Thank you for taking time to visit, and I hope I am even a tiny bit helpful as I have been helped and blessed by so many others. I have been doing Calligraphy since teens, and card making for many years as well. In 1990 I delighted in the joys of stamping with ink and embossing after a trip to Cairns, Qld. In 2009 I discovered the brayer, 2010 the Cuttlebug, also have now taking to reading up on crafting blogs and lo! Here I am, on one of my own.

I live on the coast of eastern Australia. I am a Christian. I trusted in the LORD down here at the beach, amazingly it is not far from where I now live. It was over 50 years ago, after a Beach Mission Service at the age of 12 years

Wednesday 5 June 2019

Watercolour Male Cards + Couture Creations GoPower Pro + WOYWW

Yes! a whole week has passed. The last few days winter arrived! 
Ugh!! my least favourite season, but since I really like 3 out of 4 seasons that’s okay. 
To my desk, or my cutting station ... really big news this week! Voilà! 
I’ve just taken delivery of a brand new electronic die cutting machine, A4 + sold my Grand Calibur all at end of last week. Very new release end of May, been waiting since Feb for it, paid in March (birthday money + saved $ from eBay sales). Arrived last Thurs!!
Why I love it? it’s multi platform. 
Just loaded up my cuttlebug sandwich (see photo  - that's my Cuttlebug plates), put it sideways into the machine opening, perfect ... it simply runs through. 
Sensor adjusts to whatever size plates you’re using. 
(*Mm could do with one of those for my clothes!*)
Plates with it are A4, really decent thickness (two thicknesses B is thickest & is cutting plate, so makes sense) & CLEAR. Hated Grand Calibur which weren't clear plates, made detailed die cutting, extending etc tricky. Still working on sandwiches using their plates; worked out a better embossing folder sandwich.
 I didn’t like their sandwich, with C plate and rubber mat, the mat kept moving way too much. 
Might work better with smaller tan mat but I tried with B plate for the A4 Embossing folders and that worked really well. For smaller folders like 5x 7 I used B plate and a thick cardstock shim. This was good. Several runs through helps deeper Embossing and you can spritz cardstock, of course, to get deeper Embossing. 
My final suggestion is IF using unusual sandwiches to listen to the noise of your machine to check that it’s ok. This may seem obvious but if concentrating on other aspects it can be missed. 
 Every machine is a learning curve. Right shoulder strength issue is reason for purchase.
Earlier desk - whole lot of watercolour ink block backgrounds done with Tombows, some stamping for “HOW TO” see back this post here. Made 6 backgrounds, have a number of male cards for birthdays coming. 
Here’s my brothers’ card, it’s his birthday Fri. First one made with my new machine. Wonky rectangles by Creatif, kraft card background is EF by TH Bricks extended, inked with DI 'Vintage Photo', spritz water & dry, rest from stash.
Quickly sharing also 3 amazing ATCs.
Close up of my PiF from Diana, see amazing sheen, sparkle and details.
Wow, also equally stunning are next Sandra De’s and then Heather’s - such clever artistic work, ladies. Thank you!
Here’s my Aussie shots for today! Today is this sunny but, oh, the wind is strong south westerly, from snow up on Great Dividing Range. Used to live up there... a long time ago. This was surf this afternoon on way home.. birds loving winds!
Today saw Dr, dressing changed for last time, right shin going well. Must be patient tho as calf of left leg is SCC too, just surface cancer, so a burn off, phew!
Happy WOYWW everyone! Don’t forget to pop over Julia’s to check out out amazing desks of the world
Thanks for popping over for a peek, especially  if  have time to say hullo. Prayer for every blessing upon your day, 
Shaz in Oz.x
Thought for the day: 
A favourite verse.. need this, at all times, look to the Rock, Who is Jesus, Faithful and True.

Also linking up to:
3.Word Art Wednesday 
Anything goes


28 comments:

Twiglet said...

Lovely artwork and ATCs Shaz. Still waiting for yours to arrive here - hope you sent to my SHREWSBURY address not my old one? I have a parcel ready to post to you as so many WOYWWers left ATCs for you on the crop day. Will let you know when they arrive. xx Jo

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Congrats on your new purchase. Enjoyed the review. Really love all the male cards. Your backgrounds are perfect for the great stamps you have used. Thanks for the inspiration, on doing more than 1 !! Enjoy a great week

Glenda said...

I looked around my craftroom the other day and I seem to be hatching die cutting machines. I think I have 5 total and always looking. I know it's nonsense but it's just a thing with me. Yours looks grand!
Glenda #21

Neet said...

Hi Sis,
Lovely photos of the water, looks as if it is time for a walk for someone, just not you at the moment. Have got you in prayer for healing and it looks as if it is working.
Beautiful card you have made for your brother, what a lucky man he is, Have you used Inkhylicious stamps btw.
Beautiful atc's, I was blown away by the lovely artwork at the crop, you have a real treat coming your way when you get them.
Well, what a lovely surprise to see that beautiful machine on your desk. It will be so much easier for you to use with your bad shoulder and I hope you have many happy hours of fun and creativity with it.
Sending lots of Love your way, God Bless
Neet 5 xx

Annie said...

What a day it was Saturday.....such a shame you couldnt join us. The effort was so worth it for the rewards that came with it...fun, friendship and lots of love and hugs. It was certainly a day to remember for all it's smiles....and we are even considering doing it again now so maybe next time?
Hugs,
Annie x #12

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Congrats on your new machine. I haven’t heard of this one. I agree that solid plates would be hard to work with. I think clear is the way to go. Your beach cards are so pretty, and I bet you are dreaming of a nice warm beach in winter! Glad your wound is healing well and that the next go is just a surface thing. Have a good day!

shazsilverwolf said...

Hi Shaz, the cutting machine sounds extremely good, like the multi sandwich idea. Lovely ATC's everyone has made, aren't they? Love those backgrounds, something I keep meaning to try out.Have a lovely week, Hugs, Shaz #7 X

Di said...

Wonderful card there Shaz! I love the scene you've created. Your brother will love it for sure. Well done on getting the new machine - sound a great purchase and will make life easier as well. Hope your health issues continue to improve.

Love and hugs

Di xx

Lunch Lady Jan said...

I put an ATC in the envelope that Jo was collecting at teh Crop, so mine will get to you in the fullness of time! I'm pleased that your leg is healing, that's great news. Have fun with your new machine, it looks a bit of a beast!
Hugs LLJ 10 xxx

Helen said...

I put a card in the envelope for you too... glad your leg is recovering now, hope the other one doesn't give you such trouble... Love the card for your brother. Helen #2

Caro said...

That machine sounds wonderful and I love the cards you made and the ATCs you have received. There should be a badge winging its way to you from the crop among all the goodies that Jo collected. Happy WOYWW. With love & God Bless, Caro x (#9)

Julia Dunnit said...

Well, perfect machine if you ask me, love the multi platform-ness....before I read that you were using your cuttlebug plates, I honestly did think that you’d already over used the plates!! Glad that the leg is improving gal, take it steady and be patient. Easy for me to say! I know you don’t like winter, it’s not for me either...but visit those photos again...the crisp light and bright sky...good for the soul, honestly.

Mrs.D said...

Hi Shaz, looks a very good machine, and takes different thicknesses, that's very good. I'm sure you will continue to be very happy together!!!
Those backgrounds are super, and the ACT from Diana is beautiful.
Chris #13

loz said...

Love your beautiful watercolour card and ATCs Shaz. off to check out the new machine...loz

Heather M said...

Hi Shaz, oooh love your shiny new machine. I bought an electric die cutting machine a few months back, and I can't imagine not having it now. The Big Shot is too heavy for me to keep lifting around. Your backgrounds are just perfect for a male card. I'll check out your post later on how to. Pleased to hear your shin is healing up well. Do take care to still rest it please - no overdoing it 🙄. So pleased you received my ATC - I'm never sure they will arrive! Have a lovely week Heather xx #6

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Shaz. Loving the ATC collection and your gorgeous photos. I'm a bit late tonight but better late than never I guess. Wishing you a happy woyww, what's left of it. Angela x17x

Conniecrafter said...

Congrats on your new machine, glad you like it. Love your masculine cards. The flowers cards are beautiful, lovely coloring.
Good to hear you are healing well.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I am so sorry to have taken so long to visit. Unfortunately, my electricity was off this afternoon and into the night due to the storms. Now it is back on and I'm trying to play catch up.

I think your new die cutter is awesome. I'm sure you will get lots of use from it. LOVED the cards, especially the birthday ones. Hope your leg is on the mend. Happy WOYWW from #3.

Betsy said...

I'm glad you were able to get a new toy to play with. I'm sure that will be fun for you although I'm really not sure what it does. :-)
The cards are very beautiful as always. I'm always amazed at the beautiful things you do with paper and ink.
I'm so sorry your legs are still bothering you. You have suffered so much with them. You remain in my prayers daily my dear sister. May the Lord grant you healing very soon if it be his will. I so appreciate your prayers in my behalf.
Blessings always,
Betsy

Sarah Brennan said...

Glad things are heading in the right direction medically Shaz. Great looking machine, good that it is making life easier for you. Fabulous array of art work too. Happy WOYWW. Sarah #1

Diana Taylor said...

I love your cards Shaz, the background is great -it looks like leather and just adds to the masculine feel - I always find it so hard making cards for men. Beautiful photos of the sea too - what a lovely to place to have so close by.
Hope you have a good week,
Diana xx #20

EmmaT said...

Beautiful creations, love the green + leaves ATC. Enjoy your new cutting machine, it sounds ideal. Emma

Kim Heggins said...

Wow...how much fun. Love all your sweet creations!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

WOW!!! Congrats on your new purchase!!! It seems that you will have a lot of fun!!
Amazing projects today!! And lovely photos of the seagulls and beach!
Hugs

Pia S said...

It’s clever to make cards in batches. I often plan to do so, then I get caught up with something different and I loose the rhythm of multi makings. Oh well, Your stamped and colored sceneries are beautiful. Perfect for men as well as for women.

LilArtsyWoman said...

Congrats on your new machine. Electronic cutting is great. Your cards are beautiful and that beach scene is so serene.

sandra de said...

Wow your PIF from Diana is amazing. Happy to hear you are slowly healing ....take double care of yourself sweet lady.
sandra de

Mrs A. said...

Lovely male card. Have fun with your new machine. I might have to think about investing in one myself if shoulder doen’t Improve. Hugs Mrs A.

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