How to Make Personalized Clay Gift Tags

Take your gift over the top this year by adding a handmade gift tag that can even double as an additional present. Personalize stamped clay gift tags and add essential oils to bring in the scents of the season.

DIY stamped clay gift tag

Add ribbon and essential oils

Cut a piece of ribbon or twine about six inches long, thread through the hole and tie the ends together to create a loop. For an extra added element add a few drops of essential oils to the back of the clay. Let it soak in and wipe off any extra puddling. Tip: Gift the tags with a bottle of essential oils for your recipient to use as a scented charm all year long.

and HGTV Handmade

Photo by: Crafty Lumberjacks

Crafty Lumberjacks

Add a personalized touch to your gift wrapping this holiday season: make custom clay gift tags. Not only are they great for labeling your gifts, but they double as a present. They can be used as ornaments for the holidays or as scented charms for the whole year. Add a bit of your favorite essential oils to the clay for a full aromatic effect.

How to Make Personalized Clay Gift Tags
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Materials + Supplies

  • oven-baked clay
  • alphabet stamp letters
  • rolling pin or water bottle
  • card stock template
  • craft knife
  • skewer
  • parchment paper
  • baking sheet
  • oven
  • ribbon or twine
  • essential oils with dropper

Condition and Roll Out the Clay

Condition the clay by ripping off a small piece and kneading it with your hands until it becomes a play dough-like consistency (Image 1). This will help soften the clay and will make it easier to work with. Guesstimate the amount of clay needed, which will depend on the amount and size of gift tags you want to make, and roll the conditioned clay into a ball. On a flat, smooth surface, roll out the clay with a rolling pin until you have an even layer that is about 1/4-inch thick (Image 2).

Tip: Rolling out a perfectly thick piece can be tricky. Place two pencils or skewers on the outside of the clay to roll out a completely even thick piece.

Cut Out the Shapes

Cut a piece of card stock into a gift tag shape to use as a template. Place the template on top of the rolled-out clay and cut it around the edges using a craft or butter knife (Image 1). Repeat as many times as needed (Image 2).

Make a Hole and Add Names

Use a wooden skewer (a straw or pen will work too) to punch a hole towards the top center of each tag for a string to go through. Smooth and clean up the area around the hole for a polished look. Use the alphabet stamps to personalize each gift tag to spell out the names of your loved ones. Don’t press too hard.

Tip: Use scrap clay to practice working with the stamps, making sure you get the pressure and spacing right.

Add Name to Clay Gift Tag

Add names

Use the alphabet stamps to personalize each gift tag to spell out the names of your loved ones! Don’t press too hard. Tip: Use scrap clay to practice working with the stamps, making sure you get the pressure and spacing right.

and HGTV Handmade

Photo by: Crafty Lumberjacks

Crafty Lumberjacks

Bake Your Personalized Clay Gift Tag

Place the parchment paper with the gift tags onto a baking sheet. Follow the directions on the package of the clay and bake. Keep an eye on the tags, making sure the edges don’t burn.

Bake clay gift tags

Bake

Place the parchment paper with the gift tags onto a baking sheet. Follow the directions on the package of the clay and bake. Keep an eye on the tags, making sure the edges don’t burn.

and HGTV Handmade

Photo by: Crafty Lumberjacks

Crafty Lumberjacks

Add Ribbon and Essential Oils

Cut a piece of ribbon or twine about 6 inches long. Thread the twine or ribbon through the hole and tie the ends together to create a loop. Optionally, add a few drops of essential oils to the back of the tag (Image 1). Let it soak in and wipe off any extra puddling. Add your personalized clay gift tag to gifts or to your Christmas tree (Images 2 - 4).

More Ways to Wrap Presents

How to Make Photo Gift Tags

Instead of the usual gift tags, use photos to identify your gift recipients. Old childhood photos or silly pictures will make gift-giving much more fun.

How to Make Potato-Stamped Gift Wrap

Instead of purchasing a roll of wrapping paper at the store, bring your kids around the table to make custom hand-stamped paper with potatoes and paint.

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