Easy Scalloped Edges

I've been promising another tutorial, and finally here it is! Scalloped edges is one of the latest trends in paper crafts - if you browse through the aisles of your local craft store, you'll find dozens of scissors and specialty punches that will cut a scalloped edge. I'm going to show you three different ways to achieve the scalloped edge look with punches you may already have on hand. We'll be using the Slit Punch, the Corner Rounder, and the 1 1/4" Circle Punch.

First, we'll use the Slit Punch. Typically, the Slit Punch is used to punch a little, half-moon shaped notch in the cardstock perfect for a matchbook card or a gift card holder. However, by simply punching the slits in a row so that the edges overlap, you can create a scalloped edge.

Start by punching your first slit in a strip of cardstock so that the edge of the punched half-moon slit will hang off the edge of the cardstock. (I find it easier to work left to right, but you may certainly punch right to left). Next, slide the punch down so that the second half-moon slit will barely overlap the edge of the first. Continue punching along the strip of cardstock - making sure that each punch slightly overlaps the previous one.

After you have punched the entire strip of cardstock, you'll be left with a long scalloped border. Use a little adhesive to incorporate this into a card or a scrapbook page!

The next punch we'll be using is the Corner Rounder. This punch is self-explanatory..you use it to round your corners. But if you take the plastic guide off the punch, the corner rounder will also punch a small slit, so it too can be used to create a scalloped edge.

So, the first step when using this punch is to carefully remove the plastic guide. It normally slides off with a little pressure, but too much pressure may snap the plastic...so be gentle! Once the guide has been removed, you want to start by punching your first slit in a strip of cardstock so that the edge of the punched slit will hang off the edge of the cardstock. Continue punching along the strip of cardstock - making sure that each punch slightly overlaps the previous one.

After you have punched the entire strip of cardstock, you'll be left with a long scalloped border. When you use the Corner Rounder, as opposed to the Slit Punch, you'll get slightly smaller scallops...the same technique with two different punches yeilds two totally different looks!

The last punch we'll be using to create scalloped edges is the 1 1/4" Circle Punch. Note that this technique can be used with any size circle punch! The first step is to punch a handful of circles out of a scrap piece of cardstock.

Next, use adhesive to attach the punched circles to the back side of the cardstock you wish to have a scalloped border. Trim off any piece of punched circle that my hang over the edge. Flip the cardstock over and cover the seam with a small piece of cardstock or ribbon!

Pull out your punches and try out these techniques. While we all love to get new toys, sometimes the tools that we have on hand can get the job done themselves!