Did you attend my Open House this past weekend?  We had some issues with the Big Shot, and so I went to Stampin' Up! for some direction! They sent several suggestions, all of which we were doing, but they also sent a link to this video, which I found very helpful. 
Take a look and see some ways we can avoid the problems we had this weekend, and then leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks! 

If you have any questions about the video or the Big Shot Precision Base Plate, feel free to contact me. 

The Big Shot is an amazing, versatile, easy-to-use die cutting and embossing tool. Plus it’s on a special deal for the month of August!

From now through August 31st, when you purchase a Big Shot, you will receive one of five free stamp set/framelits bundles below, your choice!  If you already own a Big Shot, you can still purchase these designated bundles at an amazing 15% off!  You don't want to miss this deal.

Visit my online store here to get your Big Shot bundles today.

Don’t you just love it when you purchase a new Stampin’ Up! product and you discover unexpected ways to use it?  When you purchase the new Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, you will be thrilled with all the creativity it inspires!  Its not for just making bookmarks~you can use it to make cards also!  Just look at this great card using the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch to create the focal point for this card!  

Stamps:  Peaceful Petals.  Wood #133104; Clear #133107

Paper:  Whisper White Cardstock, #100730; Island Indigo Cardstock, #122923; Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper, #132994,  Watercolor  Paper, #122959

Ink:  Island Indigo Pad, #126986; Daffodil Delight Pad, #126944; Old Olive Pad, #126953, Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Write Marker, # 119677; Staz On Jet Black #101406

Accessories:  Arrows Textured Embossing Folder, #132187; Blender Pens, #102845; 1/4” Daffodil Delight 1/4” Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon; Dazzling Details #124117; Ticket Duo Builder Punch, #126883; 3/16” Corner Rounder Punch; Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, #133324; Sponge Daubers, #102892; Paper Snips, #103579; Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, #113439; Snail Adhesive, #104332; Stampin’ Dimensionals, #104430

Directions:  

1. Cut Whisper White cardstock 4 1/4” x 11”, for card front. Cut Island Indigo Cardstock 4” x 5 1/4”.  Cut Watercolor Wonder DSP 2” x 4 3/4”. Cut Watercolor Paper 1 1/2” x 3 1/4”, and round the corners using the Corner Rounder Punch. 

1. Insert the Watercolor Paper into the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch and punch to create the top of the tag.  Cut the Daffodil Delight 1/4” Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon 8” long and thread through the top of the tag. Using the Paper Snips, snip the ends to an angle. Set aside. 

1. Stamp the Watercolor Paper with the image from the Peaceful Petals set, using the Staz On Jet Black pad.  To give the watercolor effect, press the lids of the stamp pads together while the pads are closed, creating a pool of color on the inside lid of the pad.  Using the blender pens, pick up the color from the inside lids and color in the stamped image. Use the Daffodil Delight Stampin‘ Marker to color in the centers of the petals.  Add Dazzling Details to the centers, and set aside to dry. 
2. Stamp the sentiment on a scrap of Whisper white cardstock using the Daffodil Delight stamp pad.  Punch using the Ticket Duo Builder Punch. Daub the edges of the sentiment with ink from the Daffodil Delight pad. 
3. Run the Island Indigo cardstock through the Big shot using the Arrows Textured Embossing Folder. 
4. Fold the Whisper White cardstock in half forming the card.  Adhere the Island Indigo to the front, using the Snail Adhesive. 
5. Adhere the tag to the front of the card using Stampin‘ Dimensionals.  Adhere the stamped piece to the tag using Stampin‘ Dimensionals. Adhere the sentiment with Stampin‘ Dimensionals.  

Don't forget to contact me if I can help you with this project, or visit my online store to order any of these great Stampin' Up! products!

This card makes a fun “package”... and it is a gift itself when the recipient unties the ribbon and opens the card and it opens BIG!~ like a present!  There is a fun watercoloring technique included in these instructions.  Make this card and experience the joy of watching the recipient open your gift!  FUN! You will love the beautiful images in this stamp set!

So Very Grateful Card

Stamps:  So Very Grateful, Wood #133050, Clear #133053

Paper:  Daffodil Delight Cardstock, #119683, cut 3 1/2”x 4 1/2; Island Indigo Cardstock, #122923, cut 3”x4”, and 4 1/4” x 5 1/2”;  Whisper White Cardstock, #100730,  cut 3 3/4” x 11”.  

Ink: Stampin’ Ink Refills:  Island Indigo, #122932; Daffodil Delight, 119672; Wild Wasabi #109020, Staz On Jet Black Pad #101406. 

Accessories:  Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, #113439;  Argyle Embossing Folder, #127750; Stampin Trimmer #126889; 1/4” Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon 12”,  Blender Pen #102485, Bone Folder, #102300, Snail Adhesive, #104332, Paper Plate.

Instructions: 

1. Use the Stampin’ Trimmer to cut your cardstock into the sizes noted above.  Using the scoring blade on the Stampin’ Trimmer, score the Whisper white cardstock at 2 3/4”, 5 1/2”  and 8 1/4”. Use the Bone Folder over each score line to get a good fold.   
2. Run the larger Island Indigo piece through the Big Shot using the Argyle Embossing folder. Using the Snail Adhesive, adhere the larger Daffodil Delight piece to the embossed Island Indigo piece.   Adhere the Daffodil Delight Ribbon to the center back of the smaller Island Indigo piece using the Snail Adhesive.  Adhere this piece (with the ribbon attached) to the front of the card, on the Daffodil Delight cardstock. 
3. Using the Staz On Jet Black Pad stamp the images on each folded “page” of the fold out card as shown.  Stamp the sentiment on the last page. 
4. Place several drops of the three ink refills on the paper plate.  Using the Blender Pen, pick up color from the refill ink palette and color in the images on the fold out card. 
5. Allow to dry (just takes a few seconds) and then close the card on score lines.  Using the Snail Adhesive, adhere the last “page” to the Island Indigo piece on the front of the card.  Tie the ribbon to close up the card.   

Feel free to contact me with any questions or visit my online store to get any of the supplies used to create this card.

As promised, I have scheduled a Big Shot class for this coming Friday.  I know this is a bit of short notice, but am hoping you saw the "save the date" in the last newsletters, and have been looking forward to this class!

If you have a Big Shot or not, this is a great opportunity to come and try several new things.  I have purposely designed these projects to show several different Big Shot accessories and several different techniques!  So, come and learn some new tips and techniques while you have a great time!

Five cards with envelopes         

Friday, February 22

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

OR

Friday, February 22

Arrive between 5-6 p.m., Finish by 9:30 p.m. 

Class Cost:  $25. 

Place an order of $40 or more, and pay just $17.50 for your class! 

RSVP BY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21 , AT NOON

My first Big Shot class in months is almost here and I'm extending the RSVP date (see below to RSVP).  This is a great class and I hope to see you there!

Do you own the Big Shot? Do you wish you did? Or, would you just like to make these great projects?  Either way, you are going to love this class!

Class projects are 3 cards and envelopes, and a darling Fall treat holder with two mini milk cartons!

Thursday, September 29, 6-9 p.m.

Friday, September 30, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

$25.00

RSVP by Wednesday, Sept 28

Have you seen the new Matchbox Die in the Occasions Mini Catalog for the Big Shot?  It will make creating favors and gift boxes a snap.  This is one of my favorite new products to use.  I have previously put up a post with a template you can use when creating the boxes. 

Here are some samples created with the Die:

If you have not received your Occasions Mini Catalog, contact me to get yours today and to place your order for the Matchbox Die, simply visit my Stampin' Up! website here.

Still thinking about the NEW Pop Up Dies? 

These new Dies are such a great addition to the Big Shot Die product line.  Think of how wonderful it would be to have someone open a card from you and have the cake pop up!  You can check out the video here and see how to add a whole new dimension to your card making.  You can also be creative and not just decorate it as a cake.  I have seen many other ideas for the use of this Die. 

Contact me for more information.