I've been enjoying the blog hops my stamping friends hold each month.  Thought I'd get myself organised and join in this month.  Our theme is the Big Shot - my favourite crafting piece of equipment.  

You may have come from Nikki's gorgeous project over at Inky Art  or perhaps you're kicking off from here.  There are 6 stops on the hop today.

As well as being blog hop day, it is also Hannah's birthday.  She's 9.  Thought I'd use the Big Shot to make her card.  Now Hannah being a very girly girl, I went straight for my drawer of pinks and plums, and grabbed the Beautiful Butterflies die.   I was a little inspired by the kite on page 156 of our catalogue - done with a mixture of embossed textures, so I grabbed 4 embossing folders too. 

Petals A Plenty, Finial Press, Dots and Stripes.   Butterflies cut out with the die and embossed with the folders ......  The Big Shot makes it quick and easy. 

Then it was just a matter of arranging the butterflies onto my card.

Colours:  Pink Pirouette, Pretty In Pink, Rose Red, Perfect Plum and Shimmery White.

One of my most used punches is the Scallop Trim border punch.  Perfect when you just need a little extra something.  And works so well with pearls.

And since Hannah is not so much of a 'less is more' girl, I threw a few more butterflies and pearls on the inside.   (Was rather late at night I must confess so throw is rather accurate!)

Ooh nearly forgot to show you the shimmer.  I love the shimmery white cardstock (page 125) and get it out for special occasions (and special girls.)  Hard to photograph but here's a try.

Now what did I do before I had my Big Shot and Embossing Folders?  Such a nice way to add texture to a card.

Before I sign off and send you on your way, and while we're talking Big Shots, here's some creations Hannah and her two friends Georgia and Olivia made at our place on the school holidays.  They had a ball with my Big Shot, Box #2 Die,  Flirtatious fabric, Top Note Die and lots and lots of bling!   Kids just love to crank that Big Shot handle.  They were very impressed with their cards and boxes.  Bit of a rhinestone party happening there!

Time to head on to the next stop on the hop.  You'll find the talented Kathryn Ruddick over at Katlo Designs with some more Big Shot Inspiration. 

Happy hopping!

Cheers, Sue