Paper Crafts magazine Presents: Cool Tools Blog Hop

Are you looking for creative ways to use the paper crafting tools you already have? Do you love making handmade cards with die cut or paper-punched shapes, and simple sentiments? Today's cards might just inspire you to look at your card making tools in a new way!

This blog post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, I receive compensation at no cost to you. Thank you from the bottom of my crafty heart!

Today's blog post celebrates the newest special edition from Paper Crafts magazine, called Cool Tools for Card Makers. This issue was a ton of fun to work on, and it was a CHALLENGE. I don't think outside of the box very easily, and this issue is all about using our crafting tool creatively.  When I got an email informing me I'd have a card on the COVER of this issue, I was absolutely shocked (and thrilled!) The Hello card on the top right is mine. The three cards I created for this issue took some blood, sweat, and tears.  But I love all three of them (especially my cover card!)

Today I have a technique for you using a paper trimmer and simple shaped dies or punches. 

• To create this card, start with cardstock circles (diecut or punched.)  
• Next, cut each circle into four pieces. If you have a good eye, you can certainly just snip it into fourths with scissors. (Consider using a ruler to draw pencil lines first.) OR use your paper cutter: center the circle on your paper trimmer blade, and use washi tape to hold it in place (because trimming small shapes on a cutter can be tricky.) Cut each shape in half, and then into quarters.
• Lastly, reassemble and adhere the circles to your card, mixing the colors.

Looking for some more ideas? Here's another card using the same method, but slightly smaller circles.

Another option is to cut a shape into only two pieces, like this heart card. Die cut hearts, and then just snip them in half - easy peasy!

Please go visit all of the amazing designers participating in today's hop! I am so honored to be listed among them - I must admit, some of my card making HEROES are listed below.  Before you go, leave a comment here at my blog, for a chance to win your own copy of Cool Tools! And then, when you're done, be sure to leave a comment at the Paper Crafts Connection, for a chance to win a HUGE Cool Tools giveaway! (comments due by midnight on the 15th!)

·         Danielle Flanders

·         Cristina Kowalczyk

·         Heidi Van Laar

·         Vanessa Menhorn

·         Kim Hughes

·         Amber Daigre

·         Kalyn Kepner

·         Emily Branch

·         Laura Williams

·         Stephanie Halinski

Looking for the tools to make this card idea? Start with a circle die or punch like these:

Everlasting Circles Dies from Spellbinders

We R Memory Keepers - Nesting Punches Circles

Spellbinders Essential Hearts Dies

Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine

links updated 1/25/24

Looking for more ways to use circle dies? 

You might love this post:

Circle-Shaped Card Tutorial