Wooden Spool Gift Tags

Materials and Tools

Wooden thread spools
Tacky glue
Curled tree ornament hooks
Needle-nose pliers
Buttons and/or beads
Embroidery floss
Scissors
Paper
Typewriter or computer
Glue stick

Directions

Step 1: Prep your spools by gluing the end of the loose thread to the spool. Set aside to dry. I picked up extra spools from a couple of different Etsy sellers so I wouldn't have to use up my family stash.

Step 2: Grab your hook and straighten out one end with your pliers. I picked up my hooks a couple of years ago from an emporium store. I've seen them all over the place this year, so they shouldn't be too difficult to find. You can also nix the hooks and simply use embroidery thread or wire.

Step 3: Thread a large bead onto your now semi-straightened hook. I used beads from an old vintage necklace. You will want beads that have a slightly larger hole than usual, as the hooks are thicker than your average sewing needle. Thread another bead if you wish.

Step 4: Cut a length of embroidery floss 6"-8" long and tie it onto your hook. Dab a bit of glue to secure it, and set aside to dry.

Step 5: While your glue is drying, load a sheet of paper into your typewriter and type up a row of short holiday messages. You can, of course, do this by hand as well, or print it all out from your computer. Trim into small rectangles and adhere one to each of your spools with a hardy glue or craft stick.

Step 6: Now that the glue on your hook is dry, it's time to add your spool. Thread your spool onto both the floss and the end of your hook. Next, thread your floss through one hole of a button of your choice (from the bottom up). I find that a two-holed button works best for this. Next, thread back down through the other hole to create a loop of sorts. Squeeze a healthy dose of glue into the hole of your spool and stuff the loose end of your floss into the hole while still keeping a loop on the other side of the button. (This last part may seem tricky, but it's just a matter of not getting your fingers tangled in the floss. I find that trimming down my floss helps a bunch.)

Step 7: Add more glue to the top of the spool and center the button and loop over the happy mess. Set aside to dry.

Step 8: Add your tags to your gift packages or keep them all to yourself. Write a longer message on a long, thin strip of paper and wrap it around your spool, tie closed with a length of thread. These also make nifty ornaments for your tree.