One sheet. A handful of lovely gift tags.
Turn a sheet of plain paper into small folded tags with room for a handwritten note.
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A gift tag does not need a special punch or a printed template. A small folded rectangle gives you a tidy front and a little space inside for a message. Begin with paper you already have: a clean notebook sheet is enough to practice the fold. Use lightweight card for the final tags if you want a firmer finish.
Divide the sheet
Place the sheet flat and fold it in half, then in half again. Open it and use the creases as guides to cut four equal rectangles. If the paper has a printed side, decide whether that side belongs outside the tag. Work with scissors on a clear table; adults should handle cutting when making this with young children.
Fold a little book
Fold each rectangle in half so the short edges meet. Check the corners before pressing the crease. Slide the side of a ruler along the fold, using gentle pressure. If textured card cracks or resists, try a thinner sheet rather than forcing it. An uneven practice tag is still a useful place to test the pen.
Leave space for the message
Write the recipient's name on the front and a short note inside. Keep the writing away from the fold and edges. Try the pen on an offcut first: some inks feather on absorbent paper or take longer to dry. Let the writing dry completely before stacking the tags.
Attach only when you wrap
Tuck the folded tag beneath a paper band, or use a small piece of tape on the back. You can add a punched hole and string later, but neither is needed for the basic version. Put unused tags in a shallow envelope so their corners stay flat.
A couple of useful questions
Do I need cardstock?
No. Ordinary paper works for practice and for tags tucked under a band. Lightweight card simply holds its shape more firmly.
How do I make smaller tags?
Divide the sheet into eight rectangles instead of four. Check that the folded size still leaves enough room to write clearly.
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