Tags are so versatile and fun. I must admit, I never understood the hoopla around tags before I started art journaling. My rationale at the time was because I was primarily painting on canvas and thought if you were going to put so much effort into something, why work on something so small? Well, I’m not beyond admitting when I’m wrong, and it wasn’t until I was fully immersed into art journaling that I had realized just how special the humble tag is, and was never the same!

Supplies

  • Ranger size 12 tag for your journal cover – or better yet, cut your own tag in whatever size you wish!
  • Tags in assorted sizes + papers you can use in your art journal
  • Assorted acrylic paints
  • Gel plate, craft mat, or product packaging
  • Brayer
  • spray bottle (water)
  • Gel pen (optional)
  • Stencils

Remember

  • Make your journal as chunky as you wish! I kept mine thin to keep in my journal, but it will expand over time.
  • Tag journals are great for themed journals because you’re not overwhelmed with too many pages. Unless of course, you want to construct it differently. . .
  • You don’t need to paint your cover, feel free to collage or draw!
  • If I thought about it during filming, I would have added paint to the back side of each tag as well. Of course, this is optional.

Action Steps

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Decide what size of a tag book you want to make. Mine is 10-1/2 inches tall by 5-1/8 inches wide, but you can make yours any size you like.

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If you’re making your own tag, use a manila folder, lightweight watercolor paper, or mixed media paper – anything that’s a bit sturdy will do.

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Smaller tag journals would be fun to just clip to a page if you don’t want or have pockets in your journals.

Want more?

These free lessons are a taster of the type of art we’re making. Has it sparked something? Turn that flame into more art. We’d love for you to join the full class.

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