“Being strong was never optional” - Lisa Oxley Curative Collective Team

This page speaks deeply of resilience, survival, and inner strength. The quotes “Rise, fall, rise again” and “Being strong was never optional” create a powerful narrative of someone who has endured hardship yet continues to stand. The central figure, with her cracked porcelain-like face and solemn gaze, symbolizes emotional wounds, healing, and the quiet strength carried after difficult seasons.

Colour Palette

* Rich blues, teal, purple, and magenta dominate the background, bringing mood, depth, and emotion.

* Black grounds the page with shadow, contrast, and intensity.

* White space gives breathing room and highlights the vulnerability of the portrait.

* Bright green leaves at the base add a subtle symbol of renewal and growth.

Focal Point

* The young female portrait is the heart of the page.

* Her large blue eyes instantly draw attention and create emotional connection.

* The cracked texture across her face suggests damage, trauma, or pressure—but she remains whole and standing.

Mixed Media Techniques

* Layered paint application with bold brush strokes and blended colour transitions.

* Loose scribble thread-like lines create emotional chaos and tension.

* Script stamping/background writing adds depth and story fragments.

* White splatter marks resemble stars, tears, or fragments of hope.

* Collaged sentiment strips anchor the message clearly.

Composition

* Portrait placed slightly right of centre balances the heavy textured colour mass on the left.

* Quotes positioned diagonally opposite each other create visual movement.

* Scribble textures at top and bottom frame the figure, almost like emotions swirling around her.

Symbolism

* Cracks = wounds, pressure, past pain.

* Leaves = healing, new life, regrowth.

* Dark clothing = protection, seriousness, carrying burdens.

* Bright background colour bursts = hope still exists even in darkness.

 Overall Feel

This page feels raw, brave, and honest. It’s a visual reminder that strength is often born from struggle, and even when cracked, we can still be beautiful, powerful, and unbroken.

Using Tags & Journaling Spots in Mixed Media & Scrapbooking

Tags and journaling spots are one of the most versatile and essential elements in scrapbooking, junk journaling, and mixed media art. Whether you’re building layered scrapbook pages, creating mini albums, or designing expressive layouts, they provide structure, texture, and storytelling space in a way few other products can.

They are a place to write, hide, layer, and reveal — or simply allow design elements to breathe within your composition.

At Scrapping Clearly, the range of tags, die-cuts, journaling pieces, and Luckyfindings designs from leading creative brands makes it easy to build depth, detail, and storytelling into every project.

Why Tags Matter (and How to Use Them)

Tags are more than embellishments — they are functional storytelling elements that help shape your page.

They can:

• Add journaling space
• Create focal points
• Build interactive pockets
• Anchor embellishment clusters
• Introduce texture without bulk

With a little mixed media layering, a simple tag can become so much more. It can be a focal feature, a hidden journaling pocket, a cluster foundation, a textured collage surface, or even the starting point of a mini artwork.
Add paint, stamping, collage papers, stitching, and layered ephemera, and even the simplest tag becomes something richly dimensional.
Often, it’s the smallest element that carries the most story.
Once you start thinking of tags as storytelling tools rather than just embellishments, everything opens up. The base you choose can completely change how a page develops — whether you prefer raw mixed media layers, delicate detailing, or bold expressive clusters. This is where inspiration turns into creation.

      Curative Collective Team member Lisa Oxley

Tag & Journaling Spot Inspiration – Scrapping Clearly

At Scrapping Clearly, you’ll find a wide range of tags, journaling spots, die-cuts, and creative bases designed to suit every style. From raw surfaces ready for paint and ink through to decorative pieces and Luckyfindings designs, everything is designed to help you build layered, meaningful compositions.

Let’s break it down so you can quickly find what suits your creative process.

Classic & Mixed Media Base Tags

Best for: altering and building from the ground up

Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Salvaged Tags
Dina Wakley Media Square Tags &  Media Metal Rimmed Tags
Dyan Reaveley Dylusions Journal Tags
7gypsies 97% Complete range
selected LUCKYfindings foundational pieces

Decorative & Designer Tags

Best for: fast, themed, cohesive page building

Art by Marlene Luxury Paper Tags
Heidi Swapp Tags
Fancy Pants Designs Gift Tags & Labels
STAMPERIA themed collections

Journaling Spots & Ephemera Layers

Best for: layering, tuck spots, and storytelling details

We R Memory Keepers Vellum Tag Pockets
49 and Market Die-Cut Elements & Ephemera Packs  

Journaling labels

Fabric & Specialty Tags

Best for: texture, contrast, and mixed media depth

Cedar Lane Metallic Thread Fabric Tags
Fabric embellishment tags
LUCKYfindings specialty mixed media substrates

Luckyfindings Signature Designs

Best for: storytelling and layered composition work

Assemblage Tags
Mini Curiosities Tags
Curiosities Tags 
Groundworks imagery sheets
Artist Trading Collectives

These are more than tags — they are story fragments designed to be layered, altered, and reimagined.

DIY Tags & Stamping Systems

Best for: complete creative control

Dina Wakley Perforated Tag Stamps
Darkroom Door frame & label stamps
Stencil + stamp combinations that create tag shapes

Layering Tags: Where the Magic Happens

The magic happens when you start combining elements.

• a painted or stamped base tag

• a die-cut journaling piece

• a Luckyfindings mini tag

• a vellum or transparent layer

Try layering:

Then add stitching, inked edges, staples, or torn paper to build a rich, dimensional cluster.

Curative Collective Team member Rox Boyce

Final Thought

Tags aren’t just an accessory — they are a storytelling device.

They hold words, memories, fragments, and feeling… and when layered with intention, they can carry the entire emotional tone of a page.

Ready to Create?

Click on the link below to head over to the shop and start exploring the full range of tags, journaling spots, and Luckyfindings designs in the Scrapping Clearly store and start building your own layered stories today. 

OMG! by Tracey B

 Good morning everyone and happy crafting Tuesday!

here's another take on this month's moodboard

I started with a 'waste not' page, covered it with some clear gesso then added some Liquitex Ink (Turquoise Deep blue and Raw sienna), coloured some fabric tags with gelato (Blueberry, Cotton Candy & Iced Chai).   Added some TCW Stencil Butter (Chocolate) through a stencil - which I then mostly covered with my photos- and sprinkled on some flock whilst still wet.

I added some Art Stones and Finnabair Micro beads (Copper) and some threads to finish off

TFL

cheers

Trace

“The Other Side of Consistency” - Curative Collective Team Member

There’s something incredibly powerful about a page that doesn’t just look beautiful—but speaks truth. This mixed media journal spread is a striking example of how art can visually represent discipline, growth, and the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up.

At the core of this piece is a bold and grounding quote: “Everything you want is waiting for you on the other side of consistency.”

This isn’t a soft or whimsical message—it’s direct, honest, and deeply motivating. It speaks to the reality that progress doesn’t come from inspiration alone, but from repetition, effort, and commitment over time.

The placement of the quote on the left-hand side gives it space to breathe. It feels intentional—like a guiding principle rather than decoration.

The colour palette is where this page truly comes alive. Rich blues, teals, and violets form the foundation, layered with bursts of orange, yellow, and magenta. These colours aren’t scattered—they’re concentrated and controlled, building intensity around the focal point.

The swirling brushwork creates a sense of motion and momentum, almost like energy being pulled inward. It feels active, alive, and purposeful—mirroring the idea of consistent effort building over time.

Focal Point & Expression

The portrait is undeniably the emotional anchor of the page. Positioned on the right, the face draws you in immediately. The eyes are intense, steady, and unwavering—they hold a quiet strength that perfectly aligns with the message of discipline and persistence.

Surrounding the face is a circular burst of colour, almost like a halo of motion. This framing technique not only emphasises the portrait but also symbolises cycles, repetition, and growth.

This page is a beautiful balance between expressive and controlled techniques:

• Layered Paint Application
  Loose, sweeping brush strokes create movement and depth without feeling chaotic.
• Ink Splatters
  Small black splatters add texture and energy, breaking up the smoothness of the paint.
• Subtle Pattern Work
  Hints of stencil or collage peek through the colour, adding interest without overwhelming the composition.
• Framed Edges
  Darkened, slightly distressed borders help contain the design and give the page a finished, grounded feel.

 Composition & Flow

The composition is simple but incredibly effective.

The right-hand side carries the visual weight with the portrait and colour, while the left remains open and minimal. This contrast creates balance and allows the viewer’s eye to move naturally across the page.The use of white space is especially important here—it provides clarity, focus, and a sense of calm against the intensity of the colour work.

 Symbolism & Interpretation

Every element in this piece contributes to a deeper meaning:

• The Circular Motion
  Represents repetition, routine, and the ongoing cycle of effort.
• The Direct Gaze
  Suggests self-awareness and accountability—staying focused on the bigger picture.
• The Colour Concentration
  Reflects energy being built over time, rather than scattered or wasted.
• The Open Space
  Symbolises clarity and direction—knowing where you’re going, even if the journey takes time.

Final Thoughts

This journal page is a reminder that creativity isn’t just about expression—it can also be about intention. It captures the idea that progress is built slowly, layer by layer, much like the techniques used within the artwork itself. There’s strength in the simplicity of the layout, and power in the message it carries. Because sometimes, the most meaningful art isn’t about what happens in a moment— it’s about what happens when you keep going.

Lisa

Xxxx

'Unfiltered Bliss' by Curated Collective Designer Emma Zappone

 Hello to you all 🤗

My share today is based on the April Palette Play.
I decided I was going to make it vintage rather than follow the initial beach feels this palette gives.

I just love the feel this canvas has.
It features one of the stunning images from the 'Lucky Findings Imagery' sheets called 'She will Fly'.
I did go with some of the techniques as well as the colours for this month.
In my layers I have added fabrics and fibers and used then in with the paper layers.
This added a soft and regal feel along with the many rub-ons that built my background.

Thanks for stopping by.
I look forward to seeing your take on this months Palette.
Catch you again soon.
Em xx

In the Wild by Tracey B

 Hi everyone

Another month and another moodboard to inspire us.

Here's my take

Products I've used include

Light & Fluffy modelling paste (my go to) and stencil

Dina Wakley Gloss spray Ocean

Stamps with Distress ink - Chipped Saphire

Stencil and distress ink - Pumice Stone

Stencil and Lunar Paste - Midnight Snack

Gause with Distress Mica Stain - Juniper Berry

Heidi Swapp stickers

TFL

cheers

Trace

 

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