One of the embellishments in the recent Lawn Party kit were flag picks which were a fun alternative to the usual options. As I used them on my layout, I’d run out of my favorite style or color and have to be selective in how I utilized them in my work.  In doing so I thought it would be fun to simply make my own, so I wanted to share how easy that is to do with a quick tutorial.

Supplies:
1 x 3.5” pieces of patterned paper
Toothpicks

Start by trimming your favorite patterned papers to approximately 1 x 3.5 inches.  After that, simply fold that piece of paper in half.

After doing that it’s time to have fun with your flag’s shape.  With a large scallop punch, I was able to create two different types of flags, one with a large rounded shape, and the other with a pendant shape.

After you have trimmed your shape, it’s a matter of inserting the toothpick.  Because these picks were going to be adhered to a layout, I just ran my tape runner on the inside of the paper, stick my toothpick in the center at the crease, and fold the paper over.

To make the traditional flag shape, make a mark at ½ inches and then trim from that point to the top corner, and bottom corner of your flag, at the crease.

The other flag shapes were made by trimming in a diagonal.  I created flags trimming from the upper left to the lower right, and the opposite, from the lower left to the upper right side of my folded shape. There are a lot of different border punches out there for a lot of different flag ideas.

Below is a simple card with these flags using the current kit, Paper Moon, which will be perfect for Father’s Day.

I hope you’ll give handmade flag picks a try.  I can’t wait to see what you create! 

Comments

[Cyndi Stephenson]

Great flags. Love how they dress up a card.

[Lara]

Very cute! I've been doing this lately too with mix tape: http://www.amonthofsundays.co.uk/blog/index.php/2011/04/29/blog-hop-street-party/

[Diana]

Love this tutorial, I'll be definitely making my own :) Thanks for sharing!

[Lesa]

So cute!! Going to have to give these a try!!

[Maryse BL]

great idea

[Meredith Treloar]

We incorporated home made flags into the recent retreat weekend theme, that we held in April, to decorate the afternoon tea cupcakes! I have since been using the left overs on my layouts ... like this one http://www.studiocalico.com/forums/galleries/show/43082

[Ali TS]

I did this a little while ago, from the sneaks on your kit! Thanks for the inspiration :)

http://alits.blogspot.com/2011/04/make-and-take.html

Love them, hope you like mine :)

[Laurie M.]

Super cute variations to flag shapes! Love it. Thanks for sharing!