METAL GIFT TAGS/ORNAMENTS

Over the years I have found galvanized tags and ornaments in stores, but they were never quite right. I either didn’t like that they were painted or they weren’t the shape that I wanted. Finally I learned how to cut galvanized sheet metal into shapes, which is actually a lot less difficult than I expected. Once I got over that hurdle, it just became about figuring out how to get the shape that I wanted, which turned out to be the easiest idea of all: a cookie cutter.

MATERIALS

• Cookie cutter in your shape of choice (I recommend not using a shape with too many small angles and details)
• Section of galvanized sheet metal
• Pencil
• Metal snips
• Work gloves
• Metal file
• Drill
• 8" of twine per tag

1. Place your cookie cutter on your sheet metal and trace the shape with a pencil.

   

2. Use your metal snips to cut out your shape. Be sure to wear work gloves while working with the sheet metal as the edges will be sharp.

   

3. Use your metal file to smooth all of your edges. Take your time with this step to make sure all the edges are smooth.

   

4. Use your drill to drill a small hole at the top of your tag.

   

5. Thread a piece of twine through the hole and tie a knot. Hang it on a gift or use it as an ornament.