Geometrically Speaking ...

(Disclaimer ... this is a blog post I wrote for Stampin' Up's blog ... I just decided to repost it on my own blog!!) Punches, punches and MORE punches! I’ve been collecting punches since I started papercrafting over 15 years ago. What started out as a small toolbox full of goodness has expanded to several drawers … and I am always happy to add to the collection!

Sometimes I forget, though, to go back to basics. Squares and circles … by cutting a mish-mash of all sizes of these most basic of shapes I am always happily surprised how easy it is to create something with them (especially the ever-challenging “dude” card!)!

One trick I like to use is creating a “frame” with graduated sizes of the same shape. First, cut the smaller of the two shapes (a 1” square, as pictured here). Next, position the larger of the two shapes just around the shape you already punched (I used the 1 ¼” Square Punch for my larger square). Easy peasy, right???

Stamps: Best of Birthdays
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, Cajun Craze
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: 1 3/8" Square Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, 1" Square Punch, Natural Ribbon Trim, Linen Thread, Wide Oval Punch, Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder




In no time you will have a nice batch with which to create. I have also embossed random squares here and there to add some texture to my creation. The thing that takes the longest in making a card this way is adhering the little buggers down on the paper! But, all in all, this is a quick and easy way to make something for any age group or gender. Just switch up the colors or add some Designer Series Paper and you’re off and runnin’!




Which brings me to … CIRCLES!! Ohmygosh!! I LOVE circles and polka dots … how can they NOT make you happy when they are paired together??? See what I mean??? It’s easy to get carried away when happily punching along … but at least this way I’ll have extras when I want to make a similar card again, which is always a good thing!

Stamps: Itty Bitty Banners
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red, Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Polka Dot Parade DSP
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Create a Cupcake Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Bitty Banners Framelits

Happy Friday, friends!! Enjoy your weekend!