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Anastasiia Tysevych – Czech Republic
Tamara Morton – United Kingdom
If you’re ready to dive into some merry-and-bright holiday crafting, you’re in for a treat. Today, Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador Kristine Woods is sharing a magical project that transforms our Square Tag Album into an adorable Christmas mini book using the nostalgic and whimsical Deck the Halls paper collection.
Whether you’re a seasoned maker or crafting between cookie batches and cocoa sips, this project is the perfect blend of quick, easy, and absolutely stunning. With layers of festive papers, handmade flowers, fussy-cut details, and two binding options (including a charming corset-style laced edge!), this mini album is designed to be as fun to create as it is to gift.
Kristine’s video tutorial walks you through every step — from prepping papers to assembling your tags — so you can craft along and deck your own creative halls! Let’s jump in!
“Hi crafty friends! I’m excited to be back on the Graphic 45 blog and YouTube channel to share my newest brand ambassador project with you. Today I have a quick and easy tag tutorial where I will show you how to turn the square tag base into a cute little Christmas album. There are two options for attaching the tags: use the metal ring that comes with the tag album or create a corset side binding. I did create a video tutorial to show you how I created one of the tags along with the corset side binding.
Graphic 45 Supplies
Deck the Halls 12×12 Collection Pack
Square Tag Album in Ivory (6 tags)
Square Tag & Clock Dies
Large Tag, ATC Tag, and Flower Dies
Other Supplies
Ink and blending tool
Ribbon
Pearls
Matching embellishments (holly leaves, snowflakes, nutcrackers, etc)
Crop-a-dile and eyelets (if making the corset side binding)
Basic craft supplies: adhesive, scissors, ruler, pencil, bone folder
Optional: gift box holder to store the tag album
Choosing a Color Scheme
Before cutting any of the pieces, it is helpful to decide what color you want to be the main focus of the tags. For the Deck the Halls collection, there is the traditional red/green color scheme or the wintery blue/white color scheme. I chose the traditional red/green color scheme since my other Deck the Halls album highlighted the blue and white colors in the collection.
Once you’ve chosen your color scheme, use the square tag die to cut 6 pieces for the front of the tags. I chose to use the Patterns & Solids from the Collection Pack since the tags will be layered with other papers and embellishments. Then, cut 6 more pieces for the back side of the tags. For photo mats, I cut the red text/white Patterns & Solids papers to 4” x 3” and included one mat for the back of each tag.
Cutting & Preparing the Papers
Since the Deck the Halls collection has been so popular, the Ephemera Assortment sold out quickly! If you aren’t able to purchase the ephemera, you can create your own! I used my laser cutter to make matching embellishments, but you can use a Cricut or Cameo to create matching pieces. Also, I will be fussy cutting pieces from Mistletoe Kisses to use as embellishments. Using fussy cut pieces is especially helpful when you don’t have ephemera to match the collection.
In addition to the fussy cut pieces, I used my Graphic 45 flower dies to make layered flowers for each of the tags. This is an easy way to use up scraps and the flowers will perfectly match your project. Use a ball stylus tool to shape your flowers to give them some dimension and add stamens or gems to the centers.
TIP: prepare your embellishments ahead of time to make assembling the tags a quick and easy process!
To help my laser cut embellishments stand out, I colored them with markers and added Nuvo Drops to make them sparkle. For the main image on the tag fronts, I cut 6 cards from the Nutcracker Parade paper. Adding border strips from the Jolly Holidays paper is an easy way to add color to your layers.
Assembling the Tags
Once the tags bases are cut and the pieces are prepared, it’s time to assemble. I like to start with the back sides first since they’re flat and not as detailed since they’re meant for a photo. Be sure that any pieces placed on top of the photo mat are not adhered down so you can slide a photo behind the embellishments later.
TIP: if using the corset side binding, be cautious of what embellishments you place on the right edge of the tag where the holes will be punched later.
For the front of the tags, I like to begin with the center image and start adding layers behind and on top. You can use scrap pieces of chipboard or foam tape under some of the pieces for added dimension. Layer pieces from the border strips, the fussy cut images, and your ephemera until you like the arrangement. Finally, add the finishing touches such as pearls.
Binding
Once all 6 tags are finished, it’s time to punch holes (if you are using the corset side binding) and add ribbons. If you plan to use the metal ring included in the tag album pack, simply cut pieces of ribbon and tie in a knot through the top of each tag. Then place the metal ring through all of the tags.
To make the corset side binding, you will need a crop-a-dile (or similar) and eyelets. Three holes will be punched into the side of each tag and then we will thread ribbon through the holes to bind them together. In the video tutorial, I will show you how to create this style of binding.
To complete the tags, I added pearls to the centers of the flowers, snowflakes, and holly berries. Nuvo drops also give my flowers extra sparkle. I finished off my tag album by decorating a wooden gift box to match. This packaging makes for an adorable handmade Christmas gift that any craft enthusiast is sure to love.
DIY Christmas Mini Album from Graphic 45 Tags – Fast, Festive & Fabulous!
The Graphic 45 tag albums are “must-have” item in my craftroom and I hope this tutorial has inspired you to make one of your own. With so many amazing collections to choose from, the options are endless. I would love to see what you create if you give this tag album a try. As always, happy crafting! ~Kristine
1. Pick a Color Story First
The Deck the Halls collection offers two gorgeous palettes — traditional red & green or frosty blue & white. Choosing your palette up front helps everything coordinate effortlessly.
2. Use Patterns & Solids for Your Bases
These set the stage without overwhelming the layers. They’re perfect for tag fronts and backs, especially when you plan to add florals, fussy cuts, or ephemera.
3. No Ephemera? No Problem!
Fussy-cut images from Mistletoe Kisses, use a Cricut/Cameo, or die-cut your own florals. Handmade embellishments add charm and stretch your supplies beautifully.
4. Build Flowers from Scraps
Graphic 45 Flower Dies + leftover bits = perfectly matched, dimensional florals. Shape with a ball stylus and finish with gems or pearls.
5. Work Backs First
Complete the photo-side of each tag before decorating the fronts — it makes assembly cleaner and keeps bulky embellishments out of your way.
6. Be Bracelet-Aware for Corset Binding
If you’re doing the laced binding, avoid placing bulky embellishments along the right edge where your holes will be punched.
7. Add Dimension with Foam Tape
Tuck border strips, fussy cuts, and die-cuts under and over layers. A little lift goes a long way!
8. Don’t Forget the Sparkle
Nuvo Drops, pearls, and pops of shimmer bring the holiday magic to life.
Looking for more Deck the Halls inspiration? Check out our Album Kit and Card Kit that just dropped.
We hope this festive little project has inspired you to grab your Graphic 45 tags and create a charming Christmas mini album of your own! Whether you craft it as a keepsake, tuck it into a handmade gift box, or share it with a fellow paper lover, this tag album is sure to spread holiday cheer.
Ready to make your own?
🎥 Watch Kristine’s full video tutorial
🛒 Shop Deck the Halls supplies
📬 Sign up for the Graphic 45 newsletter for more tutorials, kits, and inspiration
💌 And don’t forget to share your creations with us — we LOVE seeing what you make!
