No-Line Piercing

Use a stamped image as a piercing template, then embellish the pierced image with French knots.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Stamp a clean line image on the back side of a watercolor paper panel.
   
   Hint:
   Use a light or medium ink so both lines and piercing will be visible as you work. The stamped image will not show on the completed project. Black ink is not recommended.
   

   

2. Step 2

   Using a pin or other piercing tool, pierce along the outline of the image. Keep pierced holes close together and evenly spaced, about every 1/16”. Also pierce details that help to complete the image on the other side.
   
   Notes:
   It is not necessary to pierce along every line or include every detail of the image. Also, details can be added that are not on the stamped image.
   
   Remember that the image will be reversed when complete.
   

   

3. Step 3

   Add color to the front of the panel, if desired.

   

4. Step 4

   To add dimension to the panel, embellish with embroidered French knots. Begin by threading 3 strands of embroidery floss through a fine, sharp needle.
   
   Secure the end to the back of the watercolor paper with tape and pull the thread through to the front. Pierce a second hole about 1/16” from your entry point.
   

   

5. Step 5

   Hold the needle in one hand and the floss in the other. Hold the floss taut, about 1” away from the paper.

   

6. Wrap this 1” length around the needle 3 times.

   

7. Step 6

   Slide the tip of the needle into the second hole, still keeping the floss taut. Pull the loops of thread snugly around the needle and down close to the paper.

   

8. Step 7

   Pull the needle through to secure the knot, holding the end of the thread taut until it pulls through to the other side.
   
   Note:
   Be gentle - forceful pulling can tear the paper or pull the knot through the hole.

   

9. Step 8

   Repeat this process until the area is full.

   

10. Step 9

    Assemble and finish the card.

    

Video!

Variations

1. Use pearl paints or flat-backed pearls to add detail.

   

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for No-Line Piercing. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

***Please note - Internet Explorer/Edge is not a supported browser, and will not allow you to see the videos. Please use Chrome, Firefox or Safari to view our tutorial videos.