SB: Need help w/eyelets

[Wiggle]

I just got my first eyelets and tools (using my 40% off Michael's coupons at AC Moore!), and I have been excited to try them. They are so cool!

My questions is about punching the inital hole. I've got this little gadget which punches the holes in the paper, but I'm having a hard time getting it to actually punch the hole. Seems it's great at making a circle indentation, but I find that I just can't get it to go through. What's the secret?

Lynne

 

[BevS97]

Are you hitting it with a hammer?

You need to put it on a hard surface, I usually put my cutting mat under it to protect the surface, and then wake it with a hammer.

Bev

 

[chessie]

It takes a pretty good whack, especially if you are going through 2 thickness' of card stock. Then again if you whack it too hard the punch goes in too far and gives you a hole bigger then you want.

 

[Wiggle]

Thanks, guys. I'll keep playing with it, trying to get just the right whack! Bev, what type of cutting mat do you use? Maybe mine's too soft.

 

[Pammy jo]

I use my CM plastic cutting mat and it works fine. One problem I did notice when I was making eyelets for the last MK swap was that after too may punches I had to clear out the tool. The little pieces of scrap just kept getting stuffed down further and then it wouldn't cut through the paper when I was hammering.

 

[MerryPoppins]

I just went out and got one of those teeny-tiny hole punches. I like making my holes with it instead of messing with the hammer. I had trouble getting through the paper, too. Now I just need to whack it to open up the eyelet. Much easier in my opinion.

 

[chessie]

I just whacked my thumb today, setting an islet. Boy! does it hurt.

 

[BevS97]

Chessie,
ouch!


Lynne,
I have a green cutting mat - I think it's called a self-healing mat - it's pretty thin, and has a sort of rubbery feel to it.

Bev