Today's project will help you to get more use out of your punches and diecuts. I have an extensive collection of diecuts and punches which I like to use with my stamps. The problem is figuring out which stamps to use with which diecuts. I came up with this system to better help me match them together.
Diecut/Punch Swatch Ring
For this project you will need an assortment of scrap cardstock - the heavier the better. Stampin' Up! cardstock is a good choice. You will also need your diecuts and punches, a binder ring, a pen or fine-tip marker, a hole punch and a paper trimmer. 
Determine the sizes of your diecuts and cut squares of cardstock to match them. I cut 4-inch, 3-inch an 2-inch squares. These sizes are suitable for the majority of my collection.
Centre your punch or die as close to the centre of the square as you can and punch/die cut it out. You will have two pieces after this - the positive die and the negative in the square. You will be using the negative image for this project. Put the positive piece away for a future project. 
Write the name and any relavent information about the die (location, size, etc.) in the bottom right corner. Punch a 1/4" hole in the top left hand corner.
Keep punching/cutting until you have done a card for each of the punches or diecuts in your collection. You will end up with a punch of square cards like these.
Put the binder ring through the punched holes, keeping like sizes together on the ring. 
If you keep your stamped images in an inventory binder you can use the ring to select the best stamp to go with your punch or the best punch to go with your stamp. Simply select the punch/diecut you want to use and place it over the stamp. This will help you determine if a stamp will fit or not. If you don't keep a stamp inventory, simply stamp your stamp on a scrap paper and place the die negative over it.
This works really well for me when I'm putting together cards or projects. One recommendation I have to make this system last better is to laminate each square after you've punched it. I'm planning to laminate my collection to give them more stability.
No cards tonight but here is the felted purse I made my mom for her birthday. I think it turned out pretty well. My mom picked out the colours. Its called a Booga Bag from Black Sheep Bags. The yarn is Noro Kureyon - a Japanese wool.Along with the bag my mom is getting a frame decorated with rub-ons, a batch of Coconut Macadamia Shortbreads and a custom coffee cup with photos of her granddaughter. I like to make gifts as often as I can - although I have to admit that sometimes my ambitions outweigh the actual time I have available.
Happy Easter everyone!
2 comments:
That is an excellent idea! I have a ton of punches so it could take a while but maybe I can start with the non-flowery ones. I love that purse, too - it's really pretty!
Wowza, what a great idea!! Too bad I don't have a stamp inventory binder ... and the thought of starting one at this late date hurts my head.
If I may, I'd suggest punching on paint chip samples rather than card stock. Paint sample cards will hold up lots longer and you can easily color code them too! Best of all, they're free!!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog; hope you'll be back again soon!
~Hugs, Deb
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