| Punch tips | |||
| Current page: Useful stuff ~ Punch tips | |||
|
Punches are a great, relatively inexpensive way to be able to produce many shapes out of whatever card or paper you like. A collection of basic shapes is invaluable as great images can be made using several shapes with just a little imagination. Punches may not always be the easiest things to use though. We've put together a list of great tips in case you're having problems. |
 |
· Stand up when punching to gain more leverage, and always punch down on a hard surface rather than "in the air".
· Don’t try punching through card that is too thick; use thinner card or paper. · Using a shop bought ‘Punch aid’ may help with some punches, or try pushing down on your punch with a felt-backed drinks coaster (felt side to punch) on a firm surface to create an even pressure (this really does work, try it!) |
 |
· Stepping on your punch on a hard floor may do the trick on thicker card!
· Punches can be sharpened by punching through thick foil (Chinese takeaway carton for example) or several layers of normal kitchen foil. · Punching through sandpaper both ways round will also sharpen a dull punch. · To prevent punches from sticking, punch regularly through wax paper several times (rub a candle over paper to make your own waxed paper if you don’t have any). |
 |
· Punches with chronic sticking problems can be lubricated with a light oil (such as 3 in 1 or WD-40). Punch through scrap paper several times afterwards to remove any oily residue. More intricate designs are most likely to stick.
· Place a sticking punch in the freezer for 20 minutes to contract and shrink the metal parts. · New punches will loosen up with continued use. · Tap a sticking punch on the table top to release the mechanism. · If your punch is stuck and you can’t get your paper out, turn it over and use a screwdriver or spoon handle to push the metal part back up. · Some punches may make dirty marks from lubricating oil used in their production when they are new. Punch through paper several times until the marks disappear, or use a cotton bud and a little washing up liquid to clean them. |
 |
· Soft papers, such as mulberry and tissue paper, do not usually punch well. Punch these materials together with a sheet of printer paper to cut them effectively.
· Apply double-sided tape to the back of paper or card before punching to achieve self-adhesive punched shapes. Remember that this will make the material to be punched thicker, so it may only work on paper or thin card. If you have trouble punching, try stepping on your punch as above. · Run your finger-nail around any rough edges to smooth them down. |
|
These presents were simply made using printed card cut with a square punch. Use co-ordinating 3mm ribbon to finish. |
|
This cute chick was made using an X-cut circle punch and a small circle punch with sunflower laid card to make the body and head. Its wings are made using a small heart punch. Its beak and eyes are cut using a teardrop plier punch and a 1/16” circle plier punch. The Easter egg is cut from printed card using an egg punch. |
|
The fries box here is made using an X-cut tag punch and red textured card. Use an X-cut circle punch to make the curved top. The ‘fries’ are scissor-cut from lemon fun foam. |
|
The ladybird body is made by cutting two circles, one in black and one in red textured card using an X-cut circle punch. Cut the red circle in two and use a 1/16” circle plier punch to cut out the spots. The head part is done using a small circle punch. |