Instructions 

I have never been very good at adding tip-ins (or as I call them, “flippy-do’s”) to my journal. But after years, I think I finally figured out the problem - I was trying too hard! Read on for a simple, easy way to add a fun, interactive element to your journal pages. 

Step 1: Using your favorite colors and brush, swipe some paint across the page. Here Orchid, Turquoise, and Lapis were used.

Step 2: Using a brush or a mini blending tool, add some stenciling to the page, and let it run over to the other page as well. 

Step 3: Using coordinating colors, spray a #8 tag with Gloss Spray. While it is still wet, dip a scribble stick in water and scribble it into the Gloss Spray. Let it dry, then complete the same process on the other side. 

Step 4: Look through your collage tissue or transparencies and find a large face or figure to be a focal point. Using Ultra Thick Gel Medium, adhere it to the page. Add a smaller bit of collage tissue to the opposite page.

Step 5: To make the tag a tip-in, add washi tape along the edge of the tag with half of the tape on the tag, the other half on the page. Do the same to the back. This will allow your tag to flip back and forth. 

Step 6: Using a brayer, apply some gesso to a botanical stamp. Stamp this in various places and directions around the pages, reapplying gesso as needed.  

Step 7: Stamp some phrases onto a sheet of copy paper using Archival Ink. Stamp a different botanical shape onto some book paper. Cut everything out. 

Step 8:  Adhere the botanical shapes and phrases in various places around the spread. I made sure to add phrases & botanicals to both sides of my tag as focal points. Layer some small pieces of frayed fabric behind the shapes and phrases to add interest. Splatter the pages with a metallic Gloss Spray. Here Gilt was used.

I love how, depending on where the tag is, the spread totally changes, but it all still works together.