DIY BUSINESS TAGS AND CARDS - Part I

 

Cost: ~0- $10

Materials:
– paper towel rolls

– watercolor &/or acrylic paint(s)

– mod-podge, matte or glossy
– rub on stencil stickers or stamps
– any additional metallic/colors- optional

– labels- optional

 

Tools:
– paint brushes
– printer - optional
– ruler
– scissors
– cutting mat

 

~Free Within Abundance~

 

In today’s post we focus on creating your very own handmade business tags and cards!

 

DIY projects are a great way to add a unique aspect or style to your business brand’s presentation. Especially if your products are handmade goods.

 

Reasons why to create your own business tags & cards:

 

-You're just starting out

-Sticking to a budget is of importance at this time.

-You make handmade goods and would like to carry that theme throughout your brand’s display.

-Would simply like to add a distinct artistic element

-Or maybe incorporating materials that are up-cycled or repurposed of interest for your brand’s message.

 

 

  

Note:

Be open to the flow and improvising. Variations/options are available. Feel free to run with your creative vision.

Supplies:

Most supplies are already around in your home or office/studio or found at your local dollar store. Play around and have fun.

Printing options:

If using textured materials, like paper towel rolls, do not use your home printer. Unless you know you have a printer that can handle textured material. From your home computer you can create labels.

 

Printing Alternatives:

-A self inking stamp on blank labels is an option or using a stencil method.

 

Prep...

Paper Sheets

Re-purposing ...

Smooth paper towel rolls work best, as glued ones don't absorb water (some paper towel have a remaining glue on the roll), mod-podge, or paint as well.

To begin, cut your paper towel roll down the center, flatten between some books-this may take up to a week. Once you flatten your paper towel roll it becomes a sheet.

  

 

First Application...

Once flattened, start with a quarter size of white acrylic paint, teaspoon of mod-podge, with three tablespoons of water.

This is what I have found to start with, from there variate. You may want to play with your  own recipe for your consistency.

 

The water will absorb into the sheet bringing along with it the mod-podge medium and some of the white paint. Paint both front and back. Dry thoroughly.

 

This process can be repeated 1-4+ times depending on the look you are going for. As the applications will start to strengthen the texture.

Depending on your desired color density, add more color to your mixture. 

Below, are examples of less white acrylic paint used in the foundational application. Allowing the sheet's original natural material color to come through. The color paint application mixtures keep this thematic look going.

 

 

(In this batch an emphasis was put on having the sheet's natural material color comes through the paint applications.)

 

 

Adding Color...

Emphasizing your card or tag's background with color. In the display cards, below, more paint is added to the mixture. Giving more color and texture density.

  

 

 

What kinds of paint?

For this project we suggest using acrylic or watercolor paints. Feel free to mix the two as well. Mod-podge is crucial for using either watercolor or acrylics. 

Mod-podge is a medium used between and for others materials. A carrier of paint color, transparency, and layering as well as a sealant or glue. (It's a multitasker!). 

When painting with color, it is recommended to add 1-4 applications. Even if the color is made to be translucent (more water than color). Be sure to dry between each application. And note, the mod-podge in the mixture is key to help strengthen and texturize the body to your new tags or cards. 

 

Measure & Cut...

 

Your colored sheets are now ready to be measured & cut. Decide on what measurements suite your display needs. Use a ruler and/or cutting mat to mark you measurements. Then cut. 

 

 

 

Place your labels on the now cut tags or cards. You might like to use a stamp, press on/ stencils, stickers or metallic/colors to add a bit of contrast, that is your call. Additionally, you may need to trim. 

 

 

 

Check out using some wavy craft scissors for you tags, as shown, as
an option.

 

 

 

Creating tags, place a hole using a hole punch or sharp instrument,1/4" from the edge is recommended for strength. In the image, cotton and twine are used.  Again it's your call.

Sweet!

You are now ready to tag your products while up-cycling & re-purposing!

 

In this foundational tutorial, your job is to expand, play, and create.

 

Have fun! 

 

Head over to Part II here!