If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

Monday, June 29, 2026

Not Much Sugar for a Nickel

I remember my grandparents saying that phrase quite a lot. I've heard my Mama use it as well. Some things really are a lot of sugar for a nickel. Now, the English teacher in me comes out... For those of you who don't know the meaning of that idiom, it is saying that some things seem like more trouble than they are worth. 

Heart Bag Tag

I have been making Bag Tags.  I understand that some of the grands really like bag tags. So, being the grandmother that I want to be, I am trying to craft something they will like. Evidently, I am not so good at making bag tags. It seems to take me an inordinate amount of time to get one completed. 

Smaller Heart Bag Tag - 1st Side

I thought maybe I needed to use some sticky tear away stabilizer to make them sit tighter in my hoop. Oh my goodness! I wound up with my hands sticky from trying to get everything positioned just right. I found a tutorial that showed sticking the sticky stabilizer to the back of the hoop. Then, sticking the fabric to the sticky stabilizer. That seemed to work better. However, my question is do I just use two layers of the sticky stabilizer or do I baste a less expensive tear-away to the sticky tear away stabilizer?

Opposite Side of Small Heart Bag Tag

I like to have a finished look on both sides. The designs I'm using don't seem to include that option. So, I'm having to finagle around and make it happen. That adds a whole different layer of difficulty to such a small project. 

4" Square Bag Tag - Side 1

Today, however, I decided that I am not going to make them reversible anymore. That is just to headachey. Getting everything lined up and straight is a whole added level. I don't mind just adding a plain fabric back or a puffy foam back but a decorated back just makes it W - A - Y too much sugar for a nickel!

Opposite Side of 4" Square Bag Tag

Puff Foam Sports Volleyball Bag Tag

The Bag Tag designs that I am using include:
I purchased them via Etsy and they have been a wonderful guide as I am learning to use my new embroidery sewing machine. 

3" Circle Bag Tag

Cute fabric back for tag shown above.

The heart, square, and circle bag tags are part of the 10 In-The-Hoop Bag Tag bundle. Again, I purchased them via Etsy. They feature just the outline or shape and the little circle to guide where to poke the hole in the tag. I've added the designs on each of the tags using other designs or fonts that I purchased. The designs include:
Maybe I am trying to do too much with one little project. Maybe I have my standards set too high. If I use a cute fabric that coordinates with what I have on the front, I think the tag looks finished and is still quite cute. So, I am satisfying myself and changing - not lowering - my standards!

I am enjoying making them and am still learning with each new project I tackle. I think the tags are cute and I think the recipients are going to enjoy them! I'm hoping to get a sweet hug or two and that might make it worth my while and not too much sugar for a nickel.

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