The last couple of years, as I spend more time with folks like the David Suzuki Foundation and learn from folks like the Comox Valley Regional District, I find myself a wee bit overwhelmed at the things that AREN’T recyclable during the holidays.

One thing that I never even thought about was gift tags. In fact, even when we’ve made all of our wrapping paper, gone tape-free and lost the bows, the cute little gift tags from the store – which are most often made with glossy, non-recyclable paper – got slapped on the package.

This year, when got the message about tags going in the trash, we’d decided to do all-homemade wrappings this year – gift tags and all.

I discovered a cute idea for lace-up ornaments over at Kids Craft Weekly and thought they were the perfect combination of small motor skill practice for the 3-year-old and excellent use of recyclable, gorgeous craft paper stacking up around here for the mommy.

Here’s what you need:

- Holiday craft paper. One page of 12×12 paper will make at least a dozen tags, depending on how big they are.
- Holiday cookie cutters
- A small hole punch
- Yarn
- Tape
- Scissors
- A pencil

Directions:

1. Take your cookie cutters and lay them out on a page. Trace around them and fit as many shapes on a page as possible to maximize your use of paper.

2. Stack two or three sheets and begin cutting out the shapes (stacking means less cutting for you)

3. Take the hole punch (you can do this stacked two at a time with a strong punch) and punch out a ring of holes around the outside of each shape.

4. Then, take a piece of string that is at least 12 inches long (varies by size of tag), take a small piece of tape and wrap it as tight as possible around one end. The tighter the better. It should look like the end of a shoe lace and give your child the ability to thread the card on his or her own.

5. Give your younger kiddos one card to do on their own and see how it goes. If they are masters of lacing, awesome. You have a tag making buddy. If not, they still have something to keep them busy while you keep going with the tag making.

We made these for our very special presents this year and, as an easier alternative, are using shipping tags stamped with retro holiday stamps from Scrapbook Central on 14th and Cliffe for the rest. When you are thinking about what to make, remember that construction paper is not recyclable and anything with a shiny film more than likely isn’t either.

Have fun with these. Imagine them decorating easy handmade wrapping paper. What a great touch with a cool vintage feel!