Five Minute Texture
These fun and easy texture rollers make mark making and gelli printing fast, creative, and full of surprises! You can make your own using brayers, paint rollers, or even recycled paper towel rolls. Wrap or layer materials like torn tape, adhesive foam, yarn, rubber bands, foil, or plastic wrap to create endless patterns and textures.
Once you’ve built your roller, choose a medium such as watercolor, gouache, acrylic, or ink. Spread a thin layer on a flat palette (a plastic placemat works perfectly) and start rolling your design onto paper. You can also use your custom rollers on a gelli plate to make textured prints and backgrounds.
You’ll just need:
Brayers, paint rollers, or cardboard tubes
A mix of simple materials like tape, yarn, rubber bands, foil, or foam
Your preferred paints or inks
Tips for Creating Designs:
For repeat patterns, wrap a string around your brayer to measure its circumference.
For random textures, stick on foam scraps or torn tape in any shape you like.
Wrap yarn by tucking the ends under previous layers.
Secure plastic wrap or foil with a small piece of tape.
Printing Time:
Roll your brayer in paint and print directly on paper, or use it with your gelli plate for layered effects. Try different materials and see how each creates a unique texture.
If you experiment with paper towel rolls and like the results, consider investing in a few inexpensive brayers to make a set of reusable favorites. Foam adhesive can be peeled off and replaced—just remove any residue with baby oil before redesigning.
More Texture Ideas:
Emboss, deboss, or die-cut your adhesive foam
Add lace, ribbon, or burlap
Try texture tape, bubble wrap, or perforated foil
Use foam letters for bold impressions
Create your own patterned papers for collage, mixed media, journaling, or even handmade wrapping paper for any occasion.
Happy paper crafting!