Salt Rock artist Hayley Montgomery crafts unique textured art from everyday tools.
For Hayley Montgomery, the founder of Heartfelt, creating textured art is something that combines creativity with hands-on craftsmanship. Inspired by materials found in hardware stores rather than traditional art shops, Hayley has developed her own recipe for textured paste, mixing ingredients like gel medium, white paint, and even baking soda to achieve the perfect consistency. “It’s a bit like baking,” she laughs, “you’re always testing the mix to find what works best.”
She uses tools as unconventional as combs, baby spoons and even cake spatulas to bring her unique textures to life. This creative process allows her to push the boundaries of what’s possible, resulting in popular designs like seashell motifs and natural elements, which have resonated with customers seeking something truly one-of-a-kind.
EMBRACING COLOUR AND TRENDS
Creating textured art began about a year and a half ago, and her brand, Heartfelt, has quickly gained a loyal following. Her art aligns beautifully with the modern, minimalistic aesthetic that’s currently trending in decor. Neutral shades dominate her creations, with colours such as rich beiges, soft greys and crisp whites being highly requested by her clients. “Minimalism and neutrals are big right now because they bring a sense of calm and blend effortlessly with a wide range of interior styles,” she explains. This trend of simplicity reflects a collective shift toward peaceful, grounding spaces – an effect Hayley’s art helps amplify.
Hayley also enjoys working with subtle colour accents. She finds that warm earth tones and pastel hues, especially soft blues and blush pinks, are in high demand for children’s rooms. Her pieces are designed to play with light and shadow, making even monochromatic designs feel dimensional and alive. “It’s amazing how different the art can look just by shifting the lighting,” she adds, explaining that shadows cast across textured surfaces can make a piece feel dynamic, changing as the natural light shifts throughout the day.
INSPIRING CREATIVITY
Beyond her own creations, Hayley finds joy in sharing her craft with others. She occasionally hosts textured art workshops, where participants gather for a relaxed morning of creativity and connection. “It’s so rewarding to see how happy people are when they create their own textured art,” she says. These gatherings offer Hayley the opportunity to connect face-to-face with others who share her passion for hands-on creativity.
AN OUTLET FOR EXPRESSION AND CALM
Hayley describes textured art as a soothing counterbalance to her busy schedule – she also works in marketing, and has a seven-year-old son. “It’s relaxing and helps me manage anxiety,” she says, adding that the tactile nature of the medium allows her to focus fully on the moment. Working with the paste, adjusting textures, and experimenting with patterns provide an almost meditative escape, a space to slow down and simply create.
Details: IG: @heartfelt.art.studio
