A mountain of paper scraps

I have to tell you, I used to be the worst about paper scraps.  They would pile up in a big heap, and I said that I would "get to it" when I had time.
So finally, one day I was fed up of buying the same colors over and over, so I came up with a system...
I have them organized by color family (regals, brights, neutrals, subtles, in colors, retired, and patterned paper) in large zip lock bags.  So when I'm done with a project, I simply put them in the piles for each bag, then put them in there.
If you don't have a lot of the colors, my suggestion would be to organize them by colors, instead.  This is also a good idea to inventory what you need for stamp pads and papers... everyone needs at least one brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple (yes, I used ROY G. BIV)... and this would allow you to quickly grab the colors you need.
So, anyway, I needed to make 15 thank you cards, for some volunteers at our church... and I was able to make all 15 with JUST scraps!
Here are a couple of them:

I used the same idea for all of them, but changed the color palate depending on the DSP I used.
The formula is:
3 x 6 card stock, bone fold in half
2 3/4" card stock, for background
2 1/2" DSP (this is a hodgepodge of retired from Stampin' Up!)
Ribbon (I have a bag of scrap ribbon, too!)
Punches (1 3-8" circle, 1 1/4" circle)
Big Shot
Blossom Party Original Dies for Big Shot

and that's it!
I love having scraps that are organized... you are able to do so much more!

Stampin' Up's Owl Punch

I am OBSESSED with my new owl punch.  I can't even tell you why.  It just makes me so happy inside! I have been using it non stop.  I love how versitle it is.  I've made cards for:

a new baby

and for graduation (this picture is by LeeAnn Greff)

and for an anniversary

 and a valentine treat for your love

and even for Christmas! (picture is by LeAnne Pugliese)

This punch is my favorite! And it's only $23.95! I highly recommend it.  It's called the two-step Owl Extra-Large (click to go directly to my website to see it!)
I hope you love this punch as much as I do!

Why I (heart) the Big Shot

A month or so ago, I was making my cards for Regionals, when my 3 1/2  year old daughter asked to help.  I let her help me with the Big Shot... and I realized how simple it is to use, and yet how necessary it is in my card making and scrapbooking!
Does the big shot intrigue you, or inspire you, but you aren't totally sure if you can figure it out?  Maybe it's pretty low on your wish list... or you're just not sure if it's for you.
I felt like that at first.  Plus, it was just one more thing that if I bought it, I would need to invest in a bunch of more products when I purchased it. I was SO wrong!

What is the Big Shot? 
The Big Shot is the perfect cutting tool for every project.  There is so much you can do with it!  The big shot it my favorite tool... I use it for everything! I love that you can make cute boxes, like this milk carton:

You can make beautiful pillow boxes for a nice pillow gift (at a Lady's retreat, or for youth at camp)

or scallop envelopes, or even a 3D pop up Christmas tree or three tier cake!)

How about these flowers? I just LOVE this card... (cased). This is using the Blossom Party die...

And I love how simple it has made my scrapbooking!  I love that you can die cut alphabets, instead of having to stamp individual letters... I love that you can quickly cut out large images, and make co-ordinating pages.
And the build a bear dies! You get to make the bears, and then there are endless options for clothes!
Now, financially, you may be concerned that you don't have enough resources.
Well, let me help you get started.
The machine itself is $132.95 This includes cutting pads and the multipurpose platform. Then I would recommend getting the top note $29.95  which can be used for scrapbooking or cards (scroll through my archives on my blog to see how often I use it!)...
then, a textured impressions embossing folder... I recommend the vintage wallpaper or the perfect polka dots... here are some examples of it being used...

I just love how it adds texture without having to do too much! And they are only $10.95 each!  SUCH a deal... I hardly even make a card anymore without using these folders. And you can't go wrong with the paper buttons... they add so much, without much effort. And they are only $6.95, and you can make any color, any size, any time!

And then, if you're a big scrapbooker, I recommend an alphabet! Saves me SO much time!

Here's your shopping list if you're new to Big Shotting... (is that a word?!)

Big Shot Die Cutting Machine          $132.95 (item #113439)

Top Note Bigz Die                            $  29.95 (item #113463)

Vintage Wallpaper emboss folder    $ 10.95 (item #120175)

Perfect polka dots emboss folder     $10.95 (item #117335)

Naturally Serif Alphabet*                 $26.95 (item #113453)

  *needs decoritive strip cutting pads and spacer platform

And that's it! Now remember, you can shop 24/7 on my website, and get any of these products sent directly to your door! My personal website is: www.fortheheartofstampin.stampinup.net.  Don't forget, if your order is over $200, then you get a level 1 stamp set free, plus $20 free from the catalogue! (Another bigz die!)

Thanks for looking.... 

Erica