Inspired By A Punch

One of the things that constantly surprises me is when I discover a new way to use a familiar product. In the past I’ve used stamp images in unusual ways, and turned die-cut shapes into something completely different. For today’s simple Sunday project I was inspired by a punch I’ve used a lot recently; Label Me Fancy. That little circle hole has found it’s way onto tags and bookmarks, but here it’s the actual label part that got a makeover. So with a sympathy card in mind I got started.

Create this "With heartfelt sympathy" card using the Inspired Thoughts Stamp Set and Abigail Rose paper from Stampin' Up! #simplestamping #papercraftwithme

DELICATE DESIGN

My project actually began with the Abigail Rose 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper (DSP). From the pack I chose a delicate floral background pattern in Smoky Slate and cut off a 3-3/4″ x 12″ strip.

From the strip of DSP I first cut a piece 5″ long and mounted it onto a 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ piece of Smoky State Card using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow).

Next from the strip I cut a 2-1/4″ x 6″ piece and glued it to the flap of a Basic White Medium Envelope. Then using my Paper Snips I trimmed off the excess paper using the edge of the flap as a guide.

From what was left of the DSP I cut one last piece at 3/4″ x 5″. Using liquid glue again I fixed this down the right-hand edge of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card. Then I added a 1/8″ x 5-1/4″ strip of Smoky Slate Card along the left edge of the DSP strip.

Now I was ready for the card base and for this I cut a 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ piece of Smoky Slate Card. With the long side at the top I scored the card at 4-1/4″. Then I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder. Finally I glued the Basic White layer on the inside of the card base and set it aside.

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

That just left the front of the card to finish, starting with the layered DSP. Using a pencil I marked the back of the card layer 1-1/4″ from the top edge. Then I wrapped some 7/8″ Natural Finish Ribbon around the layers, and lined it up with the marks on the back, before securing it in place using Tear & Tape Adhesive.

For the sentiment I chose “With heartfelt sympathy” from the Inspired Thought Stamp Set. I stamped it onto Basic White Card using Basic Gray ink before cutting it out with the Label Me Fancy Punch.

Now finally I could put my punch idea to work… using the same Label Me Fancy Punch I punched a scrap of Smoky Slate Card. My plan was to layer the two punched pieces with the coloured one just slightly offset. It was OK but not particularly exciting, so I began to turn the Smoky Slate piece. Eventually it was completely was vertical and oh my goodness, what a transformation! Suddenly that simple sentiment became much more of a statement and I immediately glued the punched pieces together.

From there it all came together very quickly. I chose three Basic Gray embellishments from the Classic Matte Dots pack and attached them to the bottom of the assembled sentiment. Then using Stampin’ Dimensionals I fixed the sentiment to the ribbon wrapped layer. Finally, with more Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back of the main layer, I added it to the card base and my project was complete.

I love how this simple sympathy card turned out. The question still remains… how is it that I’ve had that punch so long and never tried this arrangement? I’ll certainly be using it again though!