August VC Rocks Blog Hop!

Good evening!

I am so honoured to he the first stop of the August VC Rocks Blog Hop. This hop will be our final one of the season. Our theme for August is Punches, Big Shot, Simply Scored.

I almost didn't participate in this hop, because I havent' got the Simply Scored tool yet, and I don't really have any need for a Big Shot. I can use the one at the scrapbook store. Even if I wanted a Big Shot, I don't have room for it.

As I looked through my cards, I realized I have used LOTS of Stampin Up punches. In fact, there were so many that it was tough to choose. Ultimately I decided to focus on cards using punches that are still available. The majority of the ones I own border punches. The one used in the card above is probably my favourite. 

So far, my purchases have focussed on border, corner and label type punches. I want to be sure which shapes (ovals, circles, etc) I'll use before I lay out the money for them. I definitely need the circles that coordinate with my favourite set, Circle Circus. 

 Stampin' Up has some really unique shaped punches available. One that I really love is this Christmas decoration punch that coordinates with the beautiful Delightful Decorations set. This stamp set and the matching punch can help you make beautiful quick and easy cards! Although I want a few other sets first, I know I'm eventually going to end up with these stamps and the punch.

Last, I have two cards featuring the next punch I will be purchasing - the owl punch! I love him!!!! When I first saw it, I thought it was cute, but I couldn't see how I would get enough use of it to justify the purchase. I have changed my mind, in part due to the fun cards we've made with it at my stamp club and in part due to some wonderful examples that I see on blogs I follow. Mr. Owl is DEFINITELY going to be my birthday present to myself in October!

Well,l I hope that my post has inspired you to make your way through the blog hop and see the creations of the other talented women participating this weekend. Your next stop is Stamper Shirley's blog. If at any time you get lost, you can head back to the VC Rocks site to see the correct order. I also want to take the time to thank our hop organizer, Loni, for all her hard work in setting up the blog hops! I have really enjoyed being part of VC Rocks this year and I hope to be able to take part next year as well!

If you don't already subscribe to my blog, I'd love it if you did so. I have lots of cards organized to post on my blog every Monday, Thursday and Saturday, starting August 20, where I'll show you some cards using retired punches that didn't make the hop!