nod from Tim Holtz, the tag master, himself!!! Just kidding, this is pretty elementary stuff for him! But if you have limited time, limited resources, and limited funds -this is perfect!

Shipping tags are available at any office supply store, very inexpensively. I purchased a couple of different sizes. I keep them on hand for quick gift tags, scrap booking, or leaving my husband little love notes...no not really-scratch that last idea...:)

In my rubber stamp collection, I have a number of leaf stamps, I selected the maple leaf in 3 sizes. Any motif of your choice would be fine.

Coffee staining is super simple, I feel kind of silly explaining it, but just in case you don't know......make yourself a 'coffee' bath (with instant coffee & hot water) in a bowl or dish large enough to completely submerge the tag(s) in. Be sure to have a kitchen towel ready to lay out the tags, I like to do a lot at a time and you'll need some space. After the tag has had a dip, and is laying flat on the towel, sprinkle some coffee crystals on while it's still wet...I like to wait a few seconds and blot off the excess liquid. After the tags are dry, which is a surprisingly short time, you are ready to stamp! Go for it!

I used actual printer blocks, but if you have alphabet stamps, that works great too. I used them on the smaller tags



I stamped the first initial of our names and then used a sharpie to hand write the rest



On the smaller tags, I stamped an entire name



This is a very simplified kind of tag. You can get as creative as you want. Can't you just see these on your Thanksgiving table?






So there you have it: Super simple place card tags in a jiffy! Thanks for visiting me!



Don't forget to get your name in the hat to win my Gingerbread Men!


Blogged for Susan at Between Naps on the Porch

and

DIY Day @ ASPTL




27 comments:

  1. I love shipping tags--You can do so many great things with them

    Cheri

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  2. I followed you and hope you will come by and do the same.

    Cheri

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  3. You make it look so easy and yet something happens when I get around ink (or sewing machines, scissors, paint). I love the way they look.

    Sue

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  4. Thank you for sharing your lovely tags. I have been waiting to decorate some and couldn't decide what to do. I love this idea, especially the letters/names. Love the coffee stain.
    Rhonda

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  5. I love these tags. I really love your tableware too. The green is beautiful!

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  6. Oh, these are darling, and I'm glad you gave the tutorial on the coffee bath. A lot of us aren't crafty so that was helpful. And these are so cute, I might even try them. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  7. Super cute ! I own like a billzion stamps -got to give this a try - thanks for the tutorial !
    Girl, YOU ROCK !
    Kammy

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  8. Michelle,
    Just love the tags! Can't wait to head to the office supply store and try some of these for myself! Thanks also for giving us step by step for coffee staining. You are so creative!
    Dee Dee

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  9. Oh, I love the rustic feel of them... perfect for Thanksgiving. I can't wait to try your idea. Thanks!

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  10. I love this tag project. Simple and fun and fast. Your place setting is fantastic!
    Thanks for the tutorial!

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  11. Hi!
    I love these! And I am one of the folks out there that did NOT know the coffee method (well, I didn't know about the coffee crystal part). Thanks. I think I need to find a store that sells these tags!

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  12. Awesome creativity. It's hard to look at a blank tag and come up with that!
    Dena
    Sweet pickles and chocolate

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  13. Hi Michelle! Oh, your tags are wonderful! I just love these! And don't they make precious place cards? You're just too good!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  14. Great and inexpensive idea. I love the homey feel of them. Thanks for sharing. Now off to see what other stuff you have on this blog..it has sparked my interest.

    tammy

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  15. I'm so glad you took the time to tell us how you did it. They look awesome, and I definitely want to try this for some christmas tags.
    peace.

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  16. Oh boy...so simple. But you really made them look lovely. I hit the "Follow" button even before I left a comment. I want to check in on your creativity often. Please visit and if you like what you see, the click on "Follow" so we can share & inspire one another.

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  17. Super cool, easy idea that's so creative - love the look.

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  18. This is SO cool! I'm in love with this idea!! You did an excellent job and a really helpful tutorial too. Thank you.

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  19. Hello Michelle,
    I have to let you know that I am soooo extremely happy that I found your Blog tonight, and you have given me so many wonderful ideas.... You are so talented and I will be checking your blog out now every day thats a promise....


    Michelle Torres
    cingulwasme@aol.com

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  20. Love your tags and Fall table setting! Such clean and crisp photos!

    Hugs,
    Maryjane

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  21. This is a great idea! Thanks for the directions. laurie

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  22. Those tags are great! I need to find some time to spend on your blog! :-)

    BTW, I posted the tutorial for the valance I made, finally! :-) Thanks for stopping by my blog,

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  23. Michelle, I'd never heard or seen "coffee bath staining" so I'm glad you DID explain it! I've tea stained many things on purpose but I like the speckles of the coffee much better. Thanks for sharing your ideas & the directions. I will be trying it later today. :-)

    fondly,
    Rettabug

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  24. What a fabulous idea. I am so DIY challenged. ah ha

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Thank You for taking the time to comment! Because of the insane amount of spam comments, I had to stop anonymous comments-sorry for the inconvenience.
Michelle