A Slow Texture Sampler
Compare four ways of giving paper texture: rubbing, folding, tearing, and layering.
- 30–60 minutes, plus drying
- Some setup
- Easy to pause
- Seated friendly
- Some cleanup
- Low effort
What you need
Use a colored pencil, scraps, paper glue, and a clean, flat textured object you already own. Avoid fragile or valuable surfaces. Active time excludes drying.
- paper
- scrap paper
- colored pencils
- glue
- found objects
Make it
Use a colored pencil, scraps, paper glue, and a clean, flat textured object you already own. Avoid fragile or valuable surfaces. Active time excludes drying.
- 1
Set out four small paper areas and your materials on a suitable work surface.
- 2
Make a rubbing by placing paper over your textured object and gently moving the side of a colored pencil across it.
- 3
Fold another area into broad ridges, and tear a third area's edge into a rough contour.
- 4
Glue a few overlapping scraps onto the fourth area, then put away materials and leave it flat to dry.
- 5
Compare the four surfaces by sight. Choose one process you would like to revisit.
Short on energy? Make a rubbing on one small scrap.
A good place to stop: Two contrasting samples are enough for a useful comparison.
Make it work for you: Use broad movements and easy-to-hold materials. Skip rubbing or tearing if either is uncomfortable; comparison can be visual without touching.
Another route: Repeat one technique with two different types of scrap paper.