Hey Theresa, one super simple way to create a textured paper would be to have a solid color (or gradient) paper and add an existing texture through Effects > Texture Effects > Textures…
Another way would be to fill one layer (either solid or gradient or pattern) and on another layer, add a solid color with a texture so then you would fill with variations of opacity in the color.
As for the different patterns, each one of them is a different technique and that is what we have in our membership. Right now, there are 62 tutorials to create 62 different paper designs, ranging from polka dots, stripes, plaids, chevrons, scale, quatrefoil, etc.
You can read more about the DIAMOND membership HERE.
