Playing with Punches

I have a fascination with paper punches - particularly border punches. I use my Cricut for many of my projects and I have created files that will cut decorative borders, but I just can't stop buying punches!

A few new punches have been added to my collection. The first is actually a set of two punches from the Martha Stewart "punch around the page" line. There are several sets of these punches in various designs - I chose the loop set for my first purchase (I am also on the lookout for the three dot scallop set that some people have found at Walmart - I haven't been able to locate a set yet).



These punches work together to create a continuous border around a piece of paper. You can also use them each individually for other effects.



You need to start with certain sizes of paper for the punches to align correctly - this chart explains the measurements and how to use the punches. (Click on the chart to see a larger version).



I also just received a new Creative Memories punch - their first border punch - called "Stardust." Here is a view from the bottom of the punch. This punch is part of the "Make-A-Wish" collection and $2 from the sale of the punch goes directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Here is a LINK to the page on my CM site for more information about this punch.



The third punch I used for this card is another Martha Stewart border punch called "cornice edge." I have had this one for a while - it is one of my favorites because it combines well with other punches.



I cut a regular A2 card in a vertical format with the fold at the top (half of an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of ivory cardstock cut lengthwise). I also cut a piece of pale blue cardstock slightly smaller at 8 1/4 x 10 3/4 inches.

I centered the Cornice border punch and punched the top of the card and then aligned the cut area with the silver guidelines for a few more punches to finish the edge. Next I punched the Stardust border along the bottom of the card above the cornice edge - it fits the 4 1/4 size perfectly! I punched the edge of the light blue cardstock with the cornice punch, once again starting at the center and then punching to either side.



I applied adhesive to the blue cardstock to put the layers together - I wanted the front of the card to have the stars filled in with color.



Since I started both punched edges from the center the edges of the two pieces of cardstock lined up nicely.



I hadn't paid careful attention to the location of the stars when I put the adhesive on the blue cardstock and some of it was showing through the stars.



If this happens, you can remove the extra adhesive with a gum eraser - Creative Memories calls their version a "Pick-up Square" since it works so well to remove adhesive - here is a LINK.



I used the loop punch set on a 3 1/4 square of cardstock (the minimum size for a full set of punches to work properly). The punches are easy to align using the silver guidelines printed on the base. You should punch the corners first and then add the straight border punches.



I used a centering ruler to help me place the pink loopy medallion on the front of the card.



I also cut a moon from the A Child's Year cartridge and created a slightly larger shadow blackout option for the moon shape by using "hide selected contour."



I changed the color in this screen shot so you can see the hidden lines on the inside of the moon.



I cut a few small scraps to cover the eye and cheek spots and add color on the moon.



The back layer was cut from glitter cardstock in the DCWV Sweet Stack. I was careful to glue the moon and back layer together with the grid lines making diagonals instead of straight lines.



I also tilted the moon a bit to the left for a more whimsical look. The moon element is raised on foam squares for some added dimension.



If you have trouble removing the backing from foam squares, you can use your fingernail or a tool and poke down on the center of the square. This will pop up the release backing so it will be easy to peel off.



This card will not stand up by itself due to the difference in the heights of the front and back of the card.



I have done some more experimenting with all of these punches and will have more to show you soon. I am also working with a new venture which will be revealed very soon - you won't want to miss it!

Thanks for all the nice notes and good wishes for our vacation. We are using frequent flier miles that were about to expire and will be staying with friends about half of the time so I hope to have a bit of money left over for shopping - I hope I can find the craft stores!