The Art of Paper: Using Paper To Elevate Your Journal
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Paper is more than just a surface for writing or sticking photos—it’s a creative tool that sets the tone of your journal or scrapbook spread. Choosing the right types, textures, sizes and shapes of paper can instantly transform a flat page into something rich, layered and expressive.
In this post, we’ll explore how paper choice can make all the difference in your layouts and why mixing styles and materials is one of the easiest ways to bring your pages to life.
Why Paper Choice Matters
Every type of paper brings its own visual and tactile personality. Whether you're going for a vintage look, a clean modern spread or something soft and romantic, the papers you choose set the foundation.
Using a mix of paper types and textures:
- Adds visual depth and contrast
- Brings dimension and movement
- Creates a layered, storytelling feel
- Helps highlight photos, quotes or key moments
By combining smooth, rough, thick and translucent papers, your pages become more interactive and visually engaging.
Popular Paper Types for Scrapbooking and Journaling
Here’s a closer look at the types of paper that work beautifully across journaling and scrapbooking styles:
Cardstock
A sturdy base for most projects, cardstock comes in a variety of colours and finishes. It’s ideal for background pages, 3D additions, layering and cutting into shapes.
Patterned Paper
From florals and grids to vintage book prints, patterned paper adds instant character. Use it to frame your layout, create pockets or as a visual focal point.
Vellum
This translucent paper is perfect for softening bolder elements. It’s often used as an overlay to add lightness and a dreamy layer to spreads.
Handmade and Tissue Paper
Textured and delicate, these papers offer a rustic, artistic feel. Tear and tuck behind tags, use as collage material or create contrast with smoother elements.
Kraft Paper
With its warm, earthy tones, kraft paper suits vintage or natural themes and pairs beautifully with florals, handwritten notes or botanical designs.
Mixed Media and Watercolour Paper
Great for adding your own art or textures, these thicker papers hold water-based media and work well as inserts or accent panels.
Lined, Grid and Dot Paper
Classic for journaling, these are perfect for writing lists, dates or daily thoughts—and they layer well behind photos or stickers to add structure.
Playing with Size and Shape
Paper doesn’t have to be square or rectangular. Cutting or tearing paper into different shapes adds movement and stops your page from feeling static. Try:
- Circles, tags or heart-shaped cut-outs
- Deckled or torn edges
- Mini envelopes or faux Polaroid frames
- Pre-cut ephemera shapes
- Small journaling cards tucked between layers
Using varied sizes also helps guide the eye across the page and draws attention to focal points like photos or headings.
Layering and Texture: Creating Depth
Layering is one of the easiest ways to elevate a page. Think of each layer as part of the story—start with a base, then build up with contrasting colours, textures and shapes. Even a small scrap of paper placed behind a photo can make it pop.
Tips for layering:
- Combine translucent vellum with bold patterned paper
- Let torn edges peek out from underneath
- Use foam tape for dimension between layers
- Mix smooth and textured finishes for contrast
Texture isn’t just visual—it makes your pages more tactile and personal. Handmade paper, embossed details or stitched borders invite touch, adding a new layer of engagement to your journal or scrapbook.
Final Thoughts
Mixing paper types, styles, sizes and shapes doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about experimenting and trusting your eye. Sometimes a torn corner or layered tag is all you need to shift the mood of a page. These small, thoughtful touches make your layout feel curated and complete.
So next time you sit down to journal or scrapbook, reach for something a little different. Layer a bit of vellum, tear a scrap of kraft paper or try an unexpected shape. You might be surprised how much it transforms your spread.
Looking for unique papers and embellishments? Discover our curated collection of textured papers, patterned sheets and vintage-inspired journaling papers here.