How to Use an Eyelet in Scrapbooking

In sewing, an eyelet is a small hole, surrounded by metal, which allows lace, threads or hooks to pass. The scrapbooking eyelet is designed exactly like the sewing eyelet, but it can be either decorative or practical. It's possible to use an eyelet to string a group of papers together or use it to hang a photo with ribbon, but an eyelet is also an attractive way to add dimension to a scrapbook page.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Self-healing mat (recommended)
• Anywhere hole punch
• Eyelet
• Hammer
• Eyelet setter

Use an Eyelet in Scrapbooking

1. Set up your materials on a self-healing mat. Since this project involves using a hammer to pound objects though paper and fabric, having a self-healing mat will help protect your workspace.

2. Place an anywhere hole punch on top of a photograph or a piece of paper or fabric. Tap the hole punch lightly, yet firmly, on the end with a hammer.

3. Take any excess material out to reveal the hole. The edges of the hole should be smooth, not ragged. A hole that is not correctly formed needs to be redone.

4. Grab the end of the eyelet, put it into the hole and turn the material over. Try to keep the eyelet as steady as possible.

5. Insert the pointed end of the eyelet setter into the eyelet and use the hammer to flatten it down. The eyelet needs to be as flat as possible to avoid tearing other scrapbooking materials on the same page and to ensure that it fits properly on the page.

6. Take off the eyelet setter and use the hammer to flatten the eyelet completely. You can now use the eyelet to attach items to scrapbook pages or join several photographs together on one page.

Tips & Warnings

• When using the hammer to flatten the eyelet, try gripping the hammer as far down as possible on the handle. This will give you more leverage and make the job quicker. In addition, it may also reduce the stress on your hands and lessen hand fatigue.
• To avoid jagged edges and tears when inserting the eyelet, try to keep the hammer as straight as possible when pounding in the anywhere hole punch. Pounding the hammer straight may help the punch go straight through, without any resistance which could cause tears.
• Be careful when using the hammer, especially when pounding the eyelet. It's important to remember the eyelet is metal. Use all proper precautions when using a hammer, including wearing eye protection.