Reviewing a new die cutter...

I was happy with my old Cuttlebug embosser and die cutter, apart from a paper trimmer and craft mat it was the first considered paper crafting tool I purchased.  It has stood me in good stead for the past 5 years and I wouldn't be without it.  Although being a lurid green it looks out of place in my neutral toned craft space!

So when Cricut got in touch and asked if I'd like to sample the new Kirstie Allsopp Cuttlebug I jumped at the chance.  Swayed by the new streamlined profile and retro styling, but mainly, if I'm honest, that the machine was designed in Kirstie's exclusive duck egg colour, a much better fit in my craft space, and that my 'B plates were getting kinda worn and needed replacing!!

I've been using it regularly for over a month now and I've found it gives great results with both cutting and embossing.
It comes with an 'A' plate, 2 'B' plates and instead of a 'C' plate as my old model, a rubber embossing/cutting mat which works better than the 'C' plate for cutting with thin metal dies - Spellbinders, Sizzix, Xcut and cArt- Us.

I love how the handle tucks away when it's not in use!

It comes with a little starter pack of Cut & Emboss Dies three piece set: Tags

and an A2-size embossing folder: Polka Dot Frame. 

There's a further six brand new Cuttlebug folders designed by Kirstie.  Each set includes an A2 embossing folder and 5" coordinating border. They're available from various stockists you can see the whole range here at Cutting Edge Crafts .  My favourite is the Zig Zag

Overall it's a BIG improvement on my old machine

• Smoother operation - handle easier to turn

• Improved results with thin metal dies

• Sleek styling  - handle tucks away

• Not forgetting the duck egg colour

All opinions are my own.

Glitter it...

Our 'Glitter It' challenge launches today over on Let's Craft and Create.  We'd like to see all your glittery projects.
This year I've treated myself to some glitter card and although it seems a bit pricey you can make a little go along way by using just pops of glitter in your design.  I'm sure it's cheaper in the long run - less wear and tear on the vacuum cleaner.  I've had too many bad experiences with loose glitter!
My card was cut on the Cricut Mini using this project cut file, love the clean and simple design.
Check out the Let's Craft and Create blog for some lovely glittery inspiration from the team.


Glitter Card:  Dovecraft A5 Glitter Card Multipack  Black and White Card:  Papermill Direct

Tag you're it...

Tags are our theme over on the Let's Craft and Create blog.  My card features tags cut with the Circut Mini.   A clean and simple design with small pops of colour.

The challenge still has over a week to run, there's a fabulous prize from Craftwork Cards on offer for one lucky entry.  Check out the blog for some fantastic 'tag' inspired cards from the design team and all you need to know to enter.



Card: Papermill Direct, Paper: Echo Park; Cricut Font and Basic Shapes Cartridge

Papercutting made easy...

...with a digital cutting machine.  Yes, I have a Cricut Mini. Although I enjoy paper cutting by hand when I have the time, like when I made this card.  It's so good to have a machine to do the hard work for you.  Especially when I got a last minute request for a card this week.  'An eighteenth birthday card for a non-girlie girl please?".  This is the card I came up with,  I finished it off with an '18'  in the top left-hand corner before it was sent off (another last minute request) but that again was easy with the Cricut.  I'm still finding my way around all the images available with the 'Craft Room' software.  This design is from the 'Celebrate' cartridge, one that comes free with the machine.

I've started simple, but I'll moving up a gear with my next project, there's so many possibilities and I'll be sharing all my makes here on the blog, so watch this space!

Note:  This is not a sponsored post opinions are my own