Polymer Clay Christmas Gift Tags
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Making Christmas gifts even more special is one of my favorite parts of the season. With pretty wrapping paper and ribbon, I have used a variety of mediums, from natural elements to candy, to create unique gift toppers. With Pilot Pen and Target, I’m sharing how to make keepsake ornament Christmas gift tags using my favorite crafting medium, polymer clay.
I have been a big fan of Pilot G2® Pens for years. They are a premium brand for those of us who love to write with gel ink pens. With its smooth writing gel ink, it is no wonder that G2® is the #1 selling gel ink brand in America.
Let’s get started…first you need the pen. I used the G2® Roller Gel Bold Black because it creates a nice thick line that writes well on our finished tags. Hover over the image above in order to click through and purchase. Even better, my fellow Cartwheel aficionados, there is a Pilot G2® Pen Cartwheel Offer, good through December 31, 2018 – 15% off any G2® Gel Ink Pen.
Next, your choice of color of polymer clay, holiday cookie cutters and a rolling pin (or clay roller) fitted to a 1/8″ thickness. Polymer clay is easy to mold and roll out into thin sheets. It will cut with a cookie cutter, just like you would with cookie dough! My largest cookie cutter measures at 4″, which is the largest size I would suggest using.
To keep the polymer clay from sticking, roll out between two pieces of wax paper.
Once the polymer clay is flattened, cut out your shape. Don’t forget to use a small straw or skewer to push a hole through the unfinished clay. You want to be able to tie on your gift tag. Bake according to the package directions and on a sheet of wax paper, so you don’t contaminate your baking sheet.
Once your tags are finished cooling, the fun begins! The smooth surface created is a blank template for your imagination. I suggest practicing with your Pilot Pen on paper before committing to the tag. Whether it’s the recipient’s name, a simple holiday greeting, or holiday pattern, get a feel for what you want. Your gift tag ornament doesn’t need to be elaborate…it’s the handmade touch that is the key.
Because you are writing on a smooth surface with a gel ink pen, if you are not careful, you will smear the ink before it can set. Once it does set, it will not be completely dry and will smudge. You will need to give it a coat of clear matte acrylic sealer and let completely dry.
Your gift tags are now ready to be gifted! I love to wrap gifts in kraft paper and use twine or yarn and natural elements like evergreen clippings or rosemary. They are so fragrant and just adds another thoughtful touch to your gifts.
The best part of this DIY, it is for crafters of any level! From a holiday party favor idea (personalize and place at each placesetting) to Craft Night Out or just you and your family creating their own ornaments for the tree, you can find lots of ways to incorporate them.
Pilot G2® Pens will help you make the most of the holiday season by helping cross one more thing off your to-do list. Creating polymer clay Christmas gift tags are a wonderful way to spend some quality time with special people in your life.
Do you have a fun holiday tradition you would like to share? Leave us a comment, we would love to hear about it.
