Make Gift Tags From Vintage Linens

Most dealers, and many decorators, have a collection of unusable linens, whether small or large, tucked away in a box or drawer in their home.
Here’s a sample of some of mine. All of these linens have rips or holes or big brown age spots. Sadly, they are not good for much.
But then one day, as I was making tags using my die cut machine* and some felt, I began to think about all the different kinds of materials that one might use to make interesting tags–cork sheets, milk jugs, foil pans, and (drum roll) old linens!
*(Read more about my die cut machine, purchased on sale at Tuesday Mornings for $35!)
So I pulled out the pile you saw above and started cutting out tag shapes with my machine. Above are a some of my first results.
Next I cut out tags using manila card stock and applied a thin layer of Modge Podge.
Then, I applied the linen tag to the card stock tag, flattening as I went with my “bone” folder.
Here’s my first set, and I have to say, I just love them! I feel they are really unique and sooo beautiful.
Tags Using Vintage Denim & an Old Curtain
The more I’ve thought about this tag-making process, the more ideas I’ve come up with. I began to realize that there are many fabrics out there that would probably work.
I decided to try some vintage denim and an old, faux suede curtain I found at a church sale for $1.
The faux suede unfortunately did not work out well. Some of the glue that seeped through to the front of the tag dried a dark color rather than clear. I have not figured out a way to resolve the issue.
How to Make Tags Without a Die Cut Machine
I know not everyone has a die cut machine, so here are two tags that I cut by hand. You can use the same process I described above where you glue a piece of fabric to a piece of card stock.
After it dries, cut out your tag shape. To keep the edges from unraveling, I brushed some Modge Podge along the edges (see the tag on the right). If you don’t mind a bit of unraveling, then don’t apply the MP (like the tag on the left).
Then I punched an eyelet at the top to make a nice, finished hole.
Here they are with their eyelets and some ribbon. I also trimmed them to make them skinnier, and I like this look better. Don’t you agree?
Explore some of my other tag projects:

Well, now aren't those the cutest little things?!
š Thanks
A great idea and one I have never thought of ! Definitely going to use this as I enjoy making tags!
Thanks, Jeanne š
I am in love with this project!
Yea! I'm so glad š
Cute, cute, cute! It's too bad that old linens don't have longer lives, but this is such a nifty way to use them! Love the embroidery!
Three "cutes," wow š
Thanks for Sharing, I found it very enjoyable read.
Thanks, Dawn š
Oh my gosh- what a fabulous idea! I also have a drawer full of old linens I just can't part with and I love the idea of making them into something useful. Thank you for sharing this tutorial, and by the way your blog looks great – I notice some changes!
Thanks for noticing, Jen. So glad you like my idea š
Great idea! I have a few old linens that would be perfect for this application!
Glad I could help š
Fabulous, can't wait to try this! I have enough sad vintage linens for all of us, lol.
I'd love to see how yours turn out once you try it out š
Aren't those adorable, Diana! Of course, I could never make enough tags to use up my mountains of scrap fabric š
The world seems to be divided between those who own a die cutter and those who WISH they did š
Thanks Monique. Yes, there will always be "extra" fabric and linens…
Really clever… hope to try this sometime.
Blessings,
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
Thanks, Audrey!
these are great!! I love the denim ones, and what a good way to repurpose damaged linens!
Thanks Deborah–I've really been enjoying it. Just did a whole bunch tonight š
Another great idea… I have so many old linens that I hate to part with. Great way to use them. I have a die cut machine. Need to find a die for tags. Thanks for posting this.
Your welcome, Beth. I highly recommend the tag die cut–I've been loving it.
Love this idea! Thanks so much for the detail. Visiting from Kathy's Delightsome Life. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thanks Cindy–I'll pop over ASAP š
Beautiful! Love the idea of using scrap fabric for tags.
Thank you Connie!
What a great way to use some old linens!! Love this!!
Thanks so much Linda š
They look beautiful!!! Pinned! Thank you so much for being part of our party. Please stop by this Tuesday, I can' t wait to see what you create next! Lou Lou Girls http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
This is such a great idea…especially for scraps of linens used for larger projects. Thank you for sharing this.
Great project! These tags look terrific! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
I'm sure you've already heard this plenty of times, but I'm equally determined that it bears repeating. Your works are so adorable! Those are for sale? Oh Iām sure they're a big hit! I'll definitely stick around for more. Stay creative, Diana!
Clint Shaff @ Franchise Match
Thank you Clint! Thanks for dropping by–
Ha you had me going with "I can do that even though I don't have a die cut machine!" until you punched an eyelet. I don't have an eyelet maker either LOL