Scrapbook punches are basic tools that can be used by any scrapper, but are especially ideal for beginners. There are several uses for scrapbook paper punches. They can be used to punch out various shapes for use all over your scrapbook pages.
You can use either the negative of the punch or the actually shaped that is punched out. Punch outs can be used as a way to add highlights to your scrapbooking page and to create elaborate punch art. You can use a scrapbook punch to make a page border for your layouts. You can also use the negative of the punch as a template to make other decorations. This basic tool has so many functions that you may find it to be an essential tool. The downside is that collecting punches can be expensive.
There are many different kinds of scrapbook paper punches in many different sizes. Aside from the traditional hole punch - which comes in a variety of shapes - there are many punch options. Choose from border punches, embossing punches, 3-in-1 punches, hand punches, corner punches, tag punches, circle punches, and much more. Perfect for scrapbooking, stamping, cardmaking, and other paper crafts.
The most popular style of paper punch is the thumb punch such as EK Success's Paper Shaper.
The Paper Shapers are available in many different styles - mostly small - but also in the popular Whale of a Punch - approximately 2 inches in size. Click on the image below for a great video that shows how to use the whale punch.
Fiskars has recently come out with an easy to use squeeze punch. The nice thing about these paper punches is that the design allows you to see through the punch - so you can see exactly where you're punching. Check out this video showing how easy the squeeze punch is on your hands:
There are also corner punches that give corners shapes and designs. Corner punches can be used on mats or photographs themselves to add a little extra punch and some elegance to any scrapbook page.
Your scrapbook paper punches should be easy to use and have no trouble cutting through card stocks. If your paper punch becomes difficult to use, it could be a result of glues or adhesives getting into the die mechanism. Usually a spray of a silicone lubricant will solve this problem.
If your scrapbook punches are getting a little dull, try punching a few times on a piece of aluminum foil - this can help extend the life of your punches so you get the most bang for your buck.
Now that you've started collecting scrapbook punches, where will you keep them all?