List of Inspiration + How to Set an Eyelet

Happy Wednesday! Need a list of visual inspiration?

Last week, I asked you to post a comment with an inspiring movie or mini series that you've seen. (Preferably something historical with beautiful costumes and scenery.) I loved reading all of your recommendations and thought it would be so nice to put them into a list so that we could all enjoy them. Next time you're wondering about what to see, you can consult this handy dandy list. I went ahead and collaged a frame around it with some scraps of epehemera...you know I had to make it pretty! lol.

Get your free, high resolution digital download by simply emailing blogfreebie@artchixstudio.com.

Enjoy the inspiration! And a big "thank you" to all that contributed to this wonderful list.
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Do you remember this cute ornament? I'm embarassed to show you the back but (blushing), do you see how horrible my eyelets look on the back side (pic on the right)?

So, I begged Linda Larsen, dear friend and owner of Objects and Elements, to show us how to set an eyelet properly.
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She happily agreed to show us how to set an eyelet into one of our Wood Tags.

Here's what she said...
You can set an eyelet with very simple tools.  A ball peen hammer and a center punch (aka eyelet setter) is all you need.  Choose an eyelet that fits your hole and extends beyond.  It doesn’t have to be a huge extension especially with wood. If your eyelet is too long you can make it work too. 

Put the eyelet into the hole and lay it face down on a very hard surface.  A bench block is ideal but a smooth concrete floor would work as well. 
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Place the center punch in the hole and lightly tap it with the hammer until you see it start to flare.  
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Ah, I see it's starting to flare!

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Then remove the center punch and use the ball peen (rounded) end of the hammer to very gently tap your way around so it rolls back under.  This is done with taps as you need to move the metal slowly to keep it from splitting.  If the eyelet is especially long you will have to very patiently tap around and around to get it to roll enough to look good in the hole. 
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I like to flip it over and flatten the roundness on the other side to make it look a bit more industrial.

Wow, thank you so much, Linda! This is so helpful. Okay, now I realize that I need to have more patience and slowly hammer the eyelet with the round part of the hammer. Fantastic...now perhaps my eyelets will look good on both sides.
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Kitty Inca was supposed to pick 10 winners for our special Owl Paper Dolls and Owl Collage Sheet
giveaway. BUT she wanted to stay all curled up in a ball. How could I wake her when she looked so cute?

So, instead, I'm going to give a $5 gift certificate to ARTchix  to everyone that shared an inspiring movie or series from last week. Woohoo!!!

By the way, our much coveted Blue Face Owl Beads are back in stock!

See you next week with a sneak peek at my etsy shop that's coming soon! : )

Comments

[Gail Hvatum]

~~~ Loved this tutorial !! Thanks <3 <3

[Retta]

Most of my eyelets look like yours too...hehe. Thanks for the helpful hints. And how sweet is a $5 gift certificate?! Sweet! You're so very kind. Thank you :)

[Sid]

Thanks for the tut and love the freebie art !!

[Carline]

This is a wonderful tutorial, thanks for sharing, I pinned it!

[Mary Wilkins]

Miss Inca looks so cute! I can't do eyelets either and the tutorial will give me a better sense when I am working in wood. Thanks so much for the freebie as well!

[Justine]

oh thank you!! I would love to hug lovely Inca~~ :)

[Linda K]

thank you for the gift and freebie sheet Helga!! I'm sure sweet Inca appreciated you letting her sleep-she looks soo comfy :) Thanks also for the tut. I have found too that different brands of eyelets seem to set differently-some seem much easier than others.

[April Dudko]

Inca looks so peaceful,what a beautiful cat!