Bella Carta

Cork, its not just for wine bottles!

Besides being a die-hard shopper, one of the reasons I purchased the Big Shot was the list of materials that could be cut (click to go check out that post).  Please - I implore the folks at Ellison/Sizzix to come up with a better name, otherwise I have to refer to it as "the BS", which just seems soooooo undignified!

I'm trying to work my way through that list!  Although some of the stuff listed I probably won't cut - like Bubblewrap!  LOL!  That one just makes me scratch my head.  But you can die cut bubblewrap, good to know!

Today I tackled Cork!  This is sold in thin sheets, many to a package.  I found it at Michael's closer to where the art supplies were and near the white boards (write on and wipe off).  Soemtimes you can find the cork in the scrapbook paper aisle, but I didn't see any there on this trip.  It was very inexpensive and lightweight!

I had no problems cutting this two layers at a time with my Big Shot!  I also was able to cut it with my Cuttlebug - although I kept that at one layer - and had no problems!  Remember, with the CB say it with me "The die goes face down" and by face - I mean the cutting side! 

The only slightly strange thing - the cork created a massive amount of static electricity each time it was cut!  And by massive I mean I kept getting zapped! To put this in perspective, I live in FL where we have high humidity year round!  Even in winter time it is extremely unusual to get any static electricity charge!  You'll note that with the top note, there is a stitched outline that is not visible on the cork.  I think that's because the cork is so malleable.

Anyway, I think it adds a cool texture/dimension to the card!  And its light as air! 

My card features the colors and papers of the Urban Garden DSP - Not Quite Navy cardstock, the flowers are DSP that were stamped in Baja Blue and Not Quite Navy ink on the dsp and cut out.  The "Cheer" is a portion of the decorative strip, I just cut the paper to the size of the word and then only die cut that portion - easy peasy!

I do think my card "needs" something - I think I'll add some seed beads to the center of the flowers.  Or maybe I'll add a few leaves! In the meantime, enjoy!

It works, it works! Big Shot, Sizzix and the Cuttlebug!

Okay ... after cracking my plates in half with the Cuttlebug using the Sizzix originals die - it was driving me nuts! I knew I had used a Sizzix original die before, successfully in my CB. I finally {Saturday} came to the realization that my "sandwich" was wrong!

When using the Sizzix steel ruled dies (the Originals or Bigz) the die needs to be with the cutting blade face down!  I bought a new set of Plate B's for the Cuttlebug and retested it with the die correctly placed and it worked GREAT!  Yep, both the "Bigz" and the "Originals" cut with absolutely no problem.  I've gone back and revised my post from the other day.

Okay, so I now feel that for anyone with a Cuttlebug - if you're really not willing to invest in a new machine (the Big Shot) your CB should work just fine!  But, I really think that the Big Shot will rock your world! 

If you're going to use the CB, follow this sandwich for the Originals or Bigz (thicker steel dies):  Plate B, cardstock or paper, the die with the cutting blade down, Plate B. 

In the photo, I've slid the plates so that you can see them, but you'll want to keep them uniformly together.

On a side note - I've compared the "Originals" with the "Bigz".  They are the same thickness, but the "Bigz" are notably bigger almost an inch on either side.  The packaging for the Top Note (SU Exclusive Bigz die) is more like what you're accustomed to seeing, with the SU logo, turquoise and white packaging.

Eeeek! I need a "do over" with my CB and BS!

I just realized I might have made a critical error while reviewing the Sizzix dies for use in the cuttlebug!  I did crack my plates, BUT I think I had the "sandwich" wrong!  Ugggh! I just bought some new plates so I need a "do over" {remember those, LOL}!

When using the Sizzix dies in the CB, the cardstock goes on the bottom, with the die cutting blade FACE DOWN!  {Smacks forehead!} I had it reversed ..... I had used the plate B, the die -facing up, the cardstock, and the top Plate B. 

Okay ... I just had this realization, so I'll be trying it again tomorrow!  Stay tuned for more pics!  PS My "Bigz" die came in (the Top Note) and I'll have some FUN projects with that next week!

Fabric Flowers

Here's how I made those fabric flowers - from the die cut shapes - for card embellishments!

After cutting your fabric, layer the pieces you want to use together.  I used a stick pin to hold them all in place.  I love the pearl headed pins, I use 'em for everything!  Run your thread through the needle, so that its two equal lengths, then tie a knot at the bottom.  I tied several knots to get a good, larger knot that wouldn't slip through the weave of the barkcloth.  Then, if you have to - pull on the needle to make sure its centered.  Start at the bottom, come up and go back down in a short distance.  You're going to want to make a running stitch in a small circle.  (I changed to black thread so that you could see it, but you'll probably want to use a thread color that matches). 

Once you've gone up and down and formed a circle, pass your needle back through to the bottom of the flower, and then pull - you'll be gathering up that stitched circle.  I used a stitch or two, to hold the "pucker" together.  Then top with a button (if you're using one) - if you're using a half back pearl, don't worry about it.  I tied a knot off by making a loop (put your needle through a small piece of fabric and pull almost all the way through, leaving a small loop) and then pass your needle back through the loop and pull tight. Google "sewing knots" on the internet for more ideas.  I've adhered my flowers to cards with the larger glue dots.

PS Check out my new signature!  Pretty great, eh?  Michelle Laycock made it to match my banner (and did you see my new background, also?).

Big Shot and Cuttlebug, Sandwiches Part II

For my next comparison of the Sizzix dies with the Big Shot and the Cuttlebug, I tested out the "Originals" the thick steel ruled dies with fabric.  This is home decor type fabric, sorta like a barkcloth weave, for use as curtains, throw pillows, etc.

In the Big Shot, you use the Original die with the two clear plates.  Your sandwich would be clear plate, die, fabric, clear plate.  I found that the fabric cut easily with the Big Shot in a single layer, so I tried double layer and that worked fine.  So, I moved up to three layers and it cut GREAT!  In fact, three worked the best of all, all three layers were cleanly sliced!  I didn't try four layers, but I think they would be no problem for the Big Shot.  {And really, it needs a better acroynym that the "BS" because I think it deserves better!}.

I then repeated my project with the Cuttlebug.  My sandwich was a clear plate - Plate B, with the die, then the fabric, then another Plate B.  (The "sandwich" is very similar in both machines).  Unfortunately though - my results were not as good!  I had problems getting a clean cut with one layer of fabric, so I added a second layer and my top plate CRACKED in half!  Yep, cracked right straight through.  In the interest of "full disclosure" I think its important to note that my Cuttlebug plates are a little more than a year and half old. 

ETA:  I just realized I had the "sandwich" wrong, its not "face up, its face down"! The Sizzix Originals and Bigz dies need to be used with the cutting blade down, and the cardstock below it.  The "Sandwich" would be Plate B, cardstock or paper, die with the cutting edge down, Plate B.  The cuttlebug works great as long as the die is face down.

So, here's my project!  I'm happy with this one (unlike yesterday's project)!  I used three different coordinating fabrics and the Sizzix Flower Layers original die.  This is one featured in the upcoming holiday mini, available from SU - although not one of the exclusive dies.

The cardstock is new Baja Blue, with a mat layer of Kraft with Kiwi Kiss ink sponged around the edge.  I stamped the stem from Brocade Basics in Certainly Celery ( I know it looks a little more like Mellow Moss) and then used my daubber to add Kiwi Kiss ink in spots. Its stamped on Very Vanilla and then meticulously cut out by *moi.  The fabric is layered together and half pearls from the Pretties kit are used to accent each one.   Hang on till Friday and I'll show you more of the fabric flowers as card accents!

PS We're getting pounded by rain here, we've got well over 24 inches of rain in the past 36 hours - and I'm not kidding - it might be easier to get to work by taking the boat!  I've got some flooding in the yard and streets, but sooner or later - the rain will stop right?  I haven't seen anyone building an ark, yet! ;-) 

Its all about the *sandwich* {Cuttlebug, Big Shot and Sizzix}

There's been all sorts of conversation about the new Stampin Up! partnership with Ellison and Sizzix.  SU had selected them over Cuttlebug to partner with on exclusive merchandise.  For the record, I have a Cuttlebug and {love} it!  Yep, I ♥ my CB!

I did break down and buy the Big Shot - mostly cause I figured I loved my 'bug so much that I figured I would love the Big Shot too!

In any case .... the important thing with using either machine (or any other die cutting machine like the Wizard from Spellbinder) is the "SANDWICH".  Yep - we're not talking about a Dagwood here either (or the phenomenal Pioneer Woman's: Marlboro Man's Favorite sandwich).  In this case, sandwich refers to the way you stack the different plates for your die-cutting machine.

So, I wanted to give you a side by side comparison of the Sizzix dies in both the Big Shot AND the Cuttlebug. I'm going to start with the Sizzlets (the small, thin dies).  I'm using the SU Exclusive Birds and Blooms.  I also tried the project using the Sizzix Embosslits and had similar results (but for some reason I don't have photos of that!).   Keep in mind that Sizzix makes several different types of dies, there are:

• Sizzlits, (thin, metal backed dies)
• Embosslit (thin metal embossing folders)
• Originals (thick steel ruled dies)
• Bigz and Bigz XL (like the Originals, but "bigger" LOL)

First up ... in the Big Shot - using the multi platform (Tab 1), followed by a clear plate, next the die, then the cardstock, then the other clear plate.  That's the "sandwich".  This is shown in the first two pictures, the whole sandwhich rolled easily through the Big Shot and popped out well cut pieces.   

Next .... the Cuttlebug.  I used Plate A (the big white thick one), with Plate B, next the die, then the cardstock and cap it off with another Plate B.  The sandwich for the Sizzlets is pretty similar. 

I didn't have any real problems getting great cuts with either machine.  (But tomorrow's post is a different story!).  But I will fo out on a limb here and endorse the Cuttlebug for use with any of the Sizzlets or the Embosslits as being easy to use if you don't have the Big Shot.  The Big Shot is actually quite easy to use, the "sandwich" rolls through like butter :-) and it is really nice - I am very happy I bought one.

Stay tuned the rest of this week!  I'm going to be using the original Sizzix die (the thicker ones) and FABRIC!

Disclaimer:  I'm not real crazy about this card featured with today's project!  I needed something quick with my dies, so this was it!  I'll work on making a better project using these dies!

 

Birth Announcement! {really an SU post!}

{One of the joys of being gone is coming home, and finding two SU boxes to unpack! Yes, my Big Shot arrived!}

My Big Shot has a "born on" date :-) Happy Birthday 06/30/08!

Well, my Big Shot cup runneth over!  Here is my new machine!  I also took a pic of the exclusive SU Sizzlets, Birds and Blooms.  You can see the packaging is rather "plain jane" but has the SU and Sizzix logos on the labels! 

For some reason the song by Billy Joel about being a "Big Shot" keeps ringing through my head!  With my apologies .... the verse is altered to "You *had* to have the Big Shot, didn't cha? "

And ..... here's the teaser!  Stay tuned, this week I'll show the Sizzix dies with BOTH the Cuttlebug and the Big Shot!