One of my scrapbook addictions has become butterfly punches and border or edger punches. Many people are still waiting on THIS popular postage stamp border punch to be in stock in stores and online. I checked my local Joann's and found the whole section of new Fiskars border punches to be empty, so no luck there.
Since my list of scrappy "wants" seems to be ever growing AND the store was out of the punch I wanted to try, I used supplies I had on had to create the same effect of two of the punches I'd been eyeing.
Here's how:
I used a medium weight patterned paper (Pink Paislee to be exact) and a small circle punch I think I got in the dollar spot somewhere a few years back. I did look at Joann's when I was there and saw THIS small circle punch that I think would help to create the same effect for $3.99.
I was really impressed with the end effect (although my punch is a bit difficult to punch with heavier papers) and think it looks almost exactly like the speciality paper I used on THIS page.
Next, I used the same circle punch and my corner rounder with the guard taken off to recreate the look of THIS new punch that my friend Angie posted about HERE.
By popping off the plastic gurard and flipping the punch backwards, you are able to line up the punch with the previous punched area to create a continuous scalloped edge.
Then, I lined the circle punch up in the center of each scallop and punched a hole.
The end effect does closely resemble the EK Success large slimline edger punch that retails for $17.99 at my Michael's store.
I realize this punch could be easily reacreated as well. Since it was the last one at my store (on sale) and I had been wanting it for a while, I decided it should come home with me. I can't wait to use it.
This pic is of the goodies I picked up yesterday on my little shopping excursion (all on sale or with coupons of course)...I can't wait to create something with them.
Granted, the punches I posted about are far from necessity, but I really do love the look of them and the extra "umph" it gives my creations. Who knew that a tiny circle punch and a border punch could have so many individual and combined uses? After recreating these, I plan on looking around my "studio" and seeing what else I can think of to use differently. Had I actually bought the punches I wanted at full price, they would have been well over $30 but I now have a similar look for FREE by using what I had on hand. Pretty nifty, huh? What do you think? Do you want to see more tutorials on recreating popular border punch looks?
