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. 

JOURNAL FEATURE SERIES - BLOG POST 3 Tags & Stamps — The Secret Layers That Transform Your Journals & Layouts

 

Blog Post 3: Tags & Stamps — The Secret Layers That Transform Your Journals & Layouts

When words and images tell your story, tags and stamps provide the glue — the visual echoes and interactive elements that make your pages feel complete, cohesive, and rich with meaning. In this post, we’ll explore how to use tags and stamps intentionally, why you want them, and how they can elevate both your art journaling and scrapbooking practice.

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Why Tags & Stamps Matter in Journals & Layouts

• Dimension and interaction: Tags let you tuck hidden notes behind photos, fold out extra content, or create pull tabs. They invite the viewer to peek deeper.

• Visual rhythm & repetition: Stamps echo motifs, textures, or sentiments across a layout so your eye travels naturally.

• Cohesion & theme building: Using consistent stamp styles or tag shapes ties pages together, making disparate elements feel intentional.

• Anchors for journaling & focal points: Tags can be a journaling spot, label, or a contrasting accent. Stamps can provide titles, quotes, or subtle backgrounds to support your story rather than compete.

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Tag Ideas & How to Use Them

Think beyond just paper tags — experiment with vellum, chipboard, acetate, fabric, or even cork. Here are some creative uses:

• Hidden journaling tags: Slip a journaled tag behind a photo mat or flap for secret reflections.

• Title tags: Use a tab-style tag as a heading spot for a page or section.

• Layered clusters: Stack your tag over or under ephemera, stitches, thread, or washi for texture.

• Interactive elements: Use tags as pull-outs or condition them with string or ribbon.

• Mixed media tags: Treat tags as mini canvases — stamp, paint, collage, and then attach them to your page.

In the ScrappingClearly store, look for tag packs, die-cut tag sheets, or specialty tag embellishments that complement your journal sizes. Click here and you will be taken to the shop to view a great range available today

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Stamp Techniques & Best Practices

Kinds of stamps you might use:

• Background / texture stamps: Patterns, grids, dots, scribbles — great as subtle texture behind images.

• Sentiment stamps: Phrases, quotes, dates — perfect for captions, titles, or journaling prompts.

• Image stamps / motifs: Icons, florals, shapes — for accent elements or layering.

• Alpha & number stamps: For adding dates, headers, or numeric journaling.

Tips for stamping success:

1. Use a light touch: Press evenly, lift straight—especially on textured or collage surfaces.

2. Choose ink wisely: Archival dye inks, pigment inks, and hybrid inks all have strengths. If stamping over gesso or paint, a pigment/versafine/mineral ink usually holds better.

3. Stamp before layering heavy media: If you intend to paint or gloss over, stamp first so your image isn’t lost.

4. Mask and layer: Use masking to partially stamp behind other elements, creating depth.

5. Stamp off and re-use: One stamp impression can become a background, then an accent when stamped again lighter.

In the ScrappingClearly store, we stock an enormous range of stamps  Click here and you will be taken to the shop to view some of our diverse stamp ranges. 

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Pulling It All Together — Page Workflow

1. Choose your journal & pen / paint pen combo (from earlier posts).

2. Plan your layout — decide where photos, journaling, and focal points go.

3. Stamp a subtle background or texture layer (lightly).

4. Add your tags — tuck, overlay, or cluster.

5. Journal, title, or add sentiment stamps.

6. Go back with stamping over edges or accents to frame or repeat motifs.

7. Finish with any paint pen or highlight details.

When executed thoughtfully, tags + stamps become the visual glue — they connect your journaling to your images and make the whole page feel like one intentional piece, not disparate bits stuck together.

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What’s Next?

With your journal, pens, tags, and stamps working in harmony, your pages can breathe, resonate, and tell your story in layers. In the upcoming November newsletter, we’ll highlight photo prompts and gratitude journaling  — perfect complements to everything you’ve learned in this series.

We hope you have enjoyed this series and it has helped you with your planning and you can add some of these tips to make your journalling pages even more spectacular. 

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