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Tips & Tricks
February 24th, 2010
I’ve been working on a fun DIY series to share with all of you but I’m still in the process of editing all the photos and setting up the files for downloading. In the mean time I thought I’d share this quick tip that I just learned from my sister Allison. This trick totally came in handy for my latest project so here’s a sneak peak for what’s in store.
Rather than spending tons of money to replace all those craft punches that have begun to dull you can repair them yourself! All you need is a little tin foil! Just punch the foil a few times and TA-DA your punch is sharpened and restored! I was a skeptic at first but after testing it out on all of my punches myself I can tell you that it actually works! Added bonus, I also discovered a new way to make shimmery homemade confetti!
*Update: Reader Kylie was kind enought to add that if you punch through some wax paper afterwards, the wax will lubricate your punch too. Thanks Kylie!
February 24th, 2010 at 6:45 am
That works great! After you punch through the foil a few times, punch through some wax paper. This will actually lubricate your punch. I used to work at a scrapbook store and this is what we told all our customers.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:30 am
Ooh thank you so much for sharing! I was wondering if I would have to replace all of my punches once they dulled. This is fantastic!!
February 24th, 2010 at 9:34 am
my corner rounder thanks you.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:39 am
wow.. i NEVER would have thought of that! thanks!
February 24th, 2010 at 10:19 am
That’s a great tip, I think I’ll try that one next time I’m making paper necklaces for holiday shows. I also lubricate the punches with wax, works like a charm.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:23 am
That trick has saved me many times…and the wax paper trick too.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:27 am
Thanks Kathleen! This is a great tip and couldn’t have come at a better time. I was just about to break down and replace my worn out punches.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:42 am
This great trick works for sewing (or hair, paper…) scissors too!
Fold the tin foil a few times and cut, cut, cut through it and your scissors are like new!
This SAVED me in design school!
February 24th, 2010 at 11:00 am
I always enjoy finding DIY projects to share with my wife. Looking forward to this one!
February 24th, 2010 at 11:15 am
It works the same for dull scissors too.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
I’m popping out the foil right now! Thanks for the tip. All my punches need a sharpening.
hope you don’t mind me passing along the word on my blog.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
This is brilliant! Thank you for sharing. One of my favorite punches is in this very predicament
February 24th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
That’s rad! Thanks for the tip!
February 24th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
I’ve also heard doing this with wax paper works too.
February 24th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Thank you everyone for such great tips!
February 24th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
what a smart idea! love it, thanks.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Thanks for sharing this! I just posted about some cards I made and noticed my punch was getting a little dull around the edges. Hopefully this will fix the problem in a jiffy!
February 25th, 2010 at 7:31 am
First, what a great, simple idea. Second, Kylie, thanks for the wax paper tip!
February 25th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
thanks so much for sharing! my punch was getting dull and i was beginning to wonder!!
February 26th, 2010 at 2:33 am
What a fantastic tip, thanks for sharing!
February 28th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Thank you SO much Kylie for the extra tip I’m updating the post so that everyone can read it!
Kathleen
March 1st, 2010 at 1:20 pm
This is such a great idea!!
I think it’s time I go buy some fun punches.