Making arts and crafts projects requires all sorts of tools, and among the most commonly used are those small thingies called eyelets. They are a perfect way to bind things or create cards that open nicely. If you're searching for craft eyelets and don't know anything about them, here are a few tips to help you
What's an Eyelet?
If you're new to paper arts and crafts, you probably wonder what an eyelet is. An eyelet is a rubber, metal or plastic ring with flanges used to reinforce or strengthen holes in thin materials. You can see it on curtains, or clothes, but people who do arts and crafts can use eyelets for paper as well. Crafts eyelets' purpose is to strengthen a hole or protect something from the hole's rough edges.
Difference Between Eyelet and Grommet
People who're building a boat awning or flags will search for both grommets or eyelets. Both can be used to strengthen holes in the fabric, so what’s the difference? People often ask this question, so here are the main differences between the two.
Grommets
Grommets are two-part pieces of hardware pressed together through a pre-punched hole in a piece of fabric. Usually, quality grommets are made from brass or stainless steel, two malleable metals that flare and roll when you install the grommet to lock the two parts together, closing the fabric in between. Grommets are fast and easy to instal but require the use of a special setting die. If you need an extra-strong hold, choose the spur grommet. This grommet has small "spurs" or teeth that practically bite into the fabric to keep the grommet from rotating and getting loose over time.
Eyelets
You may notice that sometimes small regular grommets are called eyelets (think of the holes where shoelaces go through). In general, an eyelet refers to a specific style of hardware. An eyelet is a more traditional and time-consuming method of hole mounting (it’s used in conjunction with brass rings). The brass ring needs to be hand-sewn over a pre-punched hole in the fabric with waxed twine; then the eyelet (made of soft brass) is pressed into the iddle of the ring and locked in place with a setting die. The eyelet shields the twine, which is the strength of the assembly.
Essential Tools
To use eyelets in your art and crafts projects you'll need an eyelet setting tool. There are different types of eyelet setters on the market which help you set an eyelet a whole lot easier than it used to be. Modern eyelet setters are much more user-friendly and don’t involve the need for a lot of pressure. Even if you're a beginner in this whole arts and crafts thing, you can still use them.
When setting it as a beginner, it's best to test your skills on a protected surface. Get the eyelet and follow the instructions on the bag or box. In general, you'll need to make a hole and set the eyelet.
Arts and Crafts Uses
You can use these things for versatile projects such as a junk journal, Thank You notes, invitations for parties, holiday cards, you name it.
• On cards– use an eyelet on the front of gatefold cards, and thread and tie a ribbon between them so you can open and close the card nicely. You can also use it elsewhere on other cards, either just for decoration or with ribbon threaded through.
• On scrapbook pages – this can be done the same as with cards; the eyelets add a new dimension to scrapbook pages and work both practically and as decoration.
• On altered art projects – these little things are perfect for altered art papercraft projects. They can work as setters on surfaces such as plastic or metal and can be used on covered buckets or tins, on decorative metal boxes, on altered stationery things or as ribbon holders. In general, you can use them anywhere where you need a hole and want it to finish off to a high standard, so it won’t tear, wear out or look untidy in a little while.
Other Tools
Hole Setter
This is a tool used to make the hole in the paper or card stock. Once you make a hole thread the eyelet through it, place the setter (the tool with the smooth end) over the opening of the eyelet and tap it gently with the hammer until the ends start to bend. Then remove the setter and tap with the hammer directly until the eyelet flattens down smoothly.
If you don't have such a tool, you can use a hole punch or scissors to create a hole and then with a hammer flatten the eyelet onto the card stock once you have threaded it through.
How to Use Them
Be sure to work slowly, to avoid breaking the eyelet and damaging your work. Just lightly tap the eyelets (strong tapping can dent them or scratch the colour off the top). If you want, you can damage your eyelets on purpose, and get that antique look which can come in handy in certain designs.
Avoid using the hammer directly onto the table because you can damage it, so be sure to always use a protective surface underneath your work (a rubber cutting mat or a thick layer of newspaper).
