Satin Flowers: The Posy or Peony

There are 100s of videos on YouTube about how to make lollipop flowers with satin fabric, a candle, and some hot glue. The video I have made for you is a twist on the lollipop flower. You'll see samples of each in the video!

These flowers remind me of a posie or, if you add several layers, a peony or rose. In my opinion, the lollipop flowers look great for clean and modern layouts, while these layered flowers continue the vintage theme really well. Of course, you can interchange them all to suit your needs!

Layer a larger flower with a smaller flower before you add the center for a fuller flower! Don't forget to use larger circles to make larger flowers too!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Leslie

It's a beautiful day! I just got home from the Neurologist! There is still no change in my MS, but on Spetember 5th I will be celebrating my 5th anniversary without ANY relapses!! 5 years is a big deal in the cancer world! I have no idea if it is a big deal in the world of MS (I forgot to ask the doctor!). BUT I am celebrating like it is! Woo Hoo!!

For today's project, I have a video showing you the canvas that I made for one of my daughter's friends. It was well received by all the kids at the party. Plus, it was easy to make!

I will show a video soon about how I made the flowers. There are thousands of videos for making the satin lollipop flowers already on YouTube, but I make one a little bit differently! My girls go back to school Aug 6th, so I will have more posts and videos after that. I can't promise anything before that. They are demanding little divas, right now! LOL

Enjoy!



Thanks for stopping by today!
Leslie

Build-a-Bear Stamp Camp! Part 1

I survived! But more importantly, I learned a ton!

I hosted my first Stamp Camp for kids Friday. I really enjoyed it, but it was a lot of work. Originally, there were going to be three ten year old girls in attendance, but one of my daughter's BFFs couldn't come, so there were just 2.

The activities included:

1. Making a Build-a-Bear Tote Bag
2. Making a Build-a-Bear magnetic dress up doll set in a tin.
3. Making a keychain with their initial to hang on their backpacks. This happened to be the only stamping project. So it really shouldn't have been a Stamp Camp, but my daughter really loved the name!

I am going to break it into a few blog posts, so there will be only a little bit to learn at the time! Today's post will feature the Build-a-Bear Tote Bag! Click on the photos to enlarge them.

I really needed to iron this some more! Can you say Spray Starch?

The above photo makes her look odd because the bag was bent.

I absolutely loved this project! It was so simple and quick! Here is what to do:

• I started at the fabric store. These are important tips.
  • Beware of a dark brown. This bear is made with a medium brown. The bear will be darker because of the iron-on adhesive. Also, choosing too dark of a brown will make the facial features difficult to see.
  • Purchase 1/8th of a yard of brown. This will allow you to make a bunch of bears.
  • Purchase fabrics for the clothes and accessories. I purchase 1/8th of a yard (4.5" x 45"), but used only about 8" total for 3 bears! You could get by with a sample size, but I think that is being dishonest, so please purchase the fabric. I don't know if they sell 1/12th of a yard (which is 3" x 45"). This is all you would actually need. You can get a ton of clothes from this strip of cloth.
  • Purchase paper backed iron-on adhesive. The brands I use are Pellon, which is a lighter-weight adhesive, but still works fine, and I use Heat-n-Bond. Wonder-Under will also work, but use the others if you plan to sew through them so you wont gum up your needle.
  • Finally, I chose cotton fabrics for this project. I do not know how other fabrics would work, but they should do just fine!. The only fabrics I would say not to use is a faux fur and a net or tulle, because of the way the glue works with them.
• I measured the area of the clothes, such as the pants, by "eye-balling" it. Basically, I just guessed how big the fabric needed to be and cut a rectangle that was a bit larger that the piece of clothing. I did this for each piece of clothing.
• Next, I ironed each piece of fabric to the Heat-n-Bond iron on adhesive and cut each piece out. Leave the paper on for cutting, so you do not gum up the blades of the die.
• I ran each piece of fabric through the Big Shot cutting out the particular clothing or bear.
• TIP: For the Sizzlits small dies that cut the bows and purses, place the fabric face down on the die and be sure to only use one layer. Sometimes, even with a shim, it wouldn't cut through the fabric, if I placed it fabric side up. Placing it fabric side to the die (face down) will make sure the fabric is cut!
• TIP: For the Embosslits die, which I used to cut the butterfly, place the fabric face down again. Also, make sure the paper is on the back of the fabric. You don't want to gum up the die with adhesive, but you also need the paper to protect the fabric from the embossing.
• Next, Peel the paper off of each of the parts and lay them on the tote bag in the proper position. I peeled gthe paper off everything except the bear on the first bag. No problem though. I just lifted it, peeled the paper, and continued ironing. All the other pieces had attached to the bear, but not to the bag. I ironed every piece on at one time.
• Tip: When ironing the adhesive paper onto the fabric and then again when you iron the pieces all onto the tote bag, be very aware of the heat setting of your iron, the length of time that you iron it, and then allow it to cool completely before you handle it. Make sure you follow the recommended setting for your adhesive paper. There are several reasons for this tip.
• In the beginning, if you iron the adhesive paper onto the fabric for too long, you could end up melting the adhesive enough that it is embedded into the fabric itself and won't later attach to the bag.
• When you are attaching the fabric to the tote (or to the other pieces of fabric), if you heat it too long, you will have the same problem of over melting the glue, making it embed in the fabric. To see a tiny bit of what I mean, go back to the first photo and look at the bear's face. You will see "canvas texture". This is an example of what happens when the adhesive is overheated and "embedded" in the fabric.
• Finally, if you don't allow it to cool properly, you will affect the adhesion. If you move the bear, for example when you are moving the tote, it may lift and then not attach properly. It  only takes a couple of minutes, and it will make a world of difference.

Don't let these specific tips scare you away from this project! This bag was so simple, even with learning how to use the adhesive (because I didn't read the instructions for it). All 3 bags were done and looked great! So you can do this!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Canvas Wall Art

Today's project has only one Stampin' Up! product used on it and no stamping,  but you are going to LOVE it anyway!! I want to show you what my next project is: I will be preparing several Wall Art panels to go in a store here in my hometown.  Southern Style, has unique gifts and products that you can have monogrammed. Well, now you will be able to purchase my Ceiling Tile Wall Art (you can see samples here), and I am adding a new product line for Dancing Ballerinas!

What do you think of this?

I took 2 pictures because you just can't see how poofy that tu-tu really is in the photo! These are "Tu-Tu Canvases" that you can have an initial painted on, add a Decor Elements vinyl letter, or attach a photo of your favorite ballerina to the front! They have straps at the top that hang from a small wire hanger that I made (couldn't get it to show for the photo). Aren't these so cute! 

I use 5x7, 8x10, and 11x14 canvases, but the area for the initial or photo ends up being a square area because of the tu-tu. I used a staple gun stapled the tulle as I scrunched it across the front. I did the hot pink first then the light pink.  I finished it off with black polka-dotted ribbon to hide the staples and create a waist band for the tu-tu. I used Pretty in Pink ink and rubbed it across the edges of the canvas. I then took a sponge and blended it in a bit, leaving the center a bit lighter.

What little girl wouldn't love to have this in their room?

I have seen people use canvases as their cover for a mini album. What a great mini album cover this would make! I may have to look into making one of these a mini-album!!

Thanks for stopping by! Oh, and Creative Pzazz products will be in Southern Style on April 10th!

My First Stamp Camp- and it is with 10 year olds!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Do you have on green? Well, I bet you don't have on this much green? Isn't she cute? This is a card that I made (1)to make a Build-a-Bear again (it has been a while), (2)to make a St. Patrick's Day card, and (3)to participate in this week's Pals Paper Arts Challenge, which was a color challenge! The colors we were supposed to use are: Certainly Celery, Garden Green, and Kraft. Since I am out of Kraft cardstock, I substituted and used Soft Suede! Hope you like it!

Friday my daughter will be hosting a Stamp Camp for her friends! The plan is to do the following projects:

1. Use the Build-a-Bear die to make invitations with the Build-a-Bear in a Top Note sleeping bag. Get it? You sleep in a sleeping bag when you camp? My daughter loves the idea!
   
2. Use the Build-a-Bear die and fabric to make Build-a-Bears to go on a tote bag for each girl. They will get to choose their own fabrics for the parts of the Build-a-Bear. Then we will iron on all the pieces.
   
3. Use the Build-a-Bear die (notice a theme yet?) and make magnetic dress-up dolls to go in a decorated tin.
4. We need to stamp something too, so we will probably make a card for their moms.
   

I will be making samples this weekend for them to go by, so I will show you these as I make them this week. There may be even more projects that we do, if I come up with the ideas! Of course, you will get to see what the girls do too!
I will take notes on what works and what doesn't for the Stamp Camp, so you can plan your own too!
Thanks for stopping by today.

Ribbon: Before & After Part 2

Today's Before & After stars Whisper White Organza ribbon, but you could use any white ribbon, flower, or Fleurette.

The Before is on the Right. The After is on the Left.

How To:

• To achieve ribbon in any color that you desire, take a small lid or paper plate.
• Add 6-8 drops of any dye-based reinker.
• Drag the ribbon (or flower, etc.) through the reinker.
• Lay over the rim of a glass to dry.
• Note: I used a heat gun to speed up the process, but you MUST keep the heat pretty far from the ribbon, because if it gets too hot, it will melt.

There was going to be a portion of this post devoted to the embossing on ribbon and flowers. There are 2 reasons you won't find that information here: (1)I tried one technique I found during research; it failed. (2)The planet Saturn was in my orbit causing all creativity to cease.

No, I am not "out there"! My youngest daughter has a planet project due tomorrow (that is actually today when you read this), which she failed to tell me about over the weekend. So, I spent all afternoon and evening scrounging a volleyball and making rings for her planet!

All is not lost though. It will just add another day to my Before & After series! I will prevail and learn how to emboss ribbon and flowers!

Until then…

Big Shot Sandwiches!

No. You can't make a sandwich using the Big Shot! And Nope, you can't eat the Big Shot!

I have been using my Big Shot a bunch lately to make all sorts of different projects, which requires different "sandwiches" for each thing. The "sandwiches" are the layers of cutting plates, multipurpose platform, silicone rubber mats, cardstock shims, etc. that are layered together to make allow the Big Shot to cut most effectively. I needed a place for these sandwiches to stay centrally located. Then it just occurred to me that you might need a "sandwich source" too!

I was asked the question the other day: "Do you use the Big Shot more than your Cricut?" The answer is absolutely!! Using the Cricut was wasteful and stressful for me. I never knew exactly what size to make something, so I would have to make 3 or 4 of them. I just don't use it anymore. I haven't used it since I got my Big Shot. Cricut's are great, and there are many uses for them too. It just is not my personal favorite.

The Big Shot takes all the guess work out of a project! I know exactly what I am going to get, and I can cut 4 times as much in the same amount of time.

Today's post is full of Hot Tips for you! These are the various methods of creating the sandwiches for the different dies you may have. These sandwiches will work for the Big Shot, and in some cases, the Cuttlebug too. Remember many of the dies, texture plates, and embossing folders that Stampin' Up! sells for the Big Shot will work on the Cuttlebug too! Visa versa you can use some of the "other dies" in the Big Shot too!

As I discussed yesterday, there are many different materials that the Big Shot dies will cut, including cardstock, chipboard, thin plastic (like notebook covers), and fabric!

The dies I will be referring to are the ones that Stampin' Up! offers. I, personally, know these dies are very high quality!

• Originals, Bigz, and Bigz XL dies are steel ruled dies, which can cut through virtually any material and multiple sheets of card stock and Designer Series paper. See the complete list of materials that you can cut on this post. These are great for creating multiples of a project very quickly!
• Sizzlits dies are small and detailed metal dies that sometimes have impressions for creating an embossed or perforated texture on cardstock. These dies will only cut through thin materials, such as cardstock, paper, and very thin fabrics. You should not use multiple layers with these dies!
• In general, you will turn the handle slightly with slight pressure to start the sandwich through the opening of the Big Shot and continue turning the handle until the sandwich comes out the other side.

The “Sandwiches”:

This information was obtained from a great source! Thanks Karen! This is how you layer your platforms, plates, dies and paper when using your Big Shot.

For each sandwich, you will lay down each layer in the order listed; in other words, the first thing listed is actually the bottom of the sandwich.

Originals Dies:

• Standard Cutting Pad
• Originals die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Standard Cutting Pad

BIGZ Dies:

• Standard Cutting Pad
• BIGZ die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Standard Cutting Pad

BIGZ Clear Dies:

Clear dies allow you to see where you are positioning the die for your project.

• Standard Cutting Pad
• BIGZ Clear die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Standard Cutting Pad

BIGZ XL Dies:

These dies require the Extended Cutting Pads. You will not use the Standard Cutting Pads for these dies.

• Extended Cutting Pad
• BIGZ XL die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Extended Cutting Pad

BIGZ XL dies with score marks:

There are BIGZ XL dies that press in some score lines to create bags, boxes, and more. Note the change to the sandwich below, and do not use more than one piece of cardstock with this sandwich.

• Extended Cutting Pad
• BIGZ XL (foam side up)
• Spritz paper or cardstock with alcohol (or water) to deepen the impression, if desired.
• Paper (face up)
• One or two shims (see note below)
• Extended Premium Crease Pad

Sizzlits Decorative Strip Dies:

These dies measure 2-1/4″ x 12″. Use them with Extended Spacer Platform and Decorative Strip Cutting Pads. These dies are not recommended for use with more than one layer of paper.

• Extended Spacer Platform
• Decorative Strip Cutting Pad
• Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die (foam side up)
• paper (face up)
• Decorative Strip Cutting Pad

Sizzlits Dies:

These dies measure 2-1/4″ x 2-1/2″ and are chemically etched dies for cutting through single layers of card stock and Designer Series paper. Use them with Standard Cutting Pads and Multipurpose Platform.

• Multipurpose Platform opened to Tab 1
• Standard Cutting Pad
• Sizzlits Die (foam side up)
• paper
• Standard Cutting Pad

Embosslits Dies:

These dies are chemically etched and create an embossed texture in the shape that is cut out. Embosslits cut through card stock and Designer Series Paper. Use them with Standard Cutting pads and the Multipurpose Platform.

• Multipurpose Platform opened to Tab 1
• Standard Cutting Pad
• Spritz paper or cardstock with alcohol (or water) to deepen the impression.
• Embosslit die with the paper inside (The dies close like a book, and there is a mark on the die stating which side should face up)
• Shim if desired
• Standard Cutting Pad

Textured Impressions Embossing Folders:

These plastic folders will create a texture on your Designer Series Paper or cardtsock (one layer at a time). Use them with the Standard Cutting pads and the Multipurpose Platform.

• Multipurpose Platform opened to Tab 1
• Standard Cutting Pad
• Spritz paper or cardstock with alcohol (or water) to deepen the impression.
• Textured Impressions Embossing folder with the paper inside and closed like a book. Decide if you want the impression to be debossed (recessed texture) or embossed (raised texture) and place the appropriate side face up.
• Shim if desired
• Standard Cutting Pad

Texturtz Plates:

These create subtle patterns and designs on Designer Series Paper or cardstock creating a stunning embossed background. Each plate is double-sided. Use with the Multipurpose Platform, Impressions Pad and Silicone Rubber.

• Multipurpose Platform opened to Tab 1
• Spritz paper with alcohol (or water) to deepen the impression, if desired
• Texture plate (face up)
• Paper (face up)
• Silicone Rubber mat
• Shim if desired
• Impressions Pad

Shims:

There are times when one sandwich is perfect for one Big Shot and not quite perfect for another. If you cut out the shape and it is still attached, trim it with scissors and add a shim the next time you cut that die. Other times you may need a shim include when you are using an embossing die or scoring die. The shim will increase the pressure as the dies rolls through the Big Shot and deepen the impression. Remember, spritzing the paper with alcohol or water will also deepen the impression for more dramatic results.

Things to use as shims: Use these interchangeably depending on the amount of pressure needed.

• a piece of cardstock
• a piece of thin chipboard, such as poster board
• a piece of the thin chipboard that comes with the dies
• If more pressure is needed add a second piece of cardstock or chipboard.

Note: Rolling the sandwich through the Big Shot shouldn't be a struggle to do. If it is hard to turn the handle, you have too much shim. Creating too much pressure can affect the die itself.

Hope this helps you out some! Thanks for stopping by!

Fabric & Your Big Shot: Questions

The series on Fabric & Your Big Shot that I have been posting about over the past few days has been extended by one more day! Here are the answers to some common questions that people have about using fabrics and their Big Shot!

What materials will the Big Shot cut? (Note: this list is suggested for Originals, Bigz, and Bigz XL. If in doubt, call or email me!)

• Thick corkboard
• Thick chipboard (59 mil)
• Colored magnet
• Ruffle board
• Paper wood
• Balsa wood (3/32”)
• Bass wood (1/16”)
• Metal mesh
• Aluminum (.016) The inside of a soda can will work. Check out a video on using this metal later this week.
• Tin (.008)
• Adhesive and non adhesive mat board
• Drawer liner
• Shelf liner
• Vinyl
• Static cling vinyl
• Shrink film
• Fine sandpaper
• Clear acetate (20 mil)
• Vellum
• Card stock
• Patterned paper
• Flocked paper
• Contact paper
• Textured paper
• Metallic paper
• Linen paper
• Suede paper
• Embossed metallic paper
• Basketball embossed paper
• Faux alligator textured paper
• Self-adhesive glitter paper
• Fabric
• Canvas
• Iron-on fabric
• Soft plush fabric
• Burlap
• Velvet
• Corduroy
• Lace
• Heavyweight denim
• Terry cloth
• Funky fur
• Thin leather
• Quilt batting
• Warm & natural batting
• Fusible fleece
• Self-adhesive craft metal
• Self-adhesive cork
• Self-adhesive foam
• Self-adhesive magnet
• Self-adhesive felt
• Adhesive and nonadhesive rubber
• Pop up sponge
• Poly foam
• 100% pure beeswax (cut with parchment paper on top & bottom of beeswax)
• Tip: If you can cut it with your Craft and Rubber Scissors from Stampin' Up!, then the Big Shot will cut it too!

Can I cut more than one piece of fabric at once?

Yes…If you are cutting a thin fabric, such as cotton, you can cut up to 8 layers at one time! However, if you are cutting a thick fabric, such as faux fur, then you can only cut 1 layer at a time!

Sometimes you may to add a shim when you are cutting fabric. If it is a thick fabric, you won't. If you are cutting only 1 or 2 layers of a thin fabric, you will need to add a piece of cardstock or thin chipboard on top of the cutting mat. Tip: Save the piece of thin chipboard that comes with the Big Shot dies for using as a shim too!

Will dies that have score lines damage the fabric?

Not necessarily. The suggestion is to use only one or two layers of fabric at a time with these sorts of dies. You may still see a slight distressing of the fabric where the score line would be, but it will not be permanent. If you use more layers, then the score lines may tear more delicate fabrics like cotton.

Will fabric damage my Big Shot dies?

Not at all. Fabric will not damage or dull your dies any more than paper will. My suggestion is to brush off the excess lint and thread off the top of the die, just to prevent the possibility of build up within the die.

Can I buy fabric from Stampin' Up!?

Not at this time. There are so many craft products out in the crafting world that there really is no way that Stampin' Up! can carry everything for everybody. Don't forget the paper, ribbon, buttons, and other embellishments that Stampin' Up! carries that can accentuate your project!

How can I use fabric, if I do not sew or have a sewing machine?

There are many ways. For example, if you are making a pin, barrette, or hair accessory, use a dab of hot glue, fabric glue, or Stampin' Up!'s 3D glue dots to attach layers of fabric together. To create an appliqué effect, use fusible web or other iron-on adhesive. You can even hand stitch a couple of pieces of fabric together without any experience in sewing technique!

Fusible Who?

Fusible web is a product that has many different names. In a fabric store you will ask for an iron-on adhesive product that will hold 2 pieces of fabric together. Now I am sure there is a more technical or accurate description, but this is what I know and how I ask for it. It comes in yardages, just like the fabric. You lay it rough side down (paper side up) on the back of the fabric you want it to attach to, then iron it on for a few seconds. The length of time depends on the specific product you are using. Once it is cooled, peel off the paper backing and place the glue side to the next piece of fabric you want attached. It makes a glue sandwich. Iron again for a few seconds. It is that easy! It works great for appliques! Create the fabric and glue sandwich before you cut the shape with the Big Shot. This will make it much easier than having to line up those shapes.

What if I do have a sewing machine, but I don't know how to sew?

Most of the projects that use the Big Shot will only involve straight line sewing using a standard stitch. There is no specialty knowledge required. I can't sew, but even I can do these projects! Give it a chance!

Charm packs, layer cakes, and fat quarters…No, these are not Jenny Craig meal plans!

These are quilting terms used for packages of fabrics. These fabrics are generally color coordinated and contain many patterns. Charm packs are 5 x 5" squares of different fabrics. Layer cakes are 10 x 10" squares. Fat quarters are 18" x 22" pieces of fabric. Usually these are economical ways to get several different fabrics.

Is the Big Shot a versatile tool to use with fabric crafts?

Most certainly! Check out my series of posts from this week on Fabric & Your Big Shot. Click here to learn more. There are so many different ideas that you can use! If you are already a seamstress, who loves to sew outfits for your little girl, imagine having a matching ponytail, headband, barrette, or embellishment for each outfit! For your boys, create shirts for every day of the week for less than a discount store shirt!

I don't sew clothes or wear pins or hair accessories. What is in it for me?

Consider home decor! Everything you can do for clothes and wearables, you can do as a home decor element. See the series of posts from this week giving you even more ideas! Click here to learn more.

Thanks for stopping by today! Next week I will be beginning some themed posts, such as weekly challenges, weekly 3D projects, mini album days, etc. Subscribe to receive updates by email when I post!

Can There Be More? Fabric & Your Big Shot Part 5

There are so many possibilities for using your Big Shot and fabric that I can't even begin. I have tried the past few days to bring you just a few simple ideas, although predominantly for girls, that you could use. We can look into more ideas, if you book a workshop with me!! I hope you have enjoyed learning more about fabric and the Big Shot.

Here are some other ideas for using your Big Shot with fabric and the dies that can be used. I am sure that there are 100s more ideas, but here are a few:

• Quilting- scallop circle, scallop square, circles #2, pennant die, 5 point star, flower folds, and more.
• Appliqués- scallop circle, scallop square, circles #2, pennant die, snowflake, 5 point star (makes a flower too), flowers, leaves, Beautiful Butterflies, and more. The Build-a-Bear die works great for this too!
• Embellishments for scarves, shirts, tote bags, bibs, burp cloths, aprons, tea towels, and virtually anything else that will be still. You can use any of the dies for these applications!
• Home Decor: Add to pillows, curtains, sheets, and more!
• Wearables: Add to shirts, pants, pins, flip flops, and more! You can use any of the dies for these applications!
• What about boys?:
  • Use the Big Shot to cut letters to appliqué on a shirt, pillow, or duffle bag. You don't appliqué? Then use fusible webbing attached to the fabric, die cut the letter, then iron on!! Looks great!
  • The 5 point star looks great on a boys shirt, pillow, or duffle bag.
  • Leaves, snowflakes, and words always work for boys too! Cut a circle from orange fabric and sew on (or use fabric paint) the stripes for a basketball! Do this same technique for other balls.
  • Use the Pennant die and your teams colors to make a pennant for a shirt or pillow!
  • Use the stars#2 die and add stars, lots of stars, to a shirt or pillow. Even cutting these out and hanging them from a mobile would be a great gift for a baby boy!
  • Don't forget the Build-a-Bear die, which has all sorts of boy accessories for the bear! Little boys love these!
• Purses and Totes: I featured these in an earlier post. Click here to go to that post.

While I am not a seamstress in any way, I can sew straight lines, which is all that is required for these fabric projects: this one, this other one, this one too, and don't forget this one! If I can do it, I KNOW you can!!

You can't sew? You don't want to sew? Well, guess what? Many of these projects can be made without the first stitch! Some can be glued with fabric adhesive, Sticky Strip, Fusible Web or Heat-n-Bond, or Hot glue! Just ask me how!

I've got you interested now, don't I? Check out the Big Shot Bundle I have for you that will save you money off the catalog price, just click on the button to the right. Host a workshop, where we can use the big shot, and you could save even more! Contact me today!

Even More Fabric & Your Big Shot Day 4

Today is day 4 of a 5 day series of posts about using your Big Shot with fabrics. All of the project ideas I have shown so far have been from Stampin' Up! Don't fret! They are sew easy even I can do them! (Did you catch that pun? Thank you…I'm here every night. LOL)

Today's project is a headband. The projects I have shown this week have been more geared to girls, but there are some boy applications for using the Big Shot too. In tomorrow's post, you will learn more ideas for boy projects!

Instructions and Supplies:

Accessories

• Corduroy button #114339
• Sizzix Big Shot #113439
• Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die #113469

Other:

• Fabric
• Needle and thread
• Headband

Instructions

1. Die cut 10 large scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Cut off eight of the scallops from each scallop circle. Gather together across the flat side about 1/4" from edge, gathering all 10 circles on the same double-thread. Tie off.
2. Die cut eight small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Gather the circles across three of the scallops on the same double-thread. Tie off.
3. Die cut four small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Fold circles in half, then in half again. Gather together across the bottom, gathering all four circles on the same double-thread. Tie off.
4. Layer scallop circles and sew together.
5. Attach Corduroy button through center.
6. Die cut small scallop circle using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Adhere to bottom of layered fabric pieces.
7. Cut two strips of fabric and adhere over headband to secure scallop circle flower to headband.

To order your own Big Shot directly from me, and save more off the catalog price, click the button on the right. To save even more, book a workshop where we can use the Big Shot together!

Using Fabric & Your Big Shot Part 3

Ahhh..the power of the Internet! ARRRGGHH! No power to the Internet! I am so sorry! We had bad storms and subsequent Internet problems since yesterday afternoon. I create some posts ahead of time and then go in and add daily commentary, etc. That is why there was this big paragraph announcing the winner and thanking everyone who participated, but NO WINNER name! I was going to add it in yesterday afternoon, when I chose it. Well, without further ado...

And The Winner Is...

Amy V!

She subscribed, referred a friend, posted on her blog, and commented about the challenge! It seemed that the tables were tipped in her favor. So, Amy V. Congrats! I will be shipping out your huge package of Blog Candy this week!

Isn't this onesie darling? Click on the picture for a closer look at the details! A package of 3 Gerber Onesies is less than $5.00. You use around 1/8th of a yard of fabric for about $1.00 or less. The result is a fantastic gift for that precious baby girl for under $3.00!! It is simple to make too! By the way, you can make Onesies for boys too, maybe not with a flower though!

Instructions and Supplies:

Accessories

• Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon #109067
• Sizzix Big Shot #113439
• Pennant Bigz XL die #113438
• Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die #113469

Supplies from your local fabric or discount store

• 1" wide elastic
• Sewing machine and thread
• Baby onesie
• Fabric

Instructions

1. Die cut 12 pennants using Big Shot and Pennant Bigz XL die. Gather and adhere to 1" elastic using sewing machine and thread.
2. Die cut seven small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die. Fold over five scallops and adhere to collar of onesie using sewing machine and thread.
3. Die cut 10 small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die. Gather the circles across three of the scallops on the same double-thread. Tie off.
4. To create ribbon flowerette, tie a knot in the end of Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, then tie a new knot every three inches. Gather the ribbon in between each knot.
5. Adhere ribbon to flower, then sew entire piece to onesie.
6. Wash and dry to give a shabby-chic look.

Order supplies to make this Onesie and other fabric gifts from me today, or you can host a workshop, where we can use fabric to make a project! To learn more about how to get a Big Shot Bundle from me for a phenomenal price, click on the button on the right side panel or email me today!

More Fabric & Your Big Shot Part 2

Before I begin today's post, I want to announce the winner of the blog candy! Since I couldn't use Random.org to choose a # for the comment post that would win (comments were spread over 3 posts), I put all the names in a bowl and chose one. And the winner is...

Thank you all so much for participating! You are awesome! Plus there were so many great ideas. See what I ended up doing after the Fabric & You Big Shot series is completed Friday!

Now on to today's post...

Today's project is a pin, barrette, or ponytail holder! It is up to you how to finish the project! Again, just like yesterday's project, the Big Shot is used to create this beauty! I have a Big Shot Bundle waiting for you to customize it, so click on the button on the side bar for more details.

Instructions and Supplies:

Accessories

• Corduroy button #114339
• Sizzix Big Shot #113439
• Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die #113469

Other

• Fabric
• Needle and thread
• Ponytail elastic, barrette, or pin back

Directions

1. Die cut 10 large scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Cut off eight of the scallops from each scallop circle. Gather together across the flat side about 1/4" from edge, gathering all ten circles on the same double-thread. Tie off.
2. Die cut 10 small scallop circles using Big Shot and Scallop Circles #2 Bigz die. Gather the circles across three of the scallops on the same double-thread. Tie off.
3. To cover Corduroy button, die cut a small scallop circle, then cut off all scallops. Gather the fabric around the edge, place button in the middle, then gather up threads and tie off.
4. For a ponytail: Attach ponytail elastic to back, then sew through all layers of fabric (including fabric around button), so fabric layers are connected to elastic. For a barrette: Sew the flower to the barrette by looping the threads through the barrette. For a pin: Sew the pin back onto the flower by taking a small scrap of fabric to go over pin back, cutting tiny slits in the fabric scrap for the needle and hook part of the pin to poke through. Sew the scrap of fabric to the pin to finish off the pin.

For more information on booking a workshop using fabric and the Big Shot, please call or email me. To place an order, contact me today! Check out the Big Shot Bundle package that is available just from me in the right side panel!

Big Shot vs. Cricut: Fabric & Your Big Shot Part 1

The winner of the Blog Candy contest will be announced tomorrow 3/2/10! Thanks to everyone for participating!

Today is day 1 of a 5 day series on using fabric and your Big Shot. I hope you will enjoy these posts, but most of all, call to book a workshop, so we can play!! You will see several projects and learn amazing tips about using fabric and the Big Shot. If you are an embroiderer, seamstress, or just love to craft, the Big Shot is fantastic for all!

There is a standing debate among crafters as to which die cutting system is the best. While some are electronic, others are manual. I will admit, I have both the Big Shot and a Cricut Expression.

Some of you have the Cricut already and think you don't need a Big Shot. Here are 10 reasons why you need a Big Shot!

1. You can use texture plates and embossing folders with the Big Shot to give your paper (and starched fabrics) some dimension! You can't do that with a Cricut at all!
2. The Big Shot dies are pre-measured to cut the perfect dimensions for card embellishments. No more wasted paper as you try to figure out the correct size.
3. The Big Shot dies can be used thousands of times before needing to be sharpened, which is easily accomplished by running some metal from the inside of a soda can through it. The other systems can't be sharpened and the Cricut recommends you to replace a mat and blade ever 40 cuts! The Big Shot cutting mats can be used hundreds of times!
4. There are Big Shot dies for standard box sizes. You know exactly the size of box you will get! Again, no more wasting paper guessing the size you need!
5. Just like any other die cut system you can cut thin metal, chipboard, paper, cardstock, vinyl, and fabric. What you may not know is you can cut paper that is glittered, flocked, handmade, and layered with the Big Shot. Try that with the Cricut, and you will buy a new mat after each piece, and don't even try really thick materials without purchasing a "thick cut blade"!
6. The Big Shot cuts fabric, up to 8 layers of cotton, with ease, and will also cut fur, felt, fleece, and other fuzzy materials with no hassle! With the Cricut you can only cut one layer at the time, plus the Cricut recommends you iron freezer paper over the fabric first before cutting fabric. What a hassle! As for cutting anything fuzzy, forget about it. It will ruin your mat!
7. Not only is the Big Shot less expensive up front, the dies cost much less too! Dies for the Big Shot vary in price from $5.50 up to $42.95, which is less than half the price of the other die cutting system's dies! Alphabet dies will cost around $89.00 for the Big Shot too.
8. You will not incur any miscellaneous expenses when using the Big Shot. See #2, 3, 4, 5, 6!
9. The Big Shot weighs less than half weight of a Cricut.
10. The Big Shot is easy to use at a crop or party. No cords required, so you don't have to crop near an outlet; you can be where everyone else is!

Are you ready to order? Click on the button on the right side panel, where you can save money off the catalog price by ordering directly from me. Still not convinced? Book a workshop with me, and I will bring my Big Shot for us to make a project with. You will love it! Plus, with the benefits of being a hostess, you can save even more off the catalog price!!