There’s something so relaxing about creating small projects like tags. They're perfect for using up bits and pieces from your stash, experimenting with layers, and adding all those lovely vintage details we tend to collect "just in case!" 😊
For this project, I created a set of four vintage-inspired tags featuring butterflies, lace, old book paper and plenty of texture. They're ideal for junk journals, gifts, happy mail, mini albums or simply as decorative tags tucked into your crafty projects.
Before you begin, download the Butterfly & Dragonfly Printable and fussy cut the black and white butterflies ready for layering.
Products Used
- Prima Printery Collection - Emperor 12 x 12 Paper
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Vintage book paper or music sheets
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Vintage-themed washi tape (2–3 designs)
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Small pieces of lace
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Black and white mini alphabet stickers
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Brown buttons
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Wooden heart
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Black cotton thread
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Ribbon or trim
You'll Also Need
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Paper trimmer
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Scissors
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Adhesive and 3D foam tape
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Ranger Distress Ink Black Soot
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Ranger Distress Ink Tea Dye
Let's Get Creating!
Step 1 – Create Your Tags
Cut four tags measuring approximately 10cm x 3.5cm. Trim the top corners at an angle to create the tag shape, then punch a small hole at the top of each tag.
Step 2 – Ink the Edges
Using Black Soot Distress Ink, gently ink around the edges of each tag. This helps frame the design and adds that lovely aged vintage feel. Any black ink will work if you don't have Black Soot on hand.
Step 3 – Add Your Background Layers
Randomly adhere strips of old book paper or music sheets across the tags. Don't overthink it—the more random, the better!
Next, layer a few pieces of vintage-themed washi tape over the top to add extra interest and texture.
Step 4 – Add Rub-ons
Choose a selection of butterflies, flowers or nature-themed images from your rub-on sheet and apply them around the tags.
For one of my tags, I actually cut out the bird image from the rub-on sheet and adhered it as a focal element rather than transferring it directly.
Step 5 – Add Lace
Layer small pieces of lace onto each tag. Tucking them down the sides or along the bottom edge works beautifully and adds softness to the vintage look.
Step 6 – Create Texture Clusters
Decide where you'd like your butterfly focal points to sit.
Under each butterfly, adhere some kid mohair curls along with a few random strands of cotton. A little trick I use is wrapping cotton around my fingers and then gently fluffing it out before sticking it down.
Once you're happy with the cluster, adhere your butterfly on top.
Step 7 – Add Buttons
Thread some black cotton through your buttons before adhering them to the tags.
I tucked one of my buttons underneath the cotton cluster for a little extra dimension and interest.
Step 8 – Ink the Wooden Hearts
Using Tea Dye and Black Soot Distress Ink, colour your wooden hearts to give them an aged, distressed appearance.
Step 9 – Add Words
Use mini alphabet stickers to create small words or sentiments on each tag. Keep them simple and meaningful—whatever suits your style.
Step 10 – Embellish
If you'd like a little sparkle, add a few black gems around the tags.
Step 11 – Finish with Ribbon
Thread ribbon or trim through the hole at the top of each tag.
Don't worry if you don't have coloured ribbon. White ribbon works perfectly and can easily be customised with colour sprays. I used Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Sand and was quite pleased to finally use up a little more of my ever-growing spray collection! 😂
A Little Note About the Rub-ons
The rub-ons used in this project come from an older Kaisercraft collection called Secret Bird Society. At the time of writing, we still have a few packs left in stock.
If you don't have these exact rub-ons, don't worry. Any black and white nature-themed, butterfly, bird or floral rub-ons will work beautifully and give a similar vintage effect.
Most importantly, have fun layering, experimenting and making the tags your own. That's the beauty of projects like these—no two ever turn out exactly the same!
Happy creating!
💕 Julie
