What a BIG SHOT!!

Okay, I finally splurged during Sell-A-Bration and ordered myself a Big Shot die cut machine. Now, mind you, and don't tell my husband, I have TWO die cut machines already (a Cricut and a QuicKutz). Both are gathering dust. The Cricut has only been used once. Too much bother and too many settings to jiggle with. And the QuicKutz needs some serious muscle.

But this Big Shot is FUN to use, and easy, and good for the weak muscled. I love it, and so far my friends do too! The top card uses the Top Note and some flowers; the bottom card uses Top Note with colored cardstock. Don't forget that you can stamp on colors other than white!!

The above card uses a die cut flower with those CUTE floral brads in the new SU catalog. Simple card with big impact. The bottom card uses the Top Note layered! The die cut has a stitched border that can be cut away and then you can layer it on another Top Note. . .isn't that clever??
This last card uses the birdie die cut with the little wing that attaches separately. Totally cute. And the top border is punched with the new Eyelet Border punch. So many things I have to have!!

Coloring on the rubber. . .technique!!

There are two ways to do this technique. One way is to use the fat end of the SU markers to color directly on the rubber of your solid image stamps. Start with the LIGHTEST colors first and lead to the darker colors so that you don't get your markers all messy. Then HUFF on your stamp to re-wet it. Huffing is breathing hot warm breath on your stamp. It is a bit silly but is the most efficient and easy way to do that!

The other option is to use your aquapainter to pick up color (either from your ink refill, your markers scribbled on plastic, or your ink spots dabbed on plastic). Paint the color on the rubber of your stamp. Also with this technique, use the lightest color first and then go to the darker colors. This method is wetter and does not require huffing. Sometimes you can stamp an immediate second image and get two images for the work of one!

Easter is on its way!!

I used the patterned DSP from the free hostess merchandise. Becki was kind enough to lend me her A Good Egg stamp set and it's so much fun. Stamp the chick twice (once on patterned paper to cut out and layer on top for color!) Easy and quick.

Bee happy!

I'll have to say that More Mustard is not one of my favorite colors, but it's perfect for these cards!

I love the Chocolate Chip double stitched ribbons. . .delightful!

Just buzzing by to say. . .have a honey of a day!

I got this stamp set on pre-order. I don't know if I would have purchased it normally but it's really cute and I'm having a great time making these cards. All of these cards use Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and More Mustard and/or Summer Sun.

The bees get glitter on their little wings, and the honey dripping from the pot has Crystal Effects so that it looks REAL.

The flower has Crystal Effects on this one as well!

Okay, this turned out to be one of my favorites. Easy and simple though!!

More Valentines!!!

I think this one is my absolute favorite. I *LOVE* this new Designer Paper. It uses Kiwi Kiss and Pink Pirohuette. If I had enough pink brads, I would have included this in this month's Love You Much card class.

Baja Breeze and Kiwi Kiss. With a coordinating button, and a little taffeta bow on the corner to balance it out.

Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango and Black. Love the vibrant colors. I'm *so* not a pastel color gal. . .

Same color scheme. This one has dots made with the white gel pen. If you haven't tried SU's white gel pen, then you have not tried the very best. I have tried bunches of them, and this one far surpasses the rest.

Uh, yeah, same colors. What can I say?!

Happy Valentine's Day to you!!

This card uses Pink Pirohuette and Bravo Burgundy cardstock. The lovebirds are coated in Crystal Effects to add dimension, and the scallop edge punch makes a wonderful bottom edge.

Tangerine Tango and Pink Passion with a touch of black for drama. I love these double striped ribbons in the In Colors!!

These lovebirds are stamped with Craft White ink and layered with Crystal Effects. A button adds dimension. Here's a hint, instead of trying to jam a ribbon through the button holes, use a short strip of cardstock. It easily coordinates, is a cinch to get through the holes and is always handy.

I love this Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon because it has such a very cool white edge. I think it looks terrific and have already used one full spool of ribbon and am near the end of my second! Kiwi Kiss is the fabulous green on the card.