And the Rest is History

Evening Everyone,
I hope that you have had an enjoyable Saturday.
I enjoyed my walk around the park in the glorious sunshine this morning, and then I had the mad idea to sort out my dies.
OMG, how many do I own??
I remember very clearly the day my current obsession with them started. It was a crafty demonstration day and my friend Caz had brought along a Cuttlebug to show us, that she had purchased from America since they weren't readily available in this country.
At that time I had an old Sizzix pump handle style machine that I had been given, but which sat unused on my window ledge gathering dust. Who needed a die cutting machine I remember thinking to myself, until Caz showed us the Cuttlebug in action.
WOW...…..and the rest, as they say, is history.

I wouldn't like to even guess at how many dies I now own, but there are certain ones that get used time and time again, most noticeably my favourite sentiments from Creative Expressions.

Here I have highlighted them with glossy accents which helps them to stand out against the 'smack down' technique background and sunflower cut from Jane's Giant Sunflower stamp.
Maybe I will get to play tomorrow after all this sorting. Jane has another TV show coming up in a week or so and I need to get busy with some samples for her.
Better get some shut eye. Thanks for stopping by.
Stay safe.
Hugs Kimx

Thank You Paula

Evening Everyone,
I do like to catch the occasional programme on the craft channels, especially when the experts are friends that you have known for years.
Paula Pascual who currently works with Tonic, and I used to work together years ago at the Craft Barn along with Julie Hickey and several other lovely ladies who are not on the TV.
Her crafty enthusiasm is always infectious and she has just cost me and my friend Sue quite a bit whilst we have added to our craft stash!!
I have had a Misti for a long time (courtesy of another crafty enthusiast Stampin Caz) but I haven't used it to it's full potential due to not enough playtime.
And then I saw Paula demonstrating the Tim Holtz Stamping Platform on Hochanda. It's a very similar product, and suddenly my Misti became something that I use all the time.
I did however prefer several aspects of the Stamping Platform, so along with my friend Sue, an order was placed. Thanks again Paula it was money very well spent.

 We have just spent a wonderful afternoon at Davina's playing with Altenew stamps and dies.

These multi step stamp sets work brilliantly with both the Misti and Stamping Platform, and I think we may have converted at least one other member of the group to their benefits.
No I'm not on commission lol.

I do love these stamp sets, as you may be able to tell, and I think the above sentiment is one of my all time favourites. I have used it on more than one occasion recently. In fact it stays on my desk all the time ready for its next usage.

I have used a host of different ink pads for these cards, so I couldn't begin to tell you which ones.

A couple of the sets I own also have matching die sets which really does make them so much quicker to cut out.

 It is easy to create a more dimensional card with the die cut flowers and leaves.

This time I added a die cut sentiment to finish the whole thing off.
These cards are all ones that I made a while ago, but I have several more bits and pieces from today's class that need finishing off so I am sure that I will have more to share soon.
I hope that you have all had a fabulous day. Thank you for taking the time to stop by.
Happy crafting and hugs.
Kimx