How to Use a Paper Punch

Paper punch tools have come a long way from the silver colored one-hole punch gadget. There are countless paper punch shapes available for crafters, children and paper artists. Some of the tools can be a puzzle to figure out. The construction of the tool makes a difference as to how you are able to use it for your paper punch projects. The versatility of the punch tools and the projects you can create makes it well worth the time to learn how to use each tool.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Border punches
• Punches in various shapes
• Craft paper

Border Punch

1. 

   Line the border punch up in the center of your card or piece of paper.

2. Ensure that the paper is even and pushed into the slot to the very back of the punch tool.

3. 

   Press the handle down with the palm of your hand.

4. Check to be certain that you have a clean punch with the entire area cut out as it should be.

5. 

   Move the punch tool to the left or right side of the cut. Line up the tool pattern with the cut design to keep the pattern straight. Continue until you have punched the entire border.

Punch Shapes

6. 

   Choose the shapes for your project. The top of each tool has a likeness of the image that can be punched from it.

7. 

   Notice that the underside of the tool has a metal positive and negative area. These two parts are the cutting apparatus.

8. 

   Place the paper you want to cut into the slot at the bottom of the paper punch.

9. 

   Use even pressure with your fingers or open palm to press down on the top of the tool, or the handle, if there is one, to cut into the paper.

10. 

    Remove the paper from the tool. You will find the 'punchie' shape that you have just cut out on the work surface under the tool or in a built in receptacle in the tool.

Tips & Warnings

• Simple punch tools can be used by a child.