Today’s simple project features the cute little kangaroo from the Count On Me Stamp Set. However it was actually just an afterthought following the main purpose of this post. What I really wanted to show you was my hack for using the Very Best Trio Punch. I use this punch at least once a week, if not more, and love the slot option. Punching it in the centre of a strip of card has, to date, involved measuring and marking the centre with a pencil & ruler, but no more!

TRIO PUNCH HACK

If you’re not familiar with the Very Best Trio Punch let me start by telling you a bit about it. As the trio name suggests it’s a single punch that actually has three different punch options. First it can cut neatly across a corner in a straight line. If you want a fancier corner that’s where the second part of the punch comes in. Finally there’s a 1/16″ x 5/16″ rectangular slot which is the option I use the most.

So that brings me to my tip, and I created this short video to make it easier for me to explain.

This video only shows one use for the Very Best Trio Punch, so watch out for further video tips in the coming weeks.

CUTE KANGAROO

Of course having punched a 2″ x 5-1/2″ strip of Thick Very Vanilla card during filming I couldn’t resist turning it into a bookmark.

A little while ago I made a bookmark and forgot to add the ‘ground’ before stamping the image. Adding it after was a challenge so I decided today I would do that first. For that I chose a Parakeet Party ink pad and a Blending Brush. Once I’d brushed the ink along the bottom of the card strip I was ready to stamp.

Next I pulled out the Count On Me Stamp Set and a Soft Suede ink pad. The sweet kangaroo image is slightly too big so I had to stamp him with the tip of his tail missing. But to be honest I don’t think it’s very noticeable. Then in the space above I stamped “No matter what I’m here for you” using Soft Suede ink.

With the kangaroo in place I needed to colour the sky and I wanted to avoid Balmy Blue which is what I usually use. Instead I took a chance and picked out the new Starry Sky ink pad which is much darker. So using a Blending Brush I added a very light layer of ink, leaving it quite patchy for a more natural look.

At last I was ready to colour the kangaroo using Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers. For his fur I used light and dark Crumb Cake, with light Pumpkin Pie on his nose and ears. Next for the flower petals I used light and dark Pumpkin Pie, before finishing the centre with light and dark Daffodil Delight. Then I coloured the small leaf using light Granny Apple Green. Finally I decided to add a little shadow beneath the kangaroo using light Crumb Cake.

To finish the bookmark I cut 7″ of 3/8″ Satin Edged Ribbon and threaded it through the slot. Then I tied it in a simple knot and my project was complete.

How cute is this! I have to say I love the contrast between the areas coloured using Stampin’ Blends and those brushed with ink. But what do you think?

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Very Best Trio Punch in a bundle with the Very Best Occasions Stamp Set (not used today). Using the single ‘bundle’ item number to order meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying these two products separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle in case you want to explore this option for yourself.