Stampin' Up! Perfect Pairs

Do you like creating good simple card projects? I sure do. Today I am sharing several simple card projects that I created using fussy cutting, otherwise known as trimming around a stamped image with some scissors. Some people think cutting such as this sounds a little too…well…fussy, but I actually find it therapeutic. It’s a great technique when you don’t have a coordinating punch or die set. I’ll be sharing some handy tips along with the Stampin’ Up! Perfect Pairs stamp set. Let’s take a look!

Do you ever find a stamp set that you wish came with coordinating dies but it doesn't? Grab those scissors and cut! Click for tips on fussy cutting and the Stampin Up Perfect Pairs stamp set.

Perfect Pairs Stamp Set

Here is the Perfect Pairs stamp set, including adorable images and greetings for your favorite people. You can use the salt and pepper shaker, milk and cookie, or puzzle piece, along with greetings such as ‘We go together like (fill in with stamps of your choice),’ ‘You complete me’ and ‘Perfect Pair.’

My first thought was to use these cards for a spouse or special someone, but they’re great for good friends, siblings, children, and any of your favorite people!

The die set shown above is the Deckled Circles set. This set is awesome! Circles are very versatile for card projects, and I love that this set in particular has some really large circles. I’m often frustrated because I want a larger die and a set doesn’t include one.

Fussy Cutting Tips Video Tutorial

Watch along here for tips on fussy cutting and more details on how I made today’s simple card projects.

Tips for fussy cutting

Here are a few tips for cutting around stamped images, or designer paper prints, by hand.

You need a great pair of scissors. This is not required to get started but if you do much cutting by hand (or you get frustrated trying to cut ribbon with dull scissors) you will definitely want a good pair of scissors. These are the ones I use. They’re awesome and they don’t cost a lot!
Move the paper with your left hand while slowly closing the snips with your right hand. This makes more sense if you watch along with the video.
Leave a white border around the outside of the image. I opt for a little bit larger border instead of a smaller border. I can always go back and cut off more if I need to, but I cannot add more if I cut too much off.
Embrace the imperfections. This is my best tip for crafting and life in general! Nothing handmade will ever be perfect and we need to appreciate our creations for what they are.

Perfect Pairs card ideas

I created the three cards below using a simple recipe. First I stamped the image repeatedly on the card base to create a simple background. Then I stamped and fussy cut two more images to pop up as the focal point. I put these on top of a Deckled Circle die cut, and stamped a greeting on the circle as well.

Here we have You Complete Me,