DIY: Stamped holiday gift tags

I've always loved paper. In elementary school, I even started a company called Creativity Ink, designing and selling exorbitantly priced stationery to my family. I think my paper obsession also played a role in my desire to become a writer—a blank page just calls to me.

Around the holidays, this love takes the form of gift wrapping. I usually end up wrapping all my gifts in one or two papers with complementary ribbons and tags. Sometimes a ribbon catches my eye and I assemble the rest of the wrapping to match. Other times I come up an idea for a gift tag and go from there.

Making your own gift tags is easy and inexpensive. And it will impress your family and friends. Here's how to do it.

Supplies
business cards
hole punch
twine or ribbon
stamp(s)
stamp pad(s) 

Right now I'm into rustic, earthy textures and colors (browns, reds, paper bags, burlap, twine), so that's my theme for this batch. (Full disclosure: Paper Source does NOT sponsor this blog. On the contrary, I may personally keep them in business...) 

Business cards are the perfect size for gift tags. They're also cheap. You can snag a pack of 25 for $2 here. Snip the corners on one side of the card (see above). Punch a hole between the cut corners. Now it's time to design.

I like to use stamps. (Here's where you can find  put the kettle on and joyeux noel.) Mix and match your stamps, stamp colors and tag colors.

Some of my favorite holiday stamps are no longer for sale, but here are a few cute ones: snowflake, white Christmas, reindeer, skis, owls.

Once you finish stamping, loop twine or ribbon through the hole. Now you're ready to wrap.

Need some gift ideas? Check out these simple DIY projects: personalized wreath ornament, no-sew tutu, photo plaque, heirloom display and gift tags. You can also view my holiday discounts and photo shop.