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. 

Gel Medium vs. Matte Medium: What’s the Difference & When to Use Each

If you’ve ever stood at your craft desk wondering whether to reach for gel medium or matte medium, you’re not alone. While both are staple adhesives in mixed media and art journaling, they each shine in different ways depending on what you’re creating.

Let’s break down the differences so you can choose the right one for your next project.

What Is Gel Medium?

Gel medium is a thick, glue-like medium designed to hold heavier elements securely in place. It comes in different viscosities — soft, regular, and heavy — giving you control over texture and strength.

Best used for:

• Collaging thicker papers, fabric, or chipboard

• Adhering embellishments and dimensional elements

• Creating texture and raised effects

• Mixed media layers that need strong hold

Why artists love it:
Gel medium grabs quickly, dries clear, and adds subtle body to your pages. It’s ideal when you want layers that feel substantial and tactile.

What Is Matte Medium?

Matte medium is thinner and more fluid, similar in consistency to milk or light glue. It dries with a flat, non-shiny finish, making it perfect for seamless layering.

Best used for:

• Gluing paper, tissue, and napkins

• Sealing and protecting artwork

• Reducing shine on collage layers

• Image transfers and glazing techniques

Why artists love it:
Matte medium creates smooth, invisible layers and allows imagery and colour to shine without distraction. It’s a favourite for journaling and subtle mixed media work.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FEATURE                          GEL MEDIUM                          MATTE MEDIUM

Consistency	Thick & creamy	Thin & fluid
Finish	Slight sheen (varies by brand)	Flat, matte
Best for	Heavy layers & texture	Smooth layering & sealing
Strength	Strong hold	Light to medium hold

Which One Should You Use?

The answer? Both — just at different stages - Scrappingclearly has a great range of each in store - click on the name of each brand and it will take you straight to the product to read more - 

• Use gel medium when you’re building texture or attaching heavier elements. - Liquitex Matte Gel Medium , Liquitex Gloss Heavy Gel Medium, 13@rts Gel Medium, Art By Marlene Gel Medium , Dina Wakley Media ultra thick gel medium, TCW matte gel medium, Monte Marte gloss gel medium 

• Use matte medium for paper layers, sealing pages, and finishing touches. Liquitex Matte Medium , Liquitex Ultra Matte Medium , Ranger Multi Medium Matte , Deco Art Media Matte Medium 

Many artists keep both on their desk and switch between them as a project evolves.

Creative Tip

Try using gel medium underneath thicker elements for strength, then finish with a light coat of matte medium over the top to unify your page and reduce shine. It’s a simple trick that instantly elevates your work.

Whether you’re art journaling, scrapbooking, or creating layered mixed media pieces, understanding how gel and matte mediums behave will give you more control — and more confidence — in your creative process.

Happy layering!