Tag dies may be designed to create tags, but that doesn't mean they're limited to gift tags. They can become focal points, card elements, layered backgrounds, or the foundation for an entire project.
Today we're revisiting three projects from the STAMPlorations archives by STAMPgirls Stephanie Severin, Sanna Lippert, and Vicki Dutcher to show just how much you can do with tag dies when you look beyond their most obvious use.
Turn a Tag into a Card Focal Point
Stephanie used the Luggage Tags Nesting Dies to create the foundation for this bold and playful project. She die cut the largest tag from a piece of lined designer paper, then used Candied Apple Distress Ink with the Doodled Heart stencil, spritzing the ink with water afterward for a softer, distressed effect.
Because the designer paper was a little flimsy, Stephanie die cut a second tag from red cardstock and attached it to the back for additional stability. She then added the You & Me Phrase Die, taking advantage of the fact that the single die cuts the three words separately so they can be positioned independently. Paper flowers and heart embellishments completed the design. Stephanie found that the finished tag really popped when she attached it to a black card base.
Creative takeaway: A tag doesn't have to be something you tie onto a package. Treat it as a ready-made focal shape for a card and build your design around it.
Build a Layered Tag Design
Sanna took the tag in a completely different direction with the Stitched Tag Nesting Dies. Rather than keeping the tag design simple, she created a more elaborate layered project using stamped imagery from the Feathery and Bloomtangled ATC #1 stamp sets, along with a sentiment from Fond Expressions. The stitched edges give the tag a finished look while the stamped elements create layers of color and detail within the tag shape.
Creative takeaway: Nesting tag dies give you more than one size to work with, making it easy to layer shapes and create more dimension. Add stamped images, sentiments, or patterned papers to turn a simple tag shape into a complete focal design.
Mix Stamping and Stenciling
Vicki's project shows another way to build a tag by combining several different techniques. She used the Luggage Tags Nesting Dies as the foundation, then layered stamped and stenciled elements using Trendy Leaves, Bloom Sketches, and the Bubbles stencil. The combination of stamping, stenciling, layered paper, and ribbon gives the tag a collage-like look with plenty of texture and visual interest.
Creative takeaway: A tag die can provide the structure while your stamps, stencils, and other supplies determine the personality. Don't be afraid to layer different techniques within one small format.
Think Beyond the Gift Tag
These three projects show just a few ways tag dies can become part of your cardmaking and papercrafting. Use a large tag as a card focal point. Layer different tag sizes together. Fill the shape with stamped and stenciled details. Add ribbon, embellishments, or sentiments. Or simply use the tag shape as a starting point for a design that goes somewhere completely unexpected. That's what makes nesting tag dies so useful: the shape gives you a framework, but what you do with it is entirely up to you.
And if you've been thinking about adding some tag dies to your stash, all CUTplorations dies are 15% off during our August sale. It's a good opportunity to try a tag die and see how many different ways you can put it to work.
Until next time, keep looking at your supplies beyond their obvious purpose and see where they can take your creativity.
