Introduction: Make Gift Tags From Junk Mail

About: I am a domestic engineer, aka. a stay at home Mom. A former science geek, scenic carpenter, and quilter.

I get so many catalogs in the mail this time of year. The stuff inside is very pretty, but I can't afford any of it, so I decided to use them to make gift tags.

And best of all, they're pretty much free. (Besides my cats like to eat the bows I try to put on presents, but they leave these alone.)

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Here's what you'll need.

A catalog from the mail
Scissors
Red and green construction paper, or card stock.
Paper fasteners

I find the flower catalogs work really well, and I get a lot of them.

Step 2: Cut Out Some Flowers

Cut out your flower shapes. I do it freestyle, but you could look for a template online. Make them in different sizes. You can usually cut through many pages at the same time. This catalog was pretty thin, so I was able to cut through the whole thing at once.

Step 3: Circles and Leaves

Next you cut out some leaves and some circles from the red and green construction paper.

Step 4: Put It Together

Now that you have all of your pieces cut out, you can put it together.

First put the fastener through the red circle, then some small flowers, then medium, then large.
Finish it off with a leaf or two, then open the fastener and you're done.

Step 5: Final Touch

You can fold the petals up a little to give it a third dimension. Write To: and From: on the leaf, and put it on your present.
Easier than tying a bow, and you don't have to buy any ribbon. Also better looking than writing on the package with a sharpie. (which is what I usually do)

Homemade Holidays: Holiday Card Contest

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Homemade Holidays: Holiday Card Contest

Homemade Holidays: Holiday Card Contest

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Homemade Holidays: Holiday Card Contest