Open a new image, 150x300.  Flood fill it with the gradient shown below, or one of your own choice.

Sample1:  Effects/Texture Effects/Paper

Sample 2:  Effects/Artistic/Contours/Default.  Then use the Paper texture.

Sample3:  Effects/Artistic/Contours/Custom 1.  Then use the Paper texture.

Here is the difference in looks you will achieve.
1 has a tighter weave, 2 adds dark tones, 3 is open and airy.

Now increase your canvas size to 400x600 so you have room to work.

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