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    Home » Blog » Easy DIY » Simple Crafts & Handmade Gifts

    November 8, 2019 | By Jami

    DIY Wood Tags Three Ways (For Gifts, Decor & Organizing)

    Jump to Tutorial

    A tutorial for making wooden tags from scrap wood or inexpensive pine with three ways to finish them, as numbered tags, beverage and potluck tags, or chalkboard tags. Use them to add to your decor, help keep you organized, or gift as a unique gift.

    DIY Wood Tags 3 Ways

    Some links in this article are affiliate links and if you click on them I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

    If you've spent any time looking around AOC, you might have realized that I'm always on the lookout for simple handmade gift ideas that I can recreate for a fraction of the cost. I subscribe to emails and catalogs that I very rarely if ever buy from - they're just for inspiration and ideas for gifts or decor I can recreate.

    I think homemade gifts are fun to give (and get!) because there's a little bit of you in the gift - not only money, but time and thought as well.

    Catalog Inspiration

    When I saw these two tag ideas at a couple of my favorite sites, Decor Steals and Ballard Designs, I thought they'd make fun and super simple gifts or to use as a pretty way to organize:

    Wood tags inspiration photos
    Besides the two ideas above, I added another that I'm sharing along with a tutorial on making your own wooden tags from scrap wood or inexpensive pine. Of course, you can look for unfinished wood tags to buy at craft stores or online, but if you have scrap wood and a miter saw, it's super easy to make them up for free or pennies each.

    After making the plain wood tags, all that's left is choosing one of the three ways below to finish them. Of course, you can also throw caution to the wind and try all three!

    And do you think they will be anywhere near the price of $28.50 + $5 shipping for the distressed number tags on the left above? Or $15 + shipping for the beverage tags on the right? Um, not even close. In fact, I had scrap wood, black paint, garden twine, a sharpie and number stickers already, so it actually didn't cost me anything.

    OK, I guess I did have to buy the stuff at one point, didn't I? My point is, this is a pretty inexpensive gift - a couple dollars and a nice wrapping job = a great gift. One I'd like to get - in fact, I'm even keeping some of mine!

    Note: this is a bit long with four tutorials, but I've put the them in collage form so that you don't have to scroll too much. If you purchase already-made wooden tags, skip to the decorating tutorials.

    DIY Wood Tags Three Ways

    How to make wood tags

    How To Make DIY Wood Tags:

    Make the tags using scrap wood or purchase lattice or lath pieces from a home store. Choose wood that are about 1-1/2" wide x 1/4' thick (or cut to size if using scrap wood).

    1. Use a miter saw - this is the one we have - (or miter box with a hand saw) to cut the wood into 3-4" lengths (mine average 3-1/2"). TIP: have the blade running before touching the wood and then cut slowly.
    2. Using a shipping tag as a guide, trace the angles with a pencil.
    3. Set the miter saw at a 45 degree angle and cut off the corners at the marks.
    4. Drill a hole in the top using a large enough drill bit to put jute twine though later. (Here's an inexpensive drill with good reviews.)
    5. TIP: stack 3 tags and drill through all at once.
    6. Sand the edges using 150 to 220 grit sandpaper (here's a set that includes both grits).

    Now that you've got a nice stack of wood tags, it's time to decide how to finish them. Choose one, two, or all three options below.

    Distressed Wooden Numbered Tags

    Distressed numbered tags
    I can see using these easy numbered tags so many places. In fact, I'm sharing with you just a few of the places I found to use them after the tutorial to give you some ideas.

    Making numbered wooden tags

    How To Make Wood Number Tags:

    1. SUPPLIES: black spray paint, prepped wooden tags, and number stickers in the font of your choosing (this is a classic set of number stickers that would look nice) and jute twine (or ribbon). TIP: There are a number of ways to get this same look, actually - you could use a stencil and paint white numbers on the black wood or paint black numbers on bare wood. I chose to use stickers because it seemed the quickest way to get the muted, worn look I was after and it was what I had.
    2. Attach stickers to tags.
    3. Lightly spray two to three coats of flat, black paint, being careful to get all the edges. Spray straight down to minimize any spray paint getting under the sticker edges.
    4. Let dry and remove stickers.
    5. Sand the tags using 220 grit sandpaper.
    6. Spray both sides and all the edges with a clear, satin sealer, let dry and thread with jute twine.

    Here are some ways to use the number tags:

    Using numbered wood tags around house

    • On flower pots or vases. Line up 3 or 5 in a row with the same flower for a beautiful centerpiece or porch decor.
    • Hang on baskets.
    • Use to label clipboards.
    • Put them around mason jars used for storage.

    Beverage Label Wood Tags

    Beverage Wood Tags on pitchers
    These Ballard catalog knockoffs would make a wonderful hostess gift, not to mention just a great way to label drinks at your own gatherings.

    making wood beverage tags

    How To Make Wood Beverage Tags:

    Transfer an ink-jet printed word onto the tags:

    • Type the words into a word-processing program in the font of your choice (I used Brush script, sized to 44 and 40 for the longer words).
    • Reverse or flip the image (I used Preview on my Mac to take a screen shot, flip and print with no constraints).
    1. Place the printed word on a tag, ink-side down, and lightly damped the paper with a cloth.
    2. Burnish the image with the end of a Sharpie pen, being careful not to tear the paper. Lift off. AND when that doesn't work so well (a-hem)...
    3. Take the sharpie and trace over the outline. (OR simply use the sharpie in the first place, writing in your own handwriting.)
    4. Let them dry thoroughly and then coat the tags with Mod Podge - do not use a spray sealer - it will make the marker bleed. I've read that spraying the wood with hairspray before using the marker will also help with bleeding...but I didn't do that, so I do have a bit of bleeding, even with brushed on Mod Podge.

    Thread these tags with longer pieces of jute twine - about 14" doubled over - to leave long enough ends to be able to tie around pitchers.

    Wood Chalkboard Tags

    How to Make Chalkboard Tags:

    1. Spray paint the wood tags with regular black flat spray paint. TIP: This is my DIY chalkboard secret - it’s about half the cost of specialty chalkboard spray paint, works just the same, and you’re more likely to have some on your shelf  like me! I used this same flat paint on this menu board, this distressed frame chalkboard, and for these chalkboard grad party decorations and it works perfectly.
    2. Spray one side, let dry and then spray the other side, making sure to paint all the edges. Let dry thoroughly.
    3. Distress the tags, if desired, by rubbing sandpaper along the edges. Thread the holes with jute twine or ribbon.

    Wood Chalkboard Tags in mason jar

    How to use chalkboard tags:

    • Package the tags with chalk for a gift. Using a mason jar to hold them is a fun reusable packaging idea.
    • Or use them yourself to label pantry items, craft items, or kid’s toys.
    • With either regular flat paint or chalkboard paint, the chalk writes on these easily and wipes off with a soft cloth.

    So, if you've read this far, I'm going to assume you want to make some version of these tags, so tell me - which will you make and how will you use them? Will they be a gift for someone? Or will you keep them yourself like me?

    Beverage Wood Tags on pitchers
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    DIY Wood Tags Three Ways (For Gifts, Decor & Organizing)

    A tutorial for making wooden tags from scrap wood or inexpensive pine with three ways to finish them, as numbered tags, beverage and potluck tags, or chalkboard tags.
    Author: Jami Boys

    Tools

    • Miter saw – this is the one we have – (or miter box with a hand saw)
    • Electric drill (Here’s an inexpensive drill with good reviews)
    • 150 to 220 grit sandpaper (here’s a set that includes both grits).

    Materials

    • Scrap wood or lattice or lath pieces from a home store Choose wood that are about 1-1/2″ wide x 1/4′ thick (or cut to size if using scrap wood).

    Distressed Wooden Numbered Tags

    • Black spray paint
    • Prepped wooden tags
    • Number stickers in the font of your choosing (this is a classic set of number stickers that would look nice)
    •  Jute twine (or ribbon).

    Wood Beverage Tags

    • Black Sharpie
    • Mod Podge
    • Longer pieces of jute twine – about 14″ doubled over

    Wood Chalkboard Tags

    • regular black flat spray paint
    • Jute twine (or ribbon).

    Instructions

    To make DIY wood Tags:

    • Use a miter saw – this is the one we have – (or miter box with a hand saw) to cut the wood into 3-4″ lengths (mine average 3-1/2″). TIP: have the blade running before touching the wood and then cut slowly.
    • Using a shipping tag as a guide, trace the angles with a pencil.
    • Set the miter saw at a 45 degree angle and cut off the corners at the marks.
    • Drill a hole in the top using a large enough drill bit to put jute twine though later.
    • TIP: stack 3 tags and drill through all at once.
    • Sand the edges using 150 to 220 grit sandpaper.

    To make wood number tags:

    • There are a number of ways to get this same look, actually – you could use a stencil and paint white numbers on the black wood or paint black numbers on bare wood. I chose to use stickers because it seemed the quickest way to get the muted, worn look I was after and it was what I had.
    • Attach stickers to tags.
    • Lightly spray two to three coats of flat, black paint, being careful to get all the edges. Spray straight down to minimize any spray paint getting under the sticker edges.
    • Let dry and remove stickers.
    • Sand the tags using 220 grit sandpaper.
    • Spray both sides and all the edges with a clear, satin sealer, let dry and thread with jute twine.

    To make wood beverage tags:

    • Transfer an ink-jet printed word onto the tags:
    • Type the words into a word-processing program in the font of your choice (I used Brush script, sized to 44 and 40 for the longer words).
    • Reverse or flip the image (I used Preview on my Mac to take a screen shot, flip and print with no constraints).
    • Place the printed word on a tag, ink-side down, and lightly damped the paper with a cloth.
    • Burnish the image with the end of a Sharpie pen, being careful not to tear the paper. Lift off. AND when that doesn’t work so well (a-hem)…
    • Take the sharpie and trace over the outline. (OR simply use the sharpie in the first place, writing in your own handwriting.)
    • Let them dry thoroughly and then coat the tags with Mod Podge – do not use a spray sealer – it will make the marker bleed. I’ve read that spraying the wood with hairspray before using the marker will also help with bleeding…but I didn’t do that, so I do have a bit of bleeding, even with brushed on Mod Podge.
    • Thread these tags with longer pieces of jute twine – about 14″ doubled over – to leave long enough ends to be able to tie around pitchers.

    To make chalkboard tags:

    • Spray paint the wood tags with regular black flat spray paint. TIP: This is my DIY chalkboard secret – it’s about half the cost of specialty chalkboard spray paint, works just the same, and you’re more likely to have some on your shelf  like me! I used this same flat paint on this menu board, this distressed frame chalkboard, and for these chalkboard grad party decorations and it works perfectly.
    • Spray one side, let dry and then spray the other side, making sure to paint all the edges. Let dry thoroughly.
    • Distress the tags, if desired, by rubbing sandpaper along the edges. Thread the holes with jute twine or ribbon.
    Did you make this?Mention @anoregoncottage or tag #anoregoncottage!

    This tutorial has been updated – it was originally published July 2012.

    Disclosure: affiliate links in this article will earn commission based on sales, but it doesn't change your price. Click here to read my full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.

    About Jami

    Since 2009 Jami Boys has been helping readers live a simple homemade life through whole food recipes, doable gardening, and easy DIY projects on An Oregon Cottage. From baking bread, to creating a floor from paper, to growing and preserving food, Jami shares the easiest ways to get things done. She's been featured in Cottages and Bungalows, Old House Journal, and First for Women magazines as well as numerous sites like Good Housekeeping, Huffington Post, and Apartment Therapy.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Landon "Lumber Master" Edgington says

      October 30, 2020 at 8:31 am

      this is great for wedding gifts tag and also souvenir. Thanks for sharing this idea for future projects.

      Reply
    2. Anthony says

      June 22, 2016 at 8:11 pm

      i had that same idea but making them out of ceder and selling them in my neighborhood

      Reply
    3. Blogger Girl says

      December 20, 2015 at 5:55 am

      I am looking for gift ideas! I just watched your video on Youtube! It's great! Could you please check out my craft blog? Here is the link if you want to- Thank you so much!!

      Reply
    4. Lisa says

      October 07, 2012 at 9:35 am

      If you made the tags out of cedar, skipped painting them all over, and presented them with one of those beautiful fabric covered hangers, it would be a really pretty gift for any number of occasions! the cedar keeps the moths away.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        October 07, 2012 at 5:18 pm

        Nice idea! Though oddest thing I've discovered since moving to a house with a cedar-lined closet: I still find moths. Go figure. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Cheryl says

      August 07, 2012 at 1:11 pm

      I love the idea. I was thinking of Christmas tags for gifts. We have a large family gathering and desperately need name tags on gifts! I was thinking of using red, green or white paint or whatever color matches the paper! Thanks for the idea...caught this post on pinterst!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        August 07, 2012 at 9:27 pm

        Great idea, Cheryl! I thought this would be something that could easily be adapted. 🙂

        Reply
    6. High Heeled Life says

      July 24, 2012 at 12:36 am

      What a fabulous and creative idea!! HHL

      Reply
    7. [email protected] says

      July 23, 2012 at 4:28 pm

      Those look so cool! I love them!

      Reply
    8. Heather says

      July 21, 2012 at 8:49 pm

      Cute idea for a fraction of the cost! Found you via Tatertots and Jello.

      Reply
    9. Becca Acker says

      July 21, 2012 at 3:49 pm

      Those are really cute! Cool idea. 🙂

      Found you via Tatertots and Jello!

      Reply
    10. Tami says

      July 21, 2012 at 2:22 am

      I love these! Will make the chalkboard ones for myself and gifts....and packed in a mason jar...awesome! Probably will make some to label my craft supplies too. Thanks Jami 🙂

      Might be a fun thing for my nieces to make for Christmas gifts after hubby cuts them out. Your flax bags were a hit last year. I still need to make myself one!

      Reply
    11. Anonymous says

      July 20, 2012 at 11:03 pm

      Interesting post, have you tried balsa wood instead? Nice weight, great for the old look
      via ones skill. C.N.:)

      Reply
      • Jami @ An Oregon Cottage says

        July 22, 2012 at 2:41 pm

        Balsa wood is a great option! What I liked about this was using what I had - so if you've got balsa wood, go for it. 🙂

        Reply

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