A Textural Art Journal Spread with Fabric & Collage

Some art journal pages begin with a plan. Others emerge slowly, one scrap, one layer, and one mark at a time.

For this textural art journal spread, I played with fabric scraps, lace, collage papers, paint, and mark making. I wanted to explore how different materials could come together to create a page with depth, contrast, and an imperfect, handmade quality.

🎥 Watch the Video

Exploring texture in an art journal

One of my favourite things about mixed media art journaling is the freedom to combine materials that wouldn’t ordinarily belong together. Fabric, old papers, lace, paint, and found scraps can all become part of the same composition.

I layered distressed papers with frayed textiles, allowing the edges, patterns, and surfaces of each material to remain visible. The contrast between the soft lace, rough fabric, and painted paper gives the spread much of its character.

Collage, layering, and mark making

I used collage to build the composition, bringing together different colours, shapes, and textures. Some areas became darker and more layered, while others remained relatively open.

I then added simple white botanical marks and small repeated shapes. These marks help connect the different parts of the page without covering up the textures underneath.

I enjoy this stage of the process because it doesn’t require every decision to be made in advance. Sometimes, the most interesting details appear when you respond to what is already on the page.

Letting the art journal evolve

I initially had one page in mind, but the process continued to evolve as I worked. Rather than trying to make everything perfectly coordinated, I let the materials guide the next steps.

For me, an art journal is a place to experiment, collect ideas, use up scraps, and discover new combinations. A page doesn’t always need a clear subject or a polished finish to be meaningful. Sometimes, exploring texture and enjoying the process is enough.

If you enjoy working with found papers, textile scraps, and mixed media techniques, try gathering a few materials you already have and creating your own layered art journal page.