Inspired by the Germany-based Stadtstempel Projekt (@stadtstempel_projekt), I found myself in Germany (what a coincidence!) experimenting for the first time with an intuitive stamping technique I’ve come to call textured journaling.
Equipped with a clay-like kneaded eraser, an ink pad, and my journal (details of materials listed below), I wandered through the streets of Regensburg, Germany letting my senses guide me. Instead of sketching or writing, I began collecting textures of place—from the built and natural world—directly onto my journal pages. Architecture, plant life, trees, stones, furniture, found objects… all became part of a two-dimensional archive of three-dimensional experiences.
This textured journal entry documents my time in Regensburg from June 24–28, 2025. Each stamp tells a story, capturing tactile fragments of the city. From left to right, you’ll find:
- A locally crafted beaded eye patch
- The preserved Roman gate Porta Praetoria
- Ivy vines and a tree trunk by the Danube
- A keyhole from an antique desk inside Cinema Andreasstadel
- Engraved text at the entrance of the University of Regensburg
- The metal fence covering a wishing well (yes, I made a wish!)
- An intercom speaker from a local residence
- A heart-shaped locket
- A book cover from a public library near the cinema
- An evergreen pine tree
- A knot in a wooden fence
- The letter “B”
- River rocks from the Danube
- And finally, Stadtmaus—a sculpted rat and beloved porte bonheur of Regensburg
Materials I Used:
- Kneaded eraser – The sturdier the better. I used the house brand from Deserres.
- Ink pad – I recommend one with a firm surface that dries quickly. I used Stāzon Midi Inks.
- Journal – I love Leuchtturm A5 notebooks, 120g dotted paper.
Whether walking unfamiliar terrain or familiar paths, textured journaling invites you to slow down and feel your surroundings. It allows you to document not just what you see, but what you touch—offering an alternative, creative, and tactile way of connecting to place.