How to Use a Square Punch in Scrapbooking
The two most popular shapes in scrapbooking are circles and squares. However, squares are used slightly more often, due to their aesthetically pleasing appearance and similarities to existing photograph shapes. It's easier to create a well-balanced square photograph than it is to make a round one. When scrapbooking first began, enthusiasts had to use templates to create their own squares for matting and resizing. Now, however, there are a number of square punches on the market which make creating scrapbooking squares fast and easy.
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Instructions
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Choose a Square Punch for Scrapbooking
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Consider the type of square punch you want. There are several different styles and sizes to choose from, such as small scalloped edge and large deckle edge.
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Look at an adjustable square punch when you want a lot of squares in a variety of sizes. You'll only get one type of decorative edging, but you can make all sizes of squares, from mini to extra large.
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Add texture to your scrapbooking pages by investing in a square punch you can use to create squares with metal edges. Not only will this type of square punch make your scrapbook pages pop, it will also allow you to create custom gift tags.
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Use your square punch to create squares in all different sizes and colors. You can then layer these squares all over your scrapbook pages for a colorful, fun look.
Use a Square Punch in Scrapbooking
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Insert your piece of paper in the square punch, taking care to line up the edge of the paper to the edge of the punch.
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Squeeze down firmly on the square punch. You may hear a pop, which signals the paper has been successfully cut through all the way.
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Release the punch gently to avoid snagging the paper. Any excess material may get caught in the punch, and if it snags or tears, jagged edges can occur.
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Remove the new square. Depending on the square punch you're using, you may need to turn the punch on its side and tap gently to get the square to fall out.
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Tips & Warnings
Before buying any square punch, be sure to check the instructions for its use. Some punches are designed only to be used as part of a larger set. Using these punches alone isn't impossible, but it can be difficult.
Replace your punches as soon as they become dull to avoid mistakes when punching papers or photographs.
Keep your fingers away from the opening of the square punch to avoid getting pinched when you push down.
