I focused on paper piercing (with a dab of dry embossing tossed in). Paper piercing is simply putting holes in paper to add a decorative or design element. I use the Tim Holtz retractable paper piercer. You do not need a specialized tool for this pizzazz element. You can use a regular sewing needle and pick the size that fits your project!
There are also plastic templates that can be used for specific patterns.
This card was mad using Stampin' Up templates that are made to go with punches and dies. The small sentiment has an oval shaped pierced around it. I used this instead of inking the edges of the oval to make it stand out. The scallops along the bottom and the edge of the Thanks sentiment are cut with Stampin' Up dies and pierced using a SU template as well.
On this card, I used a simple circle to frame the softly stamped flower. I also used dry embossing on the background for added interest.
If you don't have templates, you can use a simple ruler for straight lines or small round items for circles!
In this card, I used a ruler to make corner holes instead of using a corner rounder for interest. (I'm sorry that the photo doesn't show the pattern on the darker cardstock very well.)
I am not a very brave soul, but I am sure that some of you out there could come up with some pretty awesome free-hand patterns for your cards!
Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy the skip by heading to Velda's blog for the next round of fun!
Sheila
