Cut a few squares of card stock, like from a 6 pack holder or business card.
What comes first to hand says a lot about us
Cut a hole as close to the size of the center screw of the punch as you can. Now use this to center to the hole you want to enlarge and stick it down, rubber cement works great for this kind of work.
Put a sheet of card on the other side of the plate, when you punch. This gives you a chance to get everything square and the punch started in the card, before you start in on the metal and will protect the plate from tool marks...John