2019 Maker Finish Along ~ Labeling Projects

It’s time for the next challenge in the 2019 Maker Finish-Along! In August we worked on making for ourselves. Sometimes that’s hard to do for us makers! As usual, we picked another UFO to focus on to help move them on out of our space. For September, we’re going to focus on labeling projects. For the longest time I never labeled any of my finished projects. I’ve gotten better at it since I have a logo now, but labeling things isn’t always about branding. Find out more below!

By the way, a UFO is an “UnFinished Object”, in case y’all didn’t know. It’s usually used by quilters or crocheters or knitters, but it applies to projects of all kinds. Since this is a Maker Finish-Along, it’s open to makers of all kinds. No matter what fuels your maker mojo, you can join in the fun!

Here are links to the previous challenges >

You’ll also find a printable schedule & UFO list in the Facebook group.

Labeling Projects

Confession time – I didn’t start labeling my projects until a couple years ago! It was always something that just seemed like a last minute thought & then it was too late. There have been many quilts, crocheted items, & such left unlabeled over the years.

I started out using the premade iron on labels that sometimes had a space to sign your name in. Those are great for smaller things & if you just want everyone to know the item is handmade. When I started my Etsy shop last year, I thought, I really need a logo. I designed this in PicMonkey, which was really easy to do.

Keeping the design simple made sure the name was front & center. I had this made through Saya Bell Stamps on Etsy. The process was fairly easy & I’m looking to order one with a handle soon!

I’ve used this stamp on fabric, wood, & paper which makes it really versatile. The only thing it really doesn’t work on is yarn! I’m looking to get some custom labels for yarny projects so I can add them to my crochet & knitting projects.

Now, you might not need a logo, but labeling is still important. Most of my yarn projects are for gifts or just for me, so I don’t have to have a logo for them. Labeling is a great way to keep up with things like the date an item was made, materials used for care purposes, & to sign your work. That way years down the road people will know exactly who made their family heirloom. Plus, all art needs a signature!

September’s Maker Challenge

This month I’m challenging y’all to label your makes! No matter what you’re making, labels let other people know valuable information about what you made. Even if it’s not a gift or for sale, one day someone’s going to wonder who made it. Here’s some ideas for labeling different kinds of makes:

• Wood – wood burning stamp or a rubber stamp
• Clay – clay stamp or mark it with a tool on the bottom
• Leather or metal – a leather stamp or metal stamp work best for these materials
• Concrete – put something in the mold to leave an impression or mark when it’s almost set
• Paper – stamps or written labels work great for paper
• Paintings – most are signed on the front, but a label on the back can show more information
• Fabric makes – a printable fabric label, water proof stamp, or embroidery work well for most fabric items
• Yarny makes – leather, metal, or wood labels work best for items made with yarn

As you can see, there’s a stamp of some kind for lots of different materials! I hope this gives you some ideas for labeling your makes. I also did a post about reversing a PDF for fabric transfer that y’all may find helpful for this challenge.

Don’t forget to share your makes in the Teadoddles Makers Facebook group! Then you’ll have a chance to win the $20 Amazon gift card I give out each month. You can also use #tmfal2019 on Instagram if you prefer sharing there. Hope y’all have a great week filled with making!