IF Kids Project :: Textured Rubbing Plates

Don’t recycle that tattered file folder! Turn it into a rubbing plate to make colorful papers full of patterns and textures.

To get started you will need:
old / used file folder
scissors
pencil
glue (liquid craft / school glue and glue stick)
paper (2 or more sheets)
crayons
masking tape (optional)

Let’s create!

Cut shapes.
Cut the file folder into two along the fold line. Using one side, cut a variety of shapes.

Glue the shapes to the plate base.
With liquid craft glue, adhere the shapes to the other half of the file folder, which now acts as the base for the rubbing plate. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Rub your crayon over the surface.
Place a sheet of paper over the top of your rubbing plate. Using the side of the crayon, rub it across the surface of the paper, pressing down as you do it. You can use one color or experiment with running one color over another. If the paper is shifting as you work, tape the rubbing plate and the paper to your work table with a bit of masking tape at the corners.

Collage your rubbings.
Use your rubbings to create a collage. Cut or tear your rubbings into new shapes and glue them onto another piece of paper. You may decide to create a separate rubbing for the background. Once you have arranged your papers into a composition you like, glue them into place. As paper tends to ripple with liquid glue, switch to a glue stick for this job.

Whether you decide to make a work of art or a cheerful card to post, this process is low on the messy scale and easy enough for preschoolers, just cut the shapes advance for them to arrange and glue into place.

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Thomas James

Thomas James is an Illustrator who has worked with The New York Times, WIRED, Pentagram, Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, and many others. You can see his portfolio at thomasjamesillustration.com.