TODO and christmas cards continues

well I have not  quite  managed a weekly post but better late than never!I have now had my eagerly awaited TODO for almost two weeks now,I haven't had the opportunity yet to use all of the features and thought I would share how I'm getting on so far.The letter-pressing and hot foiling I am saving for when I have more time.

The verdict so far is pretty good. I'm still getting used to all the plates being clear. My biggest negative so far is how easy the plates get marked and start to bend which is, I'm advised normal,but alas as I'm a bit OCD they look messy, its going to take some getting used   

I have several times now had my cutting side facing the wrong way onto the wrong plate,again I'm not used to having the die facing up when I die cut, I now have  several christmas designs well and truly etched on to my A base plate!. its very easy to use and effortless to turn; also if its is wrong height it just pushes the plates away, then you just reverse back, turn up the dial and away you go. 

I have had no problems with most of my dies, the one that I have had difficulty in cutting was a large spellbinders rectangle die, I think the die has been damaged some how as it is not totally flat so all sides are touching the plates at the same time. I had to try it at several different number to get it to cut all sides. The combination I finally used was the A and D then added the C plate which is used for embossing and letter pressing.

I am keeping a record of what dies cut at what number, the plate combination and card stock I used, as they do vary slightly. I have still to try with all my different card stocks and will keep you posted as to how I get on.

                                                           Christmas Wishes 

Back to christmas cards, I'm doing well now nearly finished card 5 it feels good I've had to rearrange my craft room set up to get all my Christmas stash to hand, it is not quite right yet, so work in progress continues and my desk area is in a bit of a mess. Here is one on my latest cards, 

I think this is a great christmas colour very rich and warming.The stamp was a Tiddly Inks magazine freebie set last year from Quick Cards and I've had a great time colouring the sweet images which includes some penguins! I've taken my colour inspiration from the burgundy with grey stars backing paper(another magazine freebie this time from Making Cards)and used grey pearl card for the snowflakes(die was another magazine freebie) and a snowflake border.

Got to go now as I have a pile of ironing that awaits as well as the rest of the housework,hopefully my next visit will be sooner.Thanks for visiting and happy crafting I hope you enjoy what's left of the weekend... hugs Andrea x

I used the following items:-

6x6 base card

grey pearl cardstock Annamarie Designs

stamp-Tiddly Inks set from Quick Cards Magazine, coloured Copics/Promarkers

circle die

snowflake die

snowflake border die

star die

Embellishments used:-

sentiment stamp-embossed wow red glitter powder 

organza ribbon,gross grain ribbon

punched snowflakes ( white pearl card)

gems ,snowflake charm and buttons

glamour dust glitter

silver pen -faux stitching

sentiment 

I would like to take part in the following challenges

Brown Sugar Challenge #160 Buttons and Bows 
Sister Act Challenge #120 Anything goes 
Fan-Tastic Tuesday-Challenge 99-Anything goes add a twist - Glitter

Christmas Card Making Has Commenced

Hiya two weeks in a row I’ve made it so I’m doing well and on track with my goal.I have a Christmas card to show this week and I’m now almost finished my second,I’ve been a slow starter but getting into the mood now. 

My die cutting machine(Grand Calibur) went kaput last night,it’s been dodgy for a while, not cutting properly, making strange noises and was getting very difficult to turn sometimes.The handle snapped,this was a replacement, as the first one did the same a few months after I bought it. I was considering getting either a new die cutting machine or a brother scan and cut for my birthday/Christmas. This has now made my mind up for me .  

My DH has very very kindly purchased me the new TODO which should be here in the next day or two...I’m very excited. He has also kindly said I can use it straight away although is disappointed that I won't have a big pressie for birthday/Christmas when it comes but I’m more than happy with this.I have said I won't use the hot foiling until my birthday in November, but I cant make Christmas cards without a die cutting machine! I’d have no snowflakes or poinsettias and that will never do :-).

For today's card I haven't used any patterned papers although I have embossed the card using a mask its difficult to see. I used a sentiment stamp for the focal point which is stamped in red ink and embossed with clear gloss embossing powder ... although its not quite a CAS card either with so many flowers...I got a bit carried away! I've decided to make a mix this year of stamped /coloured cards and more simple CAS cards. I have seen so many great examples the last few weeks on blogs and pintrest that I'm overwhelmed with ideas.

I would like to take part in the following challenges-
FabnFunky- Challenge 269-No patterned papers 
TTCRD  Challenge August 4th -Anything Goes
Inky Chicks Challenge #54-Use a Metal Embellishment 

I've used the following products -
white 6x6 base card
red and white card stock
white vellum ( poinsettia flower)
dies and stamps used-
Heartfelt Creations christmas sentiment stamp
Heartfelt Creations Holly Berry stamps coloured with Copics
Heartfelt Creations ornamental add on- Holly Berry die 
Spellbinders poinsettia die
Justrite poinsettia stamp( pearl white embossing powder)
Spellbinders shaped square die 
Spellbinders scalloped square die
embossing -openwork mask 
embellishments 
pearls 
Metal snowflake charm
mini metal christmas bells
various paper,felt and mulberry flowers  

I hope you are having good week and getting lots of crafty time. Thanks for visiting its very much appreciated,I hope to be back again soon hugs Andrea x