Step 1: Fold 3 sheets of cardstock into cards (about 5 x 7 in), or lay out 3 card blanks, then sharpen each crease with the edge of a ruler so they sit flat. You should see corners that line up cleanly when the cards are closed. Avoid skipping the crease, a puffy fold makes later layers look crooked.
Tip: Stack finished bases under a book for 1 minute to keep them crisp.
Step 2: Cut 6 tag bases about 2 x 3 in, and leave the top 1 cm clear for the hole. Tap the stack on the table to align the bottoms so they look like a matching set. Avoid making tags too small, you will run out of room for names.
Step 3: Add one strip of washi tape to each card front, placed 3–5 mm in from an edge and kept parallel to that edge, then add a shorter matching strip to each tag. You should see the pieces already feel coordinated before you add collage. Avoid stretching the tape as you apply it, stretched tape tends to wrinkle or lift later.
Step 4: Glue one large background shape onto each card, slightly off-centre, and glue one medium shape onto each tag, keeping that 1 cm clear top margin. Press from the centre outward so the paper lies flat, and you should see no bubbles or ripples. Avoid over-gluing, too much glue can buckle thin decorative paper.
Step 5: Add one feature shape (tree, star, ornament, or present) to each card and tag, then overlap one small accent by about 2–3 mm so the cluster feels connected. Step back an arm’s length and you should see one clear focal point on each piece. Avoid scattering tiny accents far away from the main shape, it can look accidental instead of designed.
Step 6: Write or stamp the greeting on the cards and “To:” and “From:” on the tags, then let any stamped ink dry about 30 seconds before stacking. You should see crisp, readable text with a little blank space around it. Avoid stamping over thick glued layers, uneven surfaces often cause patchy ink.
Step 7: Punch a centred hole about 5 mm down from the top of each tag, then thread and tie string or twine and tug gently to test it. You should see the hole hold without tearing, and if it feels weak reinforce the back with a small piece of tape. Avoid punching too close to the edge, that is the most common reason tags rip on gifts.
