A Guide for Cutting Squares and Rectangles with the Scallop Trim Border and Corner Punches

Hello everyone! I finally finished today what I started quite some time ago, figuring out the dimensions to use when you want a square or rectangle cut with the new Stampin' Up! Scallop Trim Border Punch and Stampin' Up! Scallop Trim Corner Punch. The corner punch will be available in the Occasions Mini Catalog beginning January 5, 2010 and you can receive the Border Punch for FREE with a $50 order during Sale-A-Bration which also begins January 5th. How cool is that! And speaking of cool, these new punches are awesome. They have a larger cutting surface and a sleek new body which makes them easier than ever to punch. You can use them on the table or hold them upside down so you can see what you are punching. And, they lock closed which means you can store them upright in a very small space. More room in your storage drawer means more punches you can purchase, right? Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! On to the Tutorial ...

Because of the way the punch is designed and the spacing of the scallops, it is possible to cut quite a variety of squares and rectangles and get the scallops to line-up and be even. As you can see in the photo above, I cut 7 different sized squares. You could even go larger than these, for a scrapbook or other project, but for card-making purposes, I thought these would serve us well. The very smallest square that you see on the top of the pile in the photo above, began with a square of Whisper White cardstock that was 1 15/16" square. That's just a pinch, maybe only half-a-pinch, smaller than 2". For this smallest square, you only need the corner punch. Holding your corner punch upside down so you can see what you're doing from the bottom, slip each corner of the square right to the corner of the cutting edge (the "v" shape). After you've done the first corner, just make sure that each corner lines up with the previously punched ones. It's a little difficult to show in the photo but once you do it, you'll understand what I mean. By working from the bottom of the punch, you will be able to see where each scallop lines up with the ones previously punched. There is a bit of a learning curve for working with these punches, but I'm confident that once you get them out and practice a few times, you will get the technique down. When you cut this smallest square, you will be able to layer on pieces that are punched with the 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" square punches, as I did in the example on the right (click on the photo to enlarge it). Don't you just love it when everything fits together so easily!

For all the rest of the scallop squares and rectangles that I'm going to show you today, you will need to use both the Border and the Corner Punches. You can see in this photo the size square to begin with.

• 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
• And then, the original smallest square that I described above begins with a square that is 1 15/16" and uses only the corner punch.

Let's begin with the 3 13/16" square with 8 scallops on each side since this is the one that will fit perfectly into the guide that is printed on the Scallop Trim Border Punch, making it easier for you to see and line-up your scallops perfectly every time! First, you will want to punch all 4 corners, as described above, holding the Corner Punch upside down so that you can see what you are doing. Make sure and stop your cardstock right at the edge of the cutting blade so that your finished piece will end up square and not lop-sided. Once each of the four corners have been punched, line up two of the scallop corners over the printed guide on the Scallop Trim Border punch, and simply press down, using the ball of your hand -- easy, schmeesy! Repeat this step for each of the four sides and ... voila! You have a perfect Scallop Trim Border Square. Practice a few times with this size and then you'll be ready to begin making all different sizes.

Okay, now that you've got the punching mechanics and technique down, you can begin to make larger and smaller squares. Simply use the dimensions that I've given you above, punch each of the four corners as described above and then, line up just one corner (as opposed to the two corners that you did for the 3 13/16" square above), punch first one side and then slide your cardstock over and line up the opposite corner and punch the other side. As long as you line up your corners, you should come out fine each time.

For squares that are smaller than 3 13/16", you will probably find it easier to turn the border punch upside down so that you can see to line-up your scallops. Once the scallops are in-line with the blades, simply punch! Once again, it takes a little practice but it will be worth it as you create beautiful projects using these new and exciting punches!

Now, squares are great, but sometimes you want a rectangle. No problem, simply use the same dimensions as above for two sides and use another dimension for the other two sides. In my examples here, I've begun with rectangles that were 3 13/16" x 4 3/4"; 3 1/4" x 5 3/4"; and 2 7/8" x 1 15/16". Any combination will work, as long as you stick with the measurements that I gave you above.

Okay, this is turning into quite a lengthy post but I do have time for a quick card. And I do mean quick -- once you're practiced these techniques, you will be amazed at how quickly you can punch out squares and rectangles!

For this card, I punched a Rich Razzleberry Rectangle that began as 3 1/4" x 4 3/4" and a Melon Mambo that began as 2 7/8" x 4  1/4". I attached them together using SNAIL adhesive. The Whisper White mat was cut at 2 1/4" x 3 5/8" and quickly stamped with the valentine stamp from the Wandering Words stamp set (from the Holiday Mini Catalog) and Rich Razzleberry ink. I centered this on layers of Melon Mambo Print and Rich Razzleberry and attached a quick bow with Crystal Effects. That was it -- this entire card probably took me less than 5 minutes to make, start-to-finish!

So there you go! Experiment ... practice ... have fun ... and create!

Comments

[Karen B.]

Thank you for the tutorial. You caught my attention when you said you could go even larger for a scrapbook page! I can't wait to make my own because those border pages are quite expensive when you buy them by the single sheet.

[Tina]

Wow! This is so awesome, thanks for sharing!

[Jo Anne Brickley]

This is great! Can't wait to try this. Thank you for the tutorial.

[Judy M]

Gretchen, thank you so much for sharing your tutorial! I've been playing with these punches and I'm so grateful for your instructions! Beautiful card too! Thanks so much for the great directions, it's like having an early Christmas present!

Hugs ~ Judy

[Judi Carpenter]

Thanks, Gretchen! Now I don't have to figure this out for myself....

[Carole'Anne AKA Stampin Stressaway]

Fabulous Tutorial Gretchen - thank you and I look really forward to put some time into my craft room to try this!
Great job!

[Renée]

thank you, thank you, thank you! I didn't have the patience to try and figure this out :) Awesome, Gretchen! I really appreciate it!

[Pam]

WOW - thanks for sharing such clear directions on this!

[Donna]

Gretchen...Thank you so much for helping us with these new pucnhes. You are a doll.

[Ann Fitton]

WOW Gretchen!! You are amazing!! Will try this out when my punches arrive!

[Elaine Moore]

You are incredible!!! Thank you so much for figuring this out and sharing it with us.

[Colett R]

This info is so amazing, so helpful! Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time it share it with us.

[Cindee Wilkinson]

Gretchen, Can't wait to try this out. Thanks for doing all the hard work. I don't have these punches, YET! But I will next month. Your card is gorgeous! Just over the top cute!
Thanks again,
Cindee

[Tina Joergens]

Thanks for all the work you put in to this-it is so appreciated! And thanks for sharing!

[Sue-Lynn]

Thank you Gretchen! This is the best and most complete tutorial I have found for these punches. Great job! Love your blog!

[Cindy Otto]

Thanks for doing all the work for us. Can't wait to try my punches out.

[Diane Smith]

Thanks a million!!! I just got my punches yesterday and want to play with them tonight. Great tute!

[Vicky Kahlandt]

Thank you so very much for taking the time to do this and sharing it with us all. this is amazing and will be such a help!
thanks,
vicky

[Kristine]

Dear Gretchen, I have gotten so many great ideas from you and your blog. You should be very proud of it. Thank you so much for making it easier for all of us to figure out the punches. It definitely saves us time, which means we have more time to scrap and stamp :)!!!

[Stacy]

This tutorial is FANTASTIC. I was nervous about getting the corner punch, but now I'm going to go for it! Thanks soooo much!

[Kelly Mayou]

Congratulations! I just wanted you to know that your project will appear on the Yahoo Group Late Night Stamper’s blog finds of the day for December 21. Want to receive your own copy of the blog finds of the day? Join us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stampinuplnstampers/ or visit our Blog Finds of the Day Blog at http://blogfindsoftheday.blogspot.com.

[Anne Pavosky]

Thank-you so very much for taking the time for this tutorial. You make it so easy for other demonstrators to explain it and demo this new fabulous product. With much appreciation, Anne.

[Donna]

Gretchen this is such a wonderful and comprehensive tutorial. You should get an award. Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us. Hugs~Donna

[LaToya]

You are AWESOME!!! This is so very helpful. This makes the punches so much more useful.

[Lynda M]

This is brilliant Gretchen! Thank you for all the work you put into this. Have to have those punches.

[Susan Erickson]

Your card is beautiful with that layered border and thanks for figuring this out for us.
Blessings,
Sue

[Lisa Salkeld]

Thank you for sharing!! This is very helpful!

[Bonnie Klass]

Thanks for the measurements. My "by guess & by gosh" technique isn't much help with this punch. Love your blog.

[Debbie Henderson]

Thanks Gretchen, this is wonderful. Have you figured out the other new punch yet? I'm having a tough time with that one.

[Carol Kugler]

WOW... what patience! I sat for hours last night using the pinking hearts punches and gave up! Finding your tutorial today makes me want to go back and try it again! Thanks so much for all your wonderful ideas and fantastic projects!!!

Carol

[Donna Reynolds]

Gretchen, thank you so much for sharing this. I was working with these just yesterday!
Donna Reynolds

[Debi Pippin]

Gretchen you rock lady! Love your explaination... easy to understand. Can't wait to get my punch on Monday. I am so looking forward to seeing the cling stuff and working with the blocks.
Thanks for sharing so unselfishly.
Love you
Debi Pippin
http://bizestampin.blogspot.com

[Kathy Anthony]

Thank you so much for taking the time to figure this out, then share it with us!!!

[Carol Smith]

You rock! Thank you, this is awesome! I have almost given up on these punches.

[Judy Elting]

Gretchen, Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial! More than that, thank you for sharing your gifts with the rest of us! You continue to supply techniques and samples that make us look fantastic to our customers sans all of the hard work that you do! You Rock!

[Heidi]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share this. I was going to sit down (one day!)and figure this all out. Your work and time are appreciated.

[Gayle]

THANK YOU so much for this great tutorial! You've put so much time into helping all of us...we are greatful to you - you're WONDERFUL! Shouldn't these instructions come with the punches?! Didn't anyone at SU or EK think of it?

[Theresa]

I loved your Angel Basket Tutorial and now this! You're fantastic!!

[Sue duffy]

Thank you so much, Gretchen! I can't imagine how much time and effort this tutorial took. I've saved it for sure.

[Lee H.]

Thank you! Thank you! you rock, now off to play and fingers crossed that I can get this right! ~ tfs
Lee

[Mary Ann]

Thanks so much for the great tutorial!
Mary Ann (mastamper on scs)

[Jennifer Do]

Awesome tutorial! I was wondering what dimensions to use to make squares and rectangles and you did all of that work for me. Thanks so much for sharing!

[Beverly BL]

Gretchen - Thank you so much for figuring that out for all of us. It is very valuable info.

[Gretchen Barron -- Inspiration in Action]



[Joan Norman]

Thank you so much for your lengthy but wonderful explanation of using these two punches together. You are an AWESOME DEMONSTRATOR SO WILLING TO SHARE. I LOVE all of your work and am your #1 FAN!!!

[Gina Coffetl]

Gretchen! I am having a dickens of a time with the heart border and corner punches lining up. Have you made a tutorial for that as well?

[Anita]

Gretchen, I can't thank you enough for this info...I will be sending my friends, readers & customers to your blog for this info. Thanks so much for taking the time to figure it out and then share it with the rest of us who were too lazy to do that LOL

[Beth Pennings]

Thank you so much!! I googled "matching new SU border and corner punches", hoping to find something that would tell me and your blog popped up. Exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks so much for doing the grunt work and sharing it with everyone!

[Judy Jackson]

Thanks so much for these terrific tips. You make these easy to understand and very helpful! It is really appreciated.

[Carol R]

Thank you so much for the tutorial.

[Eloise Evans]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! I bought the punches and I was VERY frustrated and couldn't figure out how to make these! The measurements are so great to have!!! SU should put your tutorial in their instructions! Love your stuff! You're my hero!

[Eloise Evans]

Oh, Oh, Oh, this works with the pinking hearts set too! Love it!

[Amanda]

Thank you for all the dimensions and this tutorial! I had only figured out one size, but it is amazing how many you figured out. Great blog...I'm now subscribed.

[Andrea]

Wow!! Thank you so much for this tutorial. I'm printing it to save for future reference - your blog is such an inspiration! And helpful too!!!

[snarflemarfle]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I just got both the corner and border punches so I was hoping I could find someone who'd done all the legwork! Now off to print these dimensions on a label and stick it on the bottom of my punch!

[Angela]

OMGOSH! Thank you so very much for sharing. You are awesome!

[Trina]

Thanks sooo much, this is incredibly helpful!

[Sherri Barron]

Thanks for all of your hard work on this!

[Mary]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I don't understand why a company puts out a complicated product like this punch set and does not provide the instructions to be successful to use it! Your instructions and measurements are so helpful! Thanks again!

[Anne Beale Yancey]

Thank you dear Gretchen! This is such a wonderful tutorial and I really appreciate the time it took you to figure out all these measurements. Thank you for sharing. I'm going to the craft room to put those measurements to work right now! :D

[Wendy W.]

Rock on, girl! Sooooo glad you did this! Now the rest of us don't have to try and figure it out ... PERFECT! :)

[Lynn]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your awesome instructions "should" save me a LOT of headaches (and tantrums!;-)I so appreciate you taking the time to share this!

[D]

Thank you so much for figuring this out. I have been playing but could not get this far. This is great!!!

[Sandra King]

Your instructions are awesome, I just got my punches but haven't had time to figure it out. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Marisa]

This is wonderful, thanks for providing the measurements!

[Mary]

You can't imagine how grateful I am for this post. I have these punches ordered and wanted to do exactly this.

[Jan Burnett]

Thank YOU Gretchen! for all your hard work

[Stephanie]

God Bless you for working this out for all of us. I was about to go crazy today playing with these punches and had given up. Now I can try again. Your examples are BEAUTIFUL!!

[Barbara]

Thank you so-o-o-o- much. You are a sanity saver! I love the look of these new punches , but the directions that they came with are very confusing. Your tutorial is very clear.
Love your card too! I love Rich Razzelberry, but I never combined it with Mellon Mambo

[Sandy]

Thank you sooo much for figuring this out for the rest of us!!

[kat]

Thanks Gretchen - I was struggling with this today and I think this is what I really needed to get a perfect scalloped square!!!

[KT Hom]

Gretchen --- I can't thank you enough for the hours you have saved me from trying to figure this out on my own --- I'm so happy that I found all of your helpful measurements...You're a LIFE SAVER!!! TFS!

[Jan]

Thank you- thank you I cant begin to thank you enough! I tried to do it and thought I can never let my customers do this, theyd hate me

[Constance Arafat]

Gretchen, Thanks a lot for the tutorial. I hope I can do as good a job as you did when I try this. Also, reading posts on SU Connection and would like to let others there know about your tutorial. Is that okay? All credit goes to you for sure. Connie

[Christina Kilton]

fabulous!

[Julie A.]

Gretchen-

I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. I was trying to figure it out, when I saw your tutorial.

You're a lifesaver and your work is one of a kind!

[Linda Hurlbut]

Thanks so much. I am now going to give this a try because I tried a few last weekend and could not get it to match up.

[Heather]

Thank you for doing all of the math so I can spend the time stamping!

[Mary Garrison]

Hi Gretchen,
I am soooooooo happy I found this sight. I tried for hours to use my punches and did not get a perfect one, until I followed your instructions!!!
Thank you so much for sharing.
Mary

[Carol Austin]

Gretchen, thanks so much for figuring this out for us. I tried a few times without success. Then I went to your site to see if you had prepared anything for us. They are not easy to do. I had to practice on scrap cardstock. I am keeping my examples for future reference. The trick is to line up the paper on the back side. The front side does not line up as it should , so flipping the punch over definitely works. Thanks for all the measurements. Carol

[Stacy]

Thanks for posting!!

[Estie]

Thank you for the spirit of sharing. Very helpful and very appreciated.

[Jonna]

Gretchen:

I cannot thank you enough for this infomation. I have just spent an hour trying to get a rectangle punched correctly and was just about to pull my hair out before I thought to search google. Thanks!

PS I was complaining that all I wanted to do was sit down and make a simple card and then this headache. I was about to return my punches. LOL!!!

[heather hendricks]

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!

[Suzie]

Thanks so much, Gretchen. My FL SU! Demo/dear friend gave me dimensions which I apparently left down in Florida. I thought before I called her to ask for them, again, I would see if I could find them somewhere via SCS. I, too, really appreciate you spending so much time on a wonderful tutorial. I LOVE these punches, I love the look they create, and I want to use them alot!!!

Hugs,
Suzie

[Carolyn]

THANK YOU ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

[Trisha Smith]

Gretchen~!
You are THE BOMB!! And thats a good term!! Football term I believe, I don't watch it, I'm stamping!! LoL! This is priceless guide and your mailbox card is SUPER CHARMING!!
Trish in MN

[Andrea L - EnchantINK]

Fantabulous! I hope you don't mind me adding a link to my blog for this fab post!
You will find it here ...
http://andrealowcock.wordpress.com/stampin-up/product-tutorials/

Hugs Andrea xxx

[Petra Altwein]

Wow, what a tutorial- thanks for sharing- it's sooooo great!! Hugs Petra

[sandy]

Thank you so much for posting this very detailed tutorial. You're a Gem!