How to Craft With a Slot Punch
Slot punches are becoming more frequently used for craft projects. From the classic one-hole punch to specialized slot punches that come with setters, they offer advanced shapes and different sizes of holes for ribbon weaving and paper tucking.
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Things You'll Need
- Applicable dies
- Instant setter (if applicable)
- Medium weight cardstock or construction paper
- Small hammer
Instructions
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Determine the type of slot punch you have. The originals were known as hole punches, and they will only punch one hole at a time. Your options with this item are limited -- mainly punching out confetti-sized circles that you can use for crafts, mixed media or scrapbooking designs.
Otherwise, your slot punch either contains tap and dies or comes with an instant setter (spring-loaded) and dies. If your kit has a tap, you must use a small hammer to gently bang the die onto the paper to make the cuts.
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Locate and test the "half round" or "circular looking" die. Test with medium weight cardstock or construction paper before wasting expensive scrapbooking paper. The half-round slit is perfect for tucking paper folds into. Doing so allows you to make your own small packages, pouches or close notes neatly. Practice folding and tapping this die into various places until you have determined how to make a small folded package.
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Test a rectangular tap die if you have one. Kits normally come with several different sizes. These will make small rectangular shapes onto your paper and are generally placed on the sides of an item so that you may run ribbon through it to close it up.
If you want to get really crafty, embellish a special envelope or business card with your slot punch, placing eight to 10 holes of this type. Weave ribbon in a constant "in and out" motion going in and out of the holes. The final project will be a weaved ribbon effect.
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Tips & Warnings
If using a hammer, test the force needed gradually. Don't be overbearing or you may cause damage to your tap and die.
