A Secret to Paper Piercing?

[she's_crafty]

For some reason I have never done paper piercing on any of my projects until now and I have to ask if there is some sort of secret to it? My holes were not uniform and the piercing totally ruined a mat under a piece of decorative paper (I tried piercing through both).
I used the Mat Pack to line up holes, that went fine. I have the right tools otherwise I think; Bazzills "In Stitches" foam mat and piercing tool, so what am I doing wrong?

What's your secret? What tools do you use?
Here's my project so you can see what I mean: CC187, SC196 Thank You by she's_crafty at Splitcoaststampers

[jeannie barron]

I use the SU! mat and have no problems, other than I just about worn it out, because I use it so much. Sorry no help.

[transprntbutterfly]

Pretty card.

My two suggestions are 1. try piercing only the layer of card stock you want, instead of through 2 or more layers and 2. only use the tip of your tool. When I put the needle in too far I get the exact same look you got. Remember, you only need to pierce enought to make the hole.

HTH

[therenz5]

Hi. I use the Darice plastic canvas that has holes. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes (circles and squares). I found mine at my local Michaels. They are the shapes used to make coasters and boxes and the such with yarn.

Gina K also has some at her store.

-Katie

[hawk]

Looks like you're getting the hang of it. It does take some practice and a steady hand. May I suggest you not use so many rows? Outer row with four or five holes and just one inner row of one less per edge. Gives it more of a "framed" look. and an old mouse pad will also work as a backing pad but it is softer so your piercing tool will sink in easier, this may be easier or harder for you depending on your pressure. Experiment on some scrap. Keep trying

[pjw2855]

I would also suggest only piercing through one layer at a time. Using a piercing mat that is more dense than craft foam or mouse pad works best. Push the needle through till it goes partially into the piercing mat. It appears to me that you may not be going into the paper far enough.

There are many, many piercing templates you can purchase. Just do a search on the internet for them. Using the plastic canvas, I feel will not give as uniform holes since the spaces are much larger than the size of the needle.

Piercing will not show as well on printed paper as it does on solid paper also.

Patti

[wild4blue]

SU mat pack and a thumb tack (push pin) works for me. I find with the tack I don't press down so far.

[Savagetwin]

I was just trying to think of what I could use with my clients when we do Christmas Cards. I wanted them to try paper piercing because it takes concentration and hand eye coordination. However, I have to purchase the materials myself without reimbursement.
Low and behold, the Good Lord brought me to this thread. Now, I will use push pins and cut up mouse pads. I'm sure our tech people can give me some old ones!
Thanks Girls!!!!!!!!

[hawk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savagetwin

I was just trying to think of what I could use with my clients when we do Christmas Cards. I wanted them to try paper piercing because it takes concentration and hand eye coordination. However, I have to purchase the materials myself without reimbursement.
Low and behold, the Good Lord brought me to this thread. Now, I will use push pins and cut up mouse pads. I'm sure our tech people can give me some old ones!
Thanks Girls!!!!!!!!

yes a very economical way to start with a large group (I'm a scout leader and we can pinch a penny till it squeals) just remember the mouse pad is much less dense so your needle or puch pin will go into it quite easily.
don't use as much pressure and have fun with it.