Star Hole Punch and Glitter Markers: Simple Embellishment Ideas
By Crafter's Companion | Craft Supplies | Papercraft & Art | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Tips & Care
Turn punched stars and glitter marker accents into quick card decorations. Follow a simple five-step process for clean shapes, controlled sparkle, and a polished finish.
Quick answer
Punch your star shapes first, then add glitter marker accents only where they will catch the light. This order keeps the punched edges crisp and prevents glitter from smudging under the punch.
Why punch before you glitter
A hole punch works best on flat, clean paper. If you add glitter marker first, the slightly raised or tacky surface can stick to the punch mechanism and distort the star shape. Punching first also lets you decide exactly where each star sits before you commit to sparkle.
Keep a scrap sheet nearby to test the punch on your chosen cardstock. Very thick card may need a firm, steady press, while thin paper can tear if the punch is not fully aligned.
Choose where the sparkle goes
Glitter markers are most effective as small accents rather than full backgrounds. Use them to outline a punched star, dot the corners of a card, or add a tiny highlight inside a star cut-out. The Clear Overlay pen in the Sparkle by Spectrum Noir set is useful for adding shine over another colour without changing its hue.
Step-by-step embellishment process
- Prepare your paper and punch: Place your cardstock on a firm surface and slide it fully into the star punch until it stops. Press the lever firmly and evenly. Common mistake: using warped or damp paper, which can cause a partial cut. Checkpoint: test on a scrap piece first to confirm a clean star shape.
- Punch the stars you need: Punch one star at a time, spacing them at least 1 cm apart if you are cutting multiple stars from one sheet. Common mistake: overlapping punches too closely, which weakens the paper between shapes. Checkpoint: keep the punch flat and avoid twisting the paper while pressing.
- Plan your glitter placement: Lay the punched stars and card base on your desk and decide where each glitter accent will go. Common mistake: applying glitter marker to every star, which can overwhelm the design. Checkpoint: limit glitter to one or two focal areas per card.
- Apply glitter marker accents: Shake the glitter marker, then gently squeeze the brush tip to start the flow. Use light strokes to outline a star or add dots around it. Common mistake: pressing too hard and flooding the paper. Checkpoint: let each layer dry completely before adding another.
- Assemble and finish: Once the glitter is dry, glue the punched stars to your card using a small dot of adhesive. Common mistake: handling the glittered edges too soon and smudging them. Checkpoint: press the star flat and check that no glue seeps beyond the edges.
Product facts
- Crafter’s Companion Hole Punch - Star: The Crafter’s Companion Hole Punch - Star slides in paper or card and cuts a detailed star design when you press the lever. It lets you create consistent star embellishments quickly for cards, tags, and invitations.
Crafter’s Companion Hole Punch - Star - Sparkle by Spectrum Noir (3pk) - Clear Overlay: Sparkle by Spectrum Noir (3pk) - Clear Overlay contains water-based glitter brush pens with fine micro-pigment. The clear overlay pen adds a glittering finish over other colours, so you can highlight punched stars without hiding the base shade.
Sparkle by Spectrum Noir (3pk) - Clear Overlay
