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Decorated Tags PDF Print
Written by Paula Yagisawa   
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
For March, The lesson is decorating tags. Those that attend a crop get the kit. It has trims and tag bases - all to match the March Group Kit. If you didn't get the kit, don't worry! You can use a simple tag from a wide variety of kits (including free kits here at GP) along with ribbons, fibers, ricrac, buttons, charms, etc. from the kit!

These instructions are as "generic" as possible - with a little practice, you should be able to get good results in just about any graphic software!!!

* These instructions were from the afternoon crop. Thanks to Angel for copying them for me!

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Now... on with the instructions:

Open your base tag.
If you want to recolor or anything, you can do that now.

If you would rather use a "paper" as the tag surface, you can place it on the layer about and in Photoshop you can "group" to the tag (cnt. G)
Once you have your tag base as you want it (maybe no changes) you need to start adding stuff.
So, we have our base tag opened - and if desired, you can adjust the colors, etc.
Next... open the files for whatever ribbon, trim, stitching, etc. you want to use on the tag
In photoshop, you can use the move tool to "drag" the trim onto the tag - for "others" you can copy and paste as a new layer.
Rotate the trim and move where desired.

Two methods for cutting it to size....
Others: erase the hanging over parts with selection tools or with the eraser
Photoshop: Cntr. G (groups to the tag)
When you use a ribbon, rick rack, fiber, etc... you can make it look more realistic by having it "wrap" the edges.
For Other: don't erase to the edge!

For Photoshop: go to the tag layer and use your brush tool to "paint" a slight overhang in a color to match the tag!
That's how I make them seem like they wrap around the tag instead of being cut to the edge.
You can add a slight shadow to your ribbon, etc. - keep it small though!
The idea is to make it seem as if you glued it to the tag!
Any questions up to this point?

blacktmmm: So the overhang off of the tag is just to the outter edges of the tag? Under the ribbon or ricrac?

dreamerpaula: That’s what I do.

I even do that when I'm making "cards" for kit items... like ribbons, fibers, ricracks, etc.
Ok, you can repeat for a second ribbon/rickrack/etc., until you get that looking the way you want.

After that, since we have fun charms, buttons, brads, etc... might as well use them!
They obviously look best on top of the ribbon/rick rack.
The buttons, charms, etc. can extend past the edges of the tag if desired, and... they would have slightly deeper shadows.

We aren't "making" the tag - just decorating one!

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Ok, how to make the tag itself - very short instructions!

I start with whatever shape tool is closest to the idea I have.
Such as if I want the top to be a little like the top of a stop sign... I'd use the octogan shape for my starting point.
Use that shape tool and make it the Width you want your tag to be.
Usually 1.5 - 2.5 inches or so.
Then.... I can play around to make it into a long rectangle.
I can select everything below the top shaping and "stretch" it long.


Or... you can use a second tool (perfectly lined up) to add the rectangle.
Make sure the bottom edge is also cut off as desired (usually just straight.

You can add texture and a bevel if desired.
to "cut" out the hole.... start by centering what you have done.

select all - cut - paste
cnt. A-x-v

That puts it in the center. Then... you can find the center top eraser and use the circle selection tool or your eraser (at the perfect size) to make the hole.

Melissa - do you make your tags with this basic method? or do you have a different way?

blacktmmm: that's pretty much what i do.......although i tend to make the bottom first....and then add on the top

dreamerpaula: wow - I'd never thought to do it that way! Lol

blacktmmm: But it's the same difference either way i guess lol

jaynlando: There's a lot out there when you look around with open eyes rather than seeing things the way you usually see them.

dreamerpaula: I guess I start with the top since I often just stretch out part of it for perfect sides.

One of my first tags was Not done that way... and it had notches on the sides - I've been very careful since then!
Melissa included three tags in the kit
Each with a different shape.

paperlady_joan: how do you avoid the notches paula or melissa & get the 2 parts perfectly aligned

zoom in!

blacktmmm: I guess it just depends if the tag top will extend past the edges....i guess i avoid that by simply making tops that are smaller than the sides of the tag itself

dreamerpaula:I see what you mean - that would produce a little different "style" of tag
dreamerpaula: I'll have to try some that way.

With my method... I actually use the top shape to make the sides.
I use the selection tool to select the center part and pull it down.
That way, the top stays the same, but the middle grows longer.

Many kits will come with simple tags - you can use the trims in the kit to decorate your own that way.
 
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