The use of die-cut punches provides scrapbook crafters with tools to add clarity, frivolity or a touch of elegance to your scrapbook page and personal card creations. Martha Stewart, a well respected name in the craft industry, offers a wide array of punch options to choose from. We have tried to share a simple view of most of what she has to offer in punches. You can view the die-cut selection to decide if there is one you’d like to have in your repertoire of punches. Click on the photo and you’ll be taken to an online site where you can purchase that punch at a very good price, or you may choose to try and find it at your local craft or scrapbook supply store.

Note: These punch tools can be sharpened by punching through aluminum foil or lubricated by punching through waxed paper.

Martha Stewart Crafts™
Punches

	Arch Lattice Edger Punch This punch creates a beautiful border design with die-cut and embossed details. This Arch Lattice edger punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. This Arch Lattice edger punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	3-in-1 Classic Butterfly Punch This easy and fun-to-use 3-in-1 Classic Butterfly craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. You can use this punch for confetti as well. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Monarch Butterfly Edge Punch Around the Page This punch creates a beautiful with die-cut border design design. This Monarch Butterfly edge around punch with the matching corner punch (sold separately) makes an elegant continuous border design. You can also use this punch alone. This punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. This Monarch Butterfly edge punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns. Also, this edge punch features fold able wings for convenient storage in standing position.
	Bumble Bee Double Punch This easy and fun-to-use Bumble Bee craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Glassene Butterfly Punch This easy and fun-to-use Glassene Butterfly craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs from paper, cardstock, felt, foam sheets, thin metal, and more. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Monarch Butterfly Corner Around The Page Punch This easy and fun-to-use Monarch Butterfly Corner craft punch with the matching edge punch (sold separately) creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs, that together provides a continuous design around all four sides of your craft project. This corner punch is great too when used alone for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other craft projects.
	Monarch Butterfly Corner Punch This easy and fun-to-use Monarch Butterfly Corner craft punch with the matching edge punch (sold separately) creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs, that together provides a continuous design around all four sides of your craft project. This corner punch is great too when used alone for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other craft projects.
	Monarch Butterfly Punch This easy and fun-to-use Monarch Butterfly craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Butterfly Stamp and Punch This easy and fun-to-use Butterfly craft stamp and punch has two different functions: one creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs; while the other provides a stamped bird image. This punch and stamp is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other craft projects. The stamp and punch can each be used separately for more fun options. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Medium Classic Butterfly Punch This easy and fun-to-use Classic Butterfly craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Crown Punch This easy and fun-to-use Crown craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	1″ Scalloped Circle Punch This easy and fun-to-use Scalloped Circle craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. You can create neat scalloped circles from paper, cardstock, cardboard, felt, foam sheets, thin metals, and more. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. This punch also makes a great background for a smaller shape or decorative stickers.
	Pointed Circle 1″ Punch This easy and fun-to-use Pointed Circle craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. You can create neat pointed circles from paper, cardstock, cardboard, felt, foam sheets, thin metals, and more. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. This punch also makes a great background for a smaller shape or decorative sticker.
	Corner Rounder Punch This easy and fun-to-use pointed Corner Round craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. You can create neat pointed circles from paper, cardstock, cardboard, felt, foam sheets, thin metals, and more. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects.
	Cosmos Punch This fun and easy to use Cosmos craft punch creates a crisp, perfectly shaped cut-out from paper, cardstock, cardboard, felt, foam sheets, thin metals and more if not too thick. You can layer or combine this shape with others companion Cosmos shapes: Hydrangea and Rose Leaf punches to create spring or floral themed embellishments. Use on cards, scrapbook pages, invitations and other paper craft projects.
	Checkerboard Edger Punch This punch creates a beautiful with die-cut Checkerboard border design. This border punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. This Checkerboard edger punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns. Note: The shape will remain connected to the paper after punching.
	Daisy Fan Deep Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous Daisy Fan die-cut border design up to two-an-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Daisy Fan punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Medium Layering Daisy This easy and fun-to-use Layering Daisy craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. You can make your own dimensional daisy embellishments by stacking layers of petals. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Double Loop Weave Deep Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous Double Loop Weave die-cut border design up to two-an-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Double Loop Weave punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Doily Lace Trim Deep Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous Doily Lace die-cut border design up to two-an-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Doily Lace punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Dragon Fly Medium Punch This easy and fun-to-use Dragon Fly craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Double Embossed Elephant This fun craft punch creates a cute Elephant with die-cut details, and an ear that you can bend. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. The tool stands upright for easy access and storage. Note: The shape will remain attached to the paper. Pull gently to lift out the elephants ears.
	Vintage Doily Deep Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous Vintage Doily die-cut border design up to two-an-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Vintage Doily punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Eyelet Lace Deep Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous Eyelet Lace die-cut border design up to two-an-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Eyelet Lace punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Floral Vine Deep Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous Floral Vine die-cut border design up to two-an-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Floral Vine punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Flower Punch This easy and fun-to-use Flower craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped tulip cut-outs. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Large Flower Punch This easy and fun-to-use Large Flower craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs with with embossed details and fold-up petals. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Fleur De Lis Medium Punch This easy and fun-to-use Fleur De Lis craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Flowers on a Vine Deep Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous Flower on a Vine die-cut border design up to two-and-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Flowers on a Vine punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Flower Bed Deep Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous Flower Bed die-cut border design up to two-an-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Flower Bed punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Garden Trellis Deep Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous Garden Trellis die-cut border design up to two-an-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Garden Trellis punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	3-in-1 Hydrangea Punch This easy and fun-to-use 3-In-1 Hydrangea craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs of three tiny hydrangea blossoms. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. These punch outs can also be used for confetti. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage. Note: The shape will remain attached to the paper. Pull gently to lift out the Hydrangea petals.
	Heart Chain Punch Around the Page Set This Martha Stewart Crafts™ Heart Chain Punch Around the Page Combo Set will create a beautiful die-cut border along all 4 edges of a page. Guides printed on the tools ensure precise alignment for a perfect continuous pattern. You can also use the corner punch and edge punch individually, to create single-edge borders and decorative corner designs. This Set Heart Chain punch around edger punch is a great tool for adding an elegant border for cards, scrapbook pages, invitations and other paper craft projects. 2 pieces.
	Heartbeat Deep Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous Heartbeat die-cut border design up to two-an-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Heartbeat punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Happy Birthday Deep Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous Happy Birthday die-cut border design up to two-an-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Happy Birthday punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Holiday Lights Deep Double-Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous two-sided die-cut border design up to two-and-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Holiday Lights deep double-edge punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This Holiday Lights punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Ladybug Punch Around The Page This punch creates a continuous Lady Bug die-cut border with the matching edge punch (sold separately) creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs, that together provides a continuous design around all four sides of your craft project. This Lady Bug punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Ladybug Corner Punch This easy and fun-to-use Lady Bug Corner craft punch with the matching edge punch (sold separately) creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs, that together provides a continuous design around all four sides of your craft project. This corner punch is great too when used alone for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other craft projects.
	Ladybug Double Punch This easy and fun-to-use Ladybug craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs with die-cut details. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage. Note: The shape will remain attached to the paper. Pull gently to lift out the ladybug.
	Leaves and Branch Deep Edge Punch This punch creates a continuous Leaves and Branch die-cut border design up to two-an-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Leaves and Branch punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Medallion Medium Double Punch This easy and fun-to-use Medallion craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Ribbon Bow Medium Punch This easy and fun-to-use Ribbon Bow Medium craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Snowflake Trim Deep Double-Edge-Punch This punch creates a continuous two-sided die-cut border design up to two-and-a-half times the size of a standard edge punch. This Snowflake Trim deep double-edge punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, and other paper crafts. This Snowflake Trim punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Scallop Dot Edge Punch This punch creates a beautiful die-cut scalloped border. This Scallop Dot edge punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. This Scallop Dot punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Scallop Embossed Edge Punch This punch creates a beautiful die-cut and embossed detailed scalloped border design. This Scallop Embossed edge punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. This Scallop Embossed edge punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Star Border Edge Punch This punch creates a beautiful die-cut star border design. This Stars edge punch is a great tool for adding a themed border for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. This Stars edge punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Stars Edger Punch This unique punch creates a beautiful die-cut border design. This Stars edge punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. Use one punched shape as an accent piece, or line up multiple punches to a border. This Stars edge punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Double Scallop Edger Punch This punch creates a large scallop pattern edged with a smaller design to provide an elegant die-cut Double Scallop border. This border punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. This Double Scallop edger punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Signature Hole Punch Edger Punch This special punch creates parallel punched holes perfectly spaced to fit Martha Stewart’s ring binders. There is an alignment guide to help create a continuous pattern. The open holes are great for threading yarn, ribbon or raffia to adorn your cards, scrapbook pages, invitations and other paper craft projects.
	Threader Edger Punch This handy tool creates a continuous series of double slots. These slots will allow for threading of ribbon, yarn, raffia and other materials sized to meet the size of the punched holes. This punch provides an easy, neat and evenly spaced slots to thread ribbon-embroidered borders for cards, scrapbook pages, invitations and other paper craft projects. This Threader edger punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Thank You Large Double Punch This easy and fun-to-use Thank You craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. This punch is especially great for decorating cards, but can be used equally as well for photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Teddy Bear Medium Double Embossing Punch This easy and fun-to-use pointed Teddy Bear craft double embossing punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs with embossed details. You can create neat embossed teddy bears which are great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects.
	Pop-up Water Lily Double Punch This easy and fun-to-use Water Lily craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs with embossed details and fold-up petals. You can create neat pop-up Water Lilies from paper, cardstock, cardboard, felt, foam sheets, thin metals, and more. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Zig Zag Edge Punch This punch creates a zig-zag die-cut and embossed details border design. This Zig Zag edge punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. This edge punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Star Border Edge Punch This punch creates a beautiful die-cut star border design. This Stars edge punch is a great tool for adding a themed border for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. This Stars edge punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Stars Edger Punch This unique punch creates a beautiful die-cut border design. This Stars edge punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. Use one punched shape as an accent piece, or line up multiple punches to a border. This Stars edge punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Double Scallop Edger Punch This punch creates a large scallop pattern edged with a smaller design to provide an elegant die-cut Double Scallop border. This border punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. This Double Scallop edger punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Signature Hole Punch Edger Punch This special punch creates parallel punched holes perfectly spaced to fit Martha Stewart’s ring binders. There is an alignment guide to help create a continuous pattern. The open holes are great for threading yarn, ribbon or raffia to adorn your cards, scrapbook pages, invitations and other paper craft projects.
	Threader Edger Punch This handy tool creates a continuous series of double slots. These slots will allow for threading of ribbon, yarn, raffia and other materials sized to meet the size of the punched holes. This punch provides an easy, neat and evenly spaced slots to thread ribbon-embroidered borders for cards, scrapbook pages, invitations and other paper craft projects. This Threader edger punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.
	Teddy Bear Medium Double Embossing Punch This easy and fun-to-use pointed Teddy Bear craft double embossing punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs with embossed details. You can create neat embossed teddy bears which are great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects.
	Thank You Large Double Punch This easy and fun-to-use Thank You craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs. This punch is especially great for decorating cards, but can be used equally as well for photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Pop-up Water Lily Double Punch This easy and fun-to-use Water Lily craft punch creates crisp, perfectly shaped cut-outs with embossed details and fold-up petals. You can create neat pop-up Water Lilies from paper, cardstock, cardboard, felt, foam sheets, thin metals, and more. This punch is great for decorating cards, photo mats, scrapbook pages, and other paper craft projects. This punch stands upright for easy access and storage.
	Zig Zag Edge Punch This punch creates a zig-zag die-cut and embossed details border design. This Zig Zag edge punch is great for card making, scrapbooking, gift wrapping, photo mats and other paper crafts. This edge punch has an alignment guide to ensure perfect continuous patterns.

Martha Stewart Crafts – Punches is a post from: ezscrap.net

There are a number of ways to add a bit of color to your scrapbook and personal card projects–chalk happens to be one of them.  The nice thing about chalk is you can add a little splash of color just about anywhere on your layout.

Chalk comes in a wide variety of colors which are often called pastels.  Chalk affords you the opportunity to create delicate accents with a touch of color.  Shading, tinting and aging a layout can be assisted with the use of chalk.

When using chalk remember chalk dust can and will attach to most everything.  This caution is not meant to have you avoid using chalk, no, you need to be aware of the nature of chalk to make it a plus for you.  Be sure to use a clean area for applying your colors, and take the extra time to clean your work area after using chalk so the prior project’s chalk doesn’t get on your next page or card project.

Before you go gung-ho with chalk, you may want to make some tests on different scrapbook and card materials: vellum, card stock, photos, etc.  This will give you experience on using chalk, and allow you to see the effect chalk can provide.

For more information on using chalk on your scrapbook and personal card projects, check out these other two articles:

Chalk It Up
Chalking Techniques and Tips

Enjoy this fun and useful scrapbook technique.  Add a little touch of color or elegance to your paper craft projects.

Simple Scrapbooking Techniques – Chalk is a post from: ezscrap.net

Even though buttons are one of the most universally familiar objects we see each and every day–buttons on shirts, coats, blouses, dresses, etc.–who would give serious thought to using them in scrapbook and card making efforts.  They have become one of the favored embellishments.

Buttons are simple, easy to attached, versatile and relatively inexpensive.  With a little effort and a creative view you can add new dimensions to your cards and scrapbook pages.  Buttons allow you to add color, shape, texture and accent to any project.  Buttons come in a myriad of sizes, shapes and designs, and a world of colors.

Buttons can add visual enhancement to your pages and cards.  They can be useful in anchoring other objects–embellishments such as photos, tags or journal cards to your layouts–in-addition to adding color (either in harmony or as a contrast) to your projects theme.

They are lightweight and generally durable.  Buttons can be cloth covered to add a touch of elegance where needed, or soften a page or card.  Metal buttons give an appearance of strength.

When using buttons on your scrapbook projects you need to be sure they are acid free.  Also, flat back buttons work best.  You may need to remove any shank on the back of a button (not manufactured specifically for crafting) by nipping or sanding the shank.  This is especially important if you are using buttons meant primarily for clothing.

Attaching buttons is relatively easy.  Simply place an adhesive or glue dot on the back of the button and place the button where you desire.

Buttons can be hand sewn with thread, yarn, string or floss.  Use a needle with an eye large enough to accommodate your stitching material, and one that will go through the holes in the button.  If you prefer attaching your buttons with adhesive, but want a faux stitched look, simply put your stitching material through the holes and affix the end to the back of the button with an adhesive which may also be used to attach your button to your scrapbook page or card.

Buttons can be used individually on your projects.  When grouping buttons for effect–color enhancement, etc.  be sure to use odd numbers in the grouping (3, 5, 7 etc.).  Don’t go overboard–a little goes a long ways, but use what you feel you need.

Simple Scrapbook Techniques – Buttons is a post from: ezscrap.net

Most scrapbook and card crafters will easily identify with brads. These versatile implements have been around for a long time.  Brass brads have been used by students for ions of time as the fastener of theme papers and reports.  Today they have been transformed into a very useful art object which paper crafters use in a variety of ways.

In addition to being used to affix items to your cards and scrapbook pages, you can use them to embellish your projects.  While the most common brad is a basic round shape, today these time honored little fasteners are being produced in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes.  Your use of them is only limited by your imagination.

You will see them used as the center of flowers–for decoration and as an attaching element for your flower–dual purpose use.  The more decorative brads can be used on your projects to give either a simple touch of accent, or to affix something else to your page or card.

Brads are extremely beneficial to scrapbook and card crafters because of their versatility and their relative low cost.  Saving money lets you do more of your creative projects.  The fact that they are easy to use, and require no special tools, make them a great tool or decoration to have on hand.

To use a brad is a simple process.  First, make a small hole in your paper or card (use a small pointed object like a pin, nail or paper piercer–but don’t make the hole too big), and anything you may be attaching.  Next, the brad has two prongs on its backside.  Make sure these prongs are together and insert them through the hole(s) you have just made.  Next, with the brad inserted in your whole you can then splay or flare the prongs out flat against your project like a butterfly securing them–and anything you may be attaching.    To keep the prongs flared out and the position of the brad constant simply place a strip of tape over the splayed prongs–which should be on the reverse side of your project.  There you have it.

Now you have another useful and decorative tool in your crafting tool bag!

With brads you have a versatile and easy way to enhance pages and cards as well at attaching other embellishments.  They help you expand your creative capabilities.

If you’re not currently using brads in your scrapbook page and personal card creations, you may want to invest a little money and some time to give them a try.  You’ll be glad you did!

Simple Scrapbook Techniques – Brads is a post from: ezscrap.net

Scrapbook and personal card crafters are always looking for ways to enhance the quality and uniqueness of their finished creations.  Paper tearing is one of those simple, yet very effective ways to add that uniqueness to their cards and pages.

The reason this technique is so popular is because of its simplicity, and there are not tools required to make your creations–just paper and your fingers.  In a matter of just a few minutes you can turn your cardstock, photos, vellum and other papers in to useful and interesting additions to your projects . . . adding varied dimensions, textures and interest as you go.

As you begin this simple technique you may want to experiment on scrap pieces of paper to see what effect your tear will have, and that this effect is what you’re looking for.   Tearing gives you two separate textures:  a smoother side and a rougher side.  You get the smoother side by tearing the paper towards you, and the rougher look by tearing away from you.

Some papers have different colored cores–some card stock for instance.  If you are looking to reveal that core you may want a more rough looking tear, so tear the paper away from you.  Remember to experiment a bit with some scraps to see what the end result will be, and if that results is what you want.

A controlled jagged edge can best be made by placing the paper you wish to tear on a flat hard surface.  With one hand hold your paper on the hard surface, and with the other hand–using only your thumb and index finger–begin the tear  in small sections working down the paper to what ever length you wish.  This slow small tear approach allows you to control the size and length of the tear.

For a wide tear effect, hold your paper with both hands and tear in opposite directions with each hand.   The speed of your tearing will help determine how much control you have on the width of the tear.  This techniques is best suited for longer paper tears.

If you’re looking for a more soft, fuzzy and delicate tear you’ll need to crease your paper where you want the tear to be.  Then add a bit of moisture to the creased area using your finger moistened with water, or use a soaked cotton swab, or a sponge (not overly wet).  Wipe the creased area to add a bit of moisture to the paper.  With the crease moistened begin your tear–on a solid flat surface to help control the tear.  Tear the paper down and towards you.  The completed tear, when dry, will have a soft fuzzy appearance.

Another soft tear technique is to use a straight edge down on your paper and pull the paper towards you.  The end product will be similar to the wet method above with a soft straight tear line.  There are tearing guides that will also give your a patterned tear like the deckle or scallop edge.

Simple Scrapbook Techniques – Paper Tearing is a post from: ezscrap.net

Courtesy of Oriental Trading

In the beginning years of scrapbook crafting, card stock was the prime paper available and used by most crafters.  With the coming of printed papers many paper crafters abandoned the plain color card stock offerings.  Nothing against patterned papers, but there is a place–a significant one–for plain colored paper.

As you acquire your scrapbook and personal card making supplies, paper will obviously be a staple.  When choosing the primary papers you want to work with, and there are tons of choices out there, be sure to have ample supplies of card stock.

Beginning scrappers may be well served to “cut their teeth” using plain colored card stock on their initial scrapbook projects.  Card stock offers you a simple clean and fresh looking paper to begin your layout.  There is less time and focus needed to select accents and embellishments that won’t clash with a printed or patterned paper.  A beginning crafter need only concern themselves with an appropriate color, selected photographs, some journal entries and an accent or two to bring our your page’s theme.

With time and experience, paper crafters can expand their horizon.  They will learn balance, symmetry and color schemes that will allow them to begin mixing textures and patterns in their creations–but in the beginning they will do well to stay with simple elements.

Card stock holds a great deal of versatility.  In addition to being the backdrop of your scrapbook’s pages, with the help of scissors and die cuts, scraps of card stock can be the embellishment you need for a particular project.  This also extends the cost value of the card stock itself by making more use of the whole sheet for other than your page’s background.  Consider, too, using card stock for photo mats, journaling strips and blocks, tags and borders.  You’ll find more uses for this important material as your effort and experience increases.

Be sure the card stock you purchase is lignin and acid free.  If you purchase your paper from reputable scrapbook and craft supply stores or outlets (online), you should be comfortable their providing you with reliable card stock.

Scrapping can be tons of fun, but costly, if you let it.  Use these tips to help you enjoy your crafting and help reduce your expenses.

Simple Scrapbook Techniques – Card Stock is a post from: ezscrap.net

Our newest iterations of the eyelet and punch setter tools has expanded our capacity to place eyelets just about anywhere we choose on our scrapbook pages and personal cards. Having one of these versatile tools in your menagerie of helps is almost a no brainer. There are three eyelet products that should be able to accommodate your crafting needs:

Clikit from Karen Foster Design	Now you can set eyelets, punch holes and emboss–quietly–with the help of Karen Foster Design’s Clikit multi-purpose spring action tool. This patent pending tool provides the same pressure as a hammer, but you only have to press Clikit’s handle. Clikit comes with ten (10) interchangeable tips–including a duel tip; lacing tip; an eyelet splitter tip; an eyelet rounder tip; a piercing tool; six (6) hole punching tips (from 2 mm to 5 mm in diameter); a starter set of two (2) sie of eyelets; a punch pad; and complete instructions–all in a custom wooden box. Additional embossing alphabets and six icon sets can be purchased separately. How to set an eyelet using the Clikit Tool: Place you item to receive the eyelet on the setting mat that comes with the tool kit. Select the appropriate size tip for making the needed hole to receive the eyelet. Place the tool on the item you’re punching the hole in– where you want the hole to be and press down on the toll handle until you hear the click of the completed punch.  For thick or layered items you’ll want to keep the tool in place to allow for another push on the tool to complete the hole through all the material.  You may have to do this a couple of times to complete the hole. Select the eyelet you wish to use and place the eyelet into the hole you’ve just created with your Clikit Tool.  Holding the eyelet in place, flip your material over and rest it on your setting mat. Change the hole making tip in your Clikit Tool to one of the two eyelet setting tips. Place the tool with the new tip down onto  the backside of the eyelet protruding through your hole and press down on the tool until you hear the click.  You may need to set the tool more than once to spread the eyelet open (securing your project with the eyelet). In addition to setting eyelets, you can emboss metal  and stitch–just follow the instructions provided.
Instant Setter from Making Memories	Instant Setter from Making Memories is an easy tool to use. The Instant Setter has a magnetic head for easy tip changes and an adjustable tension control. The kit includes: 3 hole punch tips 4 setting tips (punch and setting tip sizes are: 1/16, 1/8, 3/16) A cone tip that works with the Stamping Set (for paper or ribbon weaving and corner slot punching) A setting mat, and An adjustable spring loaded setting handle/tool with tension control for easy hole punching and eyelet setting. All of these components come in a tin storage container.
Silent Setter from Provo Craft	Provo Craft’s Slient Setter Hammerless Eyelet Tool Set will help you papercrafters set eyelets without the bother and noisy process of pounding your setter to set eyelets. Now all you need to do is push and twist the selected punch tip through your project to create a hole. With the magnetized tips, changing to an appropriate sized setting tip is simple and quick. After creating your hole and inserting your chosen eyelet simply give a push down on your tool with the setting tip to secure the eyelet. Provo Craft’s Silent Setter Hammerliess Eyelet Tool Set includes: The Silent Setter Tool Three (3) sizes of punch tips A mini craft mat 50 eyelets in assorted colors A zippered carrying case (measures: 2-1/2″ by 5-1/4″ by 10-3/4″inces).

Eyelete Setters for Scrapbooking is a post from: ezscrap.net

CutterPillar™ Pro

The new products for scrapbook, personal card makers and paper crafters never seems to end.   Here is one of the newest of the paper cutter/trimmers on the market.   Here are some of the details on this newest cutter:

• Lightweight aluminum construction for strength with soft rubber feet to lessen the cutter’s movement, and to protect table top surfaces.
• There is a storage drawer  that will accommodate 12″ paper, extra batteries, or other items of your choosing.
• Will trim a full 12″ sheet of paper down to even the smallest scrap safely and effortlessly.
• There is a powerful LED light track which illuminates the cutting edge for accurate cuts (even double sided or up-side-down).
• This cutter provides the best of both worlds with a gear driven rotary blade which passes smoothly by a stationary blade for clean cuts through nearly any paper stock.

Some additional general comments about this cutter/trimmer that may be useful for scrapbook and paper crafters:

The grid calibration markings on the cutting table measure only down to 1/4″ which some crafters may find a detraction.  Going down to 1/8″ markings would increase its functionality and accuracy for certain cuts.  That having been said, the CutterPillar™ Pro cuts smoothly.  You don’t need to put excessive pressure on the blade to cut–just glide the cutter along the cutting bar.  The back lighting is a nice feature to help you see where pieces you have cropped off went.  (The LED back light is powered by 5 AA batteries.) The construction of the cutter provides for a great deal of safety when cutting because so little of the blade is exposed to where a finger could be injured.  (The trimmer blade is on one side and a plastic housing on the other with very little of the cutting blade showing.)   This cutter/trimmer produces very clean cuts.  The drawer on the underside is a useful storage area for extra paper, scissors, etc.  There is a built-in handle on the box the cutter comes in for handy carrying. A great value for the price.

Should you feel the need to have one of these super scrapbook cutting tools – click here!

CutterPillar Pro Paper Trimmer/Cutter is a post from: ezscrap.net

A little about Rollabind:

Rollabind is admired for its innovative binding systems, Rollabind has gained a following among multi-taskers searching for solutions that adapt to, rather than dictate, their lifestyles. Rollabind notebooks are used as diaries, personal journals, organizers, day planners and scrapbooks. Rollabind provides paper punches that allow you to create your own pages or insert any document into your notebook or scrapbook.

Rollabind is the most innovative organizational solution in the market with its trademarked binding system. Unlike conventional binding systems, Rollabind is an efficient solution, because it allows its users to replace, refill, interchange and rearrange their important information without damaging the integrity of the paper and without the trouble of having to take out other pages in the reorganization process.

• Organizable
• Customizable
• Re-fillable
• Re-placeable
• Interchangeable
• Upgradable
• Lays Completely Flat
• Pages Turn 360 degrees

Rollabind Process

RollaScrapbook® Our scrapbook products are the answer to all your project needs and is an efficient solution, because it allows it’s users to replace, refill, interchange and rearrange their important information without damaging the integrity of the paper and without the trouble of having to take out other pages in the reorganization process. Individuals and groups use our kits for organizing those boxes of photos, your children’s projects – scrap books of every kind are easily assembled with the Rollabind system!

Rollabind allows you to build your own personalized scrapbook exactly suited to match your requirements and style.  Check out this video:  How to Rollabind

These options may not be what you are looking for.  Click here to visit our web-page on other scrapbook binding options, or go to our alphabetical subject page above and click on the “S” to see information on other binding pages.

Scrapbook Binding Methods – Rollabind is a post from: ezscrap.net

Hear are some ideas and tips on how you can bind your own scrapbooks as you produce them.

Some Book Binding Background

“The craft of bookbinding originated in India, where religious sutra were copied onto palm leaves (cut into two, lengthwise) with a metal stylus. The leaf was then dried and rubbed with ink, which would form a stain in the wound. The finished leaves were given numbers, and two long twines were threaded through each end through wooden boards. When closed, the excess twine would be wrapped around the boards to protect the leaves of the book. Buddhist monks took the idea through modern Persia, Afghanistan, and Iran, to China in the first century BC.” – websters-online-dictionary.org.   (For more information on the history of binding go to http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definitions/bookbinding)

Book binding methods continued to evolve.  Some of these earliest attempts to bind pages together was simply lacing a cord through holes placed through the pages of the manuscript.  This process became more mechanized as the centuries wore on.  Sometime in the 1950′s the punch-and-bind- systems came about.  As the years progressed, so did the development of the binding machines.  Today, you can buy inexpensive and simple to operate binding systems.  We’ll share a few ideas to help you.

If you choose to construct and bind your own scrapbooks there are a few things you should consider before you get started.  Understanding the different types of binding methods would be helpful.  Generally, most scrapbooks have a couple of elements you would want in the end product:  be sturdy, be large enough and allow for inclusion of additional pages.  As you consider your scrapbook take into account how big you want your book to be–dimensions: height, width and thickness.  Each of these factors will help determine which of the binding options are best suited for your project.  Obviously, smaller books have less hindrances to produce.  Here are some of the binding options you could use:

The first 5 methods presented here are ones you would normally have done by professional binding services.

Case Binding -

Case binding is the type of binding most commonly used in hardcover books.  This process is an expensive option, but has long lasting durability.  The binding process is stitching together stacked signatures (folded sheets multiple times to create 4, 8, 16 or 32 page portions).  The stacked signatures are then sewn together and glued into a spin (book backing) along with a front and back cover.  Advantages:  strength and durability; Disadvantages: Lacks flexibility to lay open flat and doesn’t allow for additional inclusion of pages.  Case binding is not generally considered the most viable option for scrapbooks.

Perfect Binding -

Perfect binding is similar to Case Binding–where books are created by using stacked signatures.  The primary difference is in the binding.  In Perfect binding the stacked signatures elements are generally glued directly to the spin without stitching, however, stitching can be used.  Paperback books are an example of Perfect Binding.  Much like the Case binding, Perfect bound books have a measure of durability, but  generally do not lay flat, and don’t accept inclusion pages.

Lay-Flat Binding -

The process of binding using the Lay-Flat method is similar to the Case and Perfect binding process except the use of a flexible glue used only on the edges of the spine allow the books to lie flat.  Cookbooks and technical manuals are examples of Lay-Flat bound books.   This method, like Case and Perfect binding does not allow for the inclusion of additional pages, and thus, is not considered a viable method for use in scrapbook bind–unless the size of the scrapbook is well designed and no additional page inclusion will be needed.

Saddle-Stitching -

This method of binding is similar to the previous three methods accept the signatures are nested one inside another versus being stacked one signature on top of another, and then stitched through the fold with thin wire staples.  This method is possible for completed scrapbooks with long term need in mind.  Saddle-stitched books can lie flat , but have no spine upon which a title could be printed.  These bound books are generally limited to no more than 80 pages.

Side-Stitching -

Side stitched books are created and bound by assembling loose sheets of paper and stapling them together, or literally stitching them.  A cover can  enfold the bound stack and glued.  Depending on the bound thickness, the spine may be thick enough to allow for a printed title.  This method is not well suited for scrapbooks because the binding does not allow for the book to lie flat or for inclusion of additional pages.  Magazines or booklets, like National Geographic utilize this method of binding.

The next set of methods presented here are ones you could produce on your own (with the assistance of some simple tools), or purchased inexpensively from an office supply or craft store.

GBC Binding (sometimes referred to as comb binding) -

One of the advantages of this binding method is in the ability of the completed book to lie flat–something scrapbook crafters desire.  The binding process is fairly simple.  Holes are punched along the side where the binding is preferred.  A plastic comb (a cylinder with plastic fingers that are flexible to open) is inserted into the corresponding holes.  Another feature or benefit to paper crafters is the ability to add pages to the completed project.  Click here for more detailed information . . .

Wire-O Binding -

Wire-O binding is a succession of  parallel looped wire affixed along a wire which are passed through holes punched in the stacked papers–similar to the GBC Binding method noted above.   This method of binding has size limitations for its use . . . less than for the GBC Binding method, but does allow for the addition of pages not to exceed its size limitation, or for a title to be placed on the binding.  This binding does allow for the completed project to lie flat when open.  Click here for more detailed information . . .

Wire Spiral Binding -

The Spiral binding method is very similar to the Wire-O method accept a spiral wire is worked through the corresponding holes punched on one side of the project.  This binding does not allow being able to put a title on the binding–which could be a deterrent for some.  Click here for more detailed information . . .

Plastic Coil Binding -

This binding method is the same as the Spiral Binding method noted above except a plastic spiral material is used versus wire which can be crushed.  The flexibility of the plastic gives the finished book a measure of versatility wire does not give, and you can select from a variety of colors.  If the wire spiral is crushed the opening and closing of the book is compromised.

Tape Binding -

Tape binding is a method, sometimes referred to as Thermabind or thermal tape binding,  is a process which uses a fabric tape strip that is pre-coated with a durable, heat–activated glue to hold or bind the pages together.  This type of binding is  not normally used in scrapbook binding.    The glue strip tape is wrapped around the front & back covers of the book block, extending to about a half-inch to an inch on the back and front sheets.  The glue strip is then heated to bond the tape to the book.  The best practice is to use a tape binding machine (The cost of a binding machine generally makes this process cost prohibitive for most scrapbook applications–but machines can be purchased for as little as $99.)  which centers your book’s binding edge on the tape, and completes the process by melting the glue.  The material becomes bound once the glue has cooled.  Thermal tape binding strips come in a variety of colors and size ranges to accommodate a variety of book thicknesses from 3 to 600 sheets of 20 lb.  paper.  Click here for more detailed information . . .

Screw and Post Binding -

The Screw and Post Binding method is one most familiar to scrapbook crafters.  These books are the “backbone” of the scrapbook portfolio.  They can be purchased for a nominal cost.  Their drawbacks can be in the lack of being able to customize or personalize them and the capacity limits.  Creating your own book using the Screw and Post Binding method is not difficult.  The process is very similar to side stitching process, but metal post and screws are used to bind your papers.  One nice element to this type bound book is the ability to add or remove pages easily.  Click here for more detailed information . . .

Velo Binding -

The Velo Binding method is identified by the flat plastic strip which runs the length of the bound edge on both the front and back sides of the book.  Thin pegs attach the two plastic strips  through the pages of the book.  Click here for more detailed information . . .

Ring-binders -

The Ring-binder method is simple and straight forward.  Most of us are familiar with the ringed binders we use in school and at the office.  Usually made with 3 metal (sometimes plastic) rings enclosed in a cloth bound or vinyl cover.  Ring-binder’s are versatile and allow for ease in adding or removing pages.  These uncomplicated books can be purchased at a nominal price at many shops: craft, office supply, grocery stores, etc.

Rollabind is admired for its innovative binding systems, Rollabind has gained a following among multi-taskers searching for solutions that adapt to, rather than dictate, their lifestyles. Rollabind notebooks are used as diaries, personal journals, organizers, day planners and scrapbooks. Rollabind provides paper punches that allow you to create your own pages or insert any document into your notebook or scrapbook.   Click here for more detailed information . . .

Ways You Can Bind Your Scrapbooks is a post from: ezscrap.net