Every year I like to make my own Christmas gift tags, especially for my crafty pals who appreciate them.
In fact, my friend Wendy has kept all the tags I’ve made her over the years and hangs them on the tree.
If you have been following my blog you will know that I have a thing about repurposing my old jeans, and have even compiled a comprehensive list of an A to Z of denim crafts.
Homemade Monogram Denim gift tag
I even have a collection of denim crafts for Christmas. These monogram denim gift tags would be great for this holiday or to use with birthday gifts.
The monogrammed letter on the denim makes them a gift in themselves and the personalized tags could be used as a bookmark afterward.
I made one of these personalized gift tags for my son, and he has attached it to his school bag as an identifier. They would also make great keyrings.
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What you need to make Denim gift tags
- Scraps of denim from old jeans, shirts, etc. I find that the softer more worn pieces of denim are good for this project.
- Scissors, pins, needle, and thread
- Existing tag or luggage label to use as a template
- White fabric paint
- Letter stencil
- Eyelet tool and eyelets
- Ribbon
How to Make a Monogrammed Denim Gift Tag
1.. First, using an old luggage label as a template, cut 2 pieces of denim for each tag allowing for a 5mm seam. I used denim in 2 different shades for each tag, one light, and one dark.
2. Next, iron the 5mm seams down. If you snip the corners, you will find this easier. Then, pin the two pieces of denim wrong sides together.
Top tip: If you don’t want to sew the denim pieces together, you could glue them wrong sides together and this stage. (But they won’t look as good as the stitched denim tags).
3. Next, sew the two tag sides together using a sewing machine. It’s possible to do this by hand, but it is much quicker and easier on a machine.
If you use a thread in a contrasting color you can add something more to the tags. As my tags were for Christmas, I used a red thread for a more festive look.
4. Next, to complete the tag look, use your eyelet tool to punch a hole in the tapered end of the tag. Then, place an eyelet rivet in your tag.
5. Finally to personalize your gift tag, paint the recipient’s initials onto the tag. I find that white acrylic paint and a stencil works well, like with my denim storage boxes.
All you need now is a bit of ribbon and your unique denim gift tag is finished. For a festive Christmas look, I used a red velvet ribbon on my tags.
To change them into a keyring just add a keychain in the hole instead of a ribbon.
You might want to check out my DIY postage stamp tags and my denim pocket organizer.
Another great use for denim scraps is to make denim feathers which would also make fabulous gift toppers.
For more upcycled holiday gift ideas visit allfreeholidays.
Pam @Threading My Way
What a cool idea, Claire. They could also be used as bag tags. I really must investigate adding rivets. It’s been years since I’ve done that.
Claire Armstrong
Thanks ! Yes they would make great bag tags and rivets are really easy and great for so many projects.
Pam @Threading My Way
I’ve featured your blog and gift tags today, Claire.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much I look forward to seeing it.
creativejewishmom/sara
love love love! And the fact that Wendy has kept all your tags, really wonderful. thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling sunday, great to reconnect!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! Glad that craft schooling is back.
Whispering Eagle
What a terrific idea! These are really adorable!
Whispering Eagle
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much !
T'onna | USS Crafty
I love this idea! I’m also always looking for new ideas for recycling old jeans. I’ve used them to make Christmas stockings, and I’ve made a denim throw pillow. I plan to make more pillows using old jeans soon. Thanks for sharing at the Submarine Sunday Link Party!!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! Old jeans are fun to work with and I think they look great when upcycled.
Anne
I love this idea! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow morning that features your tutorial: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=85927 –Anne
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much I look forward to seeing and the rest of the craftgossip features !
Diana
Hi Claire–thanks for dropping by my blog–so nice to meet you. I love both tags and denim, too! I have a die cut machine so I can glue denim to cardboard and then cut tags on the machine, though I’ve made them by hand as well 🙂 Love the idea of stamping an initial. I made a denim bunting stamped “spring” this past spring that I loved. (I had a denim crush going for a while myself!) Merry Christmas! (PS We have a vintage-style blog party (Vintage Charm) starting Thursdays at 8 am. Would love to see some of your projects there–
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! I loved your stencilled denim stool. I also made some denim Unionjack bunting for the queens jubilee in 2012 !
Vicky @ ShabbyShe
Oh wow I love this, and your postage stamp tags! I’ve run out of time to do this sort of thing this year but will definitely think of it for birthdays!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! Yes both tags can be adapted and made as Birthday tags or for other occasions. Cheers and Merry Christmas.
Rebecca
Very cute jeans tag, and I love all of the tags you’ve made for your friend. How creative and thoughtful! You’re friends must feel very loved.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! That’s my favourite part of Christmas; it’s one big excuse for a lot of crafting. I love to make my own tags and the challenge of thinking up new ones each year.
Julie
That’s a really cute idea. I have a bag full of old jeans as I thought one day I might make a denim quilt (that is looking less likely as the years pass!) I love that your friends keeps them, I have a friend who keeps the Christmas cards I make for her and puts them up again every year! It’s nice to make things for special friends who really appreciate them.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! I made a denim quilt a couple of years ago and love it, it sits on our bed. You should make a denim quilt it is well worth it. Merry Christmas !
Terry
O K A Y ! You have reached me JUST IN TIME for Christmas! Thank you so much for sharing this great idea at Making Broken Beautiful this week, I will most certainly be using this idea on my own family’s presents! I have been looking for something simple that’s easy to do with a large impact and I do believe i’ve now found it! Have a very Merry Christmas!
Smiles!
Terry
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much ! They do make a lovely keepsake tag that can be reused as a bookmark or bag tag.