Border Punches: The Cutting Edge

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• Video

Author: Catherine Cray Gelaude

Challenge yourself as you maximize your creativity by using border punches.

Border punches create repeating patterns in 2 inch increments, along any length of paper.

Border punches come in a variety of themes, from whimsical Mickey Mouse edges to more traditional scallop, lace or checkerboard edges – there is one for every project!

Some border punches will punch and emboss at the same time leaving a negative space along with an impressed image. The combination of the punch and emboss is intricate and leaves a lasting impression.

Border punches can be a little big and bulky and a challenge to store. If storage space is limited, try one of the new EK Success slim line edge punches. They are made with storage in mind and feature a fold-down lock for simple space-saving options.


Tips and Techniques:
Where you place your first punch depends on your paper project.

• If you want your scrapbook page border to be symmetrical or you will be layering pieces; start at the center of your paper.
  1. Line up the notch on the center of the punch with the midpoint of your paper. You will work outward toward the edge of each side of the paper.
     • TIP: Use a centering ruler to determine the midpoint of your paper.
       
       
  2. After you punch the first time, by pushing down on the ergonomic handle, slide your paper over, approximately 1- 2 inches.
  3. Line up the punched pattern to the silhouette on the base of the punch and punch again.
  4. Repeat this step until you reach the edge of your page.
  5. Now, repeat the same steps on the opposite side – starting at the center and working your way out to the edge of the page.
• If you are not concerned about symmetry, start at the far edge of your page.
  1. Punch – slide over – approximately 1 to 2 inches – and line up with the base of the punch.
  2. Repeat the above process until you have completed the length of your border.

No matter where you start, it's a good idea to practice with your border punches before applying this technique to your scrapbook page or other paper projects.  Be sure to post your cutting edge projects in the gallery!