Today I was determined to make another Christmas gift tag and I knew what I wanted to use. I had in my head a vision of copper pine cones hanging from a leafy branch, so that’s what I made.

NEW TAG BASE

I often use tag topper punches or simple die cut shapes for my tag bases, but not today. Today I decided to use the Beautiful Boughs Dies for something quite different. There are two ‘label’ type dies in the set and in the end I used both of them to cut some Thick Very Vanilla Card.

First I used the larger die to cut the tag base. Through one of the holes cut by the die I threaded some 1/8″ copper grosgrain ribbon (from the Basket Weave & Metallic Ribbon Combo Pack). After securing the ribbon with a simple knot I set the tag aside.

Next came the “Season’s Greetings” sentiment from the coordinating Peaceful Boughs Stamp Set. Using Early Espresso ink I first stamped the sentiment onto some Thick Very Vanilla Card. Then I cut it out using the smaller of the ‘label’ dies in the Beautiful Boughs Dies set.

PINE CONES AND BRANCHES

Now I was ready to create the pine cones and branches for the tag.

First I chose the small and medium-sized pine branch dies and used them to cut out some Old Olive Card. Then for interest I added some Old Olive ink around the edges of the cut pieces using a Sponge Dauber.

With that done I used Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) to attach the larger branch to the bottom of the tag. The die-cut sentiment came next, fixed across the centre with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Finally I added the smaller branch using liquid glue, while letting the bottom edge of the branch rest on the sentiment.

All I needed now were my pine cones.

In the Beautiful Boughs Dies are two sizes of pine cones and I chose the smaller one. For each of size there’s also a solid (outline) option as well as a detailed ‘overlay’. Today I chose Early Espresso Card for the solid piece and die-cut two of them. For the overlay I opted for Copper Foil Sheet. Fortunately I remembered to back the foil with some Adhesive Sheet before die-cutting the detailed pieces.

After die-cutting these last pieces I removed the backing from the Adhesive Sheet so I could fix them to the solid shapes. All I had left to do was fix one pine cone to the tag with liquid glue. Then I added the second one with Stampin’ Dimensionals and my pretty Christmas gift tag was complete.

I’m really happy with how this gift tag turned out. The tag base is an interesting shape with details that are mirrored by the sentiment layer. Of course the metallic ribbon and copper foil pine cones really add an extra touch of luxury don’t you think?

OTHER IDEAS

For more project ideas using the Beautiful Boughs Dies see these earlier blog posts:

• Olive and cinnamon branches
• Beautiful Boughs sneak peek
• Tasteful Textile for a unique pine cone
• An inky idea – faded edges

PRODUCT LIST

This is the second Christmas that the Peaceful Boughs Stamp Set and coordinating Beautiful Boughs Dies have been available from Stampin’ Up! While it’s always dangerous to speculate, I have a feeling that these two products will retire in April. So if you love them, make sure you order them while you still can.