USING PUNCH WINDOWS W/O THE MOVERS & SHAPERS PLATFORM

First of all, let me say that I love using the Movers & Shapers Curly Label Bigz XL Die.  It makes a perfect invitation (A2) size card, already scored for the fold, with a fancy-shaped window pretty much wherever I want it.  I use it not only to make windows in cards, but to make perfect little mats that fit the Stampin' Up! punches.

Now, having said that, I don't like the limitations of the magnetic platform.  You can only make an A2 size card (4¼"x5½"), AND the fold is along the short side of the card.  What if I want the fold on the long side?  What if I want to make an A6 card (4½"x6¼")?  What if I don't want to make a card at all, but some 3D project that needs a window?  What then?  Hmmm???

Well, I figgered out a way to use any of the Punch Windows or Holiday Windows without the magnetic Curly Label platform!  Here's how:

The cast of characters
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
Texturz Impressions Pad (the hard black one)
Standard Cutting Pads (the hard clear ones)
Punch Window or Holiday Window die of your choice

The "sandwich"
Place the black Texturz Impressions Pad on the bottom.

Next, place your well-used clear cutting pad on top of the black pad. ;-)

Lay your cardstock or DSP face up on the clear pad.

Place the die face down on the paper, so the lavender foam is against the paper. (And yes, I know that's not the same die as in the first photo.  Sheesh, some people are too observant!)

Lay the second clear cutting pad on top of the die.

Now pick it up without disturbing the "sandwich" and run it through the Big Shot.

Voila!  That's all there is to it!!!  A nice little window wherever you want it, and a nice little mat for use with the matching punch.  Which, in this case, doesn't have a matching punch.  But you know what I mean.

You can thank me later.