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How to Make Stamped Brass Gift Tags or Labels

ByJordan Thomson
6 Comments

Hi, everyone! It’s Jordan and I’m back to share a quick & easy brass tag DIY that is perfect for holiday gifting & decorating. These are a fun & unique way to label your gifts and stockings- or to use as custom ornaments or place holder napkin tags. Over the years I’ve found a bunch of ways to use them around my house, so be sure to save this tutorial for future projects beyond the holiday season! Click through for a simple tutorial on how to make stamped brass gift tags or labels…

It’s been a few months since I’ve popped up here on the blog, so if you are interested in other projects I’ve shared, you can take a look at my brass chair makeover, decorative pedestal DIY, or this DELICIOUS cinnamon roll recipe (seriously, you have to try these this season)! Sarah asked me to share this fun tutorial while she’s out sick this week.

Ideas for Styling & Using Brass Tags

I first purchased the supplies to make these tags a few years ago & used them to label gifts and stockings while decorating for the holidays. Since then, I’ve used them all around the house for various organization and crafting projects. I even labeled a spare house key to give to my parents in case of emergencies. There are so many uses! Here are some quick ideas for using these custom brass tags…

  • Gift tags
  • Key chains
  • Stocking labels
  • Home lockers or backpacks
  • Organizing cabinets & pantries
  • Dog collar identification
  • Hosting place cards
  • Utility shut-off labels
  • Emergency back-up key label
  • Travel bag tag
  • Customized ornaments
  • Herb garden tags

Supplies

Step 1: Select Letters & Layout

First, I select the letters (and/or numbers, punctuation, symbols, etc) I’ll be using and decide where they’ll be placed on the tag. I usually center the letters, and for longer phrases or addresses, I may need to split the stamps into two or three rows.

Step 2: Secure the Tag

Then I tape the tag into place on my steel bench block. If you don’t have a bench block, you could also use a scrap piece of wood- a thicker piece, like a 2×4 would be best. I like to use washi tape to secure the tag because it is easy to move around without leaving a residue. The tape keeps the tag in place, and also acts as a guide to keep the letters lined up straight. If I’m doing multiple rows, I readjust the tape with each row of letters.

Step 3: Stamp

I start stamping my letters from the center and move outwards. So when Stamping J – O – R – D – A – N, I start with the R & D (splitting the center), then stamp the O & A, and end with J & N. Hold the stamp steady, and hit it once (hard!) with the hammer to avoid double stamping.

FAQ

Have you ever stamped anything other than round tags?

Yes! I was introduced to metal stamping at a summer camp in middle school and it has so many uses beyond just name tags. You could stamp metal bookmarks with quotes, metal stakes with plant names, or larger tags as ornaments!

This looks fun, but I prefer silver over brass. Are there other colored tags?

Yes! Other than brass you can find silver, copper, and even black & bronze options- in varying shapes.

What do you do with the tags once presents have been opened?

Anything you want! If you use them to gift to someone in your household, you can alway reuse them again next year. Otherwise, they can be thrown on a key chain, work bag, makeup pouch, or necklace! I attached one to a gift I gave Sarah a few years back, and she still has it on her car keys.

Related

Looking for more holiday inspiration or quick & easy organization projects? I’ll link some of my favorites for you below…

I hope you found this helpful or inspiring! If you end up making your own metal stamping crafts, let me know…I’d love to see them! Here’s to a wonderful weekend ahead. Have you started decorating for the holidays yet?

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6 Comments

  1. Hey there, Jordan! Great to hear from you.🥰 What a smashing idea!😜 I didn’t realize you could purchase metal letter stamps, but now I really want a set (or 2). I love your suggested uses. So smart and adorable. I’m envisioning all of the items around my house and yard that might need labeling. I actually already own a steel bench block (though I didn’t know what it was called) from a grommet spree a few years back. And I’m certainly in the mood to bust out my hammer. Thanks for a clever and useful DIY. I hope you and yours are heading into a healthy and happy holiday season. Cheers to a festive Pizza Friday, friends!💜

    Reply
    1. Jordan Thomson says:

      Hi, Peggi!! Metal stamping is a fantastic way to let out any frustration ;) I have a couple sets in different fonts as well as a number set…they are fun to collect & find new uses for. Thanks for saying hi & I hope you have a wonderful week & holiday season ahead!!

      Reply

  2. What an intriguing hobby Jordan! So cool and definitely very unique. So many creative gift ideas and so neat 😍 Love it!
    Many years ago rubber stamping was a hobby of mine and useful for holiday gifting but I never heard of metal stamping so thanks for sharing. Have you started your holiday decorating? Your home certainly was beautiful last year and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
    I don’t usually decorate before the beginning of December but maybe I’ll start a little earlier this year. I’m still in fall mode and enjoying the colors of this beautiful season and the weather has still been pretty nice. That being said I’ve picked a color palette for this Christmas season and already have Christmas cards made and started shopping so I feel like I’m way ahead this year for a change. Your metal stamping would be a cool gift for another creative individual too. Or maybe someone who’s recently retired and needs a hobby, thanks for the inspiration Jordan! And Happy Friday 🍕

    Reply
    1. Jordan Thomson says:

      Thank you, Colleen! Metal stamping is definitely similar to rubber stamping…it just requires a bit more force, haha! I have started to decorate the exterior of my home (to try and beat the cold & snow) but plan to start inside this week! Our fall seemed to last a bit longer this year, which I have been grateful for, but I’m also very excited for the extra light that the tree and candles bring. I hope you had a great weekend and enjoy your holiday decorating!

      Reply

  3. Listen Jordan, you’re going to have to stop it right now with the cuteness! 😂🤣 Good morning! These are the most adorable handmade gift tags I’ve seen- I like the uniqueness and the creativity- why have we all not thought of tags that can be reused?? How sustainable of you! Also, who knew you could buy a metal stamping set? This is an easy enough diy that even I could do it! I may keep this in my back pocket for next year’s gifting season. Does your creativity know any bounds?! It’s been a minute since we’ve seen you on the blog- how are you friend? Also, dying to see how you decorate your adorable home for the holidays. I hope your holiday cheer is in full swing and you’re enjoying the season. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
    1. Sarah Gibson says:

      She’s the best (trying to talk her into more holiday posts)!! I need to ping her so she sees your comment, Lauren. I feel like your girlie would love this project though :)

      Reply