Make DIY luggage tags that make a statement! Customize these cute tags any way you like with Mod Podge and scrapbook paper.
Skills Required: Beginner. It helps to have used a paintbrush before to paint smaller areas or Mod Podge. Otherwise, you’ll be decoupaging small pieces of paper and applying washi tape. It’s pretty simple.
Vacations are a welcome break from winter, and I’m pretty sure a lot of you folks are planning one soon! My husband and I happen to be in the midst of that very thing right now.
I wanted to create a DIY luggage tag or two that would stand out from the normal tags that you see everywhere. You know, something cute. I created these out of MDF wood and they’re pretty easy to make (they make great crafts for traveling teens also). So let’s get started!
Gather These Supplies
- MDF wood sheet or tag
- Cardstock or scrapbook paper
- Mod Podge Matte
- Washi tape
- Liquid Leaf
- Jute twine or ribbon
- Paintbrushes
- Craft knife or box cutter
- Steel ruler
- Sandpaper
- Drill
- Craft paint (optional)
A few notes on this project:
- As a luggage tag, especially for a carry on, the MDF is pretty durable. But you can also use acrylic or another smooth surface.
- If you use a thinner paper, you’ll want to paint the MDF with white or a light craft paint. This is because a darker background will show through a thinner paper (and dull the look of the paper).
- As you smooth your paper, Mod Podge might squeeze out the sides. That’s okay – just wipe it away with a brush.
- Washi tape is such fun way to create a fun and colorful DIY luggage tag! If you are using washi, you may want to paint the MDF with white acrylic paint first (just like I mention above for thinner paper).
- You can use jute twine (which is really strong) to attach your tag. But you can also use ribbon, a shoelace, or anything else that can withstand a bit of pulling.
- On your finished tag, you can add decals, stickers, vinyl, or even a piece of paper with your address and other information. Here’s a post about Mod Podge and how it works with ink, etc.
You don’t have to do what I did to make your luggage tags – you can customize with any papers or designs you like! It’s very fun to experiment.
Get the printable how to card for this craft below!
DIY Luggage Tags
Learn how to make these cute wooden luggage tags with Mod Podge and scrapbook paper! You'll never lose your bags again.
Materials
- Thin MDF wood piece or tag
- Cardstock or scrapbook paper
- Mod Podge Matte
- Sandpaper
- Washi tape
- Liquid Leaf
- Jute twine
- Painter's tape
- Acrylic paint (optional)
Tools
- Craft knife or box cutter
- Steel ruler
- Drill
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut your MDF wood to 2.5" x 4", or the size of your choice. Use a cutter to score the back and the front (along the same line). Once it is scored, you can snap it pretty easily.
- Sand the MDF wood tag and drill a hole on the top-center of the tag for the hanger. Place painter's tape on both sides before drilling so you don't split the wood. Remove the tape to sand.
- Cut out the cardstock or scrapbook paper to fit the tag. Cut both a front and back. Apply a medium layer of Mod Podge to one side of the tag and smooth the paper down thoroughly. Repeat on the other side and let dry for 15 - 20 minutes.
- On another wood tag, apply washi tape on both sides and trim with a craft knife.
- Apply two layers of decoupage medium to the front and back of both tags to seal, and leave to dry (do one side and then the other).
- If desired, add some liquid leaf on the edges of the tag to create a more finished look.
- Tie on the twine or ribbon that you will use to secure the tag.
- If desired, add decals or stickers to the tags (you can also add an address label).
And just because I’m curious: what place do you want to travel to with your tags? Let me know in the comments!
Have fun creating these tags – and check out these other posts I think you’re going to like:
Michelle
Saturday 12th of March 2022
Just a thought all travel outside United States uses metric system. Why not use a tape that shows inches and centimeters - it could also be used in a pinch as a measurement tool! I put a dual measuring tape in my suitcase . It really comes in handy
Amy
Saturday 12th of March 2022
Michelle that is very smart! I love that idea!
Wanda
Saturday 26th of February 2022
I love this idea. One suggestion, tie a loop in the jute twine, then add a clip so it is easier to take the tag off easier to store the tag in the suitcase pocket. It will help sustain the life of the tag. :)
joy
Friday 3rd of February 2017
how can I print the instructions on one page or print at all?
Amy
Friday 3rd of February 2017
Hi Joy! This website helps you: https://www.printfriendly.com/. Just enter the URL! You can delete any images by clicking on them.