It’s mid August and that more than likely means 1 of 2 things for us all: 1. Either summer vacation is over and you’re fantasizing about your next vaca or 2. You are going to squeeze in one last summer getaway before fall arrives. Do either of these sound like you? Either way, these DIY luggage tags will be a fun addition to your next jaunt. Disclaimer: they don’t literally talk; more on that later.
Unfortunately I speak from experience when I say that nothing can put a damper on a vacation like lost luggage. The worst was when Ryan’s bag was lost for 2 days at the beginning of our honeymoon. Or maybe it was that time that my first day on a new job was at a conference in Toronto and my luggage got lost and I had to go to said conference in my travel “uniform”. If you’ve ever seen me travel, you know that the uniform is not cute.
I’ve had a lot of lost luggage adventures. Whether they were mix-ups from the airport or a case of mistaken suitcase identity, these adventures inspired these DIY luggage tags. They are easy to spot and although they don’t actually speak, their message to any would-be absentminded suitcase grabber is loud and clear, don’t you think? 😉
DIY Luggage Tags
Affiliate links provided.
Supplies
- Luggage tags (I bought these at Walmart for a buck each)
- Cricut Explore Air
- Printable Vinyl
- Premium Permanent Vinyl in Black
- Premium Permanent Vinyl in White
- Transfer Tape
- Weeder tool
- Decoupage
Directions
1. Download the cactus and donut images (here) to your computer and then upload them into Cricut Design Space. If you need a little help with how to upload your images into Design Space I have directions here. Once you have uploaded the images you can add the text in whatever font you prefer.
2. Print the cactus and/or donut then cut. Note that the printable vinyl is a different cut setting than standard vinyl. Select “Custom” on the Cricut dial and select “Printable Vinyl” from the dropdown menu in Design Space. From the 2nd mat, cut the letters from vinyl (I used Midnight and Linen vinyl but you can use whichever colors you like).
3. Weed negative space from words and designs.
4. Apply letters to the tags first, using transfer tape for a perfect application, followed by the same process for the cactus or donut.
5. Seal with a couple coats of decoupage to protect against rough handling.
And that’s it!
I’m heading out of town this weekend and think I’ll start the rotation off with the donut. Because, well, donuts.
Do you have any lost luggage horror stories? Lay ’em on me! 🙂
Judy says
Hi Lydia,
I can’t seem to find these exact luggage tags on the Walmart site. Are you able to point me in the right direction?
Thank you so much!
Lydia says
Hi Judy!
I bought them in store several years ago so it looks like they don’t have those exact ones anymore. 🙁 There are a bunch of blank ones I see on Amazon and eBay if you want to check those out to see if you like any. Sorry about that!
Samantha says
These are super cute!!! We travel pretty regularly and have some ugly tags and this is a brilliant way to customize some super adorable tags! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Lydia says
Thank you so much Samantha! They’re definitely a conversation starter at the airport! 😉
Rachel Teodoro says
Just wanted you to know that I featured this on the Create Link Inspire party. I loved that you linked it up. What a great project! It made me laugh. Thank you!
Lydia says
Thanks so much Rachel, I was so excited to see that! Have a great week! xo
Jen says
Such a fun project. You can never go wrong with a donut! I’ve included you in this week’s Monday Funday features. Thank you so much for sharing. <3
Lydia says
Thanks so much Jen! xo
Sarah says
Wow wow wow these are super cute! If anything, they might make your luggage more tempting, lol!
I’ve just posted about traveling long-term with hand luggage only (http://www.beautifulbudgetlife.com/travel-longer-less/) – that’s my way of avoiding lost luggage!
Thanks for sharing Lydi
Lydia says
Thanks so much Sarah! 🙂
Marie says
I love these! So pretty and colorful plus, hello, they tell people to keep their paws off my stuff. Thanks for the awesome tutorial!
Lydia says
Thanks so much Marie! Haha yes exactly! Paws off! 😉
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Very fun idea! As an Arizonan, I’m partial to the cactus. Hopefully it keeps hands off your luggage! Visiting from Monday Funday party.
Lydia says
Thanks so much! No one has snatched it yet! 😉
Abigail Trenton says
Very cute. Where do you come up with these creative ideas??
Lydia says
Aw thank you so much Abigail! I spend far too much time in my head! 😉
whitney says
I love this idea but the tags are so cute I ho no one takes those lol
Maria says
Very cute!
Bethany Ann says
Someone stole my brand new pink and and purple lollipop bag my wife gave me from LAX. If I had that cactus tag they would’ve known NOT TO TOUCH! I refuse to let this happen again and will be sporting my cactus tag on all future travel!