Tag, you’re it! I know we all remember this basic game of chase as a child. As I look back on my own childhood, I always remember how giddy this simple game made me. It is amazing how the simple things in life can bring such joy. I like to take this same principle and apply it in scrapbooking. Simple things, such as basic tags, can have an impressive effect on the creative process. These meager embellishments have come a long way from their humble beginnings as labels. As a matter of fact, they have become quite a savvy medium for scrapbookers of all ages and skills.

From basic squares, rectangles, and circles to hearts, flowers, and stars, tags come in a wide array of shapes and sizes. The options are truly endless. For example, let us start with your basic manila tag that can be found at any craft, as well as office supply, store. At first glance, it seems pretty bland, huh? On the contrary, check out what exceptional works of art these designers have created with such a primitive accessory.

Bloom by Lynn Warner

Supplies: Paper: BasicGrey, Making Memories, Alphabet: BasicGrey, Ink: ColorBox (Clearsnap), Tim Holtz (Ranger Industries), Pen: Sharpie, Other: string, tags, buttons. Tools: Stamp: Unity Stamp Company, Punch: Fiskars.

Design Notes: This is a great way to put hidden journaling in a layout! You can write your personal notes on the back side of all the tags. You can also tuck photos into the rows right beside the tags. Another thing that’s fun to do is to cut small strips of coordinating paper and use them in place of ribbon for a different look on your layout!

Journaling: Bloom where you are planted!

You Are My Sunshine by Kristie Coleman

Supplies: Paper: Sassafras Lass, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabet: My Little Shoebox, Tags: Tim Holtz (Ranger Industries), Ribbon: Maya Road, Offray, Wrights, Lace: Jo-Ann, Felt: Hobby Lobby, Buttons: BasicGrey, Pins: Maya Road, Floss: Karen Foster Design. Tools: Punch: Fiskars, Die Cut Machine: Sizzix (Ellison), Other: sewing machine, sandpaper.

Design Notes: I really enjoy making my own floral embellishments. For this layout, I used a folded flower technique, a die cut paper sculpting technique, and a die cut felt technique to make all my own flower embellishments. I used similar button centers on all of the flowers to tie them together in a cohesive grouping.

Journaling: Adore.

One Spooky Photo by Tiff Sawyer

Supplies: Paper, Die Cuts, Tags, Journaling Spots, Stickers: Rusty Pickle, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabet: Rusty Pickle, Carolee’s Creations, Marker: ZIG Memory System (Kuretake), Other: tags.

Design Notes: Ink and place shipping tags side by side for a funky photo border.

Journaling: This photo is enough to spook anyone on Halloween! You just look so, so wicked.