A paper piercer is the tool that is used to pierce holes in paper in paper piercing projects (for more information about paper piercing see -
About Paper Piercing). A paper piercing tool is simply a sharp pointed tool that will make holes when pressed into a piece of paper or cardstock. Specially designed paper piercers can be purchased from craft stores, however it is very easy to improvise using sewing needles or other sharp pointed implements. Some crafters have success by pushing a needle into an eraser, however this can work loose. I prefer to make my own custom paper piercers by embedding a needle into a piece of polymer clay. As the needle is made from steel and polymer clay bakes at a relatively low temperature, the needle is not affected by this process. I find that I use my piercing tool for many crafting purposes and it is a useful addition to a crafter's work box.
Materials Required
- Needle, I have used a long embroidery needle in this project
- Scraps of polymer clay
Instructions
- Roll out a piece of polymer clay which is about 4 inches wide (or the size required)
- Roll the polymer clay into a sausage shape and smooth the join and tidy the ends
- Push the eye of the needle into one end of the polymer clay
- Add any other embellishments, in this instance I added a ball of polymer clay to the end
- Bake according to the manufacturer's instructions
Tips for Making Your Own Paper Piercer
- You can vary the thickness of the handle of the paper piercer, for instance making it wider in the middle which makes it easier for people with arthritis or other ailments in their hands to grip
- Make a lid by making a piece of polymer clay the same width and poking the end of the needle into this before baking to make a hole
- Make a stand for the paper piercer and craft needles by making a dome of polymer clay with holes in it and the paper piercer and needles can be placed in this when they are not in use
More Information About Rubber Stamping and Stitching
Paper piercing is often used as a base for stitching on paper projects. Here is some more information about rubber stamping and stitching:
