How do you get a brad to go through ribbon?

[sunnysnowflake]

I have been trying to put brads through ribbon because I love the look but it is so hard for me. It's hard to get it through and then when I finally do it usually pulls a thread so then I have a snag in the ribbon.
Any hints or tips from you experts?

[bnlnkids]

I do one of two things when attaching a brad to a ribbon:

1. Use an anywhere hole punch (smallest size possible) and very firmly, punch a hole for the brad to go through. Usually, the anywhere punch is sharp enough that it will make the hole quickly and cleanly without any snags in the first pound.

2. Fold the ribbon in half right where you want the brad to go through. Then, using micro tipped scissors, very carefully snip a teeny tiny slit in the ribbon. Again, I can't stress enough th eimportance of using micro tips, or any other scissors that have a very sharp blades! It will help in making the slit as small (and unnoticable) as possible. Hope this helps!

[Shelley Davis]

I use a nail and make a quick hole. A small one.
Shelley~

[bnlnkids]

Oh, I forgot about one other thing that Shelley reminded me about... if the brad is really tiny, just using a paper piercer to get the whole started will help sometimes, too. Particularly if the ribbon is really thin, like organza.

[lou3lou]

a darning (sp???) needle always works for me
hth

[PolarBear]

I use the paper piercer or hole punch.

[kysmom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolarBear

I use the paper piercer or hole punch.

Same here!!

[Mahloumel]

I use a pushpin, but a nail is an awesome idea! *off to the toolbox to pinch a finishing nail*

[Jovi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolarBear

I use the paper piercer or hole punch.

Me too ;)

[Cynamom]

If you have a Crop A Dile, it works GREAT... I never had luck with the usual stuff for ribbon, but that was awesome!! If you don't have a COD, find a GOOD coupon and get one, they're WORTH IT! (got mine for about $15 with coupon)

Cindy

[nbwcc]

the 1/16" handheld punch works too. (Purple Fiskars one sold by SU!) It works especially well with Twill Tape, but I have used it with some ribbons (I can't remember if it worked with grosgrain)

[dawnmercedes]

I use my paper piercing tool! Works great!

[doxiegal]

I use my Japanese screw hole punch. Punches through cardboard, ribbon, chipboard... It was a great investment!

[SammyStamper]

I also use a 1/16 handled hole punch.