Pierced Border Tutorial

If you've been coming to my blog for a while, then you know how frugal I am. Given the current economy, I have to be frugal if I want to continue my hobbies!

One of my favorite things is finding different uses for products and tools already in my stash. Or ways to mimic current products on the market that I can't afford.

Today's tutorial will show you just that! One of the latest crazes in the stamping world is Pierceabilities from Spellbinders. If you'd like the look for a lot less, then here's a mini tutorial for you.

See that scalloped pierced border in the card above? I made that with just my paper piercer, a piece of cardstock, and a punch.

First, I used my SU slit punch to create a scalloped border for my card in orange. Most people will throw away the negative scallop created from the punch. But that's the piece you want to save. That will be our piercing template.



Take your negative scallop and line it up along the bottom of your card where you'd like your pierced border to be. Then using your paper piercer, pierce holes along the scalloped edge.

I find it easier to pierce the one hole at the top and bottom of each scallop along the entire length of my card first; then go back and fill in the rest of the holes. That way, you're sure to have an even border.



When you're finished, you'll be left with a gorgeous pierced scallop border! Just think of all of the possibilities!! I'm sure you have some decorative scissors in your stash. Use the scissors to create a template, then pierce along the negative (or positive) end of the cardstock you cut. You can layer two rows of pierced scallops or shapes to create a more elaborate effect. Or flip your template upside down to mimic the effect in the pinking template here.

Just a few tips before I go. Make sure you use heavy-duty quality cardstock. You don't want a flimsy template that will bend on you. I like using PTI cardstock because it's the heaviest around. Second, make sure the template you're using is straight! To ensure a straight cut with decorative scissors, use a ruler to draw a straight line on the back of your cardstock. Then cut along that line with your scissors.

I hope this comes in handy for some of you! I know I will be adding this technique to my cards in the future. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by!