I'm Gonna Punch You Out!

Paper trimmers, rubber stamps, adhesive runners, these are a few of the tools of the trade.  Just like any other tools, craft tools need to be maintained to function through years of use.  While having single use embellishments, like tags, brad or stickers can be nice stamps and punches are embellishment tools that can be used again and again, really giving you some bang for their buck.  Over the years I seem to be accumulating quite the collection of both.

I have noticed that a few of my well-loved punches just aren’t performing like they used to, especially some of my cheaper ones.  Maybe they don’t cut the paper as cleanly and leave torn places.  Maybe they don’t squeeze as easily as they once did, or freeze up mid punch.  Here are a couple tricks to give your punches some much needed lovin’.  The secret is in your kitchen.  Here’s what you need:

 

• Old punches, any type, any size.
• Wax paper
• Aluminum foil

If your punch is sticking, or hard to compress, it may need some additional help.  Take your punch and punch the wax paper over and over.  Really go to town if you want to, the more the better.  The wax helps to lubricate the metal, making the punch action smoother.

 
If your punch tears a corner of your paper, or won’t cut card stock evenly, it may have a bur or an uneven place in the metal edging.  To help correct this punch through a sheet of aluminum foil over and over, this helps to file down any rough uneven places.

 
These two quick, simple fixes can help extend the life of your punch tools, helping you create awesome embellishments for years to come.

I am starting on a new Disney themed paper bag album for my daughter this week, so stay tuned for a fun tutorial on those!!  I love being inspired.  J