These DIY cardboard tags represent the perfect mix of sustainability, creativity, and practicality.
This project transforms this humble material into something both beautiful and functional: handcrafted tags made from upcycled cardboard.
One of the most compelling reasons to fall in love with this project is its accessibility.
Felt Bird Bookmarks
The primary materialcardboardcosts nothing, as youre simply repurposing what would otherwise be discarded.
Explore over 30DIY birthday card ideas.
These cardboard tags also make wonderful gift accompaniments.
Join our crafting communityto find more DIYs and upcycled craft ideas.
It feels good to repurpose and upcycle!
Use them for your journals, notebooks and other crafts.
The printable includes both black and white and coffee paper background colors.
Materials Needed
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Use a ruler to cut your piece of cardboard into evenly sized rectangles.
I made eight with my piece of cardboard.
Adjust for smaller gift tags or unique shapes like hearts.
Round some of the corners and cut others on an angle.
If your cardboard is a darker color, paint it with white chalk or acrylic paint and let dry.
Next, apply a coat of decoupage glue or Mod Podge and let dry completely.
Separate the plies of a paper napkin to use just the top printed layer.
Place the napkin on top of the cardboard and gently smooth it over the dried Mod Podge surface.
Use a mini iron to press the napkin onto the cardboard tag.
Cut off any excess with scissors or a sanding block.
Add some ink to the edges and onto the surface using a stencil.
I used both brown and fuscia inks for my tags.
Punch a hole into the top of the cardboard tags.
Cut several strands of ribbon or twine and loop them through the hole at the top of each bookmark.
Add a bit of hot glue to hold into place.
Next, print off the motivational sentiments printable (see above to access) onto a piece of paper.
I actually used a paper envelope that I cut down to a smaller size to fit in my printer.
You could alsomake your own coffee paperand print them onto there.
If desired, ink the the edges of each paper after cutting out the sentiments you wish to use.
Glue the sentiments onto the cardboard tags, alternating directions if you choose.
Hot glue buttons or other embellishments to finish.
Lovely DIY Upcycled Cardboard Tags
Materials
Instructions
Felt Bird Bookmarks
Beachy Bookmark
Hamster Bookmark
Coloring Bookmarks
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