If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got a decent stash of magazine strips ready to go—and maybe even a few pages in your Smashbook or art journal framed out with colorful borders. But sometimes, those borders feel a little… unfinished. A little too neat. Like they’re waiting for something to bring them to life!
That’s where the fun starts. With just a few extra touches—small magazine images, washi tape, and some well-placed stickers—you can turn those simple strips into something that feels complete, layered, and full of personality!
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Walkthrough Video of Making Jazzy Borders
PRODUCTS USED IN THE VIDEO:
- Faux Vintage Fabric Background Sheets
- Retro Rainbow Background Sheets
- Vintage Romantic Background Papers
- Tim Holtz Archival Inks
- Nuvo Glue
- Dina Wakly Ledger Journal
- Tim Holtz Media Trimmer
- Tim Holtz Snips
Add Small Magazine Cutouts
Tiny cutouts from magazines are one of my favorite ways to add interest. These aren’t big statement images—they’re the little details that make someone stop and look closer.
Think small icons, textures, or snippets that catch your eye: a flower, a doodle, a fork and spoon, a splash of color that fits your palette. These pieces can be tucked into corners, layered over your borders, or scattered lightly across the page.
A few ideas to try:
- Place similar-toned pieces over your border to add depth without too much contrast.
- Use directional shapes like arrows to guide the eye.
- Repeat a small image or motif two or three times—it makes the page feel more intentional.
Layer On Some Washi Tape
If you’ve got a collection of washi tape hanging around (guilty!), now’s the time to put it to work.
Washi is great for adding texture and pattern without overwhelming your layout. You can use it to edge your borders, break up color blocks, or just add a pop of something unexpected.
Tips for working with washi:
- Stick darker tapes toward the bottom of your page and lighter ones at the top—it gives your layout a nice balance.
- Combine patterns! Florals and stripes can totally get along.
- Don’t be afraid to layer washi over magazine strips. It creates dimension and looks more “built up” in a good way.
If your tape isn’t sticking well (hello, old stash), just run a glue stick over it and press it down firmly. Problem solved.
Sprinkle In Some Stickers
Stickers are an easy way to add charm without much effort. Whether you’re using vintage-inspired pieces, modern shapes, or hand-drawn styles, they bring just enough contrast to make your borders more interesting.
A few ways to use them:
- Place a few along your border edges to bridge colors or textures.
- Cut larger stickers into smaller bits and scatter them like collage elements.
- Use sticker clusters to break up large, empty sections.
And just like with magazine images, try repeating a sticker shape or color in different spots to tie everything together.
Pulling It All Together
Once you’ve layered in your magazine cutouts, washi tape, and stickers, step back and take a look. The idea isn’t to cover every inch—it’s to add small touches that bring more character to your work. Think of it like jewelry for your collage: subtle, but it makes a difference.
Here’s the basic formula:
- Start with your base border strips
- Add a few tiny magazine elements
- Layer washi for texture
- Use stickers to add visual interest and tie it all together
And that’s it—simple, fun, and easy to customize depending on your style.
Got a page you’re working on? Try one of these ideas and see how it changes the feel of your layout. Sometimes just a small change can spark a whole new direction for your spread!
Here are some more fun craft tutorials you can learn about:
