Paper Pricking - Tutorial

Hello again everyone - Got a super easy tutorial today...

Paper Pricking

This doesn't require a lot of materials, but looks really effective using metallic threads :)  If you don't want to do the stitching, then coloured gems placed around the pattern can look just as pretty... I've got a few examples of each if you scroll down to the bottom :)

Materials used:

Pricking Stencil - This is one I bought years ago, but they are readily available on Ebay if you search
for "stitching stencil".  If you don't have one... don't worry, you can design a pattern really easily or use the one that I've drawn out here:

A pricking mat - I use an old mouse mat (the spongy ones) cut up.

A pricking tool, or a long pin with a ball head (easier for holding)

Metallic thread and fine needle - I bought my threads in Bargain Buys in Rushmere, 15 spools for £1

Coloured gems - you can usually find these in any bargain store. Poundland have them in around the nails and beauty section - I should have named my blog "The Frugal Crafter" LOL

Card blanks - I've used a 5 inch square card, but you can use any size or shape :)

Various coloured card - cut to slightly smaller than your card blank

so lets get started...

Line your stencil or template up with your card - best to tape it in place with a piece of masking tape...
stick the tape to the back of your hand a couple of times to remove some of the tackiness (less chance of it ripping your card when you peel it off again). You can use sellotape this way too.

Then using your pin, just punch down through each dot into your card. When you have that section pricked, just remove your template and place it down in the next corner.  If your stencil is not symmetrical, just turn it over to the back to make a mirror image.

Repeat this process for all 4 corners and this is what you should now have:

If you are going to stitch through the holes... thread up your needle with a colour of thread to match or compliment your coloured card, bring the needle up at the first hole...tape your thread to the back and skip 3 or 4 holes (but remember how many you skip and stick to this number) and bring your needle back down again.

for example: up at 1, down at 5, up at 6, down at 2, up at 3, down at 7 and so on, skipping 3 holes each time.  and just follow the line of your holes/dots.  You can always stick a gem in any area that seems a little awkward.  And just tape your thread at the back when you're done. Careful not to tape it over the back of the holes as it might show through.

Using double sided sticky tape, adhere your card to the card blank... I always find coloured card looks best on white.  I also used a similar colour of marker and drew a thick border round the edge and I've stuck a diamante gem in the centre of each stitched section.

Then just decorate the centre of your card with any embellishment.  I used a cross stitch design... once stitched, I ironed on some vilene interfacing (special fabric that stops it from fraying - here's a link: Vilene Interfacing) to the back to stiffen it, then cut around it and mount it to the card with some 3D foam pads.

I can't give you the chart for this as there are copyright laws, but there are loads of books
and magazines available with images just like this... It's a fantastic hobby and I'll be featuring
more of these in my upcoming posts :)

Then stamp a greeting and that's it, all done :)

Here's a few more samples with different colours and ideas:

The white with a touch of silver make this one look quite delicate

I used a metallic pink thread, but it just looks silver in the photo

I didn't get this card fully completed, nothing is stuck down, but you get the idea, right? :)

Let me know what you think, and if you give it a try, I'd love to see what you come up with :) :)

Have a great day,

Glenda