I’ve always enjoyed creating something, whether it’s drawing, painting, or crafting. I started with collage about three years ago. Initially, I began using stickers and cut-outs alongside my drawings in my bullet journals. However, I drew deeper inspiration to dive into creative journaling and paper crafting through Instagram. Seeing posts by creators like @albumlovehandmade, @lizecreates, and @nature18journal, I discovered that collages don’t necessarily have to be made from glossy magazine paper or photographs. Instead, you can use illustrations, stamps, old paper, tickets, and more. This approach resonated with me more, and I wanted to give it a try.
For me, creative journaling is a form of artistic self-expression. As an adult, such a hobby might seem a bit odd to some, but it’s incredibly relaxing to sit at my desk in the evenings after work, cutting, tearing, pasting, and letting go of all the day’s worries and stress. It’s almost like meditation. Paper art feels less stressful to me than drawing, making it a less self-critical way to express myself creatively. My process often involves starting with composing a background from materials I have on hand, without a clear idea or plan for the finished collage. Then I add a focal point, depending on how the background turned out and what complements it best. Less often, I’ll start with a specific element (e.g., a cut-out of an animal) and create the collage around that. But when I begin, I never know what the final result will be, and that’s part of the excitement. By sharing my creations on Instagram, I’ve also discovered a wonderful community where I can exchange creations, paper supplies, and even letters (happy mail). Creating for someone else adds an extra dimension to the process.
Other creators. I think my style, as well as the materials I use, are heavily influenced by the art I come across on Instagram or Pinterest. Fellow creators often inspire me to try something new, whether it’s a tool, technique, or style. Sometimes even a small detail in someone’s work sparks an idea for a project. Nature is also a big inspiration. My collages almost always feature an animal, bird, flower, or butterfly. Occasionally, it’s also a package or box I can’t bear to throw away or some other object. Then I start thinking about what I could create with it.
I love collecting and using vintage paper in my work, like old documents, receipts, handwritten letters, and so on. There’s just something captivating about old paper. I also enjoy using stamps to create backgrounds or add elements to collages. And washi and PET tapes, especially in my planner.
Your materials can be anything—a receipt, a tea bag, a beautiful tag, a page from an old book. So, you don’t necessarily need to buy craft papers or PET tapes to start. It’s worth looking around in thrift stores too. You can often find illustrated books, maps, or photo books that are great for collages (if you’re willing to cut them up). The most important thing is to enjoy the process. So if it doesn’t turn out the way you imagined at first, don’t toss your scissors aside. The more you create, the better you’ll get.
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Thank you, Maarja, for answering my questions. :)
Check out other interviews with creatives on our studio blog.
In addition to works by independent stationery designers, we offer prepared curated vintage paper packs and creative journaling kits to get you started <3.
