Mini compositions with big personality—using what you already have!
Clusters are like tiny stories told through scraps. In this blog, I’m sharing six distinct styles of clusters that not only help you use up small fragments of paper, fabric, and old ephemera—but also let you play, explore, and express through composition.
Whether you’re new to clustering or looking for fresh ideas, these methods are easy to follow and deeply satisfying. Each style can be added into your journals, collages, or simply kept as standalone pieces of art.
🌿 What is a Cluster in Mixed Media?
A cluster is simply a small collection of fragments—paper, fabric, ephemera, old book bits, textured scraps—arranged together to form a mini collage.
It can be abstract and intuitive, or finished and storytelling, depending on your mood. Some clusters are just raw arrangements of textures and marks, while others evolve with stitching, focal points, or quotes.
Think of a cluster as a tiny art composition made from what most people throw away.
🧵 Ways to Embellish or Finish a Cluster
Once you’ve laid down a base of fragments, here are some ideas to elevate your clusters:
✂️ Layering with fabric scraps: Cheesecloth, vintage textiles, stitched trims
🖋 Mark making: Scribbles, ink dots, brush strokes, pencil lines
🧶 Stitching: Hand-stitch, French knots, running stitch, or even sewing machine lines
🖼 Add a focal point: A bird, butterfly, flower, face, or vintage figure
💬 Text or quotes: Typewritten words, torn poetry lines, or tiny labels
🎨 Add color accents: A wash of watercolor, distress ink, or metallic paint
You can stop at any stage that feels complete to you. Sometimes a simple raw collage says everything.
📦 Why We Hold On to Scraps
As mixed media artists, we hold a strange affection for fragments.
We save tiny slivers of beauty, not because they are “useful”—but because they carry stories, textures, memories, and colors we fell in love with once.
This practice of making clusters is one of the best ways to:
Reconnect with your favorite scraps
Sort and organize by theme, color, or mood
Turn chaos into composition
And finally use those meaningful pieces instead of hoarding them
It’s not just about making art—it’s about gathering meaning from mess.
Clusters – 6 Ways
1️⃣ Organic Cluster (Big)
Built from freely torn, non-rectangular pieces
Often overlaps onto handmade paper or journal pages
Can include fabric, stitching, and lots of layers
Ideal for building as a journal page base or focal spread
🟫 Tip: Don’t overthink the shape—just respond to the pieces. Let it grow like a wildflower!
2️⃣ Organic Cluster (Small)
A smaller version of the above
Perfect for adding detail to corners of journal pages
Ideal for layering over tags or cards
Looks great when grouped or used as toppers
📌 Add a stitched element or word label to instantly elevate the feel.
3️⃣ Rectangular Cluster
Uses clean-ish rectangles or squares
Often layered in a grid-like or stacked fashion
Can include fabric strips, stitching borders, and tiny focal images
🧷 Great for envelopes, back of tags, or framed mini compositions.
4️⃣ Mini Art Postcards (cut from master sheet)
Begin with a mastersheet → cut into postcard-sized rectangles
Already layered, so minimal extra work needed
Add focal points or leave them abstract
Can be used as happy mail, journal tuck-ins, or mini prints
📬 Add a “stamp” or postcard-style back to finish the illusion!
5️⃣ Tag Clusters (cut from master sheet)
Use a tag-shaped template to cut from a busy master sheet
Embellish with stitches, fabric tops, and journaling lines
Fun to hang from journal rings or include in flip-outs
🏷️ These are both functional and beautiful—a joy to flip through!
6️⃣ Card Collage (on old playing cards)
Alter old playing cards as a base
Collage directly using scraps, then sand edges or stitch
Can become mini art pieces, affirmation cards, or pocket inserts
🃏 These are so addictive—you’ll end up making a whole deck.
Mixed Media Artist Resource Library
Free printables, collage papers, creative prompts & how-to guides
I’ve put together a free resource library designed just for you, packed with everything you need to fuel your creativity. It’s my way of giving back to the mixed media community with resources to inspire your next project. Click here to join.
✨ How to Use Clusters in Your Art Journal
Clusters aren’t just standalone embellishments—they can become the heart of your art journal pages.
Here’s why they’re so useful:
🎯 A single cluster can be the whole journal page.
Stick one thoughtfully made cluster onto a background you love—add a date, maybe a scribbled sentence—and it’s done. Instant page.🧩 They act as ready-made focal points.
Especially if your cluster already has a focal image (like a bird or face) and a quote or sentiment, it can carry the meaning of your entire spread.🎨 They simplify your creative flow.
Instead of wondering how to “start a page,” begin with a background wash or texture and just glue down a cluster. The hardest part—the composition—is already done.🧳 You can prepare them in batches.
Make a bunch of clusters when you’re not in the mood for full journaling. Then on other days, you can simply select one and build around it.
✂️ These clusters are like mini collages waiting to land somewhere meaningful.
Use them in:
handmade art journals
junk journals
vintage notebooks
mixed media sketchbooks
or even greeting cards and postcards
Quick tip: Try dedicating one journal just to your clusters. Let each spread begin with one and evolve from there.
🎨 Color Mood Ideas
The color palette you choose deeply influences the mood and feel of your cluster.
| Mood | Colors | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Muted Vintage | Sepia, cream, faded green | Gentle, nostalgic |
| Earthy Calm | Terracotta, olive, rust | Grounded, slow |
| Romantic Blush | Dusty rose, mauve, beige | Soft, poetic |
| Bold Vintage | Red, black, ochre | Dramatic, story-rich |
| Cool Minimal | Pale blue, grey, white | Clean, airy |
| Eclectic Joy | Multicolored, layered tones | Whimsical, childlike |
💡 More Things You Can Try
Make a whole journal from clusters
Add a photo or quote to each cluster
Use one color family per cluster (e.g., only pink scraps)
Bind several into an accordion-style fold-out
Use as covers for mini zines or booklets
Create a cluster-of-the-day habit to loosen up creatively
✍️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a focal point in every cluster?
A: Not at all! Some of the most powerful clusters are purely abstract. But a focal point adds a storytelling layer.
Q: Should I plan my layout first?
A: You can, but you don’t have to. The joy of clusters often lies in intuitive play.
Q: What kind of glue or adhesive works best?
A: Gel medium, matte Mod Podge, or a glue stick for dry layers. For fabric, you can stitch or use fabric glue.
Q: How do I store my finished clusters?
A: In envelopes, folders, or glue them into your art journal pages. You can also punch a hole and bind them on a ring.
Q: Can I use digital scraps?
A: Yes! Printed ephemera or digital vintage papers work beautifully.
💭 Final Thoughts
Scraps—no, fragments—are never just leftovers.
They are the bits we save for reasons we can’t always explain. Making clusters is a gentle, creative way to honor those reasons and turn them into something finished and beautiful.
Whether you’re building a big organic spread or stitching tiny pieces onto a tag, you are gathering meaning, emotion, and memory—one layer at a time.
🧵 Let your hands piece together what your mind can’t always say.
