TUTORIAL: TUESDAY'S TOOL: MAKING A RECTANGLE WITH THE SCALLOP TRIM BORDER PUNCH

So, you want to successfully make a rectangle background layer using the Scallop Trim Border Punch!  OK, let's get going.......

I'm going to be referring to my blog post on February 3, 2010 for some measurements--they're also copy/pasted below:

For the Scallop Trim Border and Corner punches:

• 4 3/4" makes a square that has 10 scallops along each side
• 4 1/4" makes a square that has 9 scallops on each side
• 3 13/16" (just a hair bigger than 3 3/4") makes a square that has 8 scallops along each side. This is the size that fits perfectly into the guide that is printed on the Scallop Trim Border Punch and therefore makes this a great size to practice on. Once you get this size down, it will be easier to branch-off and make your squares smaller or larger.
• 3 1/4" makes a square than has 7 scallops along each side.
• 2 7/8" makes a square that has 6 scallops on each side
• 2 3/8" makes a square that has 5 scallops on each side
• smallest square begins with a square that is 1 15/16" and uses only the corner punch.

For practice, it's not a bad idea to cut out each of those squares above.  Then, punch the corners of your square first.  (Rectangle will come as soon as I'm sure I have the square down pat.)  The first corner is easy.  For subsequent corners just be sure you are sitting in the guide rather than laying above it.  I will assure you right now---this isn't easy!  I have blown the smallest three in a row, and then the next three larger ones, 3-13/16", 4-1/4" and 4-3/4" worked just fine.  The important thing is to be sure you are lined up with the scallop diagrams on the punch itself.  Then persevere!  Practice on scraps for starters! 

After doing the corners with the punch right side up, I recommend doing the sides with the punch upside down.

Now to the rectangle:  I've made a 4-3/4" x 3-13/16" rectangle (real red) and a 3-13/16" x 2-7/8" rectangle (pixie pink) an a 2-7/8" x 4-1/4" rectangle (orchid opulence).

 

Finally, here are 3 completed rectangles.  If you look closely, you won't see perfection.  :)  Practice is what it's going to take.  But it's worth it when you use the technique on a card.

Here are a few samples using either the punched square or punched rectangle.  These are swap cards I received at Leadership Training in Phoenix in January.

<--Created by Catherine Harwood, FL

Below: created by Carol Mathews of Truto, Nova Scotia, Canada

Above:  created by 'unknown' unfortunately.

Are YOU ready to go punch some Scallop Trimmed squares or rectangles now?  Go for it.  Share your results with all of us.  Email (blythe@stampinwithblythe.com) me a photo of your finished card and I'll gladly post it here on my blog.

Wednesday I'll be having a class here in my home so you can look for our fun cards a few days later.  Hint: our main tool will be the Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch.  Wait till you see how versatile this punch can be.  Have you made anything, traditional or out-of-the-box using this punch?  Why not share it with us.  Send me an email with a photo of your project and I'll gladly post it for all to see.

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you tomorrow.

Comments

[Janet]

I like all of these! Any instructions?