Gather clean card scraps that are reasonably firm and carry no personal information on the reverse. An old greeting card, plain packaging or leftover heavy paper may work. Test your pen discreetly: some glossy surfaces resist ink or need a particular tool. Avoid materials whose composition or cleaning raises questions.
Choose a size that allows a name and short message. Draw one rectangular, round or clipped-corner template and trace it onto scraps. Two sizes are usually enough. Extremely small tags may seem economical, but they are not useful if the writing must become unreadable to fit. Try the longest likely name on the template before cutting a batch.
Plan the attachment first
Mark the hole before decorating, far enough from the edge to avoid tearing. Use a punch suited to the thickness rather than an improvised tool. Test the intended ribbon: it should pass without forcing or folding the tag. Keep cords and small pieces away from young children.
Leave a quiet area for writing. A line, small motif or contrasting paper strip may be enough. If gluing several layers, dry them flat according to the product instructions before punching or attaching. A damp surface can distort around the hole. Check that the reverse remains tidy if it will carry a message.
Write the name with clear contrast and let the ink dry. On heavily patterned paper, add a small plain rectangle rather than writing over a design that hides the letters. Check spelling before tying the tag to the gift. The recipient should be identifiable without turning several parcels over.
Store blank tags in a small envelope with usable ribbons. Do not make dozens of formats without knowing how you will use them. A modest reserve is easy to replenish and find. Scraps that are too small can be sorted according to their material; not every piece needs to become another project. Keep a successful template so the next few tags take less preparation.
