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Handmade Gift Tags with Silhouette Stamping Material: Tutorial & Free Cut File

When Silhouette released word of their new Stamping Starter Kit release, everyone was all a’buzz.  I mean, the ability to cut your own custom stamps on your Silhouette machine…it almost seems too good to be true.

I’ll never forget that misty August morning when the clouds parted and a light shone down from the heavens on a package with my name on it. I ripped that puppy open with my bare hands (just call me the Hulk) to reveal this beauty:

Silhouette Stamping Starter Kit

Here’s what the Stamping Starter Kit includes:

  • 3 sheets of stamp material (6 in x 7.5 in)
  • cutting mat
  • 3 in x 4 in acrylic block
  • 2 in x 3 in acrylic block
  • 2 in x 6 in acrylic block
  • black ink pad
  • 10 exclusive stamp designs
  • instructional DVD
  • idea/instruction book

What to stamp?

Now, the question arose: what to stamp?  And after sifting through a million and one ideas, I landed on handmade gift tags.  Why?  Well, I might love giving gifts more than receiving them.  (Actually, I should take that back, so I don’t end up empty-handed this Christmas.  Mark, you never heard that!)

I have always appreciated handmade touches in gift wrap (remember?), so I thought it’d be fun to create some hand-stamped gift tags for my next hospitality gift, birthday gift, just-because gift…you name it!  And I wanted the tags big enough to be able to write a substantial note on the back.  Here’s the finished product!

Handmade Gift Tags with Silhouette Stamping Starter Kit by The Thinking Closet

Now, before I dive into this tutorial, let me preface it by saying that this post could also be retitled, Why It’s Important to Carefully Follow Instructions.  I don’t know, sometimes I rush; it’s the New Yorker in me.  And I paid the price.  But I’ll give you some pointers, so hopefully you can avoid the trouble I ran into!

Handmade Gift Tag Tutorial

Step 1.  Cut your gift tags.  One of the free shapes that came with my Silhouette Studio software was a gift tag shape, so I just measured that out at 4.75″ wide and 2.72″ tall, deleted the extra outlines, and then cut out several cardstock sheets of 7 tags each.

Cut gift tags.

Step 2.  Create your stamp designs.  I downloaded the free font, Callie Hand, from dafont.com and typed out words I thought might be fun to stamp on a gift tag: “xoxo”…”love”…”hugs.”  Since the text was pretty thin, I just used the offset tool to add an offset of .15, just enough to give it some heft.  I even went in and widened some of the interior letter cuts (like the circle inside the e) just so it wasn’t too intricate.  I also made sure everything was welded together, so it would be cut as one piece for ease of use.  I also added a frame and speech bubble to the mix!

Free Cut File

Although you could certainly easily download the font for yourself, I figured I did enough doctoring of these words that it might save you some time to just download my cut file.  Since I didn’t design the gift tag shape or frame shape, that is not included; but check your library as they are likely already there!

You can sign up to download your free cut file using the nifty form below or by clicking HERE. {Fine print: this design is for personal use only and is not to be used for commercial purposes. Thanks!} 

Free Cut File of Stamped Gift Tags for Silhouette Studio - Created by The Thinking Closet

Step 3.  Cut your designs.  Cutting the stamping material worked seamlessly the first time around…but I ran into a few snags after that…literally.  It took me four hours and an entire sheet of “eaten up” stamping material to figure out what I was doing wrong.  And it was such a simple fix–such a silly mistake.

What I failed to realize was that there is a protective sheet on top of the special stamping mat.  And you’re supposed to peel it away to reveal a sticky surface.  Not knowing it was removable, I left that sheet on, so of course, the stamping material was gliding all around the mat once the blade went to work.

I even tried taping my small mat to my bigger mat and got it to work half of the time.  But if only I had re-watched the video above or more carefully looked at the instruction book that came with the starter kit, I could have saved a lot of time, effort, and stamping material.  Oh well.  Lesson learned.  And maybe my folly can help some of you avoid a similar fate!

Remove White Layer before Cutting Stamping Material.

Remove White Layer before Cutting Stamping Material.

Once you’ve removed your protective sheet from your mat, place a sheet of the stamping material down onto the sticky surface of the mat.  Gently pat it to remove air bubbles.  Then, load it in the machine.  I put in a fresh new blade and set it to the recommended blade setting of a 9.

Silhouette Stamping Material applied to the Mat

The correct method!

Step 4.  Peel away your cut design.  The Silhouette instructions say not to worry if the blade doesn’t cut all the way through because the material will break away cleanly with some gentle pulling.  And they spoke the truth!  Just a small show of force, and my shape peeled away cleanly.

Weeding the stamp from the material.

Step 5.  Center your design on an acrylic block.  Then, you can place your design onto an acrylic block (one of three sizes).  These blocks are great because they come with grid lines to help with alignment; also if you don’t get a solid stamp the first time around, you can easily see what you’re doing in order to re-stamp it!

Aligning stamp on an acrylic block.

Step 6.  Ink it up!  Then, you can press it onto the ink pad.  Actually, I found it easier to press the ink pad onto the stamping material.  (It’s okay if the ink gets all over the block…in fact, it will!)

Ink Application

Step 7.  Stamp, stamp, baby!  Now, it’s time to stamp to your heart’s content!  Make sure to press straight down on a hard surface and apply a lot of pressure (more than you think…access that inner Hulk!).

Apply pressure to the stamp.

Rinse and repeat!

Variety of hand-stamped gift tags!

Step 8.  Add embellishments!  I decided to add some ribbon with Elmer’s Craft & Paper Glue, as well as some jute and baker’s twine, so these tags are all ready to rock!  Just seeing them all spread out like this makes me want to give someone a gift.

Handmade Gift Tags using Silhouette Stamping Material via The Thinking Closet

Handmade Gift Tags using Silhouette Stamping Material via The Thinking Closet

Tips for Working with the Stamping Material in the Kit:

  • Focus on simpler cuts, at least starting out.  The stamping material is labeled with a warning not to attempt designs with cuts less than 1/16″.
  • Weld your shapes together.  Keep in mind that if your stamp has multiple pieces (for example the dot of the letter “i”), you’ll have to align everything on the block manually, as well as keep track of them all until the next time you stamp.  Script fonts work great for welding!
  • Be sure to remove the white protective film from the mat before cutting!  (Dope!)
  • Don’t expect all ink pads to work seamlessly with the stamping material.  I had some Adirondack stamp pads on hand, but it did not stamp as cleanly as with the black Silhouette stamp pad.  Silhouette recommends using pigment inks, not dye inks (for those who know the difference!  Ha ha.  Not I.)

So, despite my too-excited-to-carefully-review-the-instructions blunder, I’m a huge fan of this new product.  It’s really amazing to be able to design and cut your own stamps…I mean, my mind is already reeling with ideas for my next project.  And hopefully your gears are turning now, too!

DIY Gift Wrap with Handmade Gift Tags by The Thinking Closet

DIY Gift Wrap with Handmade Gift Tags by The Thinking Closet

This is Lauren, signing off.

Full Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post; however, I received free product in exchange for an honest review.  This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase after clicking through, I may receive a small commission.  Please rest assured that as always, I only recommend products that I use and love.  And gosh darn it, I do genuinely love my Silhouette Cameo!

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142 Comments

  1. I so made the same mistake…..left that white cover on….lol. And I still haven’t got it to work. For some reason the instruction to not let the rollers touch the stamping material and the video example is of a portrait, so I loaded in the middle of the cameo and it wiggled and moved the entire time and never actually cut anything. I’m going to try again after I read some blogs and watch some more videos.

  2. What a great personal touch to make your own gift tags!
    That is so kind that you shared your cut files, too! Great tutorial!

    1. Ha ha. Yes, the enthusiasm was palpable. I think of all the new products Silhouette released in July, the Stamping Starter Kit garnered the most attention…especially for scrapbookers. The idea that you can save money on expensive stamps by making your own custom ones is a game-changer!

      Also, your spelling of “meself”…pure gold. 🙂

    1. Good thinking, Krissy! You know I love me some well organized storage boxes…and I’m sure with kiddos around, the need for organization becomes all the more real! Might as well make ’em cute. 😉

  3. I would create a customized stamp for me to put on my cards with my name and my blog address.
    Also, I am always trying to find a multipurpose to and from stamp set that is not noticeably geared towards one specific holiday or occasion, so I would like to make my own with one of my favorite fonts.

    1. Justin, I like your idea with the “to and from” stamp…one that could be used for any holiday or occasion! I just might have to give that a try. Thanks for the inspiration.

  4. i’m so overwhelmed with the possibilities for the stamping kit!! I think i’d start with a gift tag, and then the kiddos’ names, then an envelope seal, and then,…. and then…….

    1. Ha ha. I’m glad you feel the overwhelm; I felt the same way when I opened my starter kit. The possibilities seemed endless! (Great laundry list of ideas, by the way.)

  5. Almost missed out on this giveaway! How in the world did this escape me thus far?
    Anway – I would first create a stamp that said ‘For You’ and big splashy latters so I could create tags for all gift-giving occasions.

    1. Glad you got in on it, Linda! And I’m a big fan of your “big splashy letters” stamp idea! (I’m pretty much a big fan of ALL of your ideas, let’s be honest.) What a fun and versatile stamp that would be. Storing that one in my noggin’ for next time I pull out my starter kit. Thanks!

  6. I would make a stamp for Halloween treat bags for my son’s birthday, which is actually on Halloween, to start with!!!

    1. Aw, Michelle! I love your enthusiasm. And a Silhouette really is all that and a bag of chips, so your comment doesn’t seem too hyperbolic to me! 🙂

    1. You’re so welcome, Jessica! I delight to share the tips I’ve learned and hopefully save folk some extra steps in designing cut files. Enjoy!

    1. Oooo! Love these ideas for your soon-to-be-grandsons. They’re going to be showered with so much love and affection from their grandmother, I can already tell!

    1. It really would open up a whole world of possibility, wouldn’t it? Thanks for joining in on the giveaway fun, Sandra!

  7. First thank you for an amazing giveaway. This is top on my wish list. As for stamps…. Some To & From stamps to make gift tags, some cloud stamps to make my son’s birthday invitations, and a made for you by carrie stamp to put on all my projects. Thank you again!

    1. Love these specific ideas you already have in mind! I can tell that a stamping kit would get good use if in your hands!

    1. Ha ha. We’ve gotta get you a Silhouette, Amy! And seriously, although it’s only September, I just know Christmas will be here before we know it! (It always creeps up on me.) Hoping you get that Silhouette…either in a giveaway or under your Christmas tree. 😉

  8. I am excited about using any of the stamps, but I would start something for Halloween first then start working on stuff for the holidays.

  9. I keep telling folks that I want to stamp a skirt or top for Halloween, most likely with zombies or even unicorns. Or maybe unicorns vs. zombies! 🙂

    1. Oh my gosh, you have me cracking up with the vision of a unicorns vs. zombies t-shirt. You’ve got to see this idea through to fruition! It’s too epic not to.

  10. Such a great giveaway – thanks!! Those stamps would be wonderful for so many things from tags to making stamps for my pottery!!

    1. I love the idea of stamping pottery! Creative thinking, Vicki. Hope you get the opportunity to play with a stamping starter kit soon!

  11. THIS IS SSSSSOOOOO COOL!! I ordered my sketch pens from Amy last month so I’m ordering this cool stamp set from you! I can’t wait until the kit arrives!

    1. Aw, aren’t you the sweetest! Thanks, Marilyn! You are such a fantastic supporter of me and my blog. Looking forward to seeing your Silhouette creation tomorrow!

    1. Now, that would be a great use for the stamping kit! We really should be making stamps that they’d NEVER sell in stores! And stamps that would make our friends smile. (I like the way you think, Marissa.)

  12. i love hearts and monograms but i would also like to design a dragonfly to go along with the theme of my jewelry company!

  13. A stamp that says ‘Made by Teresa’ for my mother-in-law. She loves making cards and I know she would love to be able to put her mark on them.

  14. Okay – I NEED one of these stamping kits! They look like so much fun! (And thanks for the tip regarding the protective layer – I can definitely see myself making the same mistake!)

    1. Glad you don’t think me a complete nincompoop for making that mistake. In my defense, the protective layer had perforated holes in it, which seems odd for a protective layer…if only it had looked like the green protective layers on my other mats, I would have had no problem. Okay, I’m done complaining. It all worked out in the end, thankfully! 😉

  15. I Love the idea of making my own stamps! I would make one for my little projects, mainly birthday banners, that says “Made with Love by Angelica”. Thanks for the chance to win a Silhouette Portrait!

    1. Angelica, I almost did a similar stamp! I want something that says, “handmade with love,” since I’m always making gifts by hand. (Great minds think alike….) Best of luck!

  16. I’m back!! LOL!
    I want to make christmas cards, and I love snowmen and reindeer! I would start my Christmas cards like yesterday!
    I will send you my addy!! :o)

    Love! LeAnn

    1. Ha ha. That’s so funny you should say that – – just tonight, we were watching “While You Were Sleeping,” and it got me excited for Christmas. I said to Mark, “I can’t wait to decorate for Christmas!” And yep…it’s September! 😉

      And thanks for being at the ready with your address. One of these times, LeAnn, it’s going to be you!

  17. I would be most excited to make stamps to stamp designs on fabric to make clothes for my daughter! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

    1. I’m tempted to try the stamps on clothes myself…I’m guessing I would need to hand-paint some fabric paint onto the stamp itself? Something worth experimenting with! Thanks for joining in on the giveaway fun, Shannon.

    1. “I would label everything…then put my stamp on the world!” Well said, Sharon! Here’s to hoping we can get a Silhouette in your creative hands soon, friend.

  18. The first stamp I would make is made with love by Debbie because I don’t have one yet. Then I would make cute animals, then food, then cool designs. Gahhhh this is such a nice giveaway. Thank you!

    1. Debbie, I love that you already have your stamps planned out! “With love by Debbie” would be such the perfect phrase for a stamp. Hoping you get to make that dream a reality!

    1. Yes, that totally counts. In fact, a Silhouette is so awesome, it might even count for Christmas and her birthday! 😉 And thanks for the kind words. You make me blush….

  19. Put my order in first thing this morning. Now I’m wondering if the stamps are interchangeable on the blocks or once you stick that stamp down your committed. If they are interchangeable can you reuse the stamps that you’ve cut prior on the same block…or do I have to purchase a new block for every stamp????? Hope you can follow what I’m asking here! LOL

    1. Yes, I get what you are asking, and yes, they are interchangeable. In fact, I used the same block for all my stamps. The stamping material is tacky, so it sticks to the acrylic block where you lay it…but it’s resilient enough to handle being removed and rinsed when finished. You can store your cut stamping material on the wax paper it came on…and then just put it back on the block next time you want to use it! (That’s why, though, it’s easiest to cut shapes that are one huge piece instead of having multiple small parts, i.e. the dots of the letter “i”…because it’s not permanently adhered to the block.) Let me know if you have any other questions, Teri! Excited to hear what you think once you get your starter kit.

  20. Not sure what to create first… The wheels are turning in my head.
    But I’m sure once I receive my kit I’ll have some sort of idea. Too many in fact!

    1. Monograms are so chic; I’m definitely putting that on the stamps-to-cut list! And thanks for entering in on the giveaway fun, Abby! Have a wonderful week.

  21. Lauren your tags are terrific! All the Silhouette talk makes me really want one bad! You make it look super fun and with all the endless creative possibilities, well it’s sounds like DIYers delight.
    Crazy good giveaway too btw
    Cheers!

    1. Aw, thanks, Therese! After seeing what you could do with your DIY business cards without a Silhouette, I can only imagine what creative prowess you would unleash with a Silhouette in your possession. Here’s to hoping you win one soon!

  22. Oh my gosh those tags are so awesome! I need a Silhouette, like, PRONTO! I’m a label fanatic, so I could use those stamps to make labels for everything! Super stylish organization! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway Lauren!

    1. Hooray for stylish organization! (Just because it’s organized, doesn’t mean it can’t be cute, right? I live by that philosophy, as well! Yet another reason why we’re kindred spirits.) Thanks for your enthusiasm about my gift tags, about this giveaway, and about life in general. You make me smile, Kirsten.

      1. That’s a great line, Lauren…Just because it’s organized, doesn’t mean it can’t be cute, right?

    1. You’re sweet to say so, Kelly! If I can save you some headache, then it was worth the 4 hours of wrangling that stamping material. 🙂

  23. I love the hug and the xoxo! Oh my goodness I pray I win the sillhouette machine! Your tags look wonderful and my technical writing professor (from my college days) would say your tutorials are comprehensive and very detailed! You would get an A++ on that one!

    1. “Comprehensive and detailed” is a very generous way to say it. “Wordy” is probably more like it! Ha ha. I suppose I’d rather give TMI than not enough, though. I figure I want people to be able to follow a tutorial from start to finish without any questions. At least, that’s my justification for being so verbose! 😉

      And I’m glad you like the hug and the xoxo. Those are my favorite, as well! Thanks for the feedback, Sandy.

    1. Great idea to use it as a name stamp for more unique names! (My sister had a similar situation to your middle son: her name is Lisbeth. Maybe I need to make her a stamp for her birthday…. Hmmm….)

  24. I NEED that started kit…. That is AWESOMEEEEEEE!!!!! If I had known that befor coming to Oman I would have definitely bought it!!!! I love what you did with it!!!

    XOXO
    Cami

    1. Thanks, Cami! Too bad the timing didn’t work out…then again, knowing you, I’m sure you have plenty of supplies and plenty of creativity to keep you busy until your next visit to the states. Then, we’ll make sure you stock up! 😉

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