Punches are a quick and easy way to add shapes to a project. I have quite a collection and I love punches that can be used for sentiments. Of course when they’re a fancy shape it can present challenges if you want to add a layer. So while today’s birthday card is simple I have a tip for you… how to create a contrasting mat for the Label Me Lovely Punch.

FIRST THE CARD

Before getting to the sentiment I first prepared all the pieces for my project. I chose the Forever Greenery 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack for the background.

I began by cutting a 2-1/4″ x 6″ piece of the DSP and using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed it to the flap of a Whisper White Medium Envelope. Then with Paper Snips I trimmed the DSP to shape using the edge of the flap as a guide.

Next I cut a 3/4″ x 5-1/4″ strip of the DSP and glued it down the right-hand edge of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ layer of Whisper White Card. Then I glued a 1/8″ strip of Pretty Peacock Card along the inside edge of the DSP.

Finally I cut a 2-1/2″ x 5-1/4″ piece of the DSP and glued that to a 2-5/8″ x 5-3/8″ layer of Pretty Peacock Card.

For my card base chose Thick Whisper White Card to pick out the white on the DSP. After using my Paper Trimmer to cut and score the card, I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder.

To assemble the card I first glued the Whisper White layer on the inside. Then I attached the large mounted DSP panel to the front with more liquid glue. All I had left to do now was the sentiment.

LABEL ME LOVELY

I found the “Birthdays are the best days” sentiment in the Beautiful Friendship Stamp Set. First, using Pretty Peacock ink to coordinate with the DSP I stamped it onto Whisper White Card. Then I punched out the sentiment using the Label Me Lovely Punch.

I knew I wanted to add a mat underneath the sentiment but the punched shape meant I needed to be creative. I began by punching out some Pretty Peacock Card. Next I cut the punched piece in half. With that done I used liquid glue to attach one of the two halves to the back of the punched sentiment. Using liquid glue meant that I had time to adjust the sentiment until I was happy with the border. Then I attached the second piece to the back of the sentiment leaving a gap between the two halves.

Finally I mounted the assembled sentiment onto the card using Stampin’ Dimensionals and I was done.

It’s amazing what a difference a small detail like adding a mat to a sentiment can make to a project. Have you ever tried cutting punched pieces to create a mat layer? If not, why not give it a go and get even more from your punches.

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