Faux Enamel Labels

I think number tags look great on baskets even if they are just for looks.  It just so happens I needed to label my baskets in the office with a numbering system.

 (I will show you why in just a minute.) 

 Not only did I need to number them I wanted them to look cute, so when I saw these number plaques over at Confessions of A Plate Addict

I knew what I wanted to do!

Source

I did mine a little different. 

 Here is what I did. 

 Like Debbie, I used the Modern No. 20 font to create my graphics.  I printed them out on card stock; she used poster board, but I wanted my a little thicker.  After I cut them out I cut out matching shapes from my leftover scraps of cork from my pin board.  I used a hole punch tool to punch holes on either end of the oval tag and corresponding cork.  Next I used craft paint and a sharpie to make the edges of the cork black.  

I glued them to the cork using spray adhesive.  Then I used clear gloss spray paint over the top.  I did a lot of layers to get a thick glossy layer.  I did learn I should have done that in reverse order; spray the gloss coat first and glue second, other wise the wetness from the paint causes the card stock and cork to separate and you will have to re-glue it after it all dries.

 I liked how they turned out with the thickness and shine.

To attache them to my baskets I used brads, like we all used back in grade school.  I just pushed them through the holes and into the basket and spread the ends out on the inside of the basket to hold them in place.  

I'm pleased with how they turned out!  

What do you think?

Oh, as promised I will tell you what I needed these spiffy baskets with numbers on them for!! 

 If any of you sew you totally understand the frustration of trying to put a pattern back into the envelope after you use it! 

 It's pretty much impossible and usually ends up ripping the envelope. 

 So, I just cut up my pattern envelopes from the start.  I lay them out flat so I can see both the front and the back and insert them into a page protector.  I then file them by category in binders.  

When I need a pattern I flip through the binder like a pattern book until I find the one I want.  I can then take that page to the fabric store. 

 I know you are wondering what I do with the pattern pieces and directions.

I put them into manila files folders with the pattern number and pattern company on the folder tab.  I then file them in numerical order.  I had to search for the right sized baskets that would fit a file folder. When I'm ready to cut out and sew my project I just pull the folder out and can easily put it all back in and refile it when I'm done.

This system works great for me.  

Here's one more view of all the baskets in my office with my faux enamel tags. 

 I looked up enamel tags and found then for about $3-$6 each on line.  

Mine were free!!

 (cause I used leftover scraps from other projects!!)

Saving myself $12-$24!!!

I love free things that help me stay organized and are pretty also!! 

 Doesn't get any better! 

 Thanks for stopping by!

Show & Tell Linky