Last year, if someone told me I would have time to start blogging, I would have laughed. I find myself getting more and more busy -- but what is the saying? If you want something done and done right, give it to a busy woman!  So, to start off, I want to share some common but important tips to keep your punches in great condition.

1.  Punches sticking?  Punch several times with waxed paper. This will lubricate your punch and it will stop sticking.  Do this regularly to maintain your punch.  Intricate designs (snowflakes) are more prone to stick than basic shapes (circles).

2. Punch hard to use or ripping your cardstock and paper?  Punch several times using aluminum foil. Believe it, this actually SHARPENS your punch!   This maintenance does not need to be done as often as the waxed paper.

Punches are quite durable, but to keep them at their best, they must receive proper care.  Store your punches in a dry place to avoid rusting. You don't have to use fancy containers or hangers from your scrapbook store (although they are very nice). You can simplify and use a fishing tackle box or an embroidery floss box. 

This next tip may be age related , but if you are having a similar problem, give it a try.  If your punch will not compress, don't be afraid to stand up and put some weight on it.  I eventually went out and purchased a Power Punch. This is really nice as it gives you lots of leverage on the punch.  Mine is by Marvy Uchida and is pretty old now, but it still works great.  Standing up, use the palm of your hand you will see how much easier it is to use your punch.  Or (I do this) place your punch on the floor and gently (GENTLY) step on it until it punches (of course, not with the Power Punch!: ).  I have a lot of problems with the larger punches and the Creative Memories punches, so I do this all the time.  You might also try switching a thinner paper. Some of the more intricate designs will break if you attempt to punch through heavy card stock.

Have you been punching away and your paper gets stuck up inside the punch?  You can try compressing it again to see if the shape comes out; but, if that doesn't work you can take a screwdriver to press on the protruding design and that may help release the paper.  DO NOT USE YOUR FINGERS!

Okay, this is the end of my first blog and it was painless : )  See you next time!

(this was copied from my first blog at another site)