The Tip-In: Adding Tags And Other Inserts

Sometimes you might want to add an element to your AB so you can see both sides. Obviously, you can't glue it in.  And tucking it into a pocket really doesn't make it totally visible.   In that case, you'll want to do what is called a tip-in, a way of adding something, even an entire page, anywhere you'd like in your book.

Tags are a good example.  They might be decorated on both sides, or the back may contain information you don't want covered up.  You'll need two colored pages with as many pages in between them as you have tags to add.

The three pages I'm holding will be used for the tip-ins.

Tear the pages out, but make sure you leave a bit for attaching the tags.  How much you leave depends on how wide your tags are.  You'll want the edge of the tag to line up with the edges of your pages.

I have some tags that contain vintage images of NYC, perfect for my heritage themed book.

I'll attach the first tag to the top cut down page, near the top,  using glue or double sided tape.  Very little of the tag will be covered up.

The second tag will be attached to the next cut down page, lined up so the first tag doesn't cover any part of it.

The third and last tag will go on the last cut down page, at the bottom, again, so none of it is covered up by the second tag.

Here's how they all look together:

And when you turn the pages:

What I like about having the tags lined up with the edges of the rest of the pages, is the opportunity you have to add some ribbon and fiber to the holes in the tags.  They'll dangle off the side of the book and add a great deal of interest

And when the book is closed:

Another element that is perfect for this technique is the postcard.  If it is an actual card that has been sent through the mail, you'll have writing and postage on the back that you'll want to be able to look at.  Even if it is an unused postcard, there might be some information on the back that would be interesting to see.

I have two vintage postcards, one of Ellis Island, where my grandparents stopped on their way to becoming citizens in their new country.  The other is of the original NY Aquarium, which was then located in downtown Manhattan, within viewing distance of Ellis Island.

If the page you want to add has some blank space on the side, you can insert it with a simple stitching technique.

First find an empty page (not a decorated one) and fold it in half vertically.  Glue it shut.

Fold it in half again, and apply more adhesive so it stays closed.

Now, take the paper you wish to add and punch some holes down the side with the blank space.

Lay the paper down where you want to attach it to the folded page and trace through the holes.

Now punch those holes as well.

Sew the paper to the folded page, using your choice of yarn, ribbon, string or fibers, going in and out of the holes you punched, in a running stitch.

You can make sure you use a long length of material for your sewing and add beads to the ends.  Or you can tie off each end with a knot and have just the fibers dangling.  Or trim them after knotting, and have nothing dangling at all.

Time for another look at my book from above.  It's getting that nice full look I love!