Repairing a broken Big Shot

Hello Ladies!  I have a friend who adores her Big Shot and emailed in a panic one day that her handle froze up.  Let me say right off the bat...DON'T THROW AWAY BROKEN MACHINES!  The first time I fixed a machine for a friend I searched high and low on the internet for suggestions and help.  The best I could find was a YouTube video of someone pitching her machine into a pool!!!  Yikes!  I shudder to think of wasting all that money when a call to Sizzix and $5 or $10 can fix it.

Yes, it will require a bit of work.  Yes, you have to wait for parts.  YES, Sizzix has amazing customer service and they will send out an envelope of parts to repair whatever ails your sick little machine friend.

The first machine I repaired had a gear broken inside (little gear attached to handle that pushed the big cogs you see in top picture) and it cost all of $5 for the replacement parts.  You do need the proper tools so I had to purchase snap ring pliers (some jewelry tools will work) to pull off snap rings.  I also needed to get a hooked pick.

The second machine that I fixed had a frozen handle.  Sizzix sent me new bearings (see top picture for the bearing I am holding) and a new crank shaft.  They also emailed instructions each time!  WOW!  I had to push the old bearings out of the metal thingy and push in the new bearings...the only hard part, quite frankly.  The new crank shaft popped right in and then I just had to reassemble.  Not quite easy-peasy but definitely doable.

A big thank you to Jennifer at Sizzix because she was so patient and helpful in this repair job.  She emailed my directions and gave me tips to replace bearings.

Sorry that this post is not creative in nature but this was my most important project of the week with the large exception of teaching my children.  LOL!

Happy stamping!
Stef

Sale-a-bration 2014 Banner Blast Technique Card

I saw this layout online and CASED it but added a twist to the background (check out my Pinterest board to see if you can figure out which card it was).  I had my heart set on doing the Cracked Glass technique and it turned out nicely...the first time!  Gasp!  I will do a few things differently:

1. Note to self...use painters tape unless I really want to tear my cardstock.
2. Keep most of the "cracking" in the top third of the card where it won't be hidden.

Want some tips?

Add torn tape across cardstock and then stamp some cool stamps on top.  I used Gorgeous Grunge and En Francais

Before you remove the tape be sure to sponge heavily on the edges of the tape to accentuate the cracking.  I removed the tape and sponged again.

If you notice, I use my pointy scissors to "cut" off the pearls and then add them to the flowers.

Happy stamping!
Stef

Stamps:
Banner Blast (FREE with a $50 order)
Gorgeous Grunge
En Francais
You're Lovely (FREE with a $50 order)

Colors:
Crumb Cake
Early Espresso
Marina Mist

Supplies:
Sponges
Big Shot
Deco Labels framelits
Jewels-pearls
Bakers String-Early Espresso
Embossing folder- Square Lattice
Dimensionals
Punch-Banner Blast (FREE with a $50 order)
Punch-Circle punch 1 3/4"
Tape-Painters Tape or Masking Tape

Personalized Name Stamp

Click here for a flyer

With our personalized stamps you can create a cool address label or even use it for everything from marking your territory on books or other belongings to having a fun way to give a personal touch to gifts and goodies. Here are just a few customization ideas (for you or for the perfect gift):

• Address stamp
• Thank you
• From the classroom of (for a teacher gift)
• From the kitchen of
• Made with love
• This book belongs to
• From the desk of
• Just married
• Save the date
• Promote your business (add your name, website, and contact info)

Check out our newest offering:

Item	Description	Price
132852	Circle Monogram Stamp	$23.95

Coordinates with the 1-3/8" Circle Punch (item 119860). Clear Block B (item 117147) recommended. Purchase separately. Available in photopolymer only.


See more personalized name stamp designs on Stampin' Up!'s online store or in the annual catalog!

Wedding Card

I had intended to post another Sale-a-bration card with technique but today I didn't feel so well.  LOL!  I spent most of the afternoon being lazy in bed and napping.  Thank goodness school went well this morning and we were done by lunch. 

Hopefully I will get the promised card ready to go for Monday.

Happy stamping!
Stef

Banner Blast Card Sale-a-bration 2014 Thinking of you

Hello!  This is a super cute card that I CASED online the other day.  I have an entire board dedicated to Sale-a-bration on Pinterest if you are interested in checking it out.

Come back tomorrow for another fun card with Sale-a-bration goodies and a technique to boot! 

Stamp Set:
Banner Blast
Teeny Tiny Wishes

Colors:
Coastal Cabana
Whisper White
Crisp Cantaloupe

Supplies:
Banner Punch (FREE with a $50 purchase during Sale-a-bration)
Jewels-Rhinestones
Dimensionals
String (FREE with a $50 purchase during Sale-a-bration)

Thanks and happy stamping!
Stef

Banner Blast from Sale-a-bration 2014

Hello!  I had fun playing with the Banner Blast stamp set last night.  I have another fun card to post tomorrow and probably again the next day.  I cased this card online (I have an entire board on pinterest dedicated to Sale-a-bration) to give me inspiration.  I want to try to do a cracked glass card with this set next...just to play.

Stamps:
Banner Blast (FREE with a $50 purchase during Sale-a-bration)

Colors:
Summer Starfruit
Garden Green
Whisper White

Supplies:
Dots folder (FREE with a $50 purchase during Sale-a-bration)
Big Shot
Sponges
Candy Dots
Candy Dot brads
Summer Starfruit string (FREE in the accessories pack during Sale-a-bration with a $50 purchase)
Banner Punch (FREE with a $50 purchase during Sale-a-bration)
Hole punch or paper piercing tool
Dimensionals

Happy stamping!
Stef

Weekly Deals 2/18/14

Good morning!  Interested in a FREE hostess stamp set?  I am giving away Simply Sketched, a hostess set, in a drawing this week!  To qualify you must place an order with me via email, text, or call before Saturday or place an online order using this hostess code:
 ZKSCQSCK

Hostess set-Simply Sketched

 Check out the Clearance Rack for great deals on discontinued merchandise!

Click here to go to the Clearance Rack

Check out the Occasions catalog for fun new products just released in January!

Click here to go check out the Occasions Catalog

 Check out Sale-a-bration!  For every $50 you spend you can earn a fun new goodie!
 

Click here to check out the great free goodies and other bundles

 

 

 Happy stamping!
Stef

Valentines Day Card

This is a fun and fast card for Valentines Day.

Happy stamping!
Stef

Love Card

This card is from a stamping friend/demo.  She did a great job making a no frills card but it still looks nice.  What can be more romantic that the Eiffel Tower?  LOL!

Happy stamping!
Stef

My Mailbox Goodies

Hooray!  My Secret Pal (another demo) sent me goodies!  I just love happy mail!  She has wonderful timing because I just had an interesting weekend; my dad had an unexpected surgery on his back.  All is well now and he is home now.  It was a pleasant surprise to get a little package though!  I took pics of the cards so I can share what she sent.

Happy stamping!
Stef

Love you Valentines Card

This is another simple layout for making multiple cards.

Happy stamping!
Stef

Straw Technique

I found this fabulous technique online at a website just for demonstrators.  I am sorry about the lack of posts this week.  The weather and changed schedule threw me off.  Hope you are all safe and sound; it is very cold and icy still!

Stamps:
Petal Parade-FREE after purchasing $50

Colors:
Crisp Cantaloupe CS
Blushing Bride refill
Crumb Cake refill
Baked Brown Sugar CS
Coastal Cabana CS and refill
StazOn ink-black

Supples:
Big Shot
Decorative Dots-FREE after purchasing $50
Straw
Punches-Word Window and Artisan Label Punch
Dimensionals
Sponges
Glossy Paper
Victoria Crochet trim

Happy stamping!
Stef

Cute Koala Punch Art

 I found these cuties online and thought I would share.