Embellished Page Tabs
This project blends clusters and collage with practicality, serving as functional page elements, pull tabs, or sturdy charm/dangle holders. You can quickly assemble a collection of ephemera, either plain or embellished, to be used as needed.
Materials Needed:
- Scrap paper (preferably at least 1 1/2" wide), medium-weight
- Glue
- Punches or scissors
- Embellishments of your choice
Scrap paper strips are ideal for crafting tabs, although almost any scrap paper will suffice. Tabs can vary in width and length but should be at least 1 1/2" to 2" before folding for optimal use. Opt for a medium-weight paper for durable tabs; if using them for hanging charms, a heavier paper is recommended. Begin by folding the paper in half, burnish and then cut it to your desired length.
Customize each tab's shape by cutting the folded corners as desired. You can use a corner rounder or create tag-shaped corners to form tabs. Alternatively, employ three-corner shape punches in various styles (such as tag shape or intricate designs), which are an economical and worthwhile addition to your crafting supplies.
Begin attaching embellishments of your choosing: labels, postage stamps, book pages, circles, scallops, flowers, hearts, images, lace, fabric, buttons, or appliques. Aim for odd numbers of items and add as many as you like, arranging them horizontally and vertically. Remember that the backside will be visible, allowing you to wrap items around it. Once you've mastered the basic tab, experiment by extending embellishments off the edge or layering one tab over another. Explore different edge variations while ensuring functionality.
These tabs will bring captivating detail to cards, tags, or page edges, so unleash your creativity. They also serve as an excellent way to use up scrap paper effectively.
Happy paper crafting!