Piercing Freehand?

[Dalek]

I like to use template for piercing rather than free-hand, because I think the results are more even, more attractive, and worth the investment.

Here's one I made:

Embroidered and Piercing by Dalek at Splitcoaststampers


Who's templates do you like?

[Nicole's Mom]

Does SU sell one?

[ikimom]

You can make your own template, I've used plastic needlepoint (fabric? can't think of what it's called - lol). It has evenly spaced holes in a grid and you can draw a design on it with a marker. I also use brass embossing templates that have piercing holes, or you could go around the design on it. SU has several brass templates with piercing holes (accessories section).

[Kharmagirl]

I love SU!'s paper piercing template...I am on my 4th one...mine get TONS of use ;)

[smallfrystamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicole's Mom

Does SU sell one?

SU! does sell one. It comes in a pack. You get a piercing pad, template, and setting mat, each measures 4"x4" - $9.95

[peanut14]

What do you use to make nice even circles? Does the piercer itself make a difference in the look?

[stampztoomuch]

I am head over heals for my Tim Holtz design ruler: http://papergardenprojects.com/store...roducts_id=476

(but I prefer the making memories piercer with it. I use it on a homemade mat made from four layers of fun foam & cut to 12x12 to fit in my scor-pal. You can anchor with pins for speedy piercing.

For one of a kind projects I use a piece of cardstock as a piercer, but I`ve heard people say they love quilting plastic to make a permanent version. Happy piercing! :o)

[susiestampalot]

sometimes, though, if you want a certain worn or distressed look to your card, it's a fun little touch to make your piercing holes "quirky" on purpose. here's an example:

[polargirl]

I haven't had good results piercing, crooked and holes varying sizes. I tried someones SU piercing set but wished it was 6 inches instead of four. I purchased the plastic canvas with fine holes at Michaels and am going to practice to see if I can get it 'down pat'. I'm open to any suggestions on how to keep the lines straight. Great cards Dalek and Susiestampalot!

[Glendelia]

What about the grids that are sold for use in pergamano? I have one, but, haven't had an opportunity to use it yet.

[Dalek]

Quote:

Originally Posted by peanut14

What do you use to make nice even circles? Does the piercer itself make a difference in the look?

To create a nice circle on a card I work around the outside of an object, teacups, templates, Nesties for example.

I believe that the Piercing tool DOES make a difference, as they are tapered you need to 'pierce to the same depth' every time, this results in neat holes of the same size. otherwise some are small and others larger depending on the bore at that depth of the tool.

When working around an object such as a teacup or saucer a twin needle tool is handy; as by placing one tip in the previous hole a perfectly neat alignement of holes is achieved. (or use a sewing aid such as the 'pattern transfer wheel')

I started out by holding a sewing needle, sharp-end, in a pair of pliers (pincers), then forcing the eye-end into a cork, voila, a home made piercing tool! My favorite corks are the sort that have a hard plastic cap at one end...that does not allow the needle to work backup through the cork and into your fingers!

A Darning-needle make nice fat holes. A sewing needle slim ones.

But you can't beat metal templates, Ornare, X-Cut, and others including those by Other companies such as SU! And home-made laminated paper ones.