Please note that we are in the process of updating all of our braille designs to UEB. We need help from the field to make this happen, so please contact us if you’re interested!
I am a braille transcriber and I have been creating and sharing braille designs for many years. I design the patterns just for fun and share them freely here.
People sometimes ask about the size of the braille paper that is required to make these braille drawings. I have created this chart to guide people who wish to try making these braille designs.
For reference, 29 braille cells are accommodated on an 8 ½ X 11 braille paper, while 40 cells are accommodated on an 11 X 11 braille paper. Colored large paper can be purchased where scrapbooking supplies are sold.
All patterns were developed on a 40 cell width paper. The used cells may be reduced by subtracting the number of unused cells at the beginning of each row. I have noted the amount to be subtracted on the designs which can accommodate 29 cells on the instructions.
Note: Some shorter designs may be accommodated on 8 ½ X 11 if the paper can be turned landscape (sideways) in the brailler. The 8 ½” paper accommodates 17 rows. An example of this accommodation is the bat.
![Download the full list of instructions for braille designs. Braille design instructions](https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/braille_design_instructions.png)
Just for Fun Design |
Used Cells |
29 Cell Adjustment: Small Paper |
Angel | 29 |
29 cell adjustment:
Subtract 3 spaces at the beginning of each row
|
Apple | 24 | None needed |
Bat | 37 | 29 cell adjustment: Landscape on short paper |
Bird | 18 | None needed |
Birthday Cake | 30 |
29 cell adjustment:
Subtract 2 spaces at the beginning of each row
Eliminate last cell on row 15
(Alternant method- Landscape paper)
|
Birthday Cake Slice | 12 | None needed |
Boat | 40 |
29 cell adjustment:
Landscape on short paper – Tight fit
|
12 | None needed | |
Candy Canes (Double) | 22 | None needed |
Christmas Tree | 28 | None needed |
Computer | 39 | Cannot be accommodated |
Darth Vader | 40 | Cannot be accommodated |
Dinosaur (T-Rex) | 26 | None needed |
Dragon | 38 | Cannot be accommodated |
32 | Cannot be accommodated | |
Duck on Pond | 40 |
29 cell adjustment:
Eliminate last cells on last row
|
Easter Basket with eggs | 30 |
29 cell adjustment:
Subtract 3 of beginning spaces on each row;
Row 3: eliminate 1 of the first “g”s;
Rows 4-15: eliminate one space in middle of each row;
Rows16-23 subtract one full cell from each row
|
Easter Eggs | 12 | None needed |
Elf | 31 |
29 cell adjustment:
Subtract 4 spaces at the beginning of each row;
Eliminate last cell on row 7;
Eliminate last 2 cells on rows 8 & 9
(removes ball on hat)
|
Flower in a pot | 18 | None needed |
24 | None needed | |
31 |
29 cell adjustment:
Landscape on short paper – Tight fit
| |
Menorah | 40 | Cannot be accommodated |
Pie (This is done sideways and then turned.) | 13 | None needed |
Pirate Ship | 39 |
29 cell adjustment:
Landscape on short paper – Tight fit if you eliminate the first 4 rows
|
Pot of Gold | 37 |
29 cell adjustment:
Subtract 3 spaces at the beginning of each row;
Eliminate end of row 16: make “with”, make 2 full cells, make “of”;
Eliminate end of row 17: , make “er”, make 2 full cells, make “q”, Space 1 time, make “with”, make 2 full cells, make “of”;
Eliminate end of row 18: make “er”, make 2 full cells, make “q”,
Eliminate end of row 19: make “with”, make 2 full cells, make “of”;
Eliminate rows 20 & 21
(removes all but one fallen coin)
|
34 |
29 cell adjustment:
Landscape on short paper – Tight fit
| |
Pumpkin – Small | 29 | None needed |
Santa | 35 | Cannot be accommodated |
Scarecrow | 34 |
29 cell adjustment:
Subtract 4 spaces at the beginning of each row;
Eliminate row 13;
Eliminate any extra ending cells that do not fit
(Not as nice looking, but good enough)
|
Shamrock | 24 | None needed |
Smilie Face | 17 | None needed |
Snowman | 40 | Cannot be accommodated |
Spider | 40 |
29 cell adjustment:
Landscape on short paper
|
Star of David | 34 | Cannot be accommodated |
Tow Truck | 24 | None needed |
Treasure Chest | 38 |
29 cell adjustment:
Landscape on short paper
|
Tulips | 40 |
29 cell adjustment:
Landscape on short paper
|
Turkey for Dinner | 36 | Cannot be accommodated |
Turkey | 37 | Cannot be accommodated |
Two Doves | 22 | None needed |
Witch | 37 | Cannot be accommodated |
Yoda | 39 |
29 cell adjustment:
Landscape on short paper
|
Learn how to make your own braille design!
![Collage of braille designs: what size paper to use](https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/braille_design_paper_collage-512x1024.jpg)