Sometimes I need to stop pinning and just make something. I get so wrapped up in looking at pretty ideas that I spend all my time “thinking” about doing something when I all really need is to do something…anything. The recent snow and all this time spent at home made me realize that the holidays are fast approaching. So while on hold booking a trip some place warm for the holidays, I remembered that I ordered photos to make tags for Christmas gifts.
I ordered wallet size photos from iphoto in black and white. This image is one that happens to be my all time favorite. It was our Christmas card in 2001 and a few years later I had the photo enlarged and it hangs upstairs in our hallway. The Tall Tags craft punch makes it super easy. You can actually see what you are framing in the punch before you make the cut. I used a small heart shape punch and a few ribbons I just found at Tinsel trading Company. One of my favorite stores in NY and now they sell on line. I also could not resist adding a sprig of holly. As it turns out I happen to have a huge holly bush in my back yard. One of the many surprises that you come across when buying a house built in 1900.
I found these bars of soap at Home Goods. I hardly ever go in there, but my dear friend Elizabeth gave me the idea once about buying pillows on sale just for the inserts. So today in addition to finding these lovely bars of soap, I found two perfectly sized down filled lumbar pillows for $14!
I may be making tropical vacation plans, but for right now I’m drinking hot tea and enjoying my new candle from Anthropologie…and dreaming of a white Christmas.
23 comments :
How lucky to have a holly bush in the yard—you’re putting it to great use!
Wow…you are head of the game…I did buy some tin tags stamped with Joyeux Noel …but yours are much sweeter.
Beautiful Annie, you have inspired me to make my own picture tags, now I have to get myself a tall tag punch. xx
Fabulous idea, Annie! Thanks for the inspiration
I love this idea so much! You are so creative, Annie! I really need to get on the ball.
Your picture tags are adorable. Your gift recipients will be delighted. I think I need a tall tag punch!
what a lovely thing indeed. so pretty annie.
i have holly growing mad around here. it’s leaves are so sharp and prickly – i really don’t like it that much!
what a great idea re pillow inserts too.
i want to see the photo blown up in your upstairs hall.
i want to see more photos of your house. please. xo
Annie you are so darn creative. I am so going to copy this idea and I love that photo of your kids. You captured a moment in time that you will always cherish. It’s pure joy! Your photos look magnificent as well. They’re so simple but yet elegant. I can’t wait to see where you’re headed on vacation.
xoxo,
Jackie
Annie that photo is priceless…love it. And you are so right about pinning. Sometimes we just need to stop pinning and DO something. Love, love the idea of using a photo as a gift tag, and I already have that same tag punch. Hope you don’t mind if I “borrow” your brilliant idea
And how lucky to have a holly bush in your yard! Awesome.
Have a great weekend.
Karen
fantastic DIY.
love it. enjoy the weekend.
pve
Love these Annie! Such a great idea…if I ever get caught up with unpacking and cleaning before Thanksgiving…I will give these a try!
Annie,
Just so you know – totally stealing this!!!! xoxo
What a great way to personalize a package. You’re not only giving a gift, you’re giving a memory.
Great tip on the pillow inserts too.
These are so cute! Love the picture – bet it looks great blown up big on your wall too! You seem to always be doing something fabulous around your beautiful home! I finally got on Pinterest too and can see what you mean about how addictive it can be!
What an amazing idea!
This looks incredibly pretty!!
I love the tag idea and the terrific photo! You really are on top of it! I still need to take this years photo. every year I promise myself I will get it done sooner, and every year, I don’t. At least I started (barely) my shopping!
Hi,
Where did you find your Tall Tags craft punch? I have looking all over for that size and I can only find the really small ones. Is that the brand name or is there another name?
thanks
Judy
Hi Judy,
I found mine at a store in Westport, CT. http://www.greatamericanstampstore.com/. I don’t think they have a website. I searched a little on line for McGill Craftivity Tall Tags Scallop punch, but didn’t find the exact one. The size I have is 1 1/2″ x 2 3/4″. I hope you find it!
annie
Adorable idea, Annie! Pinning…
Love this idea Annie! Totally inspired my Christmas wrapping with this. I just hope I can find a tag punch.
How fortunate to have the holly too!
Kim
What a wonderful idea, that would make a gift SO much more meaningful!
Marin mama’s weekly dinner menu for December 2nd May 11, 2013 12:05PM
[...] treats. Annie, you must have pretty self-controlled kids. You should also check out her homemade gift tags. They are so easy to do, and something that I’m definitely going to attempt this [...]