Like a grand entrance, a gift's calling card is its first chance to make a lasting impression. The best tags are personal and memorable, and should reflect something of both the creativity of the giver and the sensibilities of the receiver. But stylish missives made with care aren't just for people with too much time on their hands. With a little ingenuity and a few dollars spent at a local craft store, presents with personality can be yours to give. Here, senior design editor Nicola Marc takes gift-wrapping to a new level with heartfelt labels to match the theme of your gift.
Silver linings
Embellish a plain round tag with a monogram, and combine it with tree shapes that mirror the theme of the wrapping paper. Trees cut out of cardboard are covered with silver leaf and attached to the round tag with red checked ribbon, then tied onto candy-cane striped ribbon to lighten the look.
Stamping ground
Embossed paper gets refined with an easy glossy tag. Stamp a seasonal image onto a plain card, then sprinkle clear glitter for embossing (available at craft stores) over top. Shake off the excess and hold over the stovetop for a few seconds or heat with a hair dryer. You'll achieve a polished, raised effect.
In the picture
For a family present, take a group photo or picture of a treasured tree from years past and scan it onto your computer. Add a few words of greeting and print out or photocopy onto vellum.
Material world
With a little time and care, a cherished piece of vintage fabric becomes a lovely tag. Nicola cut out one of the flowers on the fabric, then stitched the piece by hand onto a vellum envelope. Red rickrack is threaded through the vellum and tied at the back.
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