Twenty to Make: Tags & Toppers

Sept 08

Toppers, those instant embellishments made from card and anything else you can think of, took the crafting world by storm when they arrived on the scene a few years ago. They can be bought in pretty packets in any craft store, but if you call yourself a card maker, why not make your own? Here is another entry in this excellent series showing twenty staged projects, plus ideas for another twenty so you need never buy another pack of toppers.

You can make these lovely little items from almost anything, and to depict almost anything, rather as you can ATCs (artist trading cards). Make them in advance, and you really won't need to buy pre-made ones even when you are in a hurry for a card. Just about every papercrafting item gets pressed into service here, and techniques include punching, die cutting, using fabrics, paper tearing, chalking and more. There are some templates to trace and use, but many of the items do rely on punches (such an investment) and the more expensive die cutting machine. There are some gorgeous Christmas toppers showing snowmen, robins and puddings, Easter gets covered by a lovely country style hen (my own favorite from this book). Add to this a champagne bottle, fashion accessories, cupcakes, fish, flowers and a beautiful panda and bear with torn paper edges (very effective) and you have a good range of occasion covered. Nothing is difficult, and it got me thinking about making at least part of my cards in advance plus the all-important coordinated tags for the presents. Lovely and very useful.

Nov 08

Never be stuck for inspiration again with this delicious book full of ideas for homemade tags and toppers. With the help of these nifty ideas, you'll get great results using the simple paper scraps from your stash! Tage & Toppers contains 20 ideas to make tonight. Give a smiley snowman a snow globe twist, get funky with layered felt or try Christmas pud toppers. There's something for everyone here. A handy bonus is the ready-to-trace shape templates, coupled with easy step-by-step instructions. You'll never buy a ready-made tag or topper again.

Michelle Powell studied design and display at Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology before going on to train as a teacher at Bath College of Higher Education. She majored in printing and papermaking and graduated with a degree in teaching art. Previously editor of Practical Crafts and Scrapbook Magic magazines, Michelle is now a full time craft project designer and author. Michelle is currently building her own house with her partner Christian.