TO DIE FOR...

Welcome to the Krazy Crafting Crew's October blog hop: To "Die" For. Many crafters today have die cutting machines and we thought it would be fun to let them show off some of the work they do with their machines and tell us which machine they own. I can guarantee you will have a fun time looking at all their creations and if you're in the mood for a new die cutting machine, their work might sway you on which one to buy.

Our hostess for this hop is Jearise from Lorby's World and her blog is the place to start. She will have a give away going on so make sure you check out how to get signed up for that while you're visiting her.

Now let the fun begin...

I currently own the Sizzix Big Kick. I also have the Side Kick which I have had from when the Sizzlet dies came out. Now everything can be used in my Big Kick so the little machine only gets to come to crops if I am not planning on using embossing folders or full size dies.

This is my machine and the dies and embossing folders I used for these cards:

The first reason I went with the Sizzix Big Kick is that I already had a huge collection of dies from when I used the Sizzix Big Red Original Machine. While I had the Big Red I also purchased the Side Kick when they introduced Sizzlets which are much thinner smaller dies than the originals. The next reason was that I had tested out a Cricut at a scrapbook shop and found it much too complicated - it was great to be able to cut the same design in a variety of sizes and to be able to download cuts from online or design your own but the learning curve was greater than I was willing to do when I already had so much invested in my 'so easy' to use Sizzix. At this point I decided to upgrade my 'Big Red' to the 'Big Kick'. After I got the Big Kick I started collecting embossing folders. I use these nearly all the time. The machine is SO easy to use. You create a 'sandwich' with your die/folder and paper between some cutting plates. You put it at the front of the machine and crank the handle. It quickly rolls out the back complete.

Saturday was World Card Making Day so I decided to use my Sizzix Big Kick to help me create some cards.

The first one uses Sketch #313 from Mojo Monday.

The Sketch:

My Card:

The next one uses sketch #194 from Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenges.

The Sketch:

My Card:

Thank you for stopping by and now on to Jessi at www.mylifeinartsncrafts.com

In case you arrived here from another site here is the full line up for the hop.

Full Line up:

Jearise - http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com

Lissa - http://www.somanycrafts.com/

Janet - http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/

Lori - http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/

Cicily - http://www.pinkdalmatianscrapper.com/

Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com

Anita and Bugs - http://anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/

Paula - www.preciouspagesbypaula.blogspot.com

Jessi - www.mylifeinartsncrafts.com

Thanks so much for joining us and learning a bit more about die-cutting. A random commenter will be selected to win an envelope filled with various diecuts.

WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT YOU?

I love Delaware.  People here are so nice, so caring, so helpful.  I moved here from New Jersey about 18 months ago.  This past year I have had the most difficult year of my life.  I have experienced trauma in every area of my life - healthwise, emotionally, financially, with my apartment, my car - simply everything!  When I arrived I went to a church I found online that was in the neighborhood.  I had emailed them while I was still in New Jersey and they replied.  I decided I would try them first.  Well, after my very first visit I knew I was 'home'.  They have upheld me in prayer, visited me, helped me financially.  The other day my car broke down in the library parking lot (yet again).  I called my son's friend's step-father who always has helped me out when I have had car trouble (and never takes a dime!)  He came out and the problem was more complex than we had expected.  It has been 3 days.  I did not even mention that I had several doctor appointments I had or other appointments. As he was driving me home he passed my street.  I said - you just missed the turn.  He said no I didn't.  We are going back to my house to talk to my wife.  We walked in and she handed me the keys to her mini-van which I have been using for the last 3 days.  People here just have done such amazing things.  Have shown such love and care I am just overwhelmed with gratitude.  I have been SO blessed in so many many ways.  

I sat down tonite to choose a card challenge.  I picked color challenge #32 from Sunnyside Up Creations Blog and sketch #189 from Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.  I looked on my table which is filled with miscellaneous supplies and there were a few great sheets of chipboard from Scenic Route and there were flowers that matched the color scheme perfectly that had simply the absolute perfect sentiments.  

The Color Scheme:

The Sketch:

And my Card:

Now aren't those chipboard flowers THE BEST?  

I am also submitting this card to Word Art Wednesday for the Anything Goes Challenge #90

Off to bed!  Sweet Dreams and thanks for stopping by.

IT'S TWINS!

Today I created a card to celebrate the birth of twin boys.  I used the sketch from Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #184 and a baby card for the Crazy Challege

Here is the sketch:

And my card:

Thanks for dropping by.  Hopefully I will have more for you later or tomorrow.

HAPPY THURSDAY

I'm starting today off with a simple card.  I used sketch #178 from Sweet Sunday, 2 stamps (sentiment and leaves), 2 colors (red and black) and 2 embellishments (trim and rhinestones) for challenge #203 at Stamptacular Sunday, and Red and Black for Dilly Beans.  I am also submitting this for challenge #96 at Inspire Me Fridays which was an Anything Goes.  

Here is the sketch:

My card:

Thanks for stopping by.  Hopefully I will get to create a bit more later this evening!  Have a great day!