by Tracy | Nov 7, 2017 | Uncategorized
What?? Sandwiches??? Yes, today we are going to talk about the Big Shot and the sandwiches you’ll make when using it. I’ll never forget the look on the face of one of my Stamp Club members when I mentioned that you’d need to make a sandwich when using the Big Shot. It was several years ago and it still makes me smile. There are many accessories for the Big Shot and for each one you’ll use a different sandwich. Ready? Here goes!
If you have an older model Big Shot, you may not know that Stampin’ Up! no longer sells the Big Shot with the Multipurpose Platform. New products have been developed especially for use with intricate dies and all Big Shots from Stampin’ Up! are now packaged with what is called the Big Shot Platform (as well as 2 Standard Cutting Plates). If you try to use old Multipurpose Platform to cut out intricate dies, you’ll get frustrated very easily, which is why I bought the newer platforms.

The Big Shot Platform includes the Big Shot Platform and the Thin Die Adaptor. If you’re using an embossing folder, you won’t need the Thin Die Adaptor. Please note that with all of the sandwiches described below, you’re working your way up. The first item on my list will go on your work table (piece of bread) and the last item will be on the top (also bread and finishes your sandwich). The sandwich for Textured Impressions Embossing Folders will be:
- Big Shot Platform
- Standard Cutting Pad
- Embossing Folder with a single sheet inside
- Standard Cutting Pad
Stampin’ Up! now carries two types of embossing folders, Textured Impressions and 3D Dynamic Textured Impressions. I described the sandwich above for Textured Impressions folders. The 3D folders are much thicker and have the ability to create deep, dimensional embossed impressions if you spritz the paper with water before embossing. I shied away from these folders because I didn’t want to spritz water on it and figured that was the only way to use them. It isn’t!! I never use water and they turn out gorgeous. I’m in love with Layered Leaves!! Because these folders are so thick, you’ll only use one Standard Cutting Pad.
- Big Shot Platform
- Single Sheet of Paper in Embossing Folder
- Standard Cutting Pad
Here’s a card I made recently with Layered Leaves.

When using Framelits and Thinlits that aren’t detailed such as the Layering Circles Framelits, Lots of Labels Framelits, Popcorn Box Thinlits and Everyday Jars Framelits, you’ll use the Thin Die Adaptor. Your sandwich will be:
- Big Shot Platform
- Standard Cutting Pad
- Thin Die Adapter
- Single Sheet of Paper
- Die
- Standard Cutting Pad

Another option with the dies that aren’t intricate would be to use the Magnetic Platform. You wouldn’t use this platform for embossing folders, just dies. I have mixed feelings about this platform but I do have and I do use it. Sometimes the dies tend to jump around on it and you have to find the spot on the platform where this isn’t happening. When I have a small die that I really, really need to stay in place, it works beautifully. Another option is to use washi tape or a tape that removes easily from paper to hold down your dies. I don’t mind finding the right spot on the platform but some people do. Here’s the sandwich:
- Magnetic Platform
- Standard Cutting Pad
- Single Sheet of Paper
- Die
- Standard Cutting Pad

When you have dies that are super intricate (and so beautiful when cut out), you’ll want to use the Big Shot Platform/Thin Die Adapter AND the Precision Base Plate. I also recommend using the Big Shot Die Brush and you can read a post I wrote about this plate and the brush here. With this sandwich, you’ll only use ONE Standard Cutting Pad.
- Big Shot Platform
- Thin Die Adapter
- Precision Base Plate
- Single Sheet of Paper
- Standard Cutting Pad
I hope that’s cleared up any confusion over sandwiches and the Big Shot!

If you don’t yet have a Big Shot but you’ve read this far, you’ve probably been dreaming about owning one! Did you know that if you purchase one from Stampin’ Up! at my online store and add $40 in additional accessories, you’ll hit the $150 sweet spot and receive $15 in free product? Purchases up to $299 (before shipping/tax), receive 10% of the order in free product, 12% at $300 and it jumps to 14% at $450. Plus, when you order from me, I’m always here to answer any questions you might have! I use my Big Shot every single day and can’t imagine crafting without it. If you follow my blog, you’ll always find projects using it! If you’d like to purchase one today, click here! If you have questions about the Big Shot or any of the sandwiches, email me and I’d be happy to help!! If you place your order before November 10th, you’ll qualify to earn a FREE Combo Pack of Stampin’ Blends from me! Read on for all the details!

Tracy’s Stampin’ Blends Special Offer Ends on November 10, 2017
The release of the Stampin’ Blends is so exciting and I want to add to that excitement! With a minimum order of $50, you’ll receive a FREE COMBO PACK of Stampin’ Blends from me. Here’s all the important details:
- Place a minimum $50 order at my Stampin’ Up! online store between November 1-10 using the host code 3B3Z93NS. If you aren’t sure how to enter a host code when placing your online order, you can read about the host code here.
- Once I receive verification of your order, I’ll email you to find out which combo pack of Stampin’ Blends you’d like to receive. If I don’t hear back from you by midnight on the 10th, I reserve the right to choose a color for you so that I can place all of the orders in a timely manner.
- On the 10th, I will close the host code and order the pens. Once I receive the pens, I will send yours out to you! (Due to the Cash & Carry Stampin’ Up! policy, I cannot order these pens ahead of time).
- This offer is only good through me, Tracy Bradley. You will not receive your free combo pack of Stampin’ Blends in your order from Stampin’ Up!, but from me, once I receive them.
- Your combo pack of pens will ship on or before November 20th.
- In the unforeseen event that the pens go on backorder before November 10th, there will be a delay in shipping your pens to you.
- If your order is over $150, please do not use the host code as you will earn Host Rewards directly from Stampin’ Up! with any order over $150. You will still earn your FREE Combo Pack of Stampin’ Blends from me.
- If you have any questions, please contact me!
- Click here to download the Stampin’ Blends brochure.
- This offer is only valid November 1st – November 10, 2017.

by Tracy | Nov 6, 2017 | Uncategorized

Happy Monday! Were you able to join us last Friday for the Glitter Queens Blog Hop? If not, you can visit my post here and follow along!
Today’s project is a variation of the box I made for the Blog Hop and I used almost all of the same products (see the product list below). The sentiment on the front of the box was also used to make a sticker for my bag of candy.


The box is a nice size and allows you to really fill up the gusseted bag! For all the measurements and directions, please visit my post from last Friday. If you have any questions at all, please let me know!


Tracy’s Stampin’ Blends Special Offer Ends on November 10, 2017
The release of the Stampin’ Blends is so exciting and I want to add to that excitement! With a minimum order of $50, you’ll receive a FREE COMBO PACK of Stampin’ Blends from me. Here’s all the important details:
- Place a minimum $50 order at my Stampin’ Up! online store between November 1-10 using the host code 3B3Z93NS. If you aren’t sure how to enter a host code when placing your online order, you can read about the host code here.
- Once I receive verification of your order, I’ll email you to find out which combo pack of Stampin’ Blends you’d like to receive. If I don’t hear back from you by midnight on the 10th, I reserve the right to choose a color for you so that I can place all of the orders in a timely manner.
- On the 10th, I will close the host code and order the pens. Once I receive the pens, I will send yours out to you! (Due to the Cash & Carry Stampin’ Up! policy, I cannot order these pens ahead of time).
- This offer is only good through me, Tracy Bradley. You will not receive your free combo pack of Stampin’ Blends in your order from Stampin’ Up!, but from me, once I receive them.
- Your combo pack of pens will ship on or before November 20th.
- In the unforeseen event that the pens go on backorder before November 10th, there will be a delay in shipping your pens to you.
- If your order is over $150, please do not use the host code as you will earn Host Rewards directly from Stampin’ Up! with any order over $150. You will still earn your FREE Combo Pack of Stampin’ Blends from me.
- If you have any questions, please contact me!
- Click here to download the Stampin’ Blends brochure.
- This offer is only valid November 1st – November 10, 2017.
Click here to place an order!
by Tracy | Nov 2, 2017 | Uncategorized


Welcome to the Glitter Queens Monthly Blog Hop! Our theme this month is Home for the Holidays and as usual, my focus is on food! I wanted to create a little something that could be at the Thanksgiving table for each guest with something inside that they would really enjoy! I filled mine with M&M’s in fall colors but you could add nuts, gum, mints, or even leftover Halloween candy (we didn’t have many trick or treaters and have SO MUCH candy left over).

I bagged the candy in our Gusseted Bags and sealed them up with a sticker I made! I used a full sheet shipping label by Avery (8165), stamped my sentiment and punched it out with the 1-1/4″ Circle Punch!

I was going to put a window sheet over the leaf cutout but didn’t really feel it was necessary with the candy securely inside the clear bag. At the bottom of the post, you’ll find a list of all the supplies you’ll need to create my box!
Measurements
Bottom of Box: 7-1/2″ x 7-1/2″ score @ 2″ on each side
Top of Box: 5-1/2″ 5-1/2″ score @ 1″ on each side
Sentiment on top of the box: 5/8″ x 3-1/4″
In this post HERE, you’ll find general directions for making a box. Just substitute with the measurements above. Please pay special attention to the directions for making the bottom of the box. You’ll need to cut off a smidge on two adjoining sides or the top won’t fit over the bottom
Quick Tips
- If you need crinkle paper for the inside of your box but don’t have any on hand, you can make your own! Cut very thin strips of Stampin’ Up! card stock. Then crinkle the paper up in your hands. Instant crinkle paper!
- Be sure to cut the leaf out of the top of the box with the Seasonal Layers Framelits, before you assemble your box (hmm, wonder how I know that).
- Use Fast Fuse or Tear and Tape to assemble your box.
Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you’ll continue through the hop! Michelle Veller is next and you can visit her blog here!
Here’s the complete list of hoppers today!
Dawn Griffith
Dee Slater
Tracy Bradley – You Are Here!
Michelle Veller
Debi Galloway
Kathie Steffke

Tracy’s Stampin’ Blends Special
The release of the Stampin’ Blends is so exciting and I want to add to that excitement! With a minimum order of $50, you’ll receive a FREE COMBO PACK of Stampin’ Blends from me. Here’s the important details:
- Place a minimum $50 order at my Stampin’ Up! online store between November 1-10 using the host code 3B3Z93NS. If you aren’t sure how to enter a host code when placing your online order, you can read about the host code here.
- Once I receive verification of your order, I’ll email you to find out which combo pack of Stampin’ Blends you’d like to receive. If I don’t hear back from you by midnight on the 10th, I reserve the right to choose a color for you so that I can place all of the orders in a timely manner.
- On the 10th, I will close the host code and order the pens. Once I receive the pens, I will send yours out to you! (Due to the Cash & Carry Stampin’ Up! policy, I cannot order these pens ahead of time).
- This offer is only good through me, Tracy Bradley. You will not receive your free combo pack of Stampin’ Blends in your order from Stampin’ Up!, but from me, once I receive them.
- Your combo pack of pens will ship on or before November 20th.
- In the unforeseen event that the pens go on backorder before November 10th, there will be a delay in shipping your pens to you.
- If your order is over $150, please do not use the host code as you will earn Host Rewards directly from Stampin’ Up! with any order over $150. You will still earn your FREE Combo Pack of Stampin’ Blends from me.
- If you have any questions, please contact me!
- Click here to download the Stampin’ Blends brochure.
- This offer is only valid November 1st – November 10, 2017.

by Tracy | Nov 2, 2017 | Uncategorized

Happy Thursday! I hope your week is going well!
My card today uses the stamp set Birthday Blooms and the brand new Stampin’ Blends! It’s important to use our THICK Whisper White card stock and Memento Ink when using the Blends. I colored the flower while watching the World Series and what an exciting series this has been. Have you been watching it? I’m going to miss baseball when the World Series is over and can’t wait for Spring Training to start up again in March!
I’ve been trying out different colors to see how well they blend together . The combinations for today’s card happened quite by accident. I started out with Light & Dark Rich Razzleberry but picked up Dark Cherry Cobbler by accident for my shading. I was upset until I realized that I liked how it looked!
The sentiment is also from Birthday Blooms and stamped in Memento Ink. I finished the card with three Glitter Enamel Dots. I have to say that I’m loving how Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry look together. It’s a beautiful combination!
All of the supplies I used to create today’s card are listed below. To purchase any of the items, click any picture and you’ll be taken to my Stampin’ Up! online store! See my special offer below!

Tracy’s Stampin’ Blends Special Offer Ends on November 10, 2017
The release of the Stampin’ Blends is so exciting and I want to add to that excitement! With a minimum order of $50, you’ll receive a FREE COMBO PACK of Stampin’ Blends from me. Here’s all the important details:
- Place a minimum $50 order at my Stampin’ Up! online store between November 1-10 using the host code 3B3Z93NS. If you aren’t sure how to enter a host code when placing your online order, you can read about the host code here.
- Once I receive verification of your order, I’ll email you to find out which combo pack of Stampin’ Blends you’d like to receive. If I don’t hear back from you by midnight on the 10th, I reserve the right to choose a color for you so that I can place all of the orders in a timely manner.
- On the 10th, I will close the host code and order the pens. Once I receive the pens, I will send yours out to you! (Due to the Cash & Carry Stampin’ Up! policy, I cannot order these pens ahead of time).
- This offer is only good through me, Tracy Bradley. You will not receive your free combo pack of Stampin’ Blends in your order from Stampin’ Up!, but from me, once I receive them.
- Your combo pack of pens will ship on or before November 20th.
- In the unforeseen event that the pens go on backorder before November 10th, there will be a delay in shipping your pens to you.
- If your order is over $150, please do not use the host code as you will earn Host Rewards directly from Stampin’ Up! with any order over $150. You will still earn your FREE Combo Pack of Stampin’ Blends from me.
- If you have any questions, please contact me!
- Click here to download the Stampin’ Blends brochure.
- This offer is only valid November 1st – November 10, 2017.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! Please visit tomorrow for the Glitter Queens Blog Hop!
by Tracy | Nov 1, 2017 | Uncategorized
The NEW Stampin’ Blends are available to order!!! These alcohol-based pens make you look like a coloring pro, honest! They bring coloring to a whole new level!

These dual-tip alcohol markers come in 12 beautiful Stampin’ Up! colors, each with a light and dark shade.! You have several options for purchasing these awesome pens:
- Individually $4.50
- Combo Pack (Light & Dark marker) $9.00
- Entire Collection – includes all 12 colors plus Ivory, Bronze and a Color Lifter $121.50
If you choose the “I Want Them All” option and purchase the entire collection, you might consider adding $28.50 to your order. You’ll hit the sweet spot of $150 and will earn $15.00 in Stampin’ Rewards from Stampin’ Up! which means free product! Click here to place your order!
Tracy’s Stampin’ Blends Special
The release of these pens is so exciting and I want to add to that excitement! With a minimum order of $50, you’ll receive a FREE COMBO PACK of Stampin’ Blends from me. Here’s all the important details:
- Place a minimum $50 order at my Stampin’ Up! online store between November 1-10 using the host code 3B3Z93NS. If you aren’t sure how to enter a host code when placing your online order, you can read about the host code here.
- Once I receive verification of your order, I’ll email you to find out which combo pack of Stampin’ Blends you’d like to receive. If I don’t hear back from you by midnight on the 10th, I reserve the right to choose a color for you so that I can place all of the orders in a timely manner.
- On the 10th, I will close the host code and order the pens. Once I receive the pens, I will send yours out to you! (Due to the Cash & Carry Stampin’ Up! policy, I cannot order these pens ahead of time).
- This offer is only good through me, Tracy Bradley. You will not receive your free combo pack of Stampin’ Blends in your order from Stampin’ Up!, but from me, once I receive them.
- Your combo pack of pens will ship on or before November 20th.
- In the unforeseen event that the pens go on backorder before November 10th, there will be a delay in shipping your pens to you.
- If your order is over $150, please do not use the host code as you will earn Host Rewards directly from Stampin’ Up! with any order over $150. You will still earn your FREE Combo Pack of Stampin’ Blends from me.
- If you have any questions, please contact me!
- Click here to download the Stampin’ Blends brochure.
- This offer is only valid November 1st – November 10, 2017.
Click here to place your order!
There are several NEW products available today, while supplies last!
Color Me Happy Stamp Set (I have a card below using this set)

Color Me Happy Project Kit

Color Me Happy Bundle

Click here to see Color Me Happy Stamp Set
Click here to see Color Me Happy Project Kit
Click here to see Color Me Happy Bundle (available in clear & wood mount)
Today’s card was made using the stamp set Birthday Blooms and Stampin’ Blends (Light & Dark Cherry Cobbler and Daffodil Delight). I didn’t worry about blending and just colored!


It’s important when coloring to place something under your paper to protect your writing surface. The color does soak through the paper and it’s normal! I use several pieces of our grid paper underneath my paper.

If you have any questions about Stampin’ Blends, don’t hesitate to contact me! If you’d like to place an order (be sure to use the host code 3B3Z93NS so that I can send you a free package of Stampin’ Blends) click here! 