Hello there. I have managed to get some time in my craft room – working less seems to be completely the opposite to what I thought would happen……..I find other things to do except crafting – but at least I’m keeping busy in some way!

Here is a card for a few challenges:

My photography and lighting skills seem to have taken a holiday – I just can’t get it right at the moment. I’ve tried to capture the shine on the snowflakes using the Crafters Companion Midas Platinum ink pad – and it’s very, very shiny in real life – and also tried to capture the shine on the word ‘warm:

I began by using Narwhal card stock from Lawn Fawn, and stamped the little snowflakes from Concord and 9th ‘Warm Wishes Turnabout‘ stamp set, using the Platinum ink pad.

I then found an orange piece of water-colour card I had done, and die-cut the ‘warm‘ word from that, thinking the colour orange would be so applicable, then I tried to cut the word another few times to add some dimension…….but…………

…… my Gemini Junior packed in! Gave up the ghost! No pressure to cut! Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch – even though I added ALL of the plates – including the cutting plate, plastic shim, magnetic shim, metal shim – and even the rubber mat. It would go through the machine but no pressure…………. 😦

I’m sooooo glad I have another 6 machines!!!!! 🙂 🙂

I went to my local Crafters Companion store in Chesterfield – they couldn’t suggest anything except contacting the main Customer Service, but the machine is probably out of warranty………..hmmm……..didn’t expect the machine to pack in after one year……we’ll see what they say…….

So – back to my trusted Sizzix Big Shot……………..I’m sure it’s been missing me……………..

After cutting three more words, I stacked them then added to the snowflake background, and even added some glossy accents for some additional shine.

The remainder of the sentiment and curved banner is from the same stamp and die set.

I’ll let you know the outcome from Crafters Companion, but for this card, here are the challenges I shall be entering:

Tuesday Taggers – cold, cold, cold

Color Throwdown – Turquoise, orange, grey/silver

Just Us Girls – photo inspiration

Craft Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge – atg Christmas – option of something beginning with ‘R’ not followed