Abstract Art Holiday Gift Tags
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyAdd a unique and festive touch to your gift wrapping with these Abstract Holiday Gift Tags. Not only are they fun and easy to make but they add a personal, homemade touch to any gift.
Abstract Holiday Gift Tags:
For the past several years I have been sharing a new handmade gift tag idea every Christmas season. (You can find them all HERE.) Even though I may be a little late this year, I couldn’t let a holiday season go by without creating a new tag design, so let’s get started on making these Abstract Holiday Gift Tags.
Before I give further explanation and get into the tutorial, I wanted to mention that this project was completely inspired by two of my favorite artists. Kim Myers Smith, who is one of my favorites, was the primary influence for this gift tag design. I am part of her “Inspired Art Collective” and she shared this idea as one of her bi-weekly lessons. I was inspired and loved the process so much that I had to give it a try. Kim has been such a blessing to me in my art journey. She does a live painting every Wednesday on Instagram and has shared so many valuable lessons along the way. I’m so grateful for her teachings.
I also wanted to mention Renee Mueller as she did a “Holiday Cheer” series and several of the projects were very similar. I used some of her painting methods and ideas as I created my gift tags. Renee is another artist that I admire dearly and who has taught me so much.
After being inspired by these two talented artists, I got to work creating my own abstract painted Christmas gift tags.
A couple of months ago, I found this fabulous trio of vintage-inspired Santa wrapping papers. As soon as I saw them (at HomeGoods), I knew it would be the perfect theme for this year’s wrapping. Yes, I’m one of “those people” that has a theme for their wrapping.
My goal with these tags was to use mostly what I had on hand. The only exceptions were the large paper punches (star and hang tag) I purchased to cut out the tags. However, these large punches are not a necessity as you could cut the tags out by hand with scissors.
I went through all of my art supplies and picked out different paints, markers, pastels, etc. that would match my wrapping paper. I even decided on what ribbon I would be using and pulled items to match it too.
While I was rummaging through my supplies, I pulled out heavy artist paper and some other supplies that I knew I would need. (A full materials list and detailed tutorial are below.)
From there I just set out to get started and have a ton of fun along the way! I was more concerned with the journey rather than the end results. I followed this approach and couldn’t be more pleased with how these gift tags turned out.
I don’t know if everyone will appreciate the results or think “they go together,” but I can’t help but smile and feel a little flutter in my creative heart every time I look at them. I’m obsessed.
Throughout the past year, I have delved more into my art practice, tried many art techniques, and took several art challenges. Even with all of my art adventures, creating these little painted gift tags was at the top of my “most fun” list.
I sure hope you’ll give these gift tags a try. I even think this would be a fun project to do with a group of friends or with your (grand)children.
I also wanted to mention that I shared these Abstract Holiday Gift Tags on my Instagram page. I saved the video series to my IG Highlights. So, if you’d like to see these come together in video form, just click HERE.
Let’s get into the tutorial!
How to Make Abstract Holiday Gift Tags:
Before I share the supplies list, I wanted to mention that these are the things I used because (other than the punches) it’s what I had on hand. There is no need to go out and buy all of these things. Use what you have. This project can work with a variety of supplies.
SUPPLIES:
- heavy art paper (This is what I used, but any heavy [140 lb] art paper will do.)
- paint, markers, wax pastels*
- paintbrushes
- artist tape
- kraft paper
- craft punches (star and hang tag)
- hole punch
- ribbon
*I’ve provided as many links as I could above. At the end of this post, I will share even more links for the paints, markers, etc. that I used.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Start by prepping your surface with kraft paper.
Using artist tape, tape your heavy art paper to your kraft paper. (Not only will this help to control the mess, but it will keep the backside of your paper/tags clean and free of paint.
Start painting!
Work in layers and continue to add paint, marks, splatters, etc. until you are happy with the look. I chose colors to match my wrapping paper. You can do the same or keep it more random.
This is the part where you can let loose, have fun, and get messy. I like to allow the paint to dry in between layers / applications to avoid colors getting messy/muddy.
I used acyclic paint for larger marks of the different colors. I used some wax pastels and colored pencils for smaller rustic marks. I even used some Posca paint markers to add little dots.
Let everything completely dry, then remove the tape.
Use the large paper punches to cut out your tags. If you don’t have a punch, you can cut things out by hand with scissors. I was able to create 50 tags using 3 sheets of 12″ x 16″ paper.
Add a hole at the top of the tag using a hole punch.
Tie onto your packages with twine or ribbon. Then, tuck those presents under the tree and wait for everyone to discover your beautiful art.
And that’s it, my friends!
If you’re looking to have some fun and create something totally unique, I definitely recommend giving these Abstract Holiday Gift Tags a try. They will certainly make a wow-worth addition to your holiday wrapping.
I hope you enjoy this creative project as much as I did. Happy painting!
These are so pretty! And so doable! Thanks for sharing all of your great ideas! Merry Christmas!!
You never cease to amaze me with your talents. Beautiful.
Love this idea! 😍
This is a cool idea! I’ve used several of your tag ideas in the past. I’m one of “those people” too. Thanks to your posts and inspo on Instagram, the wrapping has to be ‘on theme’.
These gifts tags are so creative and beautiful! What a fun project that can be altered to fit so many themes and styles. Also, your photographs are gorgeous! BTW, I saved the 2019 BH&G Christmas Ideas magazine specifically to look back at your gorgeous trees and decor year after year. “Christmas Remix” is packed with so many ideas and tips ~ your style is always so charming, inviting and warm (no matter the season or holiday!). Merry Christmas to you, Michael! Thank you for always being inspiring!
I love these! Definitely has me thinking about making my own for next year. Thank you!
Pure joy! IBC style! Love this!!!
These are adorable and so fun to make! Can’t wait t try this!
I love this idea. I,too, do themed wrapping. We usually use Christmas cards received in prior years as tags. They give us plenty of room to write hints. Sometimes however, the colors are not right.
Wrapping is all done for this year, but looking forward to doing this next year.
Thanks for sharing.
I love, love, love these tags and your blog. You bring a lot of joy to a lot of people.
I love how these tags turned out. The colors are beautiful! I will definitely be trying this project.
Love the gift tags! So unique and creative. Easy too.
They are perfect! What a clever idea. And I am also one of those people that likes themed wrapping paper! You are not alone : ) Have a very merry Christmas my friend.
Love the contrast of the modern tag on the vintage paper. Almost too pretty too open! Such great ideas!
You always have the very BEST IDEAS!!!! These turned out so beautifully!
I absolutely love this. Can’t wait to try this next year or even for gifts throughout the year. I also followed along on Instagram stories and just loved watching and hearing your joy for this project! Thank you for sharing!!
Such a fun idea. I’m going to start on some for Valentine’s Day. ❤️
You have the best creative ideas!! These are beautiful!!
Michael, you are my favorite blogger/Instagram account to follow! Your home is lovely and so are all of your projects. I appreciate your candor about not wanting to feel the pressure to always create content…and how you share about your desire to create for the joy of creating. These gift tags are so beautiful and the recipients will feel so loved getting them knowing you took the time to *make* them! Merry Christmas. 🙂
I absolutely love this!! And I love that it provided a fun, creative outlet during a potentially stressful time of year.