Recycled ATC Tags Project by Guest Artist Cat Kerr

We’re happy to announce the return of a very talented guest artist. Cat Kerr, who shared with us a darling Shadowbox Project earlier this year, is back to teach us how to make her stunning recycled ATC gift tags. These creative and colorful tags are easy to make, and they’re here just in time for the holidays! Make your own with Cat’s step-by-step instructions, and add a special touch to any gift packaging. These tags are so unique that we’re sure your gift recipients will love them just as much as the present itself, and will keep them for inspiration all year round. Grab your paper scraps, paints, and stamps — and let’s get started.

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Making trades (a small piece of art to giveaway during an art retreat) is a great way to meet new people and get your name out there at the same time.  I recently made some to hand out during the “Art Is You” Art Retreat. My trades were simple Artist Trading Cards (ATC). I had a lot of fun making them, plus they were a great way to network because I stamped my name and website information on the back of each one. When I came home, I had a wonderful assortment of art trades from other creative souls as well as some of my leftover ATC cards. While trying to figure out what to do with my leftover cards, I realized that I would soon be packaging up some holiday gifts, so I decided to turn my Artist Trading Cards into one-of-a-kind gift tags.  

Recycled ATC Tags Project Materials:

-Modge Podge (Adhesive) –Gesso -Pencil –Acrylic Paint –Paint Brushes –Stencil Brushes –Burlap Stencil –Stamps –Ink –Rub-On Words –Hole Punch –Palette Knife –Pens –Gift Box –Ribbon & Trim  

Recycled ATC Tags Project by Cat Kerr:

 

 

Step 1 – Using Modge Podge or another strong adhesive, glue some telephone text onto 2-1/2 x 3-1/2” stencil board, and then cover it in a thin layer of Deco Art Gesso.

Step 2 – Next, cover the card in a watery layer of acrylic paint (I use Deco Art Fluid Paint) and once dry, add some additional colors using a stencil brush and burlap stencil (you can use any stencil you like to add depth and contrast).

Step 3 – When the paint is dry, use a palette knife and some gesso to make lines, and a pencil eraser to add circles.

Step 4 – Wait until your gesso is dry, and then stamp an image onto your card. Add more circles, this time using a thin sharpie. You can also apply some rub-on words and a few small dots using the tip of a pencil for a little added interest.

Step 5 – Lastly, apply color to the edges of the card using a palette knife and some splattered black paint.

Step 6 – Using a 2” scalloped punch, cut out your gift tags. You can use any punch you have on hand, just make sure they’re a good size.

Step 7 – Next, punch a 1/8” hole into the tags and add an eyelet. The eyelet will protect the tag from tearing.

Step 8 – Mix up two equal parts of clear resin with a Popsicle stick and according to the manufacturer’s instructions (I use Amazing Clear Cast). Once your resin is ready, add it to the center of the tag and spread it out to the sides, and then let it cure.

 

Step 9 – Once cured, paint some liquid pearls onto the scalloped edges of the tag and add a new word rub-on. When the paint is dry, add another layer of resin.

Step 10 – Use matching colors to paint a few Paper Whimsy wooden keys. Finish the keys off with some Inka Gold.

Step 11 – Cover a simple brown box with trim, sari ribbon, and your new handmade tags. These sweet treats are ready to give away to that special someone!

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Thank you so much, Cat Kerr, for giving us such a wonderful project tutorial. Who wouldn’t love receiving such a beautifully packaged gift? We hope this post has inspired you all to go out and create your very own gift tags.

Want more creative ideas? Don’t forget to visit Cat Kerr’s blog: In the Light of the Moon

 

See More of Cat Kerr’s Work in Somerset Memories

Featuring amazing scrapbook pages, stunning journals, mixed-media memory art created from family heirlooms, plus eight free sheets of scrapbook paper, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for preserving your own memories in Somerset Memories. Plus this autumn issue features darling memory art pins created by Cat Kerr.