Scalloped gymp for side of mirrors or any other project that needs clean sides

[leatherman1457]

I have decided to show people that might have problems or wish to have clean sides on projects that can be seen from the sides. This is done very simple. I have used 4 different punches to show you that any scallop punch will work.

Gymp is a narrow flat or rounded cord used for trimming .comes from the french word "guimpe" I will refer to it as gymp in all of my stories put forth.

I cut a strap or two depending on if I plan to use a layered gymp, meaning one strap on top of the other. If using two straps cut one 1/4 to 1/2 inch wider. Do not worry about the scallops falling in perfect place ,it will never happen. just punch it out and let it lay where it will lay. You will understand more once you have done it.

I will use the punch first by punching the strap all the way down.I case the leather so it will be easier to punch out. You can start on any side. Once I punch the first scallop, I place the punch in the end of the first scallop and punch it so that the punch makes a cut that will continously let the topwaste fall out. If it does not fall out you can use a knife to cut it ,you will learn how to do it real fast so you do not waste time.

For the first sample I used a 7/16" 3 lobe handmade scallop punch. Once the strap is punched out ,I use tool D-606 and stamp all of the scallops with it. once I have done the complete strap I turn over the strap and use tool D-637 to complete the meander pattern on the strap.then I use a creaser on the strap to give it a finished look. this is what makes the strap come to life.

For sample two I use a 3/4" pinking punch which I found on ebay. comes in various sizes. For this strap I punched it out and then I used C-454 for the scallop and used C-830 where the scallops meet. remember to turn strap over to do the C-830

This sampls was done with a 3/4" punch That Is a regular scaollop punch. You can buy one or you can make one by grinding down a 3/4" round punch like this one was.like the other strap with the pinking punch I used the C-454 and the C-830 on this strap

This sample was done using a 3/4" scallop scallop punch. meaning the the scallop punch has scallops in the radius of the punch . this is another punch that comes in various sizes and can be found on ebay . Because of it being a 3/4" inch punch again I used the C-454 and the C-830 on it.

When doing gymp you want to use a cam tool the will cover the scallops but not to big or to small. you want to have the meander pattern on it.. Once done you can dye it any color and then use solid brass tacks or nails so that you will get the patina on it . takes a few years but is worth it.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

There is a sample of a couple of frames that I made using the gymp on the sides and you can use it on the inside of a radius for picture frames..hope you can use this story.

Gary

[TimKleffner]

Gary

That's a good idea. I'll use it here shortly on a picture frame.

Merry Christmas

Happy tooling

Tim