TPK’s printable illustrated dove gift tags are easy to assemble and add a thoughtful, handmade touch to your holiday gifts. In today’s tutorial, you’ll find instructions, tips, and several ideas for using the doves in creative ways!
Some projects feel especially satisfying to make, and these little doves fall into that category for me. They’re simple, relaxing to cut out, and just pretty to look at! I originally designed them as holiday gift tags, but once I had them printed and on my desk, I realized they could be used for all sorts of things. Today, I’ll show you how to put them together and share ideas for how to enjoy them this holiday season and beyond.
To assemble these beauties, begin by printing the Printable Illustrated Dove Gift Tags packet (links below) on the paper of your choice. I chose several pieces of 80# (~260 gsm) cardstock in various colors.
Next, cut generously around a dove.
Then, use your scissors — and a much narrower margin — to cut around your dove again. You don’t want to cut it out exactly along the outer guideline. Instead, leave just a tiny bit of space. Around 1/16″ (0.2 cm) is perfect! Once you’ve cut the dove, use the calligraphy or hand-lettering style of your choice to write your recipient’s name on the inside.
As I was drawing this design, I mainly envisioned it being used as a gift tag. You can slide it under the ribbon wrapped around a present, or use a tiny bit of adhesive to attach it directly to the gift.
After I saw the completed design, however, I realized that it could be used for other projects, too. Yesterday afternoon, I tucked one into a More Love Letters snail mail bundle.
Really, there’s a lot you could use these to create. Punch a hole at the top of where the two wings intersect, then thread some twine though it, and you’ve got an ornament. Write festive words inside (“Joy”, “Peace”, “Merry”), and scatter them on your holiday table. The tags can also moonlight as wine bottle charms, cupcake toppers, mantle accents, or simply a pretty element to decoupage into a sketchbook spread.
First, remember that it’s important to print these on relatively light-colored paper. Otherwise, the design won’t have enough contrast. (If in doubt, white is a perfectly respectable choice.) Second, be sure to choose a lettering or calligraphy style that allows you to be flexible with letter sizes. I used Roman lettering, but you could use small, neat cursive or a simple sans serif style. As long as your lettering fits inside the ribbon, it will look nice!
It’s also not a bad idea to write the recipient’s name in the ribbon before you commit to cutting out your dove. That way, if you mess up on the lettering, you haven’t lost much time. (Not that these take an eternity to cut, but still.) My last tip is that if you want to give the doves a little extra va-voom, you can always add some color — watercolor, colored pencils, whatever you prefer.
No matter how you choose to use these doves, I hope they bring you joy! Thanks so much for creating with me, and happy holidays.
Warmly,
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