It’s back to school time …
As our kids young and old head off to school, one item that should be on their list is a proper ID Tag to identify packs, lunch boxes, and even musical instrument cases. Our ART Tags are very cool and stylish. Check them out here at our store: https://www.tag911.net/shop
These Tags are sure to attract attention, make identifying items easier, and are great for striking up a conversation!
Tag your instrument cases and school backpacks!
We all know art can make us feel good …
Art has been used as a means of expressing and communicating emotions throughout human history, and engaging with art can be a powerful tool for self-discovery. The original artwork of the designs we chose to grace our tags can be found at the artist's link on the Shop pages and some of the full-size artworks are available for sale, but of course at much higher prices. And even if they are within your price range, it's simply not possible to carry them around with you. They'll be put up on a wall somewhere which you'll view from time to time.
Whatever emotions that are triggered within you when viewing these larger designs will be re-awakened when seeing the smaller versions represented on our luggage tags. The big differences, besides size and price, is accessibility and sharing. Attaching an art tag to items you use on a more daily basis like gym bags, attache cases, satchels, and lunch boxes has therapeutic benefits for yourself and others who are also engaged by the tags. Spread the happiness and choose some of our tags for you and your friends!
Our mission and a bit about why …
The inspiration for creating art luggage tags evolved from an incident in 2021 that permanently changed my life. I was 70 years old in relatively good health and was setting out on a sunny warm November day for a bicycle ride. But it was not to be.
My entire right leg became weak before I could even begin riding and I couldn’t lift it over my bike to start pedaling. So too my right arm was feeling numb. A similar situation had happened months earlier but passed after several minutes and I was able to ride. Not this time. By the end of the day I was in Lions Gate Hospital and wouldn’t be coming home to my wife and two daughters for a few weeks. A Stroke! And here I am almost three years later with only semi-functioning mobility on my right side.
However it has been an amazing three years of support - emotionally and physically. From family and friends, from the medical profession and rehab sessions, to programs in the community that have been put in place to help people like me.
Physically I doubt I’ll be able to work again but in 2024 I was mentally well enough to give back for all the help I had received - but in what manner I wasn’t quite sure. I had always loved traveling and had always appreciated art - especially the talent of others who could create art (a talent I lack). But how could these interests help others?
Eventually it clicked that maybe I could help artists who could use some assistance to promote their works and in a roundabout way the result was to transfer smaller versions of their original designs onto luggage tags. It took a few months but collaboration agreements were confirmed, and in May 2024 this website launched, with all artists receiving 20% of each tag sold that bears their designs.
These art tags are truly unique and anyone would be proud owning them!
Please visit the artists’ links when you shop to see the artist in person and more of their works.
My intention is to promote these artists and many more to follow, and all their works throughout the world.
And who am I? I’m Mark Charland and if you have any questions please contact me via the Tag911.net Contact form. Thank you.
Introducing our multi-talented artist Rande Cook
West Coast Kwakwaka’wakw MFA artist Rande Cook explores and combines traditional and contemporary styles, and in doing so creates his own unique approach to Indigenous contemporary art. Incorporating science, culture, and his genuine passion for the well-being of old-growth and Mother Earth, Cook examines the current world we live in while preserving ancestral stories through new mediums and materials. Rande Cook is known for his use of innovative methods, for creating works with his own signature style, and for pushing boundaries in pursuit of continual growth.
See Rande Cook’s works in his gallery or nationally and internationally through many galleries representing his works.
To see more of Rande’s artwork visit: https://randecook.gallery/show-works/
The unique art of Nicole LeClair - Metis artist
For Nicole, painting feels as comforting as the familiar streets of Winnipeg. It is a symphony of wonder, echoing the tales of her forebears in a vibrant commemoration of identity, resilience, and life itself. I think you’ll agree that the essence of her art is clearly depicted on our faux leather luggage tags.
In addition to spending the past 25 years working as a graphic designer, Nicole has recently launched her own art-inspired home decor and clothing line. See it all here: https://metisart.ca/
And now some words about Carolyn …
In Carolyn’s own words":
“Fast forward to that crazy year of 2021 when the pandemic changed everyone's life in a good way or a bad way--often both.
Like most people, I was searching for a new way to engage with life and to express myself. I had always admired the works of water colourists so started on-line watercolour courses. I would spend six or seven hours a day following tutorials of birds, animals, flowers. One day, I mustered up my confidence and courage and took a giant step out. I decided to paint my neighbours greyhound, Rock. When I showed it to Rock's mom she loved it and posted it on her media page. People who I didn't know and who had seen her post started to contact me for their precious pet's portrait. And that, dear reader, was the beginning of pets on paper.”
To read more about Carolyn’s journey that lead to her outstanding watercolor techniques please visit https://petsonpaper.blogspot.com/
Here’s a bit about Mitchell - one of our great artists…
The following information was provided by Mitchell’s mother Collen, who does most of this type of communication for him. Drawing and painting has always been a very calming outlet for Mitchell. Autism makes it hard for Mitchell to interact with his peers, but his artwork was a way for him to connect with people.
His favourite things to draw are Disney and other cartoon characters, which is what he does all the time when he isn’t painting. His cartoon drawings are his and he doesn’t like to give them up often or very easily. His paintings, on the other hand, he does to sell and to give to people.
Currently Tag911 has 4 of Mitchell’s artworks transferred to our art luggage tags - Rooster, Mushroom, Bee, and Bear Crossing Road. We’d like to add more soon! They’re quite popular and you can check them out here: https://www.tag911.net/shop/autism1
To read more about Mitchell visit this link: https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/stories/artist-mitchell-brager/
Gotcha Last
Do you remember playing tag when you were a kid? Running around the school yard or park or even in the street in your neighborhood? One kid was "IT" and when he or she caught up to another kid and tagged him or her, would yell out "You're IT!" If you played in the early evening into dusk, some parents would decide it was time for you to come home and shout your name into the night, "Bobby it's time to come in now", or "Linda. Time's up! Come on in!" Fun times.
When my cousin came over for a visit, or when we visited them by car we played a slight variation of the tag game. Just before hopping into the car to return home one of us would tag the other and say "Gotcha last" before running to the safety of the car. Still that didn't mean you were safe enough. You could get tagged while in the car. Then you'd jump out and continue the game. There were many "Gotcha last" before the car would drive off with one of us tagged LAST. Fun days indeed.
Now I'm 73 and still playing Tag. These Tags are a little different. In their own way they too are FUN. And they’re for a good cause. Just reach out and tag one here: https://www.tag911.net/shop
A note about our stainless steel attachment loops
We include these loops with your luggage tags because they are super strong... much stronger than the PVC straps that are shipped to us with the tags. We don't want someone ripping off your new art tags or for you to discover they were dislodged during transit so we added these loops to our product. This short video shows the tag as you'll find it when it arrives - in a poly bag with the steel loop and the handy ID card. Sometimes unscrewing one end from the other is quick as in the video, other times not so quick. Normally it's a counter-clockwise motion but if it's being held in reverse it'll be clockwise. If you take a close look you'll see a tiny sleeve on one side of the ratchet. If you hold that side in your left hand and turn the ratchet towards you with your right, the loop will come undone. It can be tricky but you'll get it!
Gift your family and friends
As a travel accessory our Tags are perfect for everyone. With 15 unique designs to choose from, and from artists of completely diverse backgrounds we’re confident you’ll find a Tag to meet your needs. More artists and more designs will be coming soon so feel free to fill in our Contact form for future updates. All the best and happy traveling!
Tagging stuff …
Not just for luggage, Tag911.net art tags are also meant for baggage, bags of all types, carry-ons, backpacks, gym bags, lunch boxes, suitcases, duffel bags, purses, satchels, attache cases, briefcases and more! They do stand out, don't they?
Also we supply a super strong, easy to attach 1.5x150mm stainless steel loop (screws together) so your tag can’t get casually ripped off your bag, or get smashed off from rough airport handling. Our soft faux leather tags are tough (also known as vegan leather, or PU leather) and come with a webbed slot on the reverse side where you slide in a handy ID card that Tag911 supplies for your contact info. Typically these tags, when ordered from the manufacturer, arrive with no ID card and a rather flimsy black silicone strap. Beware of those kind of straps! At Tag911 we go the extra mile and replace the silicone straps with much stronger (and more expensive) steel loops as well as print up the ID cards for you. We want your Tag experience to be worry free.
