Using special hole punches and acid-free papers, guest Suzanne McNeill puts together colorful scrapbook punch art. Before investing in a number of punches, however, McNeill suggests starting with some basic geometric shapes such as circles, hearts, and stars. These can be used as building blocks to make just the right design for scrapbook pages and stationery.
What to Punch? To protect precious photographs, punch shapes from acid-free paper, card stock or adhesive-backed paper. These papers are available in a variety of solid colors and print designs. Choose paper with a very small design so the design is in proportion to the size of the punch. Card stock works well, but tends to dull punches faster than paper. Adhesive-backed paper is convenient but expensive, and can leave residue on the punches.
Where to Punch? Place the punch on a sturdy table or counter top. Insert the paper and, while standing rather than seated, use your palm to press down firmly on the punch. This extra "leverage" will help to produce a cleaner cut.
Who Can Punch? Whether for basic shapes or intricate patterns, there are punches to suit any age or occasion. Punching appeals to adults and children alike.
Why Punch? Punch design images can instantly create a theme for a scrapbook page, and punching is also an economical way to use scraps of paper that would normally be wasted. For anyone compelled to utilize every little piece of paper, make confetti out of the smaller scraps.
Tips
- Wavy-edge scissors or punches are great for making lace-like borders.
- When punching, turn the punch upside down on your work table and insert paper to better see what is being punched.
- Use tweezers to hold small punched shapes while applying adhesive.
- Break in new punches by punching through waxed paper before punching paper. When a punch becomes sticky or sluggish, punch through waxed paper several times to lubricate it.
- To sharpen dull punches, punch through aluminum foil several times. If punch is still dull, punch through very fine sandpaper, holding the punch right side up and upside down to sharpen both edges.
Resources punches
Family Treasures Inc.
We apologize no contact information is available.punches
Available at craft stores nationwide.
McGill Inc. / Craftivity
Website:
www.mcgillinc.com
punches and scissors
Fiskars
Website:
www.fiskars.com
Punchin's Book, papers (Model #: 5104 - book)
Design Originals
Website:
www.d-originals.com
Guests Suzanne McNeill
Publisher and Author
Design Originals
Website:
www.d-originals.com Also in this Episode
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