Welcome to Day 2 of our 31 Days of Christmas Challenge at Stampin’ Among the Gum Trees.
Today we’re making a sweet little set of quilt block gift tags using the gorgeous A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper — and because pretty handmade tags deserve somewhere pretty to live, we’re also making a surprise peek-a-boo gift box to hold them.
This is one of those lovely projects that looks thoughtful and special, but is really very achievable. And even better, it’s a beautiful way to use those small pieces of DSP that are far too pretty to throw away.
You know the ones. Those little strips and squares that sit on the side of your desk because you’re sure they’ll be useful for something. Today, they are.
Why Quilt Block Tags?
One of the things I love most about the A Stitched Season DSP is the cosy patchwork feel. The papers have that warm, homespun Christmas look — quilt blocks, soft greens, rich reds, creamy backgrounds, little stitched details and just enough traditional Christmas charm without being too loud.
That makes them perfect for gift tags.
A small tag doesn’t need a lot of decoration. A few little squares of DSP, a stitched label shape, a stamped greeting, a scrap of ribbon and perhaps a tiny button are enough to turn it into something really lovely.
And honestly, handmade tags are one of the easiest ways to make Christmas feel more personal without spending a fortune or spending hours and hours at the craft table.
Today’s Project
For today’s project, we’ll create a small set of Christmas gift tags using:
• cardstock tag bases
• scraps of A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper
• stitched label shapes
• stamped Christmas greetings
• red stitched ribbon
• buttons or tiny die-cut embellishments
Each tag can be the same, or each one can be a little different. I rather like making them as a coordinating set — not matching exactly, but all looking like they belong together.
You might use one tag with a little quilt block centre, one with a tiny stocking, and one with a Christmas tree or button feature. The colours and patterns in the suite will tie them all together beautifully.
The Surprise Peek-a-Boo Gift Box
And then we’re going to make a little box to hold them.
This isn’t just a plain box — we’re adding a peek-a-boo detail, which gives it that little extra “oh, that’s cute!” moment.
It’s the sort of box you could give as a small handmade gift on its own. Imagine filling it with a set of handmade tags and giving it to a friend, neighbour, teacher, craft buddy or someone who loves wrapping presents.
It would also be lovely for a Christmas market stall, a small thank-you gift, or even as a little extra tucked into a hamper.
The box keeps the tags together neatly, and it makes the whole project feel finished. It turns scraps of paper into a proper handmade gift.
A Lovely Way to Use Scraps
This is a very scrap-friendly project.
You don’t need full sheets of DSP for gift tags. In fact, smaller pieces often work better because you can mix and match the patterns to create that quilted look.
Use little squares, narrow strips, offcuts from card fronts, leftover pieces from die-cutting — all those bits that might otherwise end up in the bin.
Nothing needs to match perfectly. That’s part of the charm. Quilts aren’t about every piece being identical; they’re about bringing little pieces together to make something beautiful.
Paper crafting is exactly the same.
How to Use These Tags
These handmade gift tags would be lovely on:
Christmas presents, handmade food gifts, jars of jam or chutney, Christmas hampers, teacher gifts, neighbour gifts, gift bags, bottles, wrapped biscuits, homemade sweets or parcels wrapped in simple brown paper.
In fact, simple wrapping is where handmade tags really shine.
A piece of brown paper, a length of ribbon or twine, and one of these quilt block tags would look beautiful. Calm, cosy, thoughtful and very handmade.
And if you start making tags now, one little set at a time, you won’t be scrambling around in December looking for the last crumpled packet of gift tags from the back of the drawer. Ask me how I know.
Make Them Your Way
You can keep your tags very simple with just DSP and a greeting, or you can add a few extra details.
Try adding:
• a tiny die-cut stocking
• a little Christmas tree
• a button in the centre of a quilt block
• a small silver or gold foil star
• faux stitching with a white gel pen
• a ribbon bow
• a stamped “to” and “from” on the back
If you’re making a few sets, keep the basic tag shape the same and just change the DSP. That way they come together quickly but still look interesting.
Today’s Challenge
Today’s challenge is:
Make three Christmas gift tags using DSP scraps.
That’s it. Three tags.
They don’t need to be complicated. They don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be made.
Pop them into your Christmas box now and you’ll thank yourself later. There is something very satisfying about slowly building a little stash of handmade Christmas things in July.
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