FaveCrafts

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FaveCrafts 365 Let’s Get Punching!

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One of the coolest new techniques in paper punches is using corner and border punches to punch around the the outside edges of a piece of paper. There are specific dimensions needed to accomplish this, but it’s so easy and such an eye catching effect.  I’ve also used this technique to punch across the top, then down one side of my paper.  Check it out! There is a mini slide show at the end of the video showing the different ways to punch. Although these punches are often sold in sets, you can mix and match with a little care. I do recommend having a shape craft knife and cutting mat close by if you aren’t the most accurate of souls (that’s me!).

You can find many of these punches at CutRateCrafts.com! I love shopping at this online discount craft store and especially enjoy the great customer service.

Ask Maria “How Much To Punch?”

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Question

My punches can’t seem to punch through cardstock and other heavyweight papers. Do you think my punched have dulled or is there any way to use them with heavier paper?

Madge via e-mail

I don’t know if you are like me, Madge, but sometimes I want to cut several shapes at once to save time and that isn’t always the way to treat our paper punches. Some punches can cut through several sheets of paper or cardstock, but most were just not designed for that heavy a load. I’ve found the more detailed a paper punch the less likely it is to cut through thick materials.

Yet, I’m often surprised to hear that paper punches are cutting through metal sheets, fabric, and more! You’ll just have to test your punches or ask the manufacturer for recommendations. Packaging often clearly states what the punch can and can’t be used with and if you punch through a heavyweight material you can end up damaging the punch’s inner mechanisms.  You can sharpen your punches by using aluminum foil. Just punch a strip of the aluminum foil several times. If you notice your punches aren’t punching as smoothly as you’d like you can punch a strip of wax paper several times and get a smoother punch action.

Maria Nerius is the Resident Craft Expert at FaveCrafts.com. She loves to punch and uses her paper punches daily! Ask Maria at question: Maria@FaveCrafts.com.

Product Review and Giveaway: Punch Needle Kit Giveaway

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Punch needle is the art of punching the back of the design creating loops at the front of the design. You push and pull filling in the design with each color.  We are giving away one bird on branch kit, with comes with pre-printed fabric, threads and instructions. We are also including the punch needle tool and the threader tool. You have everything you need to create this design! Read the full review and enter to win the kit here.

Contest ends November 20, 2009. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!

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