10 Design Principles for Beautiful Junk Journal Covers (Free List 📝) скачать в хорошем качестве

10 Design Principles for Beautiful Junk Journal Covers (Free List 📝)

In this video, I’m sharing 10 simple and effective art principles you can use to create stunning junk journal tags and journal toppers—without the overwhelm! Whether you're layering scraps, using digitals, or working with vintage ephemera, these design rules will help you create balanced, beautiful embellishments every time. PLUS: I've created a list that you can copy and paste, of the 10 design principles that have helped me gain confidence making junk journal covers, tags and more! ⬇️⬇️⬇️ ✨ Follow me on Instagram! @RavenVintageCA 🎨 Shop my digital kits on Etsy (PAPER PEOPLE): https://ravenvintagedigitals.etsy.com... ✨✨✨ Use my exclusive coupon code RAVEN6 to enjoy 60% off your purchase when you buy a minimum of 6 items. This code is valid anytime! ✨✨✨ ................................ COPY AND PASTE! 🌿 Junk Journal Tag & Topper Guidelines: Easy Art Principles for Beautiful Layers These work whether you're layering paper scraps or building more complex collaged pieces! ✅1. Balance the Visual Weight • Asymmetrical balance tends to look more natural and vintage. • Place heavier or darker items (like a label or bold floral) opposite lighter elements to create balance. • Try not to overload one corner—imagine your piece on a scale! ✅2. Use the Rule of 3s or Odd Numbers • Odd numbers (3, 5, 7) are pleasing to the eye. • Use 3 main elements: for example, a background, a focal point, and a label. • You can apply this to colors, textures, or embellishments too! Example: Book page + flower + label = done. ✅3. Layer with Intention: Back to Front • Background: solid or neutral base (vintage paper, wallpaper, ledger). • Midground: interest layer (music paper, lace, ephemera). • Foreground: focal (flower, image, word strip). • Extras: optional texture (staples, fabric, buttons, brads). Tip: Keep the background calm so the focal can shine. ✅4. Contrast Creates Interest Mix: • Smooth + textured • Bright + muted • Dark + light • Patterned + plain Guideline: Too many similar tones or patterns can make it feel flat. ✅5. Include a Focal Point This is your “star of the show”: • A vintage photo • Butterfly or flower • Word or label Everything else should support—not compete—with this. ✅6. Leave Breathing Room • Don’t feel the need to cover every inch. • A bit of empty space helps the eye rest. Even a busy piece can feel calm with space around the focal. ✅7. Add Texture Especially for toppers or tactile tags: • Use lace, cheesecloth, fabric, buttons, twine, staples, or sewing. • Distress the edges or crumple the paper. Tip: Varying the texture adds richness without bulk. ✅8. Finishing Touches Matter These details bring it together: • Inked edges • A stitched border • Eyelet or reinforcer for a tag hole • Tiny word strip, stamped number, or wax seal Rule of thumb: Add 1–2 finishing touches max to avoid overworking. ✅9. Echo Elements Tie the tag or topper back to your journal: • Repeat a color or paper that appears elsewhere. • Use the same label style, lace trim, or image theme. This gives cohesion and makes it feel like part of a curated collection. ✅10. Trust Your Gut When in doubt: • If something bugs you, it’s not done yet. • If it feels good to you, it is good enough. • Don’t aim for perfect—aim for pleasing. ................................ Let's hang out and chat in the comments! ☕Free Stuff: https://ko-fi.com/ravenvintage 🙏 Tip Jar: https://paypal.me/ravenvintage (Greatly appreciated, thank you!) ............................. Shop my Amazon Store 🛍️ Crafting Supplies & Tools I use and Recommend! (Amazon Storefront): Check out my Amazon Store front for craft room organization and my favourite junk journal supplies. (I earn a commission for orders placed using my links - there's no additional cost to you! Thanks for your support!) ❤️🤍💙 USA ❤️🤍💙 https://www.amazon.com/shop/ravenvint... • Tim Holtz Memoir Ephemera Pack https://amzn.to/40yTKEt • Paper cutter tool (Guillotine) https://amzn.to/3ZA7jDi • Score and trim board https://amzn.to/3ZA0Msl • Envelope punch board https://amzn.to/43L1qFO • Glue Refill https://amzn.to/445SklV • Needle Tip glue bottles (refillable) https://amzn.to/4e79iEV • Distress Ink https://amzn.to/3I0zq8v ❤️🤍 CANADA ❤️🤍 https://www.amazon.ca/shop/ravenvinta... • Tim Holtz Memoir Ephemera Pack https://amzn.to/44u5VU9 • Paper cutter tool (Guillotine) https://amzn.to/4eg35H6 • Score and trim board https://amzn.to/3SY0TtX • Envelope punch board https://amzn.to/45Xvq2y • Glue Refill https://amzn.to/4n6FQ6e (this lasts me all year!!!) • Needle Tip glue bottles (refillable) https://amzn.to/4kPi25i • Distress Ink https://amzn.to/3Tyrqhv ............................. NOTEBOOKS: Meadow - https://amzn.to/4nw075i River Days - https://amzn.to/3G7nNMN Morning Break - https://amzn.to/44s9xGj Forest Gateway - https://amzn.to/45MTkOk Vintage Lady - https://amzn.to/4etd6ka