DIY Christmas Gift Tags: Paper Mâché, Natural Dyes & Wildflower Seeds
- Astrid van Essen
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
How to Create Paper Mâché Gift Tags
Handmade paper mâché gift tags are a beautiful, sustainable way to personalise presents. They’re easy to make, can be naturally coloured, and even embedded with wildflower seeds to be planted afterwards.
You’ll Need
Torn or shredded scrap paper or egg boxes
Warm water
Flour or PVA glue (for binding)
Cookie cutters or tag-shaped templates
Rolling pin or board
Natural dyes (e.g. beetroot, turmeric, coffee, spinach)
Wildflower or herb seeds (optional)
Hole punch and string
How to Make the Paper Mâché Pulp
Soak the paper: Place your torn paper pieces in a bowl of warm water and let them soak for several hours (or overnight).
Blend: Puree the soaked paper with a hand blender until smooth.
Add binder: Mix in a few tablespoons of flour and water paste (or a small amount of PVA glue) to help it hold shape.
Remove excess water: Gently squeeze the pulp to remove any remaining moisture.
Shape and Dry
Roll out the pulp on a flat surface between two pieces of baking paper until around 2–3 mm thick.
Cut shapes using cookie cutters or a paper tag template.
Punch a small hole for string or ribbon.
Leave to dry naturally for 24–48 hours, flipping halfway through.
How to Colour Paper Mâché Gift Tags Naturally
The final colour of your paper mâché depends largely on the materials you use. Recycled paper, cardboard, or egg boxes will each create a different base tone: from pale grey to warm beige. These natural tints can affect how well dyes show up.
If you’re using darker pulp, subtle tones work best. For lighter results, use white or unprinted paper. You can tint the pulp by mixing in natural dye (made from beetroot, turmeric, spinach, or coffee) before shaping, but remember that cardboard absorbs less colour.
Add natural dye to the pulp before shaping for soft, organic tones.
Beetroot = blush pink
Turmeric = warm yellow
Coffee or tea = neutral beige
Spinach or matcha = pale green
For stronger shades, brush or sponge the dye onto the surface once the tags have dried.
You can also lightly brush or sponge natural dye onto the surface once dry for a rustic wash effect.
Optional: Add Seeds
For an eco-friendly twist, gently mix small wildflower or herb seeds (such as chamomile, basil, or lavender) into the pulp after blending, but before shaping.
Tip: Avoid soaking the seeds in water; add them at the end to keep them viable. Include a note with your gift: “Plant me and watch me grow.”
DIY Christmas Paper Mâché Gift Tags: Finishing Touches
Once completely dry, thread through twine or jute string. Handwrite names, or stamp them for a minimalist, earthy finish. Perfect for handmade gifts or festive packaging.
FAQs: Paper Mâché Gift Tags
1. Can I use any type of paper for paper mâché gift tags?
It’s best to use uncoated or recycled paper, such as egg cartons, kraft paper, or newspaper. Glossy magazines or coated wrapping paper don’t break down as well and may affect the texture.
2. How can I make sure my gift tags dry flat and smooth?
Press the rolled pulp between sheets of baking paper and place a light board or tray on top while drying. Flip occasionally to ensure even airflow and prevent curling.
3. Will natural dyes stain my hands or surfaces?
Some natural pigments, like beetroot or turmeric, can temporarily stain. Wear gloves and cover your work surface with a cloth or parchment paper when colouring the pulp.
4. Can I write on the tags once they’re dry?
Yes. Use a fine-tip permanent pen, stamp, or even pressed flower decoration. If you’ve added natural dye or seeds, allow the tags to dry completely before writing to avoid smudging.
5. How do I plant the seed-embedded tags?
Tear the tag into smaller pieces and plant them in a pot or garden bed about 1 cm deep. Keep the soil moist and place the seedlings in a sunny spot — they should appear within a few weeks, depending on the seed type.
Comments