Craft eyelets are versatile and inexpensive embellishments similar in appearance to grommets. They cost mere pennies, but can be used in endless ways. Eyelets are perfect for adhering elements to scrapbook layouts, but they also can be used just for fun!
Types of Eyelets Used in Scrapbooking
Metal eyelets typically are made from brass, steel or aluminum. The most common diameter of eyelet used for craft purposes is 1/8”, but they also are available in 1/16”, 3/16” and ½” sizes. They may be sold with their original metallic finish, but eyelets painted in all the colors of the rainbow are increasingly popular. The original eyelets were round but imaginative designers now produce them in many shapes - ovals, squares, flowers, hearts, stars, snowflakes, musical notes - to name only a few.
Fun Ways to Use Eyelets in Scrapbooks
- Reinforcing or adhering tags
- Adhering vellum, mesh or metal foil
- Attaching fabric flowers
- Adhering pockets or flip-ups
- Attaching journaling strips
- Adhering metal letters or charms
How to Set Eyelets
To set eyelets, you will need 3 items: a handheld hole punch, an eyelet setter and a rubber craft mat. Carefully position the tip of the hole punch wherever you wish to place the eyelet. Tap the end of the punch with a hammer until the hole is cut through the paper. Push the barrel of the eyelet through the hole and flip the paper while holding the eyelet in place.
Place the setter on the eyelet so that the point is centered inside the barrel. Tap the setter with the hammer until the barrel spreads out. Eyelets made of aluminum are softer and may deform during setting if they are hammered too hard. The best approach is to hit the hammer softly and check how the metal responds. If necessary, you can always hit harder!
Sample Pages
- I Want To Be Me: Eyelets are perfect for adhering tags and letter charms securely to the background. Supplies: cardstock - Bazzill Basics; patterned paper - Chatterbox, Provo Craft, Frances Meyer, Karen Foster Design; tags, buttons, eyelet letters - Making Memories; eyelets – Doodlebug Design Inc.; ribbon - Provo Craft; stamping ink – Clearsnap; rubber stamps - EK Success; letter stickers - Creative Imaginations.
- At the Palms: Attaching vellum to a layout is problematic because it is translucent. Eyelets are the perfect solution. They can even be used to embellish photo mats! Cardstock – Keeping Memories Alive, Westrim Crafts; vellum – the Paper Company; eyelets – the Stamp Doctor; computer font – CK Journaling, Creating Keepsakes Best of Creative Lettering Combo CD.
- Baby Girl: Eyelets are a fun and simple way to adhere silk flowers to a page. Supplies: cardstock – Provo Craft; patterned paper – Chatterbox; alphabet stamps – Making Memories, EK Success; stamping ink – Tsukineko; eyelets – JoAnn’s Craft Essentials; silk flowers – the Dollar Store!
- Christmas Dinner: Eyelets can be used to attach interactive elements like flip-ups so that they don’t come off. The eyelets in this layout are shaped like flowers. Supplies: cardstock - Keeping Memories Alive; patterned paper - Hot Off The Press (Paper Pizzazz); eyelets - Doodlebug Design Inc.; stickers - Debbie Mumm for Creative Imaginations; lettering template - Provo Craft; pen – Zig; watercolor pencils - Faber-Castell.
Related Articles
- What is Scrapbooking? Recording the Stories of Your Life with Photos and Words
- How to Scrapbook with Vellum Paper: Using Translucent Sheets to Add Depth and Delicacy to Your Pages
- How to Scrapbook with Flowers: Embellish Your Layouts with Blossoms and Blooms
Adrienne Larocque - Dr. Larocque is an award-winning scientist who has published more than 20 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
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