Junk Journal Challenge: Create a Journal Tip-In
A tip-in is an interactive element that you can attach to the side of a page in your junk journal, allowing it to flip out and reveal additional writing, photos, or decorations. This technique adds a layer of creativity and surprise to your journal while providing extra space for journaling, ephemera, or artwork. It’s a simple but fun way to make your journal more dynamic and functional, while keeping the pages organized and engaging.
What Is a Tip-In?
A tip-in refers to a piece of paper (or another material) that is glued or attached to the edge of a journal page, creating a "flap" that can be opened like a door to reveal something hidden inside. It can be anything from a small scrap of paper to a larger piece, and it can be used to hold extra journaling, photos, or any other elements you want to include but might not have room for on the main page.
The beauty of a tip-in lies in its ability to add a secret, interactive component to your journal that invites the reader (or you) to discover something new when flipping through the pages.
Why Create a Tip-In?
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Maximize Space: Tip-ins are great for creating additional space for journaling or for adding extra memorabilia, without overcrowding the main pages of your journal. This allows you to add more content while maintaining a clean and tidy layout.
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Add Interactive Elements: The flip-out aspect of a tip-in makes your journal feel more interactive. It’s like a hidden treasure that encourages you to explore more of the journal as you turn the pages.
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Incorporate Extra Ephemera: Tip-ins provide the perfect space for including larger or bulkier pieces of ephemera—like postcards, ticket stubs, or large photos—that don’t fit neatly into your journal. You can attach them to a tip-in and still maintain a neat, organized appearance.
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Create Hidden Stories: With a tip-in, you can keep certain things private or secret. For example, you can use a tip-in to write a letter, document a personal reflection, or store a piece of sensitive ephemera that you don’t want visible all the time.
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Encourage Creativity: Making a tip-in lets you experiment with different ways of constructing your journal. You can create a flip-out with vintage papers, fabric, or even found objects to enhance your journal’s visual appeal and tactile experience.
Steps for Creating a Tip-In
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Choose Your Material: First, decide what you want your tip-in to be made from. You can use regular paper, scrapbook paper, old book pages, or fabric. Think about how thick or thin you want it to be, as this will affect how it flips out and how much weight it adds to your journal.
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Cut Your Tip-In Piece: Depending on the size of the space you want to fill, cut a piece of paper or material slightly smaller than your journal page. The size will depend on the effect you want—whether it's a small, subtle addition or a larger fold-out feature.
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Attach the Tip-In: Choose a side of your journal page where the tip-in will be attached. Apply adhesive (glue stick, double-sided tape, or washi tape) to the side of the tip-in that will be glued to the page. Carefully line it up against the edge of the page, ensuring that it flips out easily. You can glue just the edge for a more subtle effect, or use the whole side for a larger, more dramatic flip-out.
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Add a Decorative Element: Once your tip-in is attached, you can embellish it however you like. Add a photo, write a journal entry, include a quote, or decorate it with stickers, stamps, or drawings. The beauty of a tip-in is that it provides extra space for your creativity, so feel free to make it as simple or as elaborate as you wish.
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Create a Closure (Optional): If you want your tip-in to stay closed, consider adding a small closure. You can use a piece of washi tape, string, or a button to keep the tip-in in place, creating an extra interactive element. You could also use a paperclip or even sew a small flap onto the tip-in to keep it secure.
Creative Ideas for Tip-Ins
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Secret Journaling: Write a private letter, personal note, or reflection on the tip-in, creating a more intimate journaling experience. This makes your journal feel like a safe space for you to express your thoughts, with a little hidden secret tucked away.
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Photos or Memories: Tip-ins are perfect for showcasing photos that don’t fit within the confines of your journal’s regular pages. You could use a tip-in to display a vacation photo, a vintage picture, or a snapshot of a special moment. You can even add journaling beside the photo to give context to the memory.
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Ticket Stubs and Ephemera: Create a flip-out using a tip-in to store ticket stubs, postcards, or other ephemera that you’ve collected during a special trip or event. These mementos can be safely tucked away inside the journal, making your tip-in a little pocket of memories.
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Decorative Flaps: Add a bit of artistry to your tip-in by using it purely for decorative purposes. Create a whimsical or artistic flap with textured paper, intricate patterns, or stenciled designs that add beauty to your journal and surprise the reader with a beautiful hidden art piece.
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Layering with Multiple Tip-Ins: For an even more intricate design, try layering multiple tip-ins within a single spread. Each tip-in could hold something different, and when you flip through the layers, the journal becomes a multi-dimensional experience. This can be especially fun if you are working with themes, like travel or nature, and want to incorporate several elements without crowding the page.
Tips for a Successful Tip-In
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Use Lightweight Paper: If you’re adding several tip-ins to your journal, choose lightweight paper to prevent adding too much bulk to your pages. You can also use thinner vintage book pages or printed ephemera that won’t make the journal too heavy.
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Plan Your Placement: Before gluing the tip-in down, lay it on your journal page to make sure it aligns with the overall design and theme of the spread. You want it to be functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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Add Journaling Prompts: Use your tip-in as a way to inspire more journaling. Write prompts like “What’s something you’re grateful for today?” or “Write about your favorite memory from this month” to encourage deeper reflection.
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Experiment with Materials: Don’t limit yourself to paper for your tip-ins. Fabric, old book pages, or even maps can make creative and interesting tip-ins that add variety and texture to your journal.
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Keep It Simple: While tip-ins are an opportunity to be creative, it’s okay to keep it simple, too. A clean, minimal tip-in with just a quote or small embellishment can make a powerful statement without overwhelming the page.
Conclusion
Creating a tip-in is a fun way to add interactive, hidden elements to your junk journal, creating an element of surprise and discovery as you flip through the pages. It’s also a great technique for maximizing your journal’s space, giving you extra room to express yourself, store mementos, or add extra decorative flair. Whether you’re new to junk journaling or have been creating for years, this challenge encourages you to think creatively about how to use every corner of your journal and make it more dynamic and engaging.
To start your junk journal adventure head here!
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