Taking Gift Tag Art One Step Further (Dec. 02)
Courtesy of AccuCut.com

Die cutting is a quick way to cut your own tags, and easily takes tag art from the realm of the flat into the world of the three-dimensional. Create three-dimensional effects by pre-folding, double cutting and using giant shapes. You can achieve the same effect using templates and a craft knife. Three dimensional tag art applications allow stampers to use projects, not only as tags for gifts, but also as photo frames, ornaments and other surprisingly useful objects. All this is possible using the easy techniques shown below.

Folding Adds Dimension
- The most impressive way to create three-dimensional tag art is to pre-fold the paper and create dimension.

- To create tags with "doors" and an accordion-folded tag, simply fold the paper before cutting and place the folds of the paper slightly within the cut lines of the die or template shape. If you use a die cutting machine, it is easy to cut through multiple layers, compared to cutting by hand or with a craft knife. After the shape is cut, the folds remain intact, creating a pop-up three-dimensional tag.

- Accordion folding: before cutting, fold the paper in a three-fold accordion. Position the folds just inside the cut line at the bottom of the tag. The resulting piece will stand up when the accordion fold is opened. Adhere the tops of the tag together-or tie with yarn fibers and add beads. Attach to a gift, and after the gift is opened the tag itself can be used as a beautiful hanging ornament.

Add Photos, and the Tag Becomes a Second Gift
- Adding a photograph increases the sentimental value of a gift tag and turns it into a gift to keep, right along with the gift it announces. The technique shown is called double-cut die cutting. To make a photo tag, first use the tag-shaped die or template to cut a tag. Then choose a second die or template shape and cut it from the middle of the tag. Adhere a photo behind the cutout, then cut an additional tag to adhere behind the photo and seal it in.

More Double-Cut Die Cutting
- The same technique used to create a photo frame can be used to make tags with a creative twist. Experiment with a number of die or template shapes to create a multitude of exciting new designs!

Jumbo Shapes Are A Big Hit
- To make a big impression when gift giving, use a jumbo die cut or template shape. Folding techniques and double-cut die cutting techniques work well with jumbo shapes, and the resulting tags are big enough to make remarkable mantle or tabletop photo frames.

- Did you know jumbo gift tags can be sent through the mail? (This is true of many jumbo shapes. Cut shapes from mat board so they will withstand transport through the mail. Check with your local post office for requirements.) Create an impressive rubber stamped design on one side, print a computer-generated or hand-lettered message and address on the other side. Add postage and drop in the mail!