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.

VALENTINE VOTIVE TUTORIAL

The Valentine Votive has been very popular with the people I've given it to, so far.  If you want to make them for yourself, or to give as gifts, here's how I did it (and learn how you can use the Movers and Shapers Punch Windows without the Movers & Shapers platform!).  A complete list of materials and tools used is at the end.

Click on photos to enlarge.

1- On back side of DSP, score at 2 7/8", 5 3/4", 8 5/8" and 11½" from short edge.
2- Turn paper and score at 1½" from long edge.

3- Use Scallop Trim Border punch along top edge. (Yes, I know the photos below don't show it - I figured out after that it's better to punch the border first.)

4- Using the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, cut the heart-shaped window (in the third panel from the fold-under tab) with the Heart Punch Window die.  Be sure to leave room at the top for the ribbon trim.  The sandwich I used is:

1. Texturz Impressions Pad on bottom
2. Clear cutting pad
3. DSP paper with design facing up
4. Punch window die facing down
5. Clear cutting pad on top. 
   

5- Punch heart in one piece of the smaller Real Red CS using Full Heart Punch, going in from short edge.
6- Using Real Red Craft ink, stamp "Love You Much" sentiment on Vellum CS; emboss with clear embossing powder.  (Hold the Heat Tool about 5" away to prevent vellum from warping.)

7- Place Sticky Strip around edge of heart window and remove backing.  Center the embossed sentiment and adhere. Trim excess vellum.

 8- On inside of DSP, place Sticky Strip around heart window and remove backing. With sentiment facing up on work surface, center in DSP heart window and adhere.

9- Using Scallop Trim Border Punch, punch both long edges of the remaining Real Red CS. Trim scalloped strips with Paper Cutter, aligning flat side of punched semi-circles with edge of metal plate, as shown. (The scallops should be just barely past the ¼" mark on the plate.)
10- Adhere scallops to bottom edge along score line using Tombow adhesive. You'll need to cut a short piece to complete it, so make sure it's on the back where it won't show.

11- Cut bottom flaps along short score lines and remove excess ½"x1½" tab. Place Sticky Strip along fold of remaining tab and assemble votive holder.  Adhere bottom flaps with Snail or Sticky Strip.

12- Stamp hearts using Real Red Classic Ink on Very Vanilla CS twice.  Using Small Heart Punch, punch out "Love" hearts.  Using Heart to Heart Punch, punch out remaining hearts.  Punch again (twice) from remaining small Real Red CS. Adhere as desired on sides using Tombow adhesive.

13- Use Snail to adhere 13" strip of ribbon to top of votive holder, with ends finishing on back. Trim so raw edges butt together. Tie loose knot in 6" ribbon and adhere to front with glue dots. Trims ends.

Materials:
Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper #117153, half sheet (6"x12")
Real Red Cardstock #102482, 2 pieces 2½"x3", and one piece 3"x11"
Very Vanilla Cardstock #101650, 3"x4"
White Vellum Cardstock #101856, 2¼"x4"
Real Red ¾" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon #115608, 13" and 6"
Accessories and tools:
I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set #118571 (plus Clear Mount Block C #118486, if CM stamps used)
Well Scripted Stamp Set #118601 (plus Clear Mount Block C #118486, if CM stamps used)
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad #103133
Real Red Craft Stampin' Pad #101190 (I used a Spot, since that's all I had)
Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder #109130
Heat Tool #100005
Scallop Trim Border Punch #118402 free with qualifying purchase through Sale-A-Bration!
Heart to Heart Punch #113694
Full Heart Punch #113693
Small Heart Punch #117193
Paper Cutter #104152
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine #113439
Texturz Impressions Pad #114614
Heart Die from Punch Windows Movers & Shapers #115953
Snail Adhesive #104332 
Mini Glue Dots #103683
Sticky Strip #104294
Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive #110755