Punch your own design into copper or other metal sheeting.
Punch art is the process of outlining a design in a thin sheet of metal using evenly spaced holes. The metal sheet can then be used as a lampshade or a candle holder. The light shining through the holes illuminates and emphasizes the design. In addition, you can make punched metal into a holiday ornament, a decoration for a gift, a picture frame or some other keepsake. Children and adults can make punch art designs, and the materials do not have to be expensive.
Instructions
1. Decide what you want your punch art design to be. For example, you can make metal decoration for a potted plant, a napkin ring, a Christmas tree ornament, a candle holder or a lampshade.
2. Trace the outside of your art piece on a piece of paper, then outline the design. It can be simple or complex, with just a few lines, or with many details. However, the lines should not be too close together because punching holes next to each other can cause tears in the metal sheet.
3. Find a metal sheet to punch. You can get copper and other thin metals at craft stores. You can also use the flat bottoms of disposable aluminum baking tins from the supermarket. Make sure the metal sheet is large enough for your design.
4. Tape your design to the metal sheet. Use masking tape; it will pull off easily and won't leave any residue. Use a dull pencil or medium-point ballpoint pen to trace the entire design. Press firmly enough so that the lines are impressed onto the metal sheet, but not hard enough to tear the paper.
5. Remove the design from the metal sheet. Cut out the metal sheet to the size and shape you want with a large pair of scissors. Place the metal shape on top of an old magazine to protect the tabletop underneath.
6. Punch holes with an awl, ice pick, or other sharply pointed device at small, even intervals along all the lines of your design. When every line has been punched, shape it into the object you want, such as bending it around a lampshade frame or closing it into a napkin ring. Fold the ends together and crimp with pliers to secure them.
