100 Creative Tag Shapes and Decoration Ideas for Your Journal

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I don’t know about you, but I can fall down the Instagram and Pinterest rabbit hole in about three seconds. There are so many amazing tag ideas out there — shapes, layers, textures, pockets, clusters — and every time I see one, I think, I want to try that. But when I actually sit down to create, my brain sometimes goes blank. The inspiration is there, but I can’t remember anything I saw.

So I finally made myself a little “creativity bank.” A list I can look at when my ideas dry up, when I feel stuck, or when I need a spark to get moving again. These are simple tag shapes and decoration ideas you can try anytime. Nothing fancy. Nothing that requires twenty steps or a craft store run. Just prompts to help you play.

Here are 100 ideas to help refill your creativity when you need it most. You can get a free download to print out to keep on your craft desk too – just fill out the form at the bottom of this post and I’ll email it over!

100 Creative Tag Shapes + Decoration Ideas

Fun and unique tag shapes to try

1. House-shaped tags (roof peak at the top)
2. Circle tags using jar lids or punches
3. Long skinny bookmark-style tags
4. Banner-shaped tags with a V-notch bottom
5. Mini file-folder tags
6. Shipping-label shaped tags with rounded edges
7. Ticket-shaped tags with clipped corners
8. Hexagon tags
9. Octagon tags
10. Envelope-shaped tags that open
11. Fold-over tags that flip up or out
12. Heart-shaped tags (great for layering)
13. Rolodex-style tags with the little slits at the bottom
14. Library catalog card-shaped tags
15. Circle-tab tags with little pull tabs on top
16. Oversized statement tags that peek out the side of your journal
17. Rounded rectangle tags
18. Square tags with a top hole
19. Arched-top tags (like vintage manila tags)
20. Notched-corner rectangle tags
21. Mini banner pennant tags
22. Tag-within-a-tag layered shapes
23. Framed window tags with a cut-out center
24. Pocket tags that hold tiny notes
25. Accordion-fold tags that expand
26. Gate-fold tags that open in the middle
27. Half-circle tags (great for tucks)
28. Oval-shaped tags
29. Scalloped-edge tags
30. Cloud-shaped tags
31. Leaf-shaped tags
32. Feather-shaped tags
33. Butterfly-shaped tags
34. Cross-shaped tags (faith shape or swiss cross shape!)
35. Flower-petal shaped tags
36. Teardrop-shaped tags
37. Shield-shaped tags
38. House key shaped tags
39. Vintage luggage tag shapes
40. Postage stamp edge tags
41. Puzzle piece tags
42. Triangle tags
43. Diamond-shaped tags
44. Rounded banner tags
45. Keyhole window tags
46. Polaroid frame tags
47. Bracket label tags (like antique apothecary labels)
48. Pocket watch shaped tags
49. Lightbulb shaped tags
50. Coffin-shaped tags
51. Star-shaped tags
52. Wavy-edge tags
53. Nested tags in graduated sizes
54. Circle tags with scalloped backing layers
55. Tag strips made from long torn paper pieces

Decoration ideas to build texture, color, and interest

1. Layer scraps of book paper, hymnal pages, or old stationery
2. Add stitching, real or faux
3. Use masking tape or washi for simple strip accents
4. Add a tiny collage cluster at the bottom edge
5. Staple a ribbon or fabric scrap to the top
6. Make a tone-on-tone tag using just one color in different shades
7. Add a window cut-out with acetate behind it
8. Create layered pockets on the tag to tuck in notes
9. Use dried flowers or leaves under a thin layer of gesso
10. Add one bold stamped image and leave the rest clean
11. Glue on textured items like corrugated cardboard or mesh
12. Paint a strip down only one side, leaving the rest raw
13. Add a hole reinforcer made from patterned paper
14. Use handwriting as decoration, swirls, loops, lines, borders
15. Stamp a simple background pattern
16. Add a torn paper edge for texture
17. Highlight edges with ink or chalk
18. Layer two tags together for dimension
19. Tie twine or string through the hole
20. Add a wax seal accent
21. Glue on a vintage postage stamp
22. Add a tiny paper tab to the top edge
23. Stamp letters or numbers in random patterns
24. Add a strip of lace or trim
25. Use a label sticker for a focal point
26. Add paint splatters across the tag
27. Dry brush white paint over dark paper
28. Use a stencil and modeling paste for texture
29. Stamp numbers for a vintage feel
30. Layer vellum over patterned paper
31. Add a tiny envelope to the tag
32. Use gold or silver paint accents
33. Stamp a simple border around the edge
34. Layer fabric under paper pieces
35. Add a small button with thread
36. Use a torn napkin image with decoupage
37. Add pencil scribbles or sketch marks
38. Paint messy watercolor backgrounds
39. Use a paint pen to add dots around the edge
40. Use a stamp with embossing powder
41. Layer a photo or magazine clipping
42. Use a gel pen to draw simple frames
43. Add stamped leaves or botanical images
44. Attach a tiny charm with string
45. Use distress ink to create a soft background

These little ideas might seem simple, but they truly add up. When I’m in a creative slump, just trying one new tag shape or technique pulls me right back into the joy of making. That’s the beauty of mixed media and faith journaling — it’s endlessly flexible. You can keep it simple, or you can build layers until your heart feels full again.

Tell me your ideas in the comments…I always want to add the idea list!