Paper Trufflez

Snow Place Like Home!

I know today's the "dreaded": but, mebbe some eye candy will brighten the day! *wink*

Isn't this fun?! I've been playing a little bit with oatmeal card stock--I'm finding I like it better than kraft, because it's lighter and a little "warmer" in tone.  This coloring effect was achieved using a gift from a dear friend:  Faber Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils

They're a fantastic pastel (chalk) pencil--the colors lay down fabulously--and you can blend them out!  They're wonderful for accuracy in tight spots due to the pencil format and, I'm having a ball experimenting with 'em!  And, I can already tell I'm gonna have to go see if I can buy a single white pencil (OK, not just one, but, 2--you know me!  I buy in two-sies cuz ya' never knows when ya' might mess yer dress cuz ya' ran out! I just *hate* when that happens!), because it's gonna get used a LOT for highlighting, and whatnot!

Missy Ballance's Hippie Snow Chick is so STINKIN' CUTE!!!--I'm a sucker for snow men (I have a collection), and I adore daisies, so, gee, she's right up my alley!  LOL!  I had to pair her up with last year's igloo, and  "There's snow place like home"--could NOT resist!  This sentiment is from the new Holiday GreetingsII clear set, so I could curve it around on the block to match the curve of the igloo!  COOL!

I also used Copics on this piece--I bought some of those Paper Frills in white, and then custom tinted them to match my project using the chisel tip on my Copic Crimson! WAAAAAAAAY!!!

Well, I have a full day (and evening) of work ahead of me, finishing up for tomorrow's online class with the Peace & Cheer Kit, so I bettah gitter done!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Supplies & Materials used:
All Stamps, Note Card, Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon by A Muse Artstamps
Ink:  Brilliance Graphite Black, Moonlight White
Coloring Tools:  Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils; Copic Marker:  Crimson
Other:  Paper Frills by Doodlebug Designs

Sparkle Fish

All stamp images by A Muse Art Stamps; Small White Note Card by Stampin' Up!; Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink in Ice Blue, French Blue, LIme Pastel; Brilliance Ink in Graphite Black; Copic Markers; Spica Twinkling Markers by Copic; Plaid Liquid Embossing in Clear* (same product also manufactured/marketed as JudiKins Diamond Glaze, Ranger Glossy Accents, SU! Crystal Effects, Sakura 3D Crystal Lacquer)

This sentiment is just too perfect and I had to use it with Fishy.  I love how blendable Fluid Chalk ink is on the background stamp, which makes a perfect, watery foundation for the little scene.  The bobber is just a 1/4" circle punch out, and a hand-drawn stripe.  I dunno if you can see it at all in this pic, but, after coloring in fishy with markers, I came back in and highlighted him with the twinkling Spica markers in yellow and orange, to make him sparkle and shimmer!  A thick coating of Clear Liquid Embossing seems to almost magnify Fishy's details and really accentuates his shimmery scales!

It kinda reminds me of cloisonné, but, even MORE shimmery.  The other thing I really liked about it was being able to add glimmer/shimmer, but without dragging out the Pearl Ex, which I love, but, this is sooooo convenient and quick, and, well, I love convenient and quick!  While I did hafta wait for the LE to dry, I was OK with that, since it was the very last step--looks like glass!

I LOVE this effect, and can't wait to try it on more projects!

It was very tempting, when I got to this stage of the project, to add more stuff--wasn't sure exactly what, but more.  After thinking about it a little more, I decided I really did like it the way it was, and wasn't willing to risk ruining it by going too far . . .

At times, I'll finish a project and *know* that it's juuuuust right! Other times, I sit there and debate.  For hours.  Maybe even a day or two! (teeth gnashing)  Drives me crazy sometimes . . . *chuckle*  How 'bout you?

You are Fabulous, Mixing Mediums

Rubber Stamps:  Blossom by Stampendous, Flourishes by Rhonna Farrer for Autumn Leaves, Cowboy Ransom Alphabet by Limited Edition Rubber Stamps, "You are" by Anna Griffin for All Night Media; Brilliance Pearlescent Ink in Coffee Bean; Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink in Ice Blue; Classic Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip Inks by SU! (for the sentiment); Copic Sketch Markers; Colored Pencils by Koh-I-Noor; Patterned Paper by Basic Grey; Narrow Organdy Ribbon in Pale Blue; Antique Copper Spiral Clip by SU!; Copper Glitter Glue by PSX (retired, but, Stickles probably has a comprable substitute)

I've read where some artists combine colored pencils and alcohol markers, so I wanted to try this and see what would happen.

After stamping the blossom in Brilliance on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White #80 cover Stock, I heat set the ink, and then used colored pencils to lightly color the edges of the blossom.  I then used the chisel tip of a Porcelain Blue Copic marker, to blend out the colored pencil, and color in the petals.

I *love* coloring in large, open images, and this blossom is one of my absolute favorites for this.  I was amazed at how well the colored pencil blended out with the marker and allowed me to create some fantastic shading!  I don't think I did too bad, for my first time and I kinda surprised myself!

The only thing that disappointed me, is that I didn't heat set all areas of the image enough, prior to coloring, so you can see where the Brilliance ink smeared a tad.  Otherwise, no issues.

I'm not sure why I decided to use the chisel tip when I tried this, but, it worked wonderfully!

Ellen Hutson has done some extensive testing on which inks work best with Copics, which you can read up on HERE. She even has a great chart that let's you SEE the results she achieved.  If you're a picture person, like I am, take a look at it! In a nutshell, she's discovered that two inks work exceptionally well with Copic:   Craft type pigment ink, such as Brilliance, or VersaCraft (formerly known as Fabrico) or Adirondack, by Ranger Industries, which is a quick drying dye ink. I have, of course, ordered an Adirondack in Pitch Black and in Espresso, because I'm impatient (hmmmm, you wouldn't have guessed that, would ya'? *wink*) and would prefer to skip the heat setting step, if that is at all possible.

BTW, someone asked me if Copics dry quickly on glossy card stock.

They do indeed!  Like lightning--I was very impressed!

BUT!!!  And, you knew there was a "but", coming, right?  As I colored over every ink I stamped with on glossy, I had smearing issues, and it didn't matter which ink I used.  Brilliance seemed to hold up the best, but, was still not impervious, probably due to the glossy surface the ink sits on.

After some thought, I tried embossing the images with Clear EP over Brilliance Black, to see if that made a difference, and made yet another discovery . . . which was that the markers actually dulled the embossing itself, and "etched" it off, if I passed the marker over the embossing.   Hmmmmmm . . .  definitely something to be aware of before you emboss a bunch of images you plan to color with Copics! 

So, this leads me to believe there is some sort of chemical reaction that is occurring between the alcohol-based ink and the plastic in the embossing powder (EP is a form of ground up plastic or resin--what kind of plastic, I dunno; but, plastic itself comes in all kinds of forms and, depending on that, will react differently, depending on what's being done to it--I'm certainly not, and don't claim to be a chem/sci expert!  *wink*)

I fell in love with SU!'s Wild West Alphabet set, but, it's too big, really, for the cards I wanted to use it on, so I did the happy dance, when I found the Cowboy Ransom Alpha--I think it's gonna be POIFECT!!!

"Boho West" on white.  Does it work?

Many thanks . . .

All images, "Surf" note card by A Muse Art Stamps; Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink in Lime Pastel;  Making Memories Ribbon Slot Punch Tool; Ribbon all from Michael's; Clear Rhinestones from Michael's (bead aisle).

I love this paisley ribbon--it's so feminine.  This color combo is one of my favorites and I never tire of it!  The daisies are part of A Muse's Spring 07 release.  I love the style of this sentiment, because you  can leave it as is, or color in the letters or apply glitter to them.  In this design, I decided to leave it unembellished.

This layout is from a card I received from my friend Cambria, for my birthday!  To see her original, which is just darling, visit this link:  Joy In Little Things .  I love Cambria's style--always crisp, and happy!

On her original she used SU!'s Slit Punch, but, I recently purchased the Making Memories Ribbon Slot Punch Tool, and I *love* that thing!  I can reach anywhere, because it functions like an anywhere hole punch.  You can use it with a hammer, like a regular anywhere eyelet hole punch tool, OR, try it with the MM Instant Setter--the magnetic heads are designed to work with the handle of that setter.  Most excellent results and I am soooooo glad my friend Ellenh convinced me to invest in it--she's such a tool addict!  But, that's OK--she's never steered me wrong! (wink!)

I'd thought about getting the Basic Grey Notch Tool, but when Ellen told me the MM Ribbon Slot Tool was designed to work with the MM Instant Setter (which operates on an internal spring mechanism, that doesn't require pulling--which is nasty bad on my bum arm)--but, pushing downward instead), and I wouldn't need a mallot, I was sold!  It's not quiet, like the Silent Setter by Provo Craft, BUT, I didn't purchase it for silent setting anyway.

The next time you visit your LSS, you should request a demonstration of this gizmo--I was pretty impressed, and the fact that the ribbon slots and notches can be punched anywhere on the surface of your project makes it a very versatile tool.

Hayley is on the mend, and, I'm right there, encouraging her to walk without the crutches, and to bend her knee, which hurts!  But, we're making progress.  Thank you for your continued good wishes.  {{{{{{{{{{Mondo hugs}}}}}}}}}}

Big Shot FAQs

What can I use with my Big Shot, and what accessories do I need in order to use them?

If you're going to use:

• Cuttlebug* dies
• Cuttlebug A-2 embossing folders
• Sizzix Originals* dies (steel rule)
• Sizzix Sizzlit dies (wafer, won't cut through more than card stock max)
• Sizzix's newly released BIGZ* dies
• Sizzix's newly released Embosslits (wafer style, cut and emboss; card stock max)
• Big Shot Thick Cuts* dies
• Big Shot Thin Cuts (wafer style, just like the Sizzlit; card stock max)
• Big Shot Cut n' Emboss (wafer style, cut and emboss; card stock max)

you don't need anything extra, just the original white platform and the 2 clear cutting pads that came with the machine.

*indicates dies that will cut through not only card stock, but also lightweight chipboard, coaster material, felt, fabric, stencil plastic, polyshrink, acetate/transparency, thin sheet metal, leather, etc.

If you're going to pressure/dry emboss with other (off-brand) brass  stencils or heavy plastic texture plates, you will need:

• The Big Shot Multi-purpose Platform (photo HERE)
• The Big Impressions Starter Kit (which has the necessary rubber/silicone impression pads you'll need, PLUS some texture plates, photo HERE)

If you're going to use QuicKutz dies in the Big Shot, I suspect you'll probably need the BSMP, otherwise, you'll have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to create a sandwich that will work with it, and whatnot.

What exactly IS the BSMP??? 

It is a white platform, with tabbed shims attached to it at one end, each color coded, and with printed directions that tell you which tabs should be opened or closed to make the appropriate sandwich, including cutting plates, needed for what you are trying to use (Ellison/Big Shot/Sizzix brand dies and embossing products, or off-brand dies and embossing products) with the Big Shot.

With it, you can discard the original white platform that came with the machine, but I don't intend to discard mine. You never know when it will come in handy.

The BISK, the BSMP and the Big Shot specifically, are designed as one comprehensive system to eliminate all that messing around with chipboard shims trying to create endless variations of sandwiches that would work with this or that brand of die, this or that type of stencil, this or that type of texture plate, etc.

In effect, if it works as it should, you won't need any kind of sandwich chart, or spare chipboard shims laying around, such as is currently needed for the Cuttlebug, when using off-brand products with it. If Provo Craft is smart, they'll develop a multi-purpose platform and an impressions kit specifically for the Cuttlebug . . .

This doesn't mean the Cuttlebug isn't as good a machine as the Big Shot; it means Ellison is just a step or to ahead of Provo Craft on that particular aspect of accessory development for their machine.

Where can I get either the Big Shot or the Cuttlebug and for the best deal?

I bought my Big Shot through costco.com and the Cuttlebug through joann.com  After a brief comparison between the machines and figuring out which one was best for my bum hand/arm (tendinitis), I sold the CB to a good and loving home.

Where can I get the best deal on Big Shot/Sizzix/Cuttlebug dies?

I live on an island; I shop online a lot. (My LSS does not carry many, if any, of these particular products.  They do offer computerized die cutting services on site, however.)

I have ordered my dies and embossing products from  www.sizzix.com, , www.creativexpress.com , joann.com , and, most recently, www.paperdreamsstore.com

I'll admit:  I'm the type with a strong preference to shop at those places/folks I know and trust or have had recommended to me by fellow stampers, based on their personal experiences.  I love a bargain as much as the next girl, BUT, I always consider those factors first and foremost.   You will need to do your own research and determine what is the best deal for you.  I don't like to bid on things, so I don't shop at Ebay, but you could possibly find some sweet deals there.

Which die cutting machine is best for me?

Please see Machine Comparisons

Where can I get some of that blank white chipboard/coaster stuff you showed the other day?

You can order them from www.americancoaster.com  However, they do have a minimum unit order, I believe, of 1,000 coasters.  I got in on a group order someone had organized in the forum over at Splitcoaststampers.com (after all, where the heck is anyone gonna store 1,000 coasters, and it would take quite a while to use 'em all anyway! ); you could organize one among your stamping friends and split the order!  They are dirt cheap!!!

Sizzix Shop - Sizzix BIGkick Introductory Kit

Link: Sizzix Shop - Sizzix BIGkick Introductory Kit.

I've been receiving a LOT of questions about the BIGkick.  All I know is what what they've posted to the Sizzix site, which you can read up on above.

I have been unable to find "exact specifications" on the BIGkick. However, everything I have found leads me to believe it will be identical to the Big Shot in practically every way, but color, and the fact that the bottom of the platform sits completely flat on the table, as opposed to on 6 rubberized legs.  The weight will be distributed on the machine in the same fashion as the Big Shot.  And, like the Big Shot, it will NOT fold up for storage.  The Cuttlebug is currently the only known machine that will fold up like that.

The BIGkick should perform the very same as the Big Shot, and take all the dies the Big Shot does, as I understand from what I read on the Sizzix site.  They have indicated that all Sizzix products are compatible on the BS, and that should include all the new Alpha BIGZ they will be releasing, etc.

I don't think you can go wrong with either the BIGkick, the Big Shot, or the Cuttlebug; you just need to decide what color you like better, if the folding platform is important to you, or which one you can get the best deal on, IMHO.  So, do your homework and find a deal that makes ya' happy. (wink!)

BIGZ!!!!

Link: Sizzix Shop - Search Results.

....................THUD!!!!!

This is NOT good.  I am in deep, deep poo . . . (!)

Die Cutting Machines: A Comparison

A lot of folks have been asking me about which personal die cutting machine to get.  I'll be honest:  There are a LOT of different personal systems out there now for the consumer.  What I like may not be what you do, so you need to make a decision based on what your personal needs and wants are in a machine and whether or not it meets them. (wink!)  I am primarily a card maker, so keep that in mind as well!

The following is limited to comparing 3 machines, not every single one available on the market, and is based on information gleaned online, and my own personal experiences only with the Big Shot, which I ordered first, and the Cuttlebug, which I ordered when it became available, just because I got so excited to see it finally released (insert sheepish grin).  I ordered my Big Shot through Costco.com and the Cuttlebug through Joann.com

The Cricut by Provo Craft CANNOT pressure/dry emboss, and card stock is most likely the thickest material it can cut through (no felt, chipboard, fun foam, leather, stencil plastic, etc.). It requires electricity and operates on computerized die cartridges; the cartridges can only be used on a Cricut machine and no other. The Cricut cannot use steel rule dies, of course, nor die cartridges made for other brand electronic die cutting systems. MSRP* on the machine is $299. MSRP on the cartridges is $89, and can feature perhaps a hundred+ die shapes in various sizes, per cartridge.

The Big Shot by Ellison is manual, operating on a roller pressure system. It has its own series of Thick Cuts dies (steel rule) (similar to Sizzix Originals), and Thin Cuts (similar to Sizzlits) Cuttlebug and Sizzix steel rule dies are compatible with the Big Shot, as are Sizzlit and QuicKutz Wafer style dies, although you may need an adapter or shim to get the best cut on these. MSRP for the Big Shot Basic Starter Kit is $119, and the system features pressure/dry embossing folders based on brass templates. With the addition of an optional Big Impressions Starter Kit (which features a silicone rubber sheet and impressions pad), you should also be able to pressure emboss using other brand brass templates, as per the manufacturer's claims.

The newly released Cuttlebug, by Provo Craft and designed to compliment the Cricut, is a manual roller based pressure system, nearly identical to the Big Shot, however, it features a revolutionary platform that folds up, saving counter space. It ends up taking only half the footprint in storage that the Big Shot requires. MSRP is $80. Cuttlebug machine has its own line of dies and is also compatible with Big Shot Thick Cuts, Thin Cuts, Sizzix Originals, Sizzlits, and QuicKutz dies (with the appropriate adapter plate), and has its own line of embossing folders that are made completely of plastic (no brass). Although the manufacturer does not make any claims, some folks are finding they can emboss with non Cuttlebug brand brass templates if they can find the right medium that will cause the paper to be pushed up through the brass templates. Some have tried thick old fashioned mouse pads and claimed success and others have reported dismal results. 

Good friend and now, fellow die cutting maniac!!! (chuckle!), Ellen Hutson, has discovered that the Wizard Charm Embossing Kit (the Wizard, by Spellbinders, is yet another personal die cutting and embossing tool) actually enables her to dry emboss with all her old brass stencils, on her newly acquired Cuttlebug, with great success.  Please read up on her discoveries at her blog, if you're interested in exploring that!

I discovered that both the Cuttlebug and the Big Shot, because of their manual systems, can easily flatten new, unused bottle caps (found at home brew suppliers)! (serious bouncin'!) aaaaaaand, Mooshie_stamps, over at Splitcoast, discovered that she can actually set multiple eyelets all at the same time on her Bug!  COOL BEANS!!!  Thanks for sharing that tip, Mooshie! (grinnin'!)

Thick Cuts, Sizzix Originals, and supposedly Cuttlebug (?), will cut through all the following, when used with either the Big Shot or the Cuttlebug:  text weight paper, card stock, fabric, lightweight chipboard, coaster chipboard, felt, fun foam, leather, thin sheet metal, polyshrink, acetate, and plastic stencil material, etc.  Although Cuttlebug dies are classified as "wafer" dies, the manufacturer states they will cut through the aforementioned.

Sizzlits, Thin Cuts, and QuicKutz are wafer style dies that will perform best on textweight paper and cardstock, as opposed to any thicker/heavier type materials.

So..................

WHICH MACHINE DID I KEEP???

In the end comes down to personal preference and whether or not the fold up platform of the Cuttlebug is of vital importance to you for storage purposes.

One thing I did notice after giving each machine a serious workout?  If the Cuttlebug's suction gizmos disengage, for whatever reason, all the weight on that machine is located dead-center.  The machine can teeter while cranking, and you'll have to steady and anchor the machine firmly with your other hand on the top, or stop to raise and re-lower the platforms to re-engage the suction, which would require pulling the die back out to do so, of course.  There's nothing "wrong" with that; just something you need to be aware of.

The Big Shot, on the other hand, has the weight evenly distributed across the entire platform.  While it might slide or shift a little on the table surface during cranking, the machine itself cannot teeter, due to its design.  I naturally place my left hand on the carrying handle of the Big Shot while cranking with my right, so any shifting is minimal if any at all.

Other than that, the two machines are equal in capabilities, and cross compatible with each others dies and embossing products.

After a LOT of deliberation, I decided to keep the Big Shot and sell the Cuttlebug to a friend who will give it a good and loving home. (chuckle!)  My reason for keeping the Big Shot over the very obviously cute, celery, and more compact Cuttlebug?  I suffer from tendinitis in my hand and arm.  The handle grip on the crank of the Big Shot simply feels more comfortable in that bum hand, and for me, that outweighs the other admirable, but, for the most part, "cosmetic" attributes of the Bug.

Happy die cutting to all!

*MSRP = Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. I quote these based on what I've found on the internet, and sales or discounts available at various retailers, whether B & M or online, are NOT taken into account as they vary considerably from retailer to retailer.  Check out the manufacturers' websites for more info on price ranges of dies for the respective machines.  Deals abound; do your homework!

Pressure Embossing, the easy way!

"Thinking of You" from Sincere Salutations by Stampin' Up!; White and Celery Card Stocks; Patterned Paper by Anna Griffin; Acetate (office supply); Palette Hybrid Ink in Noir; Shimmer Pearlescent Chalks by Pebbles, Inc.; Stylized Flowers, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder by Provo Craft; Celery Mini Brads and Clear Square Button by Stampin' Up!; Ribbon by May Arts (available at StarLitStudio)

True confessions:  I have become seriously bitten.  Seriously.  It's baaaaaaad.  How long ago did I get my Big Shot?  2 months?  Yeah.  Guess what bit me the other day 'cuz I had a 50% off coupon code for Joann's that worked? (evidently, now they've altered the coupon so it will not accept die cutting machines nor accessories/dies, but I got lucky that day)

A bug.

A sweet, celery green, purse-shaped, platform folding, pressure embossing, die cutting piece of modern paper crafting engineering:  The Cuttlebug. 

Do I need this? No!  Especially not after the ouchie-mama van repair bill of last week AND the repair bill on my daughter's car THIS WEEK! 

No, no NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! (insert wailing voice)

It is scheduled to fly in on Friday.  (VBGs!!!)  I was assimilated by the SCS rubbah borg; their influence and power is very great . . . DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THEM!!! (wink!)

So, I snagged a CB embossing folder when I stopped at Joann's, after gettin' my wheels fixed.  I ran it through my Big Shot and was it ever SUH-WEEEEEEEET!!!  Just look at the crisp sharp detail it embossed with!  While they refer to it as A-2 in size, as I mentioned before, it's actually about 1/8" smaller all around than true A-2.  But, I wasn't bothered by it.

After the embossing was done, I decided to select some ribbon, and THEN, determine what colors to use.  I had recently gotten this sheer peachy polka dot ribbon from StarLitStudio, and used that as my guide.  Of course, the warm peach tones looked especially beautiful paired with celery, so that was easy, and chalks enabled me to quickly buff color onto the raised images of the panel.

The trick with pressure embossing, because it is so beautiful, is to let it take center stage.  Boy, did I flounder around . . . Finally, I decided to glue a punched out square of patterned paper to the button, and pierce holes so I could knot the ribbon through it. 

A sentiment.  Where the heck to put a sentiment so as not to distract from the embossing . . . and how????  This bugged me for a long time until I finally decided to use acetate, and a simple, yet elegant greeting, which I then secured to the panel with mini brads.  It allowed the embossing to show through and provided a visual anchor in the lower right corner that balanced out the design and made it feel "complete".

BTW, I stamped the sentiment with Palette Hybrid Noir.  I could have used Staz-On, but the Noir seems to have a truer black intensity when stamped on acetate, so Noir it was!

I can't tell you how satisfying it was to make this card because I LOVE pressure/dry embossing--it's so elegant and gives such dimension to a card.  But, I haven't been able to do it for years, due to my tendinitis; just too painful and took waaaaaay too long.  Now?  Lawdy, I can pressure emboss to my heart's content with the Big Shot or the Cuttlebug!  I am quite a happy stamper!  In fact, the most time-consuming part of the whole project was figuring out what to embellish it with, and how!

It's been a loooong week, and now nearly over.  Where does the time go???  I never seem to have enough of that precious commodity . . .

I raced to get as much laundry (and, as many Dirty Dozen creations) done as possible on Monday/Tuesday before the wind storm hit.  I felt badly I couldn't get a DD teaser poem done for the Fan Clubbers, but, I was literally at my wits' end!  The storm seemed to tease us, and then bypass us.  Just when I thought we'd get lucky, se fue la luz! (the power went out!) around 4 am Wednesday.   At first school was delayed, and then, finally cancelled, when they realized that the power wasn't gonna come back any time soon . . . never does . . .

Broni, thank you so much for informing me of the Tsunami Alert!  It was later cancelled, thank goodness!  Criminy, Washington has really taken a beating from Mother Nature of late . . .

I puttered around in my PJs all Wednesday . . . it's amazing, even when you're stuck at home, how little can be accomplished when you don't have sufficient light to work with, or electricity to heat set anything  . . . ack!!! . . . The wind literally screamed all around the house and we're surrounded by very tall trees . . . watching them sway made me nervous, so I tried to busy myself, but having the kids home for the day, no power, and raging wind seemed to squelch my creativity . . .

Anyhoo, pardon my drivel--just noticed I am rambling all over the place about things rather inconsequential (non-stamping/paper).  chuckle!  All I really finished was the above card, in between trying to boil water on the propane BBQ just for a cuppa . . . (rolling eyeballs) . . . good thing I had instant cappuccino  in the pantry for just such an emergency! Hah!

Well, it's time for Cinderella to whip the palace into shape; my parents called this morning.  They're coming for the weekend!  This is a rare thing, so I'm gonna enjoy every second with them . . . Yes.  I am bouncin'! (wink!)

Q & A on the Big Shot

Q.  . . . have you come across any dies for various scalloped shapes? I love punches, but I am having such issues with my circle punches not cutting well (even after aluminum foil & wax paper), that I am wondering if perhaps die cutting is the way to go.

(and, yes, I understand if I die cut the shapes I will have to stamp AFTER the shape is cut, as opposed to centering the image in the punch window) . . .

--Kathy

A.  Kathy, the only thing I've found so far, are these 2 x 2" flower shape dies by Provo Craft for the Cuttlebug.  I tell you what, they've got some pretty neat dies, and from what I was reading, they are much thicker than Sizzix Sizzlits, QuicKutz, and/or Big Shot Thin Cuts Dies.  I suspect they are compatible with the Big Shot, but until I get my Multi-Purpose Platform, I won't be able to purchase and test any of them.

Q.  In reading through your post, it appears that the multitude of brass stencils we all have hanging around cannot be used without a special adapter...is that so? Will they even work with that?

--Barbara

A.  Barbara,  according to Ellison the Big shot Multipurpose Platform can make any die thinner than a Thick Cuts die compatible for use, including other brands' dies and embossing plates.

******************************************************************

BTW, I genuinely appreciate ALL the suggestions so many of you have sent me via email, and within your posts here for how to resolve the Sizzlits Window Fiasco.  I must admit, that I DID indeed try them, including removing the foam from one of the dies . . . with no success.  And, now that I have removed the foam, I've voided the warranty so I can't return the dies. 

Crapsicles! (insert rolling eyeballs)