diy luggage tags

Luggage tags and baker's twine seem to be invading every arts and crafts store. All over Etsy and all over Pinterest, so you know me, I'm all about it. The tags aren't being used for luggage and the twine isn't being used for baking. Makes total sense, right? Anyway:

They are the perfect addition for gifts, and when you make your own, you have so much more room to tailor them to what your using them for. The kind you can buy are plain and bland, and the kind you can make are unique and fun. Also, if you want to use your computer to print out something on them beforehand, you can do that. With pre-made luggage tags, it would be significantly more difficult to put them through a printer (trust me I've been there, done that). Plus, luggage tags are not exactly cheap to purchase... you can make them yourself for little to nothing.

Plus, they are cheaper, cuter, and quick to make. No complaints here.

What You'll Need

+ Cutting Mat
+ Scissors
+ 1/4" Hole Punch
+ Exacto Knife
+ Pen/Pencil
+ Ruler (Preferably Metal)
+ Twine or String
+ Circular Sticker Reinforcements
+ Heavier Weight Scrap Paper

1. Trace. I've found that the easiest way to start is by using a luggage tag that you like (this one is 4"x2"). Trace the shape onto the paper you want to use. Use a pencil. If you must use a pen make sure to leave a little space so that your pen marks don't show on the final product.

2. Cut. Use an Exacto Knife and a ruler to cut the edges on your new tag. For the diagonal sides, I just use scissors because they are such a small length that it's easy to cut them straight.

3. Punch. With the template tag on top of your new tag, using a 1/4" hole punch, punch the hole in the same place as the template. That takes out the time it would take for you to measure out the spacing for the hole to make it centered. (If you are creating a shape that you don't have a template for, I would suggest measuring where the hole would go so you have a perfect template you could use for the rest of the tags).

4. Add the Reinforcements. Apply a reinforcement around the hole you just made. Don't forget to put one on the back! (You'll probably be left with the center part of the hole on the sticker sheet, you won't be needing that!)

I bought my reinforcements here (they have a gorgeous gold option, a pretty mint, and a charcoal grey.) I love all of their craft making and party supplies.

5. Measure. Measure out the size of the twine you want to use. I found that 10" is a good length to be able to fold in half and stick through the tag. When you secure it and tie the end knot, you'll lose a little of the length. You can also just wing the size and figure it out as you go. If you want to stick it on a gift, you may not even need twine because you could just stick it through the ribbon your using on the gift.

6. Add the Twine. Fold the twine in half, stick it through the hole, and pull the twine through the loop you created. Then, just tie it at the end.

I bought my twine here, but they also sell plenty of options on Etsy.

7. Personalize. Write whatever you want on the tag and viola! Once you make one, you'll get the hang of it and you can prepare yourself for everyone asking you where you found them.