🎁 Grab the "25 Ways To Use Folded Tags" Inspirational List
I've turned the below list into a beautifully designed printable reference that you can keep in your craft room whenever you need inspiration.
Junk Journal Ideas
1. Hidden Journaling
One of the most popular uses for folded tags is creating extra journaling space without making a page feel cluttered. Write your thoughts inside while keeping the outside beautifully decorative.
2. Secret Memories
Write a memory that only reveals itself when the tag is opened. It's a wonderful way to preserve meaningful stories without filling every page with visible text.
3. Favorite Quotes
Collect inspiring quotes inside folded tags throughout your journal so readers discover little bits of encouragement as they flip through your pages.
4. Gratitude Moments
Dedicate each folded tag to something you're thankful for. Over time, they become tiny hidden reminders of life's happiest moments.
5. Mini Photo Holders
Print small photographs and tuck them inside your folded tags for an interactive memory that stays protected until someone opens it.
6. Chapter Dividers
Use larger folded tags to introduce different sections of a junk journal, travel journal, recipe book, or memory album.
7. Pocket Surprises
Slip folded tags into existing journal pockets so visitors discover an unexpected interactive element tucked inside.
8. Hidden Lists
Shopping lists, travel checklists, bucket lists, books to read, gardening notes—folded tags are wonderful places to hide practical information inside decorative projects.
9. Daily Journal Prompts
Write a journaling prompt inside each folded tag to encourage future writing sessions.
10. Memory Keepers
Instead of writing long journal entries, dedicate one folded tag to a single meaningful memory. Those little stories often become the most treasured parts of a journal.
Scrapbook Ideas
11. Hidden Photo Captions
Keep your scrapbook layouts clean while still preserving all the details behind each photograph.
12. Tell the Story Behind the Picture
Every photo has a story. Folded tags give you room to tell it without overwhelming your layout with lots of visible journaling.
13. Vacation Highlights
Create one folded tag for each stop on a vacation, adding maps, ticket stubs, favorite memories, or funny moments inside.
14. Wedding Memories
Record speeches, favorite moments, vows, or handwritten notes inside elegant folded tags throughout your wedding scrapbook.
15. Baby Milestones
Capture first words, favorite toys, funny moments, and little milestones inside interactive scrapbook embellishments your family will love discovering years later.
16. School Memories
Perfect for recording report card highlights, favorite teachers, funny classroom stories, or special accomplishments.
17. Recipe Memories
Instead of only including the recipe, write the story behind it—who made it, why it's meaningful, or memories from family gatherings.
18. Family Tree Notes
Add interesting stories about grandparents, great-grandparents, or relatives without making genealogy pages feel text-heavy.
19. Holiday Traditions
Use folded tags throughout Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Easter, or birthday albums to preserve family traditions and favorite memories.
20. Before & After Stories
Perfect for documenting gardening projects, room makeovers, weight loss journeys, craft projects, or home renovations.
Handmade Card Ideas
21. Longer Messages
Sometimes there's simply not enough room inside a greeting card. Folded tags create a beautiful little booklet where you can write heartfelt messages without making the card feel crowded.
22. Gift Card Holders
Add a folded tag to the front or inside of a handmade greeting card to hold a gift card along with a personal note. You can even glue along the bottom and 2nd side to make a pocket!
23. Surprise Notes
Write something meaningful that isn't immediately visible. The recipient gets the joy of discovering your hidden message.
24. Interactive Birthday Cards
Kids and adults alike love opening little flaps and discovering surprises tucked inside.
Folded tags instantly make handmade cards feel more interactive.
25. Wedding & Shower Advice Cards
Invite guests to write marriage advice, favorite memories, recipes, parenting tips, or words of encouragement inside folded tags that become keepsakes for years to come.
You might
also enjoy...
Printable Junk Journal Tags That Open!
The Complete Guide to Interactive Folded Tags for Junk Journals, Scrapbooks & Paper Crafts
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this post may be affiliate links or ads. There is no additional cost to you, but The Scrap Room will earn a small commission should you choose to purchase through those links. Click here for my full disclaimer. Thank you for your support.
Add Interactive Fun to Your Projects with Printable Folded Tags
If you've ever wished your junk journal tags had just a little more room for hidden journaling, favorite quotes, secret messages, photos, or little surprises, you're going to love printable folded tags.
These interactive printable journal tags look like traditional embellishments at first glance, but each one opens to reveal hidden writing space inside. They're simple enough for beginners to make in just a few minutes, yet they add so much movement, dimension, and personality to junk journals, scrapbook layouts, handmade cards, memory books, planners, mini albums, traveler’s notebooks, and all kinds of paper crafting projects.
One of my favorite things about folded tags is that they look impressive without being complicated. There are no difficult folds to learn, no confusing assembly instructions, and no specialty tools required. Simply print your tags, cut them out, fold them, and they're ready to use.
Whether you're brand new to printable paper crafts or you've been making junk journals for years, folded tags are one of those embellishments you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.
🎁 Try Folded Tags for Yourself — Grab a Free Printable
If you watched the tutorial above, you've already seen the free Terrarium Folded Tags that I used in the video. Be sure to grab those if you haven't already—they're a fun way to follow along with the tutorial.
Looking for another style?
I've also created these beautiful Secret Garden Folded Tags that you can download free. They're perfect for junk journals, scrapbook pages, handmade cards, and other paper crafting projects.
What Exactly Are Folded Tags?
At first glance, folded tags might look similar to traditional printable journal tags or decorative scrapbook ephemera.
The magic happens when you open them.
Instead of providing only a decorative front, each folded tag opens like a tiny booklet, creating extra room for journaling, tiny photos, quotes, lists, hidden messages, memories, or anything else you'd like to tuck inside.
Think of them as a cross between a decorative journal tag and a miniature interactive journal card.
They're perfect for adding a little surprise to your projects while still keeping everything beautifully coordinated.
Depending on how you use them, folded tags can become:
Hidden journaling spots
Interactive scrapbook embellishments
Decorative journal cards
Tiny memory books
Gift enclosure cards
Recipe holders
Secret notes
Bible journaling inserts
Planner accessories
Mini scrapbook elements
Decorative gift tags
Interactive junk journal ephemera
One of the things I love most about folded tags is how versatile they are. The exact same printable can look completely different depending on the colors you pair it with, the size you print it, the papers you use, and the project you add it to.
Why I Designed Folded Tags
I've always loved beautiful printable embellishments.
Decorative labels, journal cards, layered clusters, vintage ephemera, tabs, tickets—they all add personality and interest to a project.
But I kept wishing there was a way to make some of those embellishments a little more interactive.
I wanted something that added movement without adding complexity.
Something that gave me extra journaling space without making my pages feel bulky.
Something that looked decorative when it was closed but invited someone to open it and discover something hidden inside.
That's how my folded tags were born.
They're intentionally simple to make because I believe crafting should feel relaxing, not frustrating. If an embellishment takes longer to assemble than it does to enjoy, I know many crafters simply won't use it. (I know I certainly won't lol!)
Instead, I wanted folded tags to feel approachable.
Print them.
Cut them.
Fold them.
That's it.
Within just a few minutes, you've transformed a flat printable page into interactive junk journal tags that add dimension, hidden writing space, and a little element of surprise to your project.
Today, my collection has grown into dozens of folded tag sets featuring hundreds of printable folded tags across a wide variety of themes. Some are available in small printable sets, while others are exclusive to specific printable junk journal kits.
For example, my Lavender Apothecary Garden printable junk journal kit includes exclusive folded tag designs created specifically to coordinate with that collection, making it easy to build cohesive journal spreads with matching interactive embellishments. So does my Floral Tea Party Junk Journal Kit, and many other themed kits.
As the collection continues to grow, I'll continue adding new themes, tutorials, project ideas, and inspiration to this guide as well.
Why Folded Tags Are Different from Traditional Junk Journal Tags
Traditional printable journal tags are wonderful for decorating pages, adding journaling space, or creating tuck spots.
Folded tags do all of those things—but they also invite interaction.
Opening a folded tag creates a small moment of discovery. Maybe there's a handwritten memory inside. Maybe it's a favorite recipe. Maybe it's a meaningful quote, a tiny photograph, a date you never want to forget, or a note to someone you love.
Those little interactive moments are often what make handmade journals so special.
Instead of simply looking at a page, people experience it.
That's one of the reasons folded tags have become some of my favorite embellishments to design, and I hope they'll become some of your favorites to use, too.
Printing Your Folded Tags
One of the things I love most about printable folded tags is how approachable they are. You don't need a craft room full of expensive equipment or specialty supplies to make beautiful interactive embellishments. If you have a printer, a pair of scissors, and a few sheets of cardstock, you already have everything you need to get started.
For most of my folded tags, I recommend printing on white or cream cardstock. Cardstock gives the finished tags enough body to hold their shape while still folding cleanly, making them sturdy enough to use in junk journals, scrapbook layouts, handmade cards, mini albums, and other paper crafting projects.
If you're unsure which paper to use for your project, I've put together a detailed guide going more in depth about different types of papers for different projects that you can read here.
New to Folded Tags? Start Here!
Table of Contents
Watch a Folded Tag Come Together in Just a Few Minutes
One of the easiest ways to understand folded tags is simply to watch one being made.
This quick tutorial shows the entire process from printable page to finished folded tag. You'll see just how simple they are to print, cut, fold, and use in your own projects.
Already downloaded both? Keep reading—I'll share more folded tag inspiration, tips, and resources throughout this guide.
Crafting along with the video? The Terrarium Folded Tags featured in the tutorial are available as a free download - scan the QR code during the video to grab it. If you'd like another beautiful set to try, don't miss the free Secret Garden Folded Tags below.
Some of my printable junk journal kits include exclusive folded tag designs created specifically for that collection.
Get Better Results with the Right Print Settings
Many printers default to standard-quality printing, which is perfectly fine for everyday documents but doesn't always show printable artwork at its best.
Most printable paper crafts benefit from using your printer's higher quality settings. Richer colors, smoother gradients, sharper details, and cleaner text can all make a noticeable difference in the finished project.
Fortunately, changing these settings usually only takes a few seconds before you print.
If you'd like a step-by-step walkthrough, I've created a guide explaining which print settings I use when, and why they make such a difference.
Print One Design in Multiple Sizes
One of the easiest ways to get more value from any printable—including folded tags—is simply changing the print scale.
Many people print every digital design at 100% because that's the default. While that works beautifully, it's really only the beginning.
Most printable folded tags can also be printed at 75%, 50% 25% - or almost any other percent (under 100%) without sacrificing image quality. Since you're reducing the artwork rather than enlarging it, the details remain crisp while opening up all kinds of creative possibilities.
Smaller folded tags are perfect for:
Mini junk journals
Traveler's notebooks
Layered embellishment clusters
Scrapbook layouts
Handmade greeting cards
Planner pages
Artist trading cards (ATCs)
Memory books
Small gift tags
Decorative tuck spots
Larger folded tags naturally become focal points on a page, while smaller versions work beautifully as supporting embellishments that add detail without overwhelming your layout.
One printable...three completely different embellishment sizes.
Changing the size is surprisingly easy. Most printers include a Scale or Scaling option in the print dialog. Simply adjust the percentage before printing.
Personally, I recommend keeping printable folded tags at or below their original size. Reducing the artwork preserves all of the original detail, while enlarging it beyond its intended size can soften fine lines and textures.
Once you start experimenting with different scales, you'll quickly discover that every printable can become several different embellishments depending on the size you choose.
Don't Forget About Your Other Printables
This simple scaling trick isn't just useful for folded tags.
Try it with printable journal cards, labels, tickets, tabs, clusters, ephemera, decorative paper clips, safety pins, and embellishments too.
Printing your favorite designs in several different sizes is one of the easiest ways to create beautifully layered paper crafting projects without needing dozens of different products.
Many of my own projects include the same printable repeated in multiple sizes because it creates a cohesive look while adding depth and visual interest.
Hand Cutting or Cutting Machine?
One of the questions I hear most often is whether you need a Cricut, Silhouette, or other electronic cutting machine to make folded tags.
The answer is simple.
No.
Every folded tag I design can be cut by hand with a good pair of scissors.
In fact, most of my own folded tags are cut by hand - and yes, I have a Cricut.
The shapes are intentionally designed to be beginner-friendly, making them relaxing to cut while you're watching television, listening to a podcast, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon of crafting.
If you own a print-and-cut machine, my folded tag designs do come in PNG format, making them compatible with print-and-cut workflows supported by many popular cutting machines.
But really, they are so easy to cut out by hand and you can make a whole page of tags in just a couple minutes with just some scissors. I recommend these inexpensive micro-tip spring assisted scissors from Fiskars. They are perfect for precision cutting, and very budget friendly.
Whether you enjoy hand cutting or prefer letting your machine do the work, you'll end up with the same beautiful interactive embellishments.
The best method is simply whichever one makes crafting more enjoyable for you.
Create Beautifully Coordinated Projects with the Color Swatch Ring
One of my favorite ways to decorate folded tags doesn't actually involve decorating the tags themselves.
It starts with choosing colors.
When all of the embellishments in a project coordinate with one another, everything simply feels more polished. Layers stand out, colors repeat naturally throughout the page, and the finished project has a cohesive look that's surprisingly easy to achieve.
That's exactly why I created my Free Printable Color Swatch Ring.
Instead of guessing which embellishment colors will work together, you can simply hold the swatches directly over your folded tag, journal page, patterned paper, photograph, or scrapbook layout.
Within seconds you'll be able to see which colors coordinate beautifully.
It's a simple technique, but it completely changes the way you build color palettes.
Rather than trying to imagine how colors will work together, you're seeing them right beside your project before you ever print another embellishment.
Once you've chosen a few colors from the artwork, you can repeat those same colors throughout your project using coordinating printable embellishments.
The result is a layout that feels intentional, balanced, and beautifully coordinated from beginning to end.
Grab the Free Printable Color Swatch Ring
If you haven't downloaded the Color Swatch Ring yet, I highly recommend adding it to your printable crafting toolbox.
I use mine all the time.
Whether I'm decorating junk journals, building scrapbook layouts, choosing embellishments for handmade cards, or putting together new printable collections, it's one of the fastest ways I know to create cohesive color palettes.
Simply print the swatches, cut them out, assemble on a ring, and keep it near your crafting supplies.
Whenever you're starting a new project, hold the swatches over your artwork to instantly identify coordinating colors.
Then use those colors throughout your project to create beautiful, professional-looking layers with confidence.
Matching Folded Tags with Coordinating Embellishments
After you've identified your colors, the fun really begins.
I have an entire collection of printable embellishments organized by color, making it easy to find circles, labels, tabs, tickets, layering embellishments, decorative frames, and other coordinating elements that work beautifully with your folded tags.
Because the collections are organized by color instead of theme, the same embellishments can coordinate with countless different printable collections.
That's one of my favorite things about this system.
Rather than purchasing theme-specific embellishments over and over again, you can build a library of colors that mix and match across vintage florals, Christmas journals, botanical themes, cottagecore projects, masculine layouts, travel journals, nature-inspired pages, and so much more.
If you'd like to learn more, explore coordinating freebies, watch tutorials, and see examples of how I use color throughout my own projects, be sure to visit my complete Colorful Embellishments Guide.
As your collection of folded tags grows, you'll discover that many of your favorite embellishments can be mixed and matched across dozens of different themes simply by choosing coordinating colors.
It's one of the easiest ways to create projects that feel thoughtfully designed, beautifully layered, and uniquely your own.
In the next section, we'll explore one of my favorite parts of folded tags: all the creative ways you can use them. You might be surprised just how versatile these little interactive embellishments really are.
25 Creative Ways to Use Printable Folded Tags
One of the questions I hear most often after someone makes their first folded tag is:
"What should I do with it?"
The short answer?
Almost anything.
Although I originally designed folded tags with junk journals in mind, they quickly found their way into scrapbook layouts, handmade cards, planners, memory books, mini albums, altered books, gift wrapping, and so many other creative projects.
That's one of the things I love most about them.
They're more than just printable junk journal tags.
They're tiny interactive spaces that invite someone to stop, open them, and discover something hidden inside.
Sometimes that hidden surprise is journaling.
Sometimes it's a favorite quote.
Sometimes it's a recipe, a tiny photograph, a handwritten memory, or simply another beautiful layer that makes your project feel more interactive.
If you're looking for ideas, here are some of my favorite ways to use printable folded tags in paper crafting projects.
Don't Be Afraid to Experiment
One of the wonderful things about folded tags is that there really aren't any rules.
Some crafters fill every tag with journaling.
Others use them purely as decorative interactive embellishments.
Some print them full size for focal points, while others print them at 50% to tuck tiny surprises throughout a journal.
The more you experiment, the more creative ideas you'll discover that fit your own crafting style.
Personally, some of my favorite projects have come from simply asking, "What if I tried using a folded tag here?"
You might be surprised just how often the answer is... it works beautifully.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
If you're making folded tags for the first time, don't worry if they don't feel perfect right away. Like any new paper crafting technique, you'll quickly develop your own favorite way of printing, cutting, folding, and decorating with them.
Here are a few of the most common mistakes I see beginners make—and how you can avoid them.
Printing Only at 100%
One of the biggest missed opportunities is simply printing every page at its original size.
While full-size folded tags are wonderful for larger junk journals and scrapbook layouts, printing the exact same page at 75% or even 50% gives you an entirely new set of embellishments without purchasing anything additional.
Smaller folded tags are perfect for layering, mini albums, planner pages, greeting cards, traveler’s notebooks, and tiny hidden journaling spots.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different scales—you may discover that your favorite version wasn't the original size at all.
Assuming You Need a Cutting Machine
Many people see beautifully cut printable embellishments and immediately assume they need an expensive cutting machine.
The truth is, every folded tag I design can be cut with a simple pair of scissors.
If you already own a print-and-cut machine, that's wonderful. But don't let the lack of one stop you from trying folded tags.
Some of my own favorite projects were cut completely by hand while relaxing on the couch. (In fact, even though I have a Cricut, I cut them my hand most of the time.)
Forgetting to Crease the Fold
A crisp fold makes a surprisingly big difference.
Before opening and closing your folded tag several times, gently crease the fold using a bone folder.
That small step helps your finished tag open beautifully while giving it a polished, professional look.
Trying to Fill Every Tag Immediately
Not every folded tag needs to be completed the day you print it.
Sometimes the best approach is to leave a few blank until inspiration strikes.
As memories happen, photographs are printed, or meaningful quotes come to mind, you'll already have interactive embellishments waiting to become part of your project.
Forgetting to Coordinate Your Colors
A beautiful folded tag becomes even more striking when the surrounding embellishments repeat the colors already found in the artwork.
Using a simple color palette throughout a page helps everything feel intentional and beautifully coordinated.
That's one of the reasons I reach for my Color Swatch Ring so often. It makes choosing coordinating embellishments incredibly simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are folded tags?
Folded tags are printable interactive embellishments that open like tiny booklets. They provide hidden space for journaling, photographs, quotes, recipes, memories, lists, and other special details while adding movement and dimension to your paper crafting projects.
Are folded tags only for junk journals?
Not at all.
Although they're especially popular with junk journal makers, folded tags also work beautifully in scrapbook layouts, handmade greeting cards, planners, traveler’s notebooks, mini albums, altered books, recipe books, Bible journaling, memory keeping, happy mail, and many other paper crafting projects.
What paper should I print folded tags on?
I usually recommend printing folded tags on white or cream cardstock.
Cardstock gives the finished tags enough strength to hold their shape while still folding cleanly.
If you'd like to compare different papers, be sure to visit my guide to choosing the right paper for printable craft projects.
Can I cut them with scissors?
Absolutely!
Every folded tag I design can be cut by hand using a good pair of scissors. These inexpensive micro-tip spring assisted scissors from Fiskars are my favorite. They are budget friendly, ergonomical, and they are perfect for precision cutting.
Many crafters actually enjoy cutting a few folded tags while relaxing in the evening because it's such a simple, enjoyable process.
Can I use a Cricut or Silhouette?
Yes.
My folded tag designs come in PNG format, perfect for print-and-cut compatible cutting machines.
Whether you prefer scissors or a cutting machine, the finished folded tags look exactly the same.
Can I print them smaller?
Yes—and I highly recommend trying it.
Printing folded tags at 75%, 50%, and other sizes opens up even more creative possibilities for layering, smaller journals, greeting cards, planners, and mini albums.
Reducing the size generally maintains excellent print quality while giving you several different embellishment sizes from the same printable.
Can I enlarge them?
You certainly can, but I usually recommend staying at the original size or printing smaller.
Enlarging artwork beyond its intended size may soften fine details depending on your printer and the original artwork.
How many times can I print them?
As many times as you need for your own personal crafting projects.
One of the advantages of printable paper crafts is being able to reprint your favorite designs whenever inspiration strikes.
Can I sell handmade journals that include your folded tags?
Yes.
You're welcome to use my printable folded tags in physical handmade journals, scrapbooks, greeting cards, and other handcrafted projects that you sell, or used as "thank you" cards to your customers.
However, the printable artwork itself may not be copied, shared, redistributed, or resold in digital or printed form.
Do folded tags work with your other printable collections?
Absolutely.
Many folded tag collections coordinate beautifully with my printable junk journal kits, decorative papers, labels, embellishments, and especially my Colorful Embellishments Collection.
Using the Free printable Color Swatch Ring makes it incredibly easy to build a cohesive color palette across your entire project.
Explore the Folded Tag Collection
Over the years I've created dozens of folded tag collections featuring hundreds of printable folded tags in a wide variety of styles and themes.
Whether you enjoy vintage florals, botanical journals, nature themes, cottagecore designs, whimsical illustrations, seasonal projects, or classic junk journal aesthetics, there's a good chance you'll find a collection that fits your next project.
Several of my printable junk journal kits also include exclusive folded tag designs created specifically for those collections.
One of my favorites is the Lavender Apothecary Garden kit, where the folded tags coordinate perfectly with the journal pages and embellishments throughout the collection. It includes to pretty purple butterfly folded tag shown in one of the earlier pictures on this page.
If you enjoy seasonal crafting, you'll also find a growing selection of Christmas Folded Tags that are perfect for December Daily albums, Christmas journals, handmade holiday cards, gift tags, festive scrapbook layouts, and holiday memory books.
Save This Guide & Keep Crafting
I hope this guide has inspired you to discover just how versatile printable folded tags can be. Whether you're creating junk journals, scrapbook layouts, handmade cards, or memory books, these little interactive embellishments are a fun and easy way to add hidden journaling, beautiful layers, and a special surprise to your projects.
I'll continue updating this guide with new tutorials, creative ideas, and helpful tips as my folded tag collection grows, so be sure to save this page to Pinterest so it's easy to find again. You can also visit my Folded Tags playlist on YouTube, where I add all of my folded tag tutorials, techniques, and inspiration in one convenient place.
Most of all, I hope these folded tags inspire you to create something uniquely your own. Happy crafting!
