Brads

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Using brads is a simple technique that can really add some dimension to your scrapbook pages, greeting cards and other craft projects.

Mini brads measure about 1/8” in diameter and have a ¼” “prong, like those on paper fasteners.  Brads come in different shapes, the most common being a circle.  Other shapes and sizes are available.

To Use a Brad:

Mark the spot where you wish to place the brad with a pencil or pen.  It should be a small mark, but will disappear when you make the hole.

Some crafters will simply insert the sharp prong of the brad through the paper or cardstock.  We recommend making a small hole with either a craft knife or hole punch to avoid bending the brad or tearing the paper. 

Once you have made the hole, insert the brad.

Turn over the paper and spread the prongs in opposite directions.  It is best to use a craft knife to separate the prongs.  They are tiny and sharp to use fingers.  You can finish off the project by covering the prongs with paper and tape or adhesive to protect the prongs from scratching up against anything you might put behind it. 

Brads can be used to:
* Hold photo mattes in place (with or without adhesive)
* Attach vellum without any additional adhesive showing through
* Hang tags
* Secure other embellishments such as fibers, die cuts, ribbon, mesh, screen, etc.

Eyelets

Eyelets are small metal objects that are most commonly known as the “things” you thread your shoelaces through on your tennis shoes.  But, they have become a popular and relatively simple to use embellishment for all kinds of craft project, if you know the technique and have the right tools. 

Eyelets and rivets are usually metal, so you would want to be sure that no parts of the eyelet comes in contact with your photos.  They are acid-free and considered safe for use in scrapbook albums.  They should be covered with a page protector to prevent exposure to sunlight and/or humidity which could cause some eyelets to rust.  If rust is a problem, remove and/or replace the eyelets immediately. 

Eyelets commonly are round, but can now be found in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.  The size of the eyelet refers to the diameter of the hole.  They can be 1/ 16”, 1/8”,  3/16” or other sizes.  The “front” side of the eyelet is the side that shows the design.  The back side of an eyelet is usually not painted, and has an extended end.  This end will be hammered and/or flattened for use in scrapbook pages and other craft projects.

The following tools are necessary to insert eyelets and rivets:
* A sturdy eyelet pad or cutting page
* Hammer
* Eyelet Setter- tool with one open end
* Hole punch or Anywhere hole punch
* Eyelets
* Safe and sturdy surface for hammering

To Insert Eyelets:

Place the item into which you want to set the eyelet on the eyelet pad. 

Mark the spot where you wish to place the eyelet with a pencil or pen.  It should be a small mark, but will disappear when you make the hole.  If you are placing an eyelet somewhere close to the edge of the page, an ordinary hole punch can be used.  If you are setting the eyelet further away from the edge, you will need to use an Anywhere hole punch.

If you are using an Anywhere hole punch, place the open end of the hole anywhere punch over your mark.  Hit the other end of the punch with a hammer a few times in order to make the hole.    For different weights of paper, you might have to hit the hammer a few times to completely cut out the hole. 

Once you have made the hole, insert the eyelet.  Place the eyelet upside down on the pad and then put your project over the eyelet.  Or hold the eyelet in place, carefully turn over the item in which you have inserted the eyelet and set the eyelet face down on the eyelet pad.  The back of the eyelet should now be facing up.

Using the eyelet setter, place the setter inside the back of the eyelet and hold steady straight up and down.  Hit the top end of the setter with 4-5 forceful blows from the hammer.  When completely set, the eyelet will splay out and bend down on the paper.  If it is not completely flat, you can use your hammer on the back side to flatten it out.

If you are not happy with the eyelet, you can remove it and try again with another eyelet using the same hole.

You may choose to tape a small piece of paper over the back of the eyelet.  This can protect other pages in your album.

Eyelets can be used to:
* Hold journaling boxes in place (with or without adhesive)
* Attach vellum without any additional adhesive showing through
* Hang tags
* Use with other embellishments such as fibers, and ribbon threading them through the eyelets.