Punches are near the top of my go-to scrapbooking supplies list. They're a quick, easy way to create handmade embellishments and add flare to your pages. The new Hexagon and Star Place 'n' Punch tools are great because you can punch them anywhere you need to on your page, and they happen to be some of my favorite shapes!
Hexagon Place 'n' Punch Layout Idea
This punch makes adorable accents when used with patterned paper (I'm a huge hexagon fan), but using it with photos results in a fun and different look. This works especially well with photos that are close-up shots since the widest point of the shape is only 1 1/2 inches. Check out my layout below that I created with the Summer Additions, Cheerful Seasons Cricut Cartridge, and Hexagon Place 'n' Punch:
For this layout about one of our summer favorites, I had several similar close up shots of my daughter devouring her watermelon slice. I just couldn't leave any of them out because...well...I think she's pretty cute. =) But I didn't really want to make a two page spread with larger photos (since they are all so similar) so using the hexagon punch was the perfect solution!
I used my favorite 3 1/2 x 5 inch photo as my focal point, and then I simply turned the hexagon punch upside down, detached the base, lined up my 11 other photos in the viewer...
...and then, while holding my photos tightly in place, I reattached the base to the top (still upside down). To punch the photos out I held my hands on the corners of the bottom of the base and, with even pressure, I pressed down hard and fast. Standing up while doing this gave me a little extra leverage.
Star Place 'n' Punch Layout Idea
I love the look of a punched border or background with different patterned papers backing the punched holes. Of course you can simply punch out shapes from different patterned papers and add them to your project, but it's kind of like the difference between embossed and debossed images (raised vs. indented)--each has a unique look.
It can be tricky, however, to line the punch up exactly where you want it when punching backgrounds. But, if you select a background paper for your layout with a grid or repeated design, you can use that design to help you line your punch up just right. Take a look at this layout I made using the Be Young Boy Additions, Be Young Stack Pack, Be Young Cricut Cartridge, Cheerful Seasons Cricut Cartridge, and Star Place 'n' Punch:
For this layout about my twin boys' birthday I used the repeated circle pattern on the background paper to line up my starts so they were straight across the bottom of the page. Again, I turned the stamp over and used the view finder.
But this time I selected a row of circles to center my star shapes on. I punched in the center first, then the outside edges, and then filled the stars in between spacing them evenly. To fill in the holes I punched seven squares of different patterned papers with the 1 1/2 inch square on my square maker. They fit perfectly!
I was then able to use the star shapes that I punched out from my background paper as accents on my page! It's a good idea to save those little guys--you never know when they'll come in handy. I hope these tips have inspired you to use your Place 'n' Punch tools in fun and different ways. Happy scrapping!
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