By Lish Dorset
We’re making and bottling all sorts of beverages and liquids at our house these days, from our own ginger ale to bitters for happy hour. Thanks to these colorful bottles, our bar is bright and interesting to look at. The problem, however, is that these bright bottles need to be labeled and a piece of ordinary masking tape just won’t cut it. I started making bottle tags to help identify what has been created and even serve as gift tags when the bottles become gifts. They’re easy to make and the chalk cloth makes them reusable again and again.
SUPPLIES
- Cork tiles
- Chalk cloth scraps
- Screw punch (with smallest punch attachment used)
- Scissors
- Small metal studs (I used some from Whimseybox #7)
- Ball chain
- Rotary cutter (preferably one you don’t use for fabric)
- Small pliers
- Ruler
- Ball chain closures
- Chalk marker
Start out by cutting a 3″ x 3″ square from your cork tile. (I used a rotary cutter to make my square even and straight.) With your chalk cloth, cut a 2.25″ x 2.25″ square. Round the corners on each, if you like.
Center the chalk cloth square on top of the cork square. Using your screw punch and its smallest attachment, make two small holes in the corner of the chalk cloth. Make the two holes close to each other, but not too close – this will create one large hole as the cork can break. Do this for each corner of the chalk cloth.
As you’re working with your screw punch, keep a needle handy and clean the collected cork and chalk cloth debris – this will help you get the best punch possible.
Insert your small stud into the two holes you just punched. The prongs can be pinched to help place it.
Turn the cork over and bend back the prongs with your pliers. It’s just a small amount that needs to be turned, so work delicately as you bend the metal.
Add the rest of your metal studs to the tag. Make two more small holes right above the chalk cloth. Cut a 7-inch piece of ball chain and feed it through the holes. Secure with a ball chain clasp.
You’re done! Chalk markers work really well on the chalk cloth, just make sure you let them dry completely before hanging.
About the Author:
Lish Dorset is a crafter, quilter, craft writer, and overall craft lover.
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