Texture Plates from Paper Punches

 
 
Don’t throw away your old file folders!  I’ll show you how to create your own DIY texture plates that you can use for your next art lesson!  Gather some paper punches, and let’s get started!
 

Here’s What You’ll Need to Make Texture Plates

supplies I used to make the paper punch textures
If you like the labels, use the link at the bottom of the page to download them for free!
 

 

Texture Plates with Paper Punches

I used a combination of large punches typically used for scrapbooking and a small circle and heart punch and created texture plates. Next, I cut the folders in half and used the half with the tab for the plate and the other half of the folder for punching out the shapes.

Here is the process that worked for me:

  • pre-punch a few shapes
  • cover a small area with glue or glue stick
  • then arrange the punch-outs on the file folder

If you use liquid glue, you may need to press the folder flat after it’s dry by laying a stack of books on top.

using a flower punch to make a texture plate
texture plate made from flower punches
 
Notice that I took the circle punched out from inside the flower and punched another hole in it with a standard paper punch. Then I arranged the flowers and circle together in a random interesting way.
If you’d rather create a more formal-looking pattern, the following design uses a grid to arrange the circle punches.
 
 
texture plate made from circles on a grid
 
texture on a file folder made from free form circles - 2 sizes
texture plate made from small punches, a circle shape and a heart
a snowflake punch used to make a texture on this folder
 
 
 
 

Want more texture ideas?

Making Texture Plates:

Texture Blog Posts

Social & Emotional Learning in Art

Click on this image to get a free copy of this infographic.

Remind yourself and others of the social and emotional benefits of art. This is a great graphic to include in parent newsletters or display in your room.

You can read more about Social Emotional Learning in Art in this blog post.


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Don’t forget to pin this!

A texture plate made by using a heart-shaped paper punch. All of the little heart pieces are glued to a file folder to make a texture rubbing plate. The text says, "Art Teacher Tips - Texture Plates - Recycle Your File Folders".
Stacey Peters

Stacey Peters

I create engaging drawing resources that help students build confidence and express themselves through art. I'm a former elementary art teacher of 25 years turned business owner. Giving you the tools you need to bring more drawing into your classroom brings me joy.

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I create engaging drawing resources that help students build confidence and express themselves through art.

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