What is paper piercing?

Paper Piercing, as opposed to paper piecing, is an ages old craft enjoying resurgence now. I recently overheard a crafter asking another crafter what paper piercing was, so decided to write about it this week. Paper piercing is a method of decorating paper by inserting a needle thru the paper (piercing) to make a series of small holes that create a design or pattern.

Paper piercing requires very few tools. Paper, a piercing mat, and a needle or needle tool are the basics. You will need a pattern of some sort, and I’ll add some links for patterns to purchase. You can also make your own patterns. Start with a simple shape, such as a square, heart or triangle. When you are comfortable with this, graduate to larger or more complicated shapes. If you don’t want to draw your own patterns, coloring books are a great resource for shapes. So are wrapping papers, cards you have received, die cuts, fabrics, wallpaper books, magazines and the Internet!
Paper piercing can be very simple and elegant, such as a heart pierced on gold metallic card stock and glued to the front of a simple white card. They can also be as complex as a pergamano design pierced on parchment. Paper piercing can stand alone, or be used in combination with die cuts, chalking, markers, watercolor and embossing. Here’s how to do it.
1. Select a pattern
2. Select your paper or cardstock. Cardstock works better than a lighter paper. Vellum or parchment are beautiful, but I suggest you start with cardstock.
3. Place your cardstock and pattern over a piercing pad. These can be purchased, or you can use an old mouse pad or a few pieces of fun foam. Just make sure your piercing does not go thru the pad to pierce your table! Tape the cardstock and pattern in place. Some people prefer to have the raised holes on the front of the design; others like the holes to indent. This is a personal choice.
4. Use a needle tool to pierce holes evenly around the shape or pattern. Remove the pattern and tape, and voila!. Your design is ready to use as is or be further embellished by any of the methods mentioned above.

You can make your own needle tool by inserting the eye end of a large needle into the eraser end of a pencil. So try some paper piercing next time you need a card for someone or do a scrapbook page. This is a fun technique to add to your repertoire!