Embroidered Holiday Gift Tag Ornaments

By: Denise Losczyk for FaveCrafts.com

By: Denise Losczyk for FaveCrafts.com

"I've started a holiday tradition. For the past few years I've made small ornaments to enclose in holiday cards. I like enclosing a little something to make my greeting memorable. I created these ornaments using my own handmade paper gifttags, and embroidered my design using white cotton threads. They can be used for ornaments, gift tags, or given as a small gift. Different designs can be used for occasions throughout the year, such as birthdays, holidays, and weddings. I hope these will inspire you to make your own!"

Estimated CostUnder $10

Time to CompleteIn an evening

MaterialsEmbroidery Thread, Paper

Primary TechniqueNeedlework

Easy

HolidayChristmas

Project TypeMake a Project

Materials List

Strathmore colored art paper, 65 lb pad
Pattern for ornament design (copy my design, or create your own)
Lightweight yarn or No. 8 or 10 perle cotton
Tapestry needle with large eye to accomodate thick threads
Paper or fabric glue
Paper cutter and paper scissors
Paper edge cutting scissors
Hole paper punch
Holographic paper, shiny paper, or other contrasting paper for punching dots for embellishment

Instructions

Using paper cutter, cut out the following for ornament backs (in this example I used lighter paper for my ornament back): 2 1/2 inch x 4 1/2 inch rectangles (cut out several, to make it easy to assemble many ornaments at one time)
Using paper cutter cut out the following for ornament fronts: 2 inch x 3 3/4 inch rectangles - cut off the top 2 corners at an angle to make the tag shape.
Thread tapestry needle, making a knot at one end.
Prepare the tag fronts for embroidering: I recommend poking holes into the paper from the front side, before bringing the needle up from the back. If using a pattern, poke all the holes into the paper before you begin stitching. You can draw out a pattern to match the pattern in my design, or create your own design to embroider. (You could create a holiday drawing, or use a monogram initial, perhaps, for your family name, for example.)
Follow your pattern to embroider the design onto the tags. When all lines are stitched, take 2-3 stitches in threads on back, to secure stitching.
Glue front of ornament to background rectangle, center front of ornament on the background, make sure edges are secured with no gaps. I used a permanent fabric glue which created a tight bond on paper. (Let glue dry.)
Trim ornament edges with paper edge cutting scissors of your choice.
Use hole punch to create dots from holographic paper, or paper of your choice for embellishing the ornaments.
Glue dots onto front of ornament as shown in photo. A small dab of glue will secure the dots. Sequins may also be used if desired.
Wait until glue has completely dried, then create hanger for ornament, by threading yarn through top of ornament and tying a knot. If you prefer, you can use a hole punch to create a hole at the top of the tag for threading your ornament.

NotesYour ornament is now ready to gift - add an inscription on the ornament back, or add the year and/or name to the ornament front.

Be brave and create your own designs and embroider them on the tags. It is a great way to start designing your own work, and you can personalize your project even more this way.

Happy Holidays and Happy Creating! - Denise Losczyk