There are many paper punch unusual shapes available when shopping for tools to add to your scrapbook supply stash. However, not all punches are going to be a good fit for your needs. Before you invest in new punches for your collection, there are several factors you should consider.
Cost Per Use
Scrapbooking, while a great way to express your creativity, can easily get expensive. Between the new releases of pretty patterned papers and the piles of adorable themed embellishments, it can be very difficult to complete your projects while sticking to a budget.
"How often would I use this item on my layouts?" This is the question you should be asking yourself whenever you want to make a purchase, especially if you're considering buying another punch to add to your collection.
If you're doing an entire album devoted to your tropical vacation, a palm tree punch might be a smart purchase. For one page, however, you'd probably be better off purchasing stickers or rub-ons to use for your embellishments instead of doing punch art. Hybrid scrapbooking, in which you use digital embellishments printed onto acid-free cardstock as page accents, is even more cost-effective.
Acceptable Substitutes
"Could I find an acceptable substitute in my supply stash?" Many times, you can adapt the punches you already have to fit the particular project you are working on. For example, simply trimming the edges of a punched flower is an easy way to give it a new look without the expense of purchasing yet another punch to add to your collection.
On a similar note, a circle could be:
- Punched from white cardstock and turned into the base of a paper snowman
- Punched from brown cardstock and accented with black brads to make a chocolate chip cookie
- Punched from white cardstock and drawn to look like a soccer ball
- Punched from orange cardstock and accented with faux stitching to look like a basketball
- Punched from patterned paper and topped with a ribbon bow to be a faux Christmas tree ornament
A heart punch is surprisingly versatile as well. You can make many paper punch unusual shapes just by combining hearts with other accents. For example:
- Combine two hearts with a row of brads or buttons to make a paper butterfly
- Combine three green hearts with a cardstock stem to make a shamrock
- Line up three progressively smaller rows of green hearts to make a Christmas tree
- Use an upside down heart to make a great skirt for a punched paper doll
Sharing with Others
If you live near a local scrapbook store, keep in mind that many businesses will let you use their collection of paper punches and die cut machines if you purchase your cardstock or patterned paper from the store. This can be a very affordable way to get the embellishments you need for your layout.
Another good idea for sharing page accents is to ask your scrapbooking friends to bring their collection of punches to your next group crop. This will provide you with a chance to try out many different designs without spending a dime.
Buying Paper Punch Unusual Shapes Online
Basic paper punches, such as circles, hearts, squares, tags, and simple flower designs, can be found at almost any craft or scrapbooking store. For a larger selection of shapes, including unusual themed designs, you'll likely need to shop online. LoveToKnow Scrapbooking suggests visiting the following retailers:
- Scrapbook.com has nearly 500 paper punch unusual shapes, including special Disney designs for children's scrapbooks and Anna Griffin punches that would be lovely for making embellishments to go in a heritage album.
- A Cherry On Top has almost 300 punches to choose from, including a number of very versatile corner punches and border punches. Sort by price, brand, or theme to find the punch that is perfect for your project.
