Grubby tags are a great addition to any primitive or country project. They can be used as tags on baskets,packages or even as ornaments for the holidays. You can make them as elaborate or as simple as you wish with decorating. The directions below are great for the simple basic background for the tag.

Supplies:
3x5 index cards ( you can substitute boughten shipping tags but I like to use index cards - they are less expensive and you can make them any shape or size you want)

3 tablespoon of instant coffee ( the expensiver brands will give you a deeper color)

1 cup boiling water

Few drops of vanilla or another scent

Directions:

Cut the index cards into the shape you want and punch the hole in the top with a paper punch

Mix the hot water, instant coffee and scent then apply to the tags with a sponge brush doing both sides. Place on a baking rack to dry

Let the tags dry thoroughly turning them over a couple of  times. If they dry to a lighter color than you wish redo with the mixture. If you wish them to dry faster place on a cookie sheet and dry in the oven at its lowest setting. for a few minutes.

If you want the tags to have a motley effect spray with a bit of water before completely dry

Should the tags curl up press them with an old iron on cotton setting

Be sure to stain your string also- embroidery thread, raffia, and homespun are just a few of the things you can use for string

Once they are completely dry the fun begins. Writing should be done with a permanent ink. Embellishments such as vintage images, mica flakes, buttons bottle caps, and rubber stampings can all be used. If these items added seem to light in color just stain with the mixture using a q-tip. You may want to modge podge them when finished

Let your imagination and creativity run wild and have fun making tags.