Time-saving Idea for using a Stampin' Up! Builder Punch

 

    Do you have one (or more) of the Stampin' Up! Builder punches, that have multiple pieces to create a punched shape, such as this cute snowman? 

When there is a matching stamp set, I have a quick tip for getting all those stamped images to line up with the punch so you can ink once and punch once, saving time and cardstock!

First, punch the shapes on a scrap piece of cardstock to make a template. Stampin' Up's Thick Very Vanilla Cardstock or Thick Basic White Cardstock work very well for this, as the thick cardstock will be a little more study. I save the template in the case with the stamps to use over and over again.

Put the stamps in the holes in the template. I marked my template to know which side is up. It will match the top side of the punch.  You want the side of the stamp that will be on the acrylic block to be facing up when the stamps are laying in the punched openings.

Now lay your acrylic block on top of the stamps, press to make the stamps stick to the block, then lift up the block.

Now your stamps are properly positioned for the punch. Ink and stamp away.

I find it helpful to leave the block upside like this and tap the ink pad all over the stamps. I am able to see that the stamps are completely inked before I apply them to my cardstock.

I hope you find this tip helpful. I made almost 20 swap cards with this punched-out snowman, and believe me, it was a huge time-saver!

Happy Stampin!