NOTE: This is the post to check and read to get lots of tips on using the Scallop Trim and Pinking Hearts Border and Corner punches.

I love the new stamps and punches on this card! The I (heart) Hearts set from the Occasions Mini Catalog is so easy to use. I actually have it in our new Clear Mount version and love how easy it is to stamp the black dotted heart first on this card and then add the pretty red heart by looking right through the beautiful Clear Mount acrylic block. Plus see that great DVD sized storage case? I can fit more stamp sets on the shelf! Our cling stamp images are fabulous red rubber with a nice sponge backing and then a vinyl cling image layer that makes the stamp cling to the block. All of the smaller black hearts were stamped with images from the set and then punched out with the Heart to Heart (trio of hearts) punch or the new Small Heart punch (item #117193 in the Occasions). The greeting is the new Well Scripted set from the Occasions mini where you'll also find the hearts. This is the pretty valentine card that guests are making at my home workshops this month.

Now on to the beautiful scallop lace punches! The corner version called Scallop Trim Corner (item #118870) is found in the Occasions mini and the coordinating straight edge is a punch that you can get free right now from the Sale-a-bration booklet with a $50 purchase (item #118402). (It will eventually be for sale in our next big catalog in July -- it says that right in the SAB booklet, but why not get it now for free?!)

There is a little learning curve with any new punch so you'll want to practice with these. But it's worth it as these also are a new slimmer design that folds shut and locks so they take up less storage space. There are some sizes of mats that just line up perfectly to make a nice edge. On this card I started with a black card stock piece that was 3 & 13/16" square. That's just a tick mark past 3 & 3/4". Punch the corners first and then they line up perfectly with the picture guides on the straight edge Scallop Trim Border punch so you can fill in.

Other sizes will give you a complete set of scallops but may require you to punch more than once to fill in between corners. Those sizes include: 4 & 3/4" square; 4 & 1/4" square; 3 & 1/4" square; 2 & 7/8" square; 2 & 3/8" square; and 1 & 15/16" square which lets you punch only the corners to make a pretty mat. You can of course combine a shorter length on the top and bottom of a mat and a longer measurement on the sides and make a perfect;y edged rectangle. Just practice. I find that because there is no v-shaped corner stop you want to make your corners using the punch upside down and using the paper edge guides and then also looking to make sure your corner is in at a nice right angle.

Here's a link to a great blog from fellow SU demonstrator Gretchen Barron who has some wonderful photos of the squares above -- and who calculated these sizes. UPDATE: The fabulous Gretchen has also calculated sizes that work easily in the Pinking Hearts border and corner punches and you can click here to see those. As Gretchen explains, we all might use the punches a little differently in practice, so experiment and see what works best for you. I like using the border punches right side up and the guides pictured on the front when I can -- and then I'll punch from the back as needed when filling in empty space.With the corner version of these punches, I find I need to use them upside down so I can make sure my paper is in the corner at a nice right angle. There is no corner V-stop -- and that's for a reason. You can actually use the corner punch in a row along the edge of your card stock to get a neat triangle lace look. I also love just punching the corners of a mat for a pretty look that reminds me of a quilt block.

SU demonstrator Anne Beale also has shared some great photos and tips on using the Scallop Trim and Pinking Hearts punches and since I believe in sharing and not re-creating a good thing, just click here to see her ideas.

Want to make a mat in a size not listed? Here's a video created by the Stampin' Up home office that demonstrates another way of using these. You start with a larger piece and then design the size as you go.

To see photos of the technique that Bonnie demonstrated in the video, click on the file name I've uploaded at the end of this paragraph for a photo tutorial of how to make the mat where you punch, then measure and cut as you go. Take a look, practice and it's easier than you might think.Download Border & Corner Punch How to