But how can we use our border punches to create some interest. One of my favourite design principles to use with any products is repetition. And repetition of a pattern can be a great design element with loads of appeal.

For this card I punched the border strip repeatedly onto a variety of cardstock colours. I combined the punched strips to create a card background with great effect. On top of the card I layered a chipboard element coloured in the same shades as my paper strips. Together they make for a fun element perfect for a tag, card or layout.
(Please be aware of what type of paper or cardstock you punch – as cardstock is generally not recommended for punching – you are doing this at your own risk and will need to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations)

step1 -Punch a selection of strips using a single punch design but in a variety of colours.

step 2 – Arrange the strips onto your background as you would like to adhere them.

step 3 – Adhere the strips slightly overlapping each other using a glue pen until the entire background is covered in strips.

step 4 – Use a variety of pens and markers to add colour to your chipboard element. Once the element is coloured, add a layer of dimensional glaze to finish it off nicely. Adhere the chipboard to the background piece and add some diamantes and other embellishments as you please.

I hope you are encouraged to look at your punches in a different way, seeing loads more possibilities and get behind the creative options they have to offer. I know I sure do look at them differently each time I use them.

I love both the simplicity and complexity of this cardstock card. It can be so interesting by simply adding a few extra elements like an additional colour behind the punched flower strips.