I shared the shipping packaging for my old print shop a long while back, and have had so many inquiries into the making of the tag stamp that I made / used, that I thought it was about time that I finally create a proper DIY to share with you all. Hooray!
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This DIY post was sponsored and made possible by Method..."Clean Happy." Check out their Spring anthem video for a fun look at their playful mission and visit their Facebook page to enter for a chance to win a trip for two to San Francisco, including a visit to the Method HQ, lunch with the Method co-founders, a year’s supply of Method products and other surprises*:
*Open to residents of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, United States, and Yukon who are at least 18 years of age. Sweepstakes ends April 03, 2012 @ 11:59 pm (PDT).
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Since I know that stamp carving supplies aren't readily available in all areas, I've created two versions. One using stamp carving materials (the one featured in most of the photos here), and one using products that can be found in most office supply stores. Just be aware that the second stamp version will be narrower than a traditional shipping tag...and the stamps made from a stamp carving block will match exactly (you can even make them bigger if you want). Both versions are really easy to make. Have fun!
One of my favorite things about these stamps is how they easily transform scrap paper into lovely little tags that you can use to adorn gifts all year round. You could even create an entire set, string them with twine and give them in a little box as a gift to a friend.
HOW TO - VERSION 1 | Stamp Block Method:
Tip: If you click on the images below showing the steps, a larger version will open in a new window so that you can take a closer look if needed.
Supplies:
- Stamp carving block such as Speedball Speedy-Cut™ | available in some craft stores and online.
- (optional) Stamp carving tool such as a Speedball Linoleum Cutter | available in some craft stores and online.
- Craft knife such as X-acto™ | available in craft stores, office supply stores, and online.
- Standard pencil (sharpened)
- (optional) Ruler
- Small manila shipping tag (for use as a template). In place of this tag you can also use my free printable manila tag download.
- Ink pad(s) in any color(s) you'd like. | Available in craft stores, some office supply stores and online. Be aware that some inks like the white and metallic ones shown here are slow drying.
- Protected work surface
;)
Step 1: Line your manila tag up along two straight edges of your stamp block, hold it securely in place, and lightly trace around the inside of the tag's hole using your pencil.
Step 2: Continue to use your paper tag as a stencil and lightly trace the entire outer shape of your manila tag onto your stamp carving block.
;)
Step 3: Working on a protected work surface, use your craft knife to cut out around the entire tag shape. If you'd like, you can use a ruler to make your cuts as straight as possible. Please use caution with all steps involving the craft knife and / or cutting tool.
Step 4: Once your tag-shaped stamp has been cut out, use the tip of your craft knife to slowly cut around the circle you traced on your stamp block. Cut at an angle with the point towards the center, and not directly down. Once you've gone all the way around the circle, a small circular portion should pop out. Remove it and your stamp is done.
Step 5: (optional) If you'd like to create a little bit of extra interest with your stamp, you can easily cut out a few stripes or other shapes using a carving tool.
;)
Step 6: Ink your stamp and test it out! Be sure to apply steady firm pressure to the full surface of your stamp when applying it to your surface. The ink will make the stamp slippery, so it might take a bit of practice to get use to stamping without smearing the ink.
Step 7: Use your stamp to address envelopes and packages, create gift tags, etc.
HOW TO - VERSION 2 | Eraser Method: 
Supplies:
- Hi-Polymer Eraser by Pentel® - I purchased mine in a set from Target. Also available online.
- (optional) Stamp carving tool such as a Speedball Linoleum Cutter | available in some craft stores and online.
- Craft knife such as X-acto™ | available in craft stores, office supply stores, and online.
- Standard pencil (sharpened)
- Small manila shipping tag (for use as a template). In place of this tag you can also use my free printable manila tag download.
- Ink pad(s) in any color(s) you'd like. | Available in craft stores, some office supply stores and online. Be aware that some inks like the white and metallic ones shown here are slow drying.
- Protected work surface
;)
Step 1: Use your manila tag as a template. Line up the top and edge and one side of the paper tag with the top and corresponding edge of your eraser. Use your pencil to lightly mark the eraser along the beveled edge of the tag. Repeat process with the other edge of your tag/eraser. You should see two triangle marked at the top of your eraser when you finish this step.
Step 2: Use the hole of the paper tag as a guide to trace a circle at the top of your eraser (between where you marked off the angled edges). You can also just eyeball this step if it's easier for you.
;)
Step 3: On a protected work surface, use your craft knife to carefully cut off the two angled corners of your eraser. This works best if you can cut through it cleanly in one slice, otherwise you may be left with a rough edge to your stamp. Please use caution with all steps involving the craft knife.
Step 4: Use the tip of your craft knife to slowly cut around the circle you traced onto your eraser. Cut at an angle with the point towards the center, and not directly down. Once you've gone all the way around the circle, a small circular portion should pop out. Remove it and you're done.
Step 5: Ink your tag stamp and go to town!
I hope you enjoyed this easy and fun project. If you love this DIY, that you might also enjoy:
Full disclosure: This DIY post was sponsored and made possible by Method. The project and any opinions expressed are my own.