Ways to Add Texture to Journals & Paper Crafts

I was asked to contibute to the "Out With A Bang" YouTube collaboration for Summer 2024, hosted by Mandy of "Sunflowers and Dors", and Julie from "Julie's Papercraft", in partnership with the "Junk Journals Ideas & Inspiration" Facebook group.

My part was assigned for August 27, 2024 and I was given the prompt "Texture & Tones". I decided to focus on "texture" for my contribution.

Below is the list of all participants with their dates and prompts. You can find all of the videos on YouTube by searching with the hashtag #jjiioutwithabang

In case you would like to read a list of the different types of texture and some of the techniques that I use in my journals and other paper crafts such as cards, albums, folios, and other crafts, please continue reading!

There are no "Rules" but here a few guidelines to note, when you want to add texture

1. Texture is most attractive when it is layered and blended with the other decorative elements of the piece. (This is my opinion - experiment with your own tecniques and style!)
   
   
2. When you add texture you add thickness to your piece or journal page, so you might want to do just a little bit here and there (on pages) and save your all-out efforts for the cover.
   
   
3. Using digitals (printables) is an easy way to get faux texture and depth on journal pages, and have them still remain thin and flat.
   
   
4. Use techniques for adding texture to certain spots such as edge trims and removable elements, to help keep your journal from getting too bulky.
   
   
5. Don't feel pressured to do it ALL. Choose 3 techniques to start. Do a small piece such as a tag or journal card.
   
   
6. Do what makes YOU happy!
   
   
7. You can find TONS of ideas on Pinterest.

Techniques and products that I use to add texture...

Dry Texture

• original paper (book/magazine pages, tissue paper, or other papers) that you cut or tear into shapes (you can also crumple it up for a unique and interesting look!)
• cardboard / cardstock (corrugated cardboard looks interesting, especially if you pull of the flat layer to reveal the ridges)
• printed paper (digitals/printables) that you cut or tear and layer with other elements
• stickers
• washi tape or masking tape
• fussy cuts
• die cuts
• labels
• lace
• fabric (fray the edges to make it look interesting!)
• ribbons
• trims
• thread / yarn / twine (fray it, roll it into a ball, flatten it out, mistreat it and add to your piece!)
• cheesecloth or gauze
• flowers (flat mulberry paper flowers, die cut flowers, silk flowers, dried flowers, etc.)
• beads / sequins / glitter
• buttons
• coins
• wax seals
• hole reinforcers / eyelets / brads
• hanging elements (especially pretty on the outer edge of a page)
• various elements from Tim Holtz or Finnabair, etc. (metal elements, art stones & so much more!)
• use your imagination & Pinterest for more ideas - search for "mixed media" and you will find TONS of ideas

Wet Texture
When you are working on a base of paper you need to be sure and seal it before you add anything wet or your paper will be ruined. If you are adding wet texture to a digital (printable) you need to seal it first. I use clear matte spray (2 coats) before I start adding wet texture or color to paper. Matte medium is also useful, to separate your layers and keep things from looking muddy. Allow each wet layer to dry completely before adding another, unless you are blending.

• gesso
• various texture pastes (save money by using drywall paste or make your own texture paste!)
• various other mediums  such as crackle, gel stain, and much more!
• hot glue (drizzle here & there in random shapes and then gesso or color over it once it's dry)
• various glazes that give you special effects
• drag a fork or toothpick through wet paste or medium
• use stencils
• use bubble wrap (paint the texture onto the bubble wrap and dab onto your piece - let it dry then add color to it, if you like - or color your texture paste in advance!)
• use your imagination & Pinterest for more ideas - search for "mixed media" and you will find TONS of ideas

Tones (Color)

Choose a color palette. Do you want the colors to coordinate, or to contrast? Work with various shades or values (light/dark) of the colors in your chosen palette to give your piece more interest. You can even do just ONE main color and add accents of white/black/neutral to give it depth.

Here are some of my favorite ways to add color to my pieces. See note under "Wet Texture" about sealing paper before adding anything wet.

• acrylic paint (craft paint) - - Note: Posca pens / acrylic paint pens are fun! No brush needed.
• watercolors
• inks (ink pads or liquid inks - many types such as alcohol inks, sprays & more!)
• art crayons (there are lots of different kinds for achieving different effects)
• art markers (lots of different types for different effects)
• powdered pigments (add to paste, gesso, water, or sprinkle lightly on part of your piece that is still wet)
• use your imagination & Pinterest for more ideas - search for "mixed media" and you will find TONS of ideas
  
  

TO BLEND OR NOT TO BLEND? It depends on the look you want to achieve. Try different techniques on a scrap piece, to find the effect you like most.

DO YOU HAVE OTHER IDEAS? Please share in the comments!