Textures Shape Your Journaling World!
The Feel of the Page: Rice, Vellum & Washi Paper in Journaling Aesthetic
If you're drawn to journaling not just for what you write, but how the page feels, this is the post for you. The Feel of the Page: Rice, Vellum & Washi Paper in Journaling Aesthetic explores three of the most beautiful, sensory-rich paper types and how they bring character, atmosphere, and a little history to your notebooks, planners, and creative projects.
Whether you're layering materials in a memory journal, attaching translucent elements in a collage, or experimenting with ink on unusual surfaces, these papers are more than just pretty — they’re deeply rooted in tradition and craft.
Let’s dive into each one:
🏮 Rice Paper: Whisper-Light, Deeply Rooted
Rice paper has its origins in ancient China, used as early as the Tang Dynasty (7th–10th centuries) for painting and calligraphy. Contrary to the name, it’s not actually made from rice but from the pith of the Tetrapanax papyrifer plant or from mulberry bark in later iterations.
In journaling, rice paper adds a sense of airiness and fragility. It’s incredibly thin yet surprisingly strong, making it ideal for layering or floating atop other materials in a mixed-media spread.
Ink Behaviour:
Because of its semi-absorbent nature, rice paper works best with brush pens, soft inks, and gentle application. Heavy ink may bleed or warp, but lighter inks sink beautifully, giving a natural feathered effect that evokes ancient manuscripts.
Best For:
Mood boards
Quote overlays
Ephemeral collages
Nature journaling (botanical sketches look stunning on it)
👉 Discover some rice-textured pieces in our Vintage Collage Packs!
✨ Vellum: Translucent Elegance with a Rich History
Vellum dates back to antiquity, originally made from treated calfskin and prized for illuminated manuscripts in medieval Europe. Today, modern vellum is plant-based, retaining that signature translucent, almost ghostly appearance.
It’s loved in the journaling world for its layering potential — you can print or write on it, then overlay it across a photo or spread for depth without heaviness. Vellum softens colours underneath and gives a dreamy feel to your layouts.
Ink Behaviour:
Most modern vellum is non-absorbent. Ballpoints and gel pens can smudge, but pigment ink and quick-dry pens work well. Test before committing. Vellum doesn’t soak up colour — it sits on the surface — so you get sharp lines and clean visuals.
Best For:
Overlays for photos and journaling blocks
Printed quotes
Pocket inserts
Delicate envelope windows in scrapbooking
✨ You'll find vellum-inspired elements in many of our stickers and layering packs.
🏯 Washi Paper: Texture, Tradition & True Japanese Craft
Washi, literally “Japanese paper,” has been crafted for over 1,300 years and is made from fibres of the kozo (paper mulberry), gampi, or mitsumata shrubs. Recognised by UNESCO as a cultural heritage craft, it combines strength with an earthy softness and a lightly fibrous texture.
Washi paper is a favourite for both structural and decorative journaling uses. It tears beautifully, adheres well, and adds a rustic, handcrafted tone to any spread.
Ink Behaviour:
Washi absorbs ink quickly but retains colour vibrancy. Water-based inks soak in with a slightly muted tone; brush pens and stamping inks feel particularly at home on this surface. Its matte finish means no glare, just natural warmth.
Best For:
Washi layering strips
Stamped elements
Handmade tags
Backgrounds with tactile depth
🌿 You can explore our handmade washi textures in the paper + sticker section.
Why Paper Texture Matters in Journaling
In a world of glossy screens and algorithm-driven content, returning to textured, tangible surfaces can feel like a creative exhale. The Feel of the Page: Rice, Vellum & Washi Paper in Journaling Aesthetic isn’t just about paper — it’s about the kind of visual storytelling and sensory engagement that modern life rarely offers.
These paper types each bring their own palette of mood, history, and method to journaling. And they remind us that journaling is not only about recording, but about experiencing.
We encourage you to seek out different paper types in our journaling kits and stickers collection. Try layering vellum over rice paper. Stamp washi offcuts and tuck them behind photos. Let the feel of each paper guide your next entry.
Useful Further Reading:
