PaperPunchies.com Punchin' Guide

Paper Punches come in a wide variety of designs and sizes. Here is a basic guideline to help you understand the various sizes available:

Mini Punch - Paper punchie measuring approximately 1/4 inch
Small Punch - Paper punchie measuring approximately 1/2 inch
Medium Punch - Paper punchie measuring approximately 3/4 inch
Large Punch - Paper punchie measuring approximately 1 to 1 1/4 inch
Jumbo Punch - Paper punchie measuring approximately 2 inches
Mega Punch - Paper punchie measuring approximately 2 1/2 inches
Giga Punch - Paper punchie measuring approximately 3 inches

Punchline Punches - These are hand held punches that measure 1/16 to 5/16 and are as simple as squeezing the handles together.

Long Reach Punches - These punches look a lot like stamplers. They can punch a design a couple of inches from the paper's edge.

Border Punches - These punches have long narrow designs to be used along the paper's edge to create borders.

Anyone can punch, adults and children alike. Punched designs can be as basic or as intricate as you want them to be. I've found that the best place to punch is on a sturdy table while standing up. Standing up allows you to use your weight and every now and then you do get a stiff punch that requires the extra effort. You can also use a piece of wood to punch on while kneeling on the floor. When using the smaller punches, it is best to punch with your thumb. Many of the larger punches do require you to use the palm of your hand to press down firmly on the punch.

There are punching tools that you can use as well. I do use the Strong Arm punching tool occassionally to help relieve some of the strain on my fingers and wrist while doing repetitive punching.

Break in your new punches by punching through several sheets of wax paper. Be sure to sharpen your punches every now and then by punching through aluminum foil.

To protect your photographs, be sure to punch shapes using Acid Free and Lignin Free paper.

Happy Punchin'!