Winning!

Wow, I'm certainly on a winning streak....2 Awards and my valentine card won last week's challenge over on Stamptacular Sunday. Some lovely stamps are winging their way over the Atlantic...I'm very excited.

I was also very chuffed that the lovely Christine, kindly sent me this award.

As with all awards this it has conditions they are, I have to tell you 10 things that give me pleasure.

Where to start...sharing life with my husband.....my daughter....and her two beautiful girls...my Cupboard and sharing crafting with cyberland....working in my craft room discovering new ways to use the Bug....visiting and chatting to my crafting friends...craft shopping...red wine....eating out.....cream cakes....holidays....bowling.....think that's 10...could go on and on...life is sweet!

Passing this on to 10 crafters is more difficult and may take me some time...please bear with me.

Thanks again Christine, I appreciate your thoughts and support of the Cupboard.

Shree has also sent me an award.

Again Shree I want to say many thanks for your kind thoughts and for your support. I have been privileged with being nominated with this Kreativ Blogger award previously, but still feel very honoured by you thinking of me and that my blog is a source of inspiration.

So a big thank you to Christine, Shree and SCC for making me feel special and thought of. It's true to say I have made a lot of lovely friends through crafting. Why not pop over to their blogs and check out what's they are making today.

I had a great day out yesterday with my friends at the Stitch and Craft Show - the sun shone all day - I spent a few pennies on some lovely crafting goodies - good job I cleared out the old to make way for the new. And, then over night it snowed, but thankfully the sun is back - the sky is blue - and the snow is melting but the paths and roads are treacherous. It's a crafting day for me! (well that's a surprise!!!).

Have a good Sunday, back tomorrow with a tutorial on my winning card.

Stamptacular Challenge Card

This is the card that I told you about yesterday. I've made this for a friend using the requirements of Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - a pop-up card with some stamping. 

and now for the pop-up

 

Taking pictures of the pop-up was nearly as difficult as designing the card!  
There are various elements of the card made using the CB - I will show you in a tutorial on Monday.
Have a good day - the sun is shining here - what a different it makes to your spirits!

Tippy Thursday

Thursday again, now what's new?

Well Spellbinders are doing their best to get us to spend, and spend, and spend. I have lost count of all the new dies being released or due for delivery any day. They are now giving us punches as well - round, square, corner, border, and alphabet (???)   If you would like to see the details of these dies - check out this link.  I've counted up to 13 of the labels, and that not counting the labels without numbers.  It's becoming difficult to decide what you do want!

Recently I have taken a liking to the Ranger Distress inks - and here again new colours are due out.
Barn Door /Stormy Sky/Crushed Olive/Victorian Velvet /Wild Honey/ Forest Moss /Bundled Sage/Chipped Sapphire/Tumbled Glass/Spun Sugar/Pumice Stone/Rusty Hinge.  What fab names - hope the colours are equally fab!

If you're a puncher - EK are also bringing out new designs.  These are great - Watch this space for more details. 

So, if you have any pennies to spare -  you will have plenty of new goodies on which to spend them!

Liz from Make a Lasting Impression sent me this card along with my Distress Inks - it's one of the embossing folders from Crafts-Too-You and I thought you would like to see it. These folders are slightly bigger than the Provocraft folders, and they emboss well.

The Stitch and Craft Show starts tomorrow in Manchester and runs until Sunday, there are bound to be some interesting demos and hopefully some bargains about (fingers crossed).  I'm going this year with some crafting friends, so I'm really looking forward to a day out - if you're there I don't think you will recognize me because I've change my hair style - but if you do - please say hello.

Tomorrow I will be showing you a pop-up card I have made for a challenge over at
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge. Hope you'll have time to drop by. Seeya.

WOYDW

I have a blogging mate, Chrissie who joins in with What's on your desk Wednesday. So being the nosey type - I had a look. Oh boy, oh boy,it did make me smile. There are other's out there just like me!!

However, today I'm showing you my good side - this is my tidy space after my clear out - I can assure you that this is not normal - quite often you can't even see the floor!

Within minutes the postie arrived...

After all my talk about the bin...in went ALL the packing...again not normal - I usually manage to salvage something...is something wrong with me?

 

                                                   and this is what I ended up with

 

Distress Inks - a new passion!

Had to have a go....

and this is my grunge type card...the image is a digital from Chris Dark - an absolutely fantastic artist! Not much cuttling here, just a token corner from the Vintage Corner Dies

Oh, drat...I forgot to take an after piccy of my desk...Perhaps next week!?!?!

Thoughts for Tuesday

Over the last few weeks my life has been hectic, with decisions and actions over this and over that to be made.  I have become very disorganised trying to focus on some many things at once and achieving little for the effort. My (virgo) list just seemed to be getting longer and my problems to solve greater.   After finding my little book last week, I read on and found this.....

From my Litttle Book of Calm by Paul Wilson.

"Decide to be organised


Set aside twenty minutes a day for decision - making and organisation.  Be sure to make at least one decision every time."

So sitting down and thinking (pretty hard to do when your head is in so many places), I made the decision to do "two things" each day, any extra "thing" would be a bonus but it did't matter if I didn't do anything else apart from my "two things".  To my surprise I have found that this works really well.  I'm getting things done - my list is getting smaller - I feel good about what I have done and not worried about what I haven't - it will get done!  The guilt feelings about crafting when I should be doing a "thing" has been lifted, and I'm finding my mojo is returning to creative mode.  If this is being calm and organized  -  I like it!  If you too are stressed; too busy; bogged down; lack of go - will this work for you too?  Worth a try....especially if you're feeling like I did!! 

Tomorrow I'll show you what has arrived on my desk and what I have had time to play with!!!!

Cuttlebug - Using Magnetic Mats with Spellbinder Dies

Magnet mats are in the news....I have illustrated them before, but in view of their popularity thought I would show concise instructions on how to emboss a shape onto the front of your card using the magnet mat.

These are examples of what you can achieve.

To get this effect you will need:
Die(s)
Tan embossing mat
Magnetic mat
Good quality cardstock (hammer, leather embosses well - with a thin card the dies may cut instead of embossing).

This is your card - centre scored - with right side of the card facing upwards.

On the back of the card

 

place the magnetic mat with the die is position. The die has to be cut side up or it will cut the magnetic mat.

NB: You will find that it is better to have the correct size mat for the card size.  This make positioning the dies easier and more accurate.

Now bring the front side of the card over

encasing the magnetic mat in the card.

The Tan Mat sits on top

NB: It is important that you only use the Mat Tan for this process.  The tan mat stops the die cutting  an aperture.

Now you can make your sandwich:

A PLATE / B PLATE / CARD ENCASING DIES ON MAGNETIC MAT / TAN MAT / B PLATE

This is the effect of embossing with one die

with two dies

With a few little touches you can make a simple stylish card.

The magnetic mat is very useful for this embossing technique, and if you are making wedding invites where you want the embossing in the same place on every card,it is definitely a time saver.

Hope you like this idea of getting more out of your dies.

NB: If you are looking for a tan mat - check out the shop on my side bar.

Friday - Followers' Gallery

Today's card that is going into the FFG is from Joe.

Joe recently joined the Cupboard followers  -  from her lovely work you will see that she loves her bug.  Joe is also a  member of DC and you will find her gallery under JoeD.  Drop by and say hello you will find some interesting crafting going on there. 

When I found this card on her blog, it reminded me of a exhibition I saw last October in Ripon Cathedral. The artist (whose name at the moment I cannot recall) had used numerous folders and emboss them in metal squares to make a frame round a quotation - it was very impressive and at the time I thought I should use that idea, but then forgot, so I was pleased to see Joe had done it for me. Thanks Joe for sharing your idea in the Cupboard.

Cuttlebug Sandwich List for Die Cutting

CUTTLEBUG PLATES TO USE WHEN DIE CUTTING


PROVOCRAFT DIES

A PLATE / B PLATE / CARDSTOCK / DIE CUT SIDE DOWN / B PLATE

This is the order I mostly use because I like to see where I'm placing the die, but you can also place the die cut side up with the card on top. I find this method useful when  cutting alphabet dies.  So, it comes down to whatever suits the job best! (as long as the actual sandwich is right).


SPELLBINDER WIZARD DIES

A PLATE / B PLATE / CARDSTOCK / DIE CUT SIDE DOWN / C PLATE

Again you can reverse the order of card and die.

 
SIZZIX/SIZZLIT DIES

A PLATE / B PLATE / CARDSTOCK / DIE CUT SIDE DOWN / B PLATE

NELLEN SNELLEN DIES

A PLATE / B PLATE / CARDSTOCK / DIE CUT SIDE DOWN / C PLATE

If you use a magnetic mat to cut a frame - you will need to change the sandwich by replacing the C Plate with a B plate and possibly a shim.

These dies come fastened together - if your plates are warped you might experience problems cutting all of the frames in one go.  The condition of your plates might also mean you have to place and cut the dies on the side of the sandwich. You can try passing through twice, or try adding a shim if the Bug will take it without forcing. I cut through the paper holding the dies, but did not remove the paper backing.  If you do remove the backing you will find the dies stick to the plates when cutting.  If you have removed the backing - WD2 will unglue it!   You do not have to do anything with the white bits that cut the apertures in the frame.
You can use these dies as a mat, or as a frame.  To make the frame just place one die inside another on a magnetic mat, or you could use a low tack tape to hold them.  


THINGS TO  REMEMBER WHEN DIE CUTTING

GOLDEN RULE : NEVER FORCE : IF IN DOUBT ALWAYS START LESS AND ADD MORE BY WAY OF A SHIM(s)

DIES DIFFER IN THICKNESS WHICH MEANS ADJUSTING PLATES

ALWAYS HAVE THE A PLATE AT THE BOTTOM

ALWAYS USE THE RIGHT PLATE FOR THE RIGHT DIE, OR YOU WILL BREAK EITHER THE BUG OR THE PLATE.

IT IS NORMAL FOR THE DIE TO MARK THE PLATE WHEN IT CUTS.

IT IS NORMAL TO HEAR A CRACKING SOUND AS THE DIE CUTS.

PLATES ALSO BUCKLE WITH USE - THERE ARE VARIOUS THOUGHTS ON THIS...

I ALWAYS CUT ON THE SAME B PLATE AND TURN IT REGULARLY, AND ALSO TRY TO CUT IN DIFFERENT AREAS WHERE POSSIBLE.  I HAVE USED THE SAME PLATE  FOR 2 YEARS AND ALTHOUGH THE  B PLATE HAS BECOME VERY MARKED - IT IS FLAT AND USEABLE.

OTHER THOUGHTS
CUT ON ONE SIDE ONLY.
CUT ON THE C PLATE - it's stronger and less inclined to break or warp.
(I cannot comment on these because it's not what I do, BUT the crafters who use them are experienced die cutters and the methods work for them so I feel confident in sharing their thoughts)

IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS - ASK FOR HELP - IT'S A SHAME NOT TO USE YOUR DIES!
                                       
  

Thoughts for Tuesday

Still trying to get sorted!  Stressed, disorganized, going round in circles!  Turned to my   Little book of calm
for help....read this which I thought was so appropriate to me and to many other crafters that I know (and love) and thought this I must share.

"BE RUTHLESS WITH PAPER.
Rid yourself of the burdon and distraction of non-essential information by using the wastepaper basket - ruthlessly!"

How many times have I saved a scrap of paper just in case!!!  An old card, or image that I didn't actually like,  SO.....taking a deep breath....and a black bag....I set to work.....

this is my third bag!

I do feel less cluttered: I can see some space on my shelves: I can find things in the cupboard.  I'm not saying that this will always be the case - but for now I feel better!  Dare I say CALM!!

Cuttlebug Cupboard - Follower's Gallery

Well here we are at Follower's Friday again!  How time flys when you're having fun with PC's and Snow!

Today's card in the gallery is from Rica. Heather is an old blogging friend,and a very talented crafter. She always says she struggles with just White cards, but not with this one - Girl, you did real good! Drop by and see some more of her work - you will not be disappointed.

Not only is the colouring superb, but what creative use of the Fleur de lis Pendant die....

By twisting the pendant and then adding 4 of the smaller dies to each corner - you have a larger square! Nice one Heather - good thinking!

Embossing Mats for the Cuttlebug

This is a query that I received from Barbara, but unfortunately Barbara you did not leave me any way of contacting you.

Your Question: You asked about embossing with a black mat from KARS, saying it was useless. Could anyone help.

My Answer: The mat you have purchased from Kars, is a black mat that is not suitable to embossing in the CB.  It is to firm a rubber to work.  You need a tan mat which is very flexible.   Spellbinders make them, or you can get alternative one's from various other craft suppliers. There is a link on my side bar to a supplier, who I can recommend.  If you continue to try embossing with the black mat, you are liable to break your machine. 

Spellbinder's latest released dies

Hi, Thought I would let you know that Spellbinders are revealing a new die each day for a week

Day 1
S4-241 Jumbo Scalloped Petite Borderabilities®

Dimensions:
5-1/2" x 1-1/8"
5-1/2" x 3/4"

Day 2

SKU: S4-264 Nested Eggs Die Limited Edition

Die Dimensions:
Die One 3/4 x 1/2″
Die Two 1 7/16 x x1″
Die Three 2 1/8 x 1 1/2″
Die Four 2 13/16 x 2″
Die Five 3 1/2 x 2 1/2″
Die Six 4 1/4 x 3″

Easter Borderabilities™ Petite Die SKU: S4-237 Limited Edition
Die Dimensions:
Die One 5 1/2 x 1 5/16″

Die Two 5 1/2 x 1 5/16″

                                                 
Day 3

S4-270 Fair Isle Pendants

Dimensions:

Pendant: 3-1/2 x 3-1/2''
Center: 1-3/4 x 1-3/4''
Accent 1: 7/8 x 7/8''
Accent 2: 1-1/4 x 13/16''

S4-244 Fair Isle Borderabilities® Petites
Dimensions:
Border 1: 5-1/2 x 1-1/4''

Border 2: 5-1/2 x 3/4''

Day 4

S5-020 Nursery Time Frameabilities
Large Frame 6 x 41/16”,S

Small Frame 3 3/16 x 2 5/16”, Bear 1 11/16” x 1 3/8”, Duck 1 x 1”

S5-020 Nursery Time, S4-236 Baby Borderabilities® Petites, S4-169 Small Labels

Day 5

S4-266 Assorted Fresh Fruit (Limited Edition Dies)

Die Dimensions:
Jar 1 7/8 x 1 3/8”
Apple 1 5/8 x 1 3/8”
Cherries 1 5/8 x 1 1/5”
Grapes 2 ½ x 1 5/16"
Strawberry 1 ¼ x 1"
Pear 1 ¾ x 1 1/8”

Day 6

S4-275 Nested Ice Cream Cone

This is a Limited Edition, Summer Collection die template, only available through May 30, 2010.
Cone SM 1 5/16 x 1”
Cone MD 2 x 1 9/16”
Cone LG 2 7/8 x 2 3/16”
Ice Cream SM 1 3/16 x 1 5/16”
Ice Cream MD 1 13/16 x 2 1/16”
Ice Cream LG 2 9/16 x 2 15/16”

Day 7
Cherry Pickin’S5-021    Limited Edition
Dimensions:
Cherry 11/16 x 11/16”
Leaf 11/16 x ½”
Small Frame 2 3/16 x 2 3/16”
Large Frame 4 1/16 x 4 1/16”

The last one is a great die, it may be a cherry pattern, but check out this beautiful example of how it can be used to make it look entirely different: Kazan Clark.  Great work Kazan

Nice one Spellbinders! ikki

A thought for today

As many of you will know, over the last few weeks I have been having all sorts of problems with my PC and viruses.  Yesterday I thought my troubles were over, yes the man came and made me wireless, but oh dear now I have to configure and learn about one new laptop and the old PC, and my mail is going there and I want it here. I've lost music, but fortunately been able to reinstall it, but is my head in a spin.

I decided that a lot of the old things regarding past programmes had to go out of the way so as not to cause me any more confusion to that I already had, and in doing so I came across a  book called "The little book of CALM at work", which I had completely forgotten about.    Opening the book I found  a book mark and this is what the page said:

"Clinch one before the next. 
Multi-tasking is something only computers can do efficiently.  Complete each task before moving on to the next, and your efficience will be matched only by your increased calm."  How weird it that?

I had to laugh, had this little book been watching my frantic moves backwards and forwards across the room from one PC to the LP trying this and then deciding to try that?  So I'm concentrating on one task at a time of sorting out the computer, so that it will be able to mult-task for me!  Must be calm and patient!!

This little book is a gem!  I have to say it's good advice to me not only about my present problems and also about my crafting.  I often start one project, can't make up my mind,  leave it and start something else, leaving a trail of crafting mess behind me!

 I will  show you more of it's wise quotations - you may be calm and efficient, but it may help someone.....perhaps even you on a bad day!

Cuttlebug - Partial Embossing

It seems to be snow, snow and more snow these days - I don't like it, my troubled PC doesn't like it and now it seems that my camera doesn't like it either!  In other words sorry about the late posting, the poor pictures, but I think you can see (just about) what I've done.

This is a landscape 4" x 6" card which I have partial embossed with the CB Swiss Dots folder, and then with a scoreboard, scored 4 lines.  If you are interested in see how to get the embossing fully across the card, check out this link.

This close-up gives you a better view of the pattern on the base card.

I have decided this year to try my hand at waterpainting and I've also purchased a few Promakers.  Looking at the illustrations in my new Watercolour Flower book, I can see that I'll have to do some practising, but thought I'd post this attempt so I can look back and see if I'm improving!  At the moment it's a lot of trial and error! 

Tomorrow, snow permitting, my clever man is coming to set up my new laptop, upgrade my old PC and make me wireless.  Hope it's not as painful as it sounds!  Snow, snow go away - I want to be up and running with speed!