All About Tip-Ins

Tip-ins are pages, papers, or elements that are added after a journal is already bound. Rather than being sewn into the spine, tip-ins are attached to pages, perhaps along one edge using glue, washi tape, fabric, or stitching. This allows you to expand your journal long after it’s finished — adding new layers, textures, and places to write whenever inspiration strikes.

In junk journals and art journals, tip-ins are a favorite way to keep a book feeling alive and evolving.

One of the joys of junk journaling is that the journal doesn’t have to be “done” to be useful. Tip-ins make it easy to:

• Add extra journaling spots when you need more room to write
• Include special papers or ephemera you didn’t have when the journal was made
• Create hidden or interactive elements
• Customize a finished journal without taking it apart

They’re perfect for memory-keeping, daily reflections, art play, and creative storytelling.

Tip-ins can be simple or elaborate, depending on your style. Some popular options include:

• Vintage book pages or sheet music
• Coffee-dyed or tea-stained paper
• Scrapbook paper or handmade paper
• Tags, postcards, or envelopes
• Fold-outs, flips, or tuck spots
• Fabric or lace-backed pages

Anything thin enough to attach can become a tip-in — there are no rules.  

Tip-ins are usually attached along one edge using:

• Glue or gel medium
• Washi tape or fabric tape
• Stitching (by hand or machine)

They can be added to the edge of an existing page, tucked into a pocket, or layered over other elements. Because they’re added after binding, tip-ins are a flexible, low-pressure way to keep creating.

Tip-ins invite play. They encourage you to respond to your journal as it grows — adding pages when emotions change, when new memories appear, or when you simply want more space to explore an idea.Many journalers find that tip-ins remove the fear of “messing up” a finished book. You can always add more.

Tip-ins are a big part of how I work with junk journals and art journals. I love using them to add surprise, texture, and new journaling opportunities — especially when a page feels like it needs just one more thing.Whether you’re brand new to junk journaling or have shelves full of handmade books, tip-ins are a beautiful way to keep your journals growing with you.