I have taken two different classes on EPP and each presented different ideas on how to do it. We were shown how to tack just the corners, which is very popular, but as you said, it seemed clumsy and "slippy" for me! Perhaps it would get more secure with practice. And we were shown the glue pen method, but my question was how hard was that to release the papers when it came time to remove them? I LOVE using Milliners needles size 10 or 11 and have recently started using FINE thread from JoAnns. Not too many neutral colors, but I give my whip stitches a gentle tug after every four or five, and the thread sinks into the fabric and stitches don't show on the front. I just found some John James Gold'nGlide Milliner needles size 11 at the LQS that slip through fabric like hot knife through butter! The eye is very tiny, though. Time for a magnifier! I like the 1" Paper Pieces Hexis, but recently bought the XL punch. Good ideas to use greeting cards for patterns--will have to give that a try. Love to get cards and hate to just throw them out! Good luck with your project. Let us know how you like the pen.