Tag Cards using Heidi Swapp Old School Collection
How to Make Accordion Tag Cards with Heidi Swapp Old School
Hi there, my crafty friends!
Today I’m sharing these cute accordion tag cards made using the Heidi Swapp Old School collection and the Studio Light Accordion Tag die.
I love a little project that gives you plenty of room to decorate. These tag cards fold up neatly, then open to reveal layers of patterned paper, little sayings and embellishments. You can tuck them into a larger project or give one to someone special to fill with mini photos, journalling and memories.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what I used to create my tag cards:
Studio Light Accordion Tag die and a compatible die-cutting machine
White cardstock for the bases
Spearmint and Purple Palisades cardstock for layering
Heidi Swapp Old School 12 × 12 papers, including Making Waves and Art District
Heidi Swapp Urban Stories 12 × 12 paper for the cut-out sayings
Coordinating Heidi Swapp stickers and tags
Docrafts gems, embellishments and a denim heart
A paper doily
Reedcraft rub-ons
Tiny clips and ribbon
Scissors, adhesive and optional foam tape
You don’t need every embellishment on this list. Have a rummage through your stash and choose a few pieces that work with your papers.
Step 1: Create Your Accordion Tag Base
Die-Cut the White Cardstock
Start by cutting your base from white cardstock using the Studio Light Accordion Tag die.
The handy thing about this die is that it creates the connected accordion tag shape, saving you from making individual tags and joining them together. It makes a lovely starting point for a small folding project.
Fold the Accordion
Fold the base along its fold lines, alternating the direction so the panels fold back and forth into an accordion.
Gently press each fold, then open and close the card to check that everything sits neatly. It’s easier to do this before adding your paper layers and embellishments.
Step 2: Add Your Cardstock and Patterned Paper Layers
Choose Your Colour Combination
For my cards, I combined Spearmint and Purple Palisades cardstock with the Heidi Swapp patterned papers.
Try laying a few paper combinations beside each other before cutting. A plain cardstock layer helps separate a busy pattern from the white base, while repeating colours across the panels gives the card a coordinated look.
You can alternate patterned and plain panels, or use the same cardstock colour throughout.
Cut and Attach the Layers
Use the smaller layering dies included with the tag die to cut your cardstock and patterned paper panels. I added extra layers to some of my tags for a little more detail.
Arrange the pieces on your base before gluing them down. Check the order of the panels with the card both open and folded so you’re happy with what shows on the front.
Keep your layers clear of the fold lines to help the card open and close easily.
Step 3: Prepare Your Sayings, Stickers and Tags
Cut Out the Urban Stories Sayings
I cut out the sayings from the Heidi Swapp Urban Stories 12 × 12 paper, then chose a selection to use throughout my cards.
Cutting them all out at once makes it easy to compare the words and find combinations that suit your project. Keep any extras together in a small envelope for another crafty day.
You could choose a theme for each card, such as friendship, everyday memories or encouragement.
Arrange Your Words Across the Panels
Combine your cut-out sayings with the coordinating stickers and tags.
Try placing a short saying on the front, then adding a few smaller words or phrases inside. Give each one a little breathing room so it doesn’t get lost among the patterns.
Before sticking everything down, decide whether you want to leave space for photos or handwritten messages.
Step 4: Decorate Your Tag Cards
Add Softness with a Paper Doily
A small piece of paper doily adds a delicate layer behind a tag, saying or embellishment.
You don’t need to use the whole doily. Trim a section and tuck it behind another piece so just a little of the decorative edge shows.
This is a lovely way to soften the geometric tag shape and add interest without too much bulk.
Mix in Gems, Rub-Ons and a Denim Heart
I used a combination of Docrafts gems and embellishments, a Docrafts denim heart and Reedcraft rub-ons to add detail.
The different finishes bring variety to the cards: gems add a little sparkle, the denim heart adds texture, and rub-ons provide detail without adding another thick layer.
Try making a small embellishment group around a saying or tag. Arrange everything loosely first, then attach it once you’re happy with the balance.
Finish with Tiny Clips and Ribbon
Tiny clips are a cute way to hold a small tag or message in place. You could also use one to attach a removable note for the recipient.
Add ribbon through any tag holes you’d like to decorate, keeping it light enough that the card still folds comfortably.
For embellishments close to a fold, check their position before securing them. A tiny adjustment can make a big difference to how neatly the card closes.
Step 5: Leave Room for Photos and Memories
Create Spaces for Mini Photos
These accordion cards make lovely little keepsakes, so consider leaving one or two panels partly undecorated.
A simple cardstock mat can mark a spot for a small photo. If you’re giving the card away, leave the photo space clear so the recipient can add their own picture.
Include Journalling or a Personal Message
Use a plain panel or tag for a handwritten message, a date or a short memory.
You could add a few gentle prompts, such as:
A moment I want to remember…
Something that made me smile…
A little adventure…
A favourite memory of us…
Even a few handwritten lines can turn a pretty paper project into something personal.
Step 6: Check the Finished Card
Fold It Before Adding the Final Details
Once your adhesive has set, gently fold the card closed and open it again.
Check that the layers sit neatly and that clips, ribbon and embellishments don’t catch between the panels. If it feels crowded, move a bulky piece to the front or leave it for another project.
A little dimension looks lovely, but keeping the inside fairly flat makes an accordion card easier to use.
Ways to Use Your Accordion Tag Cards
Give One as a Keepsake Card
Write a message inside and give it to someone special. Leave a little space for them to add their own mini photos and memories, making it a card they can continue to personalise.
Add One to a Scrapbook Layout
An accordion tag card can hold extra photos and journalling on a layout. Position it where it has room to unfold, and plan access if the layout will sit inside a page protector.
Tuck One into a Mini Album or Journal
Slip your finished card into a pocket or hold it in place with a clip. It adds an interactive element and creates extra space for the little details of a story.
Make It Your Own
The Heidi Swapp Old School papers, stickers and tags made it easy to coordinate my cards, but you can try this idea with another collection or a mix of scraps from your stash.
Start with your base, choose a few papers you love and build up the details one panel at a time. There’s no need to fill every space — sometimes a little room for a photo or a handwritten memory is the nicest finishing touch.
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