Susan R. Opel
Last week when the Paper Crafts Go-to Gals came to Utah for our editorial board meeting, they just so happened to arrive on my birthday. In the spirit of elementary school, I decided that I wanted to bring “treats” for the class, so I set out to make one tag for each of the Go-to Gals.
You might remember this post where I professed my crazy desire to create lately, so this was particularly fun for me – getting crafty AND creating something for someone else. But I had to challenge myself, of course, not just make six cookie cutter tags. Instead I decided to design a tag for each talented chick IN HER STYLE. Each one of the Go-to Gals brings such a unique style to our magazine, and this is why they make such a great team, don’tcha think?
I see all of the submissions that come into Paper Crafts, so I pick up on certain themes, and I’m actually getting more and more comfortable with recognizing my own style, but this was such a fabulous way to experiment!
Tag a la Witty
I started with Jessica’s tag. Jessica is really on a glittery paper kick these days, and she often uses a lacy image. I find Jessica’s style to be elegant – hence the regal gold rub-on and the lush ribbon and embellishment. I tried to add a stick-pin here, but it just wasn’t happening (that would’ve been so HER).
Tag a la Anderson
Next came Teri’s tag. I’ve never seen anyone line up three brads (or buttons or whatever) and tie floss or twine around the lot of them…until Teri did it. Talk about signature style. And Teri tends to like angles and text paper, too.
Tag a la Veldman
I tackled Betsy’s tag next, cuz frankly, I was scared! Making a shabby tag look good was intimidating, but I stuck with what I knew about Betsy – girly colors, soft textures, stitching, lace and inking. Ink and I are generally not friends, but for Betsy, I’d try it. And I cheated a little with the “stitching.” Those are actually rub-ons (but you won’t tell, right?).
Tag a la Benedict
To me, Maren is all about stamping and a big old, gorgeous bow! I was super nervous to stamp directly on a tag with a rubber stamp, but after one boo-boo (luckily I bought a few extra tags) I was pretty happy with the result (even if it is a little left of center). I think this color scheme is pure Maren, too.
Tag a la Kesti
Kim Kesti’s tag is probably most “me” – super colorful and graphic. It all started with a hip American Crafts Flair and the rest just fell together. And that’s Kim – hip and funky and colorful and super cool!
Tag a la Hughes
Last, but certainly NOT least, was the queen of fun and cute, Kim Hughes! I knew that shapes (the little green hill), buttons, gingham and a cutie pie focal point would have to be a part of Kim’s tag. I actually chose the three patterned papers before I found that adorable ladybug (which I was never quite sure WHAT I was going to do with). I’m glad it found a home here.
Tags a la Go-to Gals
And here they all sit in my living room together (sadly the tags, not the actual Go-to Gals – that would’ve been fun!).
The next time you make a card for someone, think about how THEY create. By making something in their style, you can completely personalize it, and show her that you are paying attention to all of the little details. And in the meantime, you’ll have stretched your own style.
BTW – The only thing that I bought to create these tags were the tags themselves. Still dedicated to using all of the stuff I’ve been hoarding!
Susan
I eally enjoyed this. You did so much with just scraps and I think you nailed everybody’s crafty personality.
I LOVE these! I so totally want to make some! Just because….I may make them for bookmarks or something!
Thanks for the idea!
rub-on stitching? really? that’s awesome!
What a thoughtful, fun celebration of each of the Go To Gals… and on YOUR Birthday, no less! Awesome!
LOVE how you captured everyone’s “style” with these bookmarks. Fabulous job on whittling down your stash(es) too :O)
You did a great job on these tags!! There’s nothing better than someone really “getting” you, so I’m sure they just loved them. Looks like you nailed their individual styles perfectly.
Susan, “your style” ( being able to define other people’s style ), is wonderful!! These are all beautiful. Each card diffinately defines each Go-to-Gal perfectly!!!
It’s hard for me to just make generic cards because I do make each card for each person specifically. I need to stop that at some point in time…but not right now, I guess.
Tags with personality – how very special. And I bet you felt like you had received a birthday present when you finished the tags. They’re fabulous.
Great tags Susan! How thoughtful (and crafty) you are:)
Wow! I think you nailed it on all of them. They are all soooo cute!
Look at YOU! My hat is off to you b/c I don’t know if I can be as maleable as you have just shown you are! Way to go!… and you cracked me up with the rub-on stitching!
Lol, you’re gonna give Betsy a heart attack! 
Hehehe… super duper cute, ALL of them!
These are adorable-what a sweet gift!
Oh my! Seeing these in real life was the bomb and totally made my day. I feel like we should be wearing these since you totally “got” all of our styles. It was the best birthday treat EVER! Love you!
These are fantastic!! What a creative idea to make each one in the style that each one was meant for. Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday!!
Oh wowzers! I think you captured their styles so perfectly! – These are definitely all so perfect!
Wow, you really captured their style. That’s what I love about these go-to-gals, they are each have such a unique style but they work so well together.
I’ll bet that was loads of fun! You did a great job!
Love them. Also love the idea of expanding beyond cards. Only so many cards you can make. I want to make something to keep around the house with my card supplies hoard. These tags are a nice springboard for ideas.
Wow that was FUN! You did a fantastic job creating a unique tag to match the personalities/styles of each of the Go-To gals. I loved them all.
These tags are FABulous! Just like the Go-to Gals! Wtg Susan- I think you got their styles perfectly!
How CUTE! I love these! I always get such great ideas from Paper Crafts Connection. Thanks for all your hard work.
Very cute, and great idea. You are very sweet to think to do all that…
Cute tags. I love the thought you put in these to make them suit each go-to gal taste.
i love this post and those tags!
Susan, these tags are AWESOME!! I love the way you captured each Go-To-Gal’s style!! And bonus points for using supplies you already had!!! YAY!! You’ve inspired me to stop hoarding and start using what I have!
Incredible! I’m going to pretend that you had more time that I did…. Just had my birthday too, and a brunch with my favorite gals! I made bookmarks with my favorite saying, and a figure that goes with it that I colored in. The only difference was the color of cardstock and how I chose to color! You really had a great idea and ran with it -thanks for sharing.
These are pure perfection Susan! You really captured each of the Ladies’ styles!
what a superb article..i never thought of personalizing tags for the recipients.!! all your creations are outstanding. love seeing them.
Wow, these are amazing. They make such a thoughtful presentation. And you so nailed each gal’s style. Great job.
I think you nailed the styles for each of the gals! Where does a girl get some rub-on stitching?
WHOA!!! Susan you totally nailed this! Even without their names on it I could have matched your tags to each of the girls styles! Good job!
Oh this is so fun! Fabulous job on all of these Susan!
cute,like it