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When I’m creating a collage, I often reach for papers that bring calm and balance to the composition.

Without these quieter papers that incorporate soft textures, gentle color shifts, and low-contrast layers, everything starts to feel a little too loud.

So in this week’s Tune In Tuesday, I’m sharing 6 ways to make quiet textured collage papers that support, soften, and harmonize with your bolder collage elements. Yes, these are subtle pieces but they’re also essential for our collage compositions. Think of them as the background singers who make the lead vocals shine.

And the best part? You probably already have everything you need.

Getting started

Each textured paper starts by adhering your base paper to a plastic surface with water. This keeps it flat and allows paint and impressions to flow beautifully.

Then you will start making magic:

• Mix your paint directly on the page (yes, right on the surface!)

• Use crumpled deli paper or craft paper to create unexpected textures

• Try layering with stencils and misting water for a ghost-like imprint

• Let the paint pool and separate to see what unfolds

• Use your leftover crumpled papers, add a light touch of paint, and turn them into collage elements too

You’ll notice right away that this process is more about exploration and experimentation than perfection. Some papers will be instant favorites. Others you may find only certain spots that you love, maybe a corner, or the center. But every layer teaches you something new, and opens up a new path to try next.

By the end of this demo, my studio was filled with drying collage papers (what’s new, right?!). Some of the results are beautiful and make me want to yell, “I love that!” And others will be painted over with another layer in the future. However, nothing is wasted, whether a paper is used in the next collage, or given another layer down the road.

These are the papers I’ll reach for again and again when a collage needs a quiet space to breath. They’re easy to overlook, but they change everything.

Final Thoughts

Don’t expect every paper to be a masterpiece. Expect to play and experiment. And to find joy in the quiet layers that hold everything else together.

Here’s to gentle textures, joyful messes, and finding beauty in the quiet.

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The Supplies to Create These Papers:

Joggles craft mat (what I made the papers on)

Heavyweight papers like Bristol Paper 

Papers to create texture like:
Kraft paper 
Copy paper 
Rice paper 
Deli paper 

Nova Acrylic Paint or any other soft body brand paint like Liquetex Basics

*Some links are affiliate links that pay a small commission to support the production of this art demo series, while not costing you anything more.

 

Are you interested in learning more about how to incorporate your collage papers into your art?

Check out my Collage Workshops!