DIY Holiday Gift Tags




Recently I created these embroidered gift tags for a demonstration at the uptown Kate's Paperie. They've been so kind as to make a template and project page for this project. It's the perfect time of year to craft your own simple, fun gift tags, so I thought I'd share how to make them with you. You can download the project template here (or visit Kate's craft page for the template too.) I've included the materials list and instructions (with a few additions).


Tools // Materials:
+ cover stock
+ scissors
+ cutting mat
+ hole punch
+ awl (or other sharp tool for piercing a small hole in paper 
+ card board 
+ needle
+ thread (embroidery thread works best)
+ ribbon or baker's twine to tie tag
Tags 1




Instructions:



1. Cut out the tags. (TIP: If you want for your thread to show through the back, you can cut off and disregard the attached mirrored tag. Otherwise, fold the tag in half for a neat backing



Tags 2





2. Take the tag printed side up and using your awl, punch through all the black dots.  It best to do this on a few sheets of card board.






Tags 3
Tags 4




3. Cut a length of thread about 15" long and tie a knot at one end. Thread your needle and begin stitching your tags.











4. When you’re done stitching and your thread is pulled through to the back of your tag, tuck your thread under the closest stitch and tie a knot. If you want a back to your tag.

The bow tag is done with a simple back stitch.



Tags 5



5. Use your hole punch to make a hole in your tag. Lace some matching thread and tie a knot. 

You can make sure this cute handmade tag is recyclable by writing something reusable to the recipient like, “For you!” or “A little something just for you…”



If you make these tags I'd love to hear how it goes or even see a picture! Please share!! You can email or link me to your flickr...




Saved From the Fire // Cici's Necklace


Cici's Necklace, originally uploaded by miniature.rhino.
I treasure objects with stories.... Etsy has a new feature about this called, Saved From the Fire, and today they featured my story about my mom's necklace and even used it as the lead image. Really proud that I get to share this story...

My mother made this necklace when she was in high school and she gave it to me when I was in elementary school. I'd keep it in my pocket wrapped around my hand and hold it. I wear it sometimes now and think of my mom walking to school with my aunts along broken side walks, riding her bike with friends to the Santa Monica Pier, or skate boarding while strumming her ukulele down my grandparent's street. It's a connection to my mom and a place I think of as home.

check out the full story here featuring Melissa Dixon (remember taxidermy!) and Joanne of Shaving Kit Supplies (awesome old stuff and funny lady).

thanksgiving...

Before too much time went by I wanet to share one thing I am thankful for this year - I am thankful for all of you who read this blog, have commented, purchased a little something from Miniature Rhino, or even just said some kind words. It means a lot to me as I grow this little handmade, one-woman business.

Thank you!! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Here are some pics from mine at a friend's loft in Brooklyn...


For most of the night this cutie, named Joshie, was wearing red pjs. break your heart cute.