Let the Wrapping Begin!

I have been playing with my Vagabond again (LOVE that little machine!) and came up with a simple way to embellishment your Christmas wrapping.

Chalkboard "gift labels"

I started with these Tim Holtz Alteration dies:

I love to figure out multiple uses for the dies and use them in ways that they weren't originally designed.  For this project many shapes could work.

I wanted these little "gift labels" to be thicker than cardstock so I chose to cut them out of Grunge board.  It's easy to cut and bendable, which allows tying the labels around a jar or something rounded.

Once I got them cut out, I placed them in a box close together and sprayed them with chalkboard paint.  I gave them several thin coats making sure all the edges were covered.

The directions recommend that you wait 24 hours to let the paint thoroughly dry.  Once dry then "break in" the surface for writing by rubbing the entire surface with side of chalk then wipe away.

Apply eyelets, using sizes proportioned to the label size and wrap gifts with heavy kraft paper.

You can use regular chalk to write your message, or a chalk pen which is great for a more stylish writing.  The best part is the ink from this pen is erasable with a damp cloth making your "gift labels" reusable!

Tie "gift labels" on with paper twine, jute or hemp.

Add a few emblishments like jingle bells....

 Sprigs of fresh greenery and pinecones...

....more bells

 ....and details

All done...the hardest part is waiting for the paint to dry!

 Tips:
1. Find the heavy kraft wrapping paper in stores shipping section, not with gift wrapping.
2. You can pick up the chalk pens at the fabulous store DESIGN LAB ....my good friend Jen Linton manages the store and does all their amazing lettering and artwork around the store.  I have to confess... Jen did my lettering....THANKS JEN!

And don't put those dies away yet....I'll be back later this week with round 2 using these dies.

See you then,
deb

*Tim Holtz Sizzix VAGABOND MACHINE Die Cutting Embossing Alterations 656850	*Tim Holtz Idea-ology GRUNGEBOARD ALPHABET SOUP Letters Numbers	*Tim Holtz Sizzix Die BAROQUE Movers & Shapers Alterations	*Tim Holtz Sizzix Die MINI BAROQUE Movers & Shapers Alterations 656932
*Tim Holtz Sizzix Die VINTAGE CABINET CARD Movers & Shapers 657217 Bigz Alterations	*Tim Holtz Sizzix Die MINI CABINET CARD Movers & Shapers 657206 Alterations	*Tim Holtz Sizzix Die MINI ORNAMENTAL Movers & Shapers Alterations 656936	*Tim Holtz Sizzix Die STYLED LABELS Movers & Shapers Alterations 656642
*Tim Holtz Sizzix Die ATC & CORNERS Movers & Shapers 657184 Bigz Alterations	*Tim Holtz Sizzix Die MINI STYLED LABELS Movers & Shapers 657214 Alterations	*Tim Holtz Sizzix Die ORNAMENTAL Movers & Shapers Alterations	*PREORDER Tim Holtz Idea-ology SOLIDS PAPER STRING TH93044

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