If you’re new to scrapbooking, you may not have learned all the super secret scrappy society code words yet…like digi, die cuts, masks, brands, eyelets, and setters. But don’t worry…you’re about to.

I remember when embellishments like brands and eyelets first came on to the scrapbooking scene. It catapulted the craft into 3D and away from flat stickers, paper borders, etc.

In the video below, I demonstrate how to use brads and eyelets. I also show you how to set them using several different setters…in particular an oldie but goodie, the Silent Setter by ProvoCraft.

Though they are no longer are available on ProvoCraft’s website, you can still find them at retailers and all over the internet with a simple Google search.

To see how the Crop-A-Dile works, go here to see a photo tutorial.

WIN IT! One reader will receive a Silent Setter of their very own!

Here’s how to enter:

1. Comment on this post telling me if you’ve ever used an eyelet setter before.

2. For extra entries, tweet about this giveaway up to once a day and/or subscribe to this blog. Need a tweet idea? Try this: “Shout it from the rooftops and win a Silent Setter! http://is.gd/dlTTS @myapronstrings”

3. Entries must be made by Friday, July 23 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Good luck cropaholics!

I use eyelets and brads a lot in my scrapbooks. Its makes your page look a little more complicated when, really, it couldn’t be easier to do. If you are new to scrapbooking, you’ll want to know about the Crop-A-Dile.

There is a new version of the Crop-A-Dile out, the Big Bite, but I’m still using the little guy. I can see why the new larger style would be nice to have, to be able to set an eyelet or punch a hole anywhere on a 12×12 page. But until I get one, this one will have to do.

If you haven’t experienced the wonders of the Crop-A-Dile, here’s a little picture tutorial showing how easy it is. And let me tell you, I’ve used several different eyelet tools, and this is by far the best, in my opinion.

So here we go…

1. Pick your paper (or even a photo) and your eyelet.

2. Use the hole punch on the Crop-A-Dile to punch your hole where desired. There is a larger hole on the other side of the Crop-A-Dile for larger eyelets.

3. Place your eyelet through the whole with your paper right side up.

4. Now use the setter and press firmly, but not too hard. (There are a few setting combinations depending on the size and type of eyelet you are using. The Crop-A-Dile comes with good instructions for this. Most of the time, you will use the same one.)

Voila!

How fun is that? There are a lot of applications for the Crop-A-Dile. Its great for just punching holes for adding brads, fibers and ribbons to your page. It is one of those very handy tools that you really should try!

Originally posted on Apron Strings Aflutter, July 2008