Big Shot Creations

I've been having fun creating, lately, and using my Big Shot. Last night, my daughter Juliana joined the fun! She has a new book bag from church. It is hers to keep, and will hold her Bible and bible study papers. She decided to decorate, and, using the Big Shot machine, it took no time at all!! We used sticky-backed felt, and some brads to make this lovely creation!



I have some classes coming up, and I wanted to teach a new technique. We will be making stationery envelopes with two cards to go inside. What fun to use the Big Shot again, as well as a fun new set from the Sale-a-bration mini catalogue from Stampin' Up! The designer paper I used is called "Raspberry Tart", and the colors are Rose Red and Kiwi Kiss. The technique is called "Spray, Ink, Smash." I got it from Beate John's blog beate.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2008/04/15/smashed-leaves/.

I was able to get the Raspberry Tart paper early. Just after Christmas, I decided to give myself a challenge. I used only 1/2 a package of the paper (6 double-sided sheets in coordinating colors), and cardstock to match. I wanted to see how many scrapbook pages I could come up with. It took me two days, but I came up with 10 double-sided scrapbook pages, and have paper left over. Now I am busy adding photos and embellishments. I often scrapbook without photos first, especially when I'm preparing for a class, or when I am needing to 'jumpstart' my creativity. It is fun to find photos that will work on each page!

Sometimes, when I scrapbook, I use other resources for page layout ideas. This one came from a book by Creating Keepsakes (Best of Becky Higgins Sketches, copyright 2007). I used the new papers which are available during Sale-a-Bration. I really like how it turned out. The little flower is from Stampin' Up! We have "Sticky Cuts" letters, and these cute flowers are on one of the sheets. This is really sticky double-sided tape that is die-cut in alphabets and shapes (check out the new Stampin' Up! catalogue for a new set with great shapes, or blank sheets to create your own). When you pull off one side of the tape, you end up with a really sticky surface that you can add glitter or beads to. I added some chunky glitter. Then I decided I needed leaves. I had no leaves, but I had scraps left from the alphabets - I die cut leaves from them, using my Big Shot machine!! Voila, I had a shiny and fun embellishment for my page!! All I had to do was pull off the other side of the tape and stick it to my page!

I hope you've enjoyed visiting with me today. I've enjoyed sharing. I hope you have a great weekend!

Susan Bruyn

Orlando, Florida

What a fun week I've had! I traveled to Orlando, Florida, to attend Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference.
The weather was quite nice - cool for them, and warm for me, as I had just come from a weekend of -37 Celcius. They had 29 Farenheit. I was able to go around in short sleeves, with just a jacket for evening.




I had a fun evening with the Manager's Reception - while everyone else went on rides, I sat and had my cariticature done!
The caption reads: "Here comes Suzieee Stamper!!" It is too cute for words!



As always, we swapped card ideas and tips! This is a great one, which uses the set "Garden Whimsy."
I took photos of many cards, so I don't have the artist's name. As always, all images and supplies are copyright Stampin' Up!



Stampin' Up!'s new catalogue begins January 19, 2009! It is full of great ideas and some wonderful new products!
I hope to feature many of the great product ideas in upcoming posts!
Until then, take care and have a great day!
Susan Bruyn

Season's Greetings!

I had some time before Christmas to make some special gifts. One of them was calendars for my brothers and special family members. I stamped the calendar dates, and added photos that I took. I was able to edit my photos and include quotes on each photo. I then took my Cricut machine for the title - I like how it turned out!

We had a quiet Christmas, and even found some time for tobogganing, when it wasn't so cold out. It was great to come home and warm up with some hot apple cider and hot chocolate!

Susan Bruyn