Big Shot is Retiring...

This time of year is a tough one for me.  This is my second time through the end of a catalogue, and there are so many beautiful sets and products that are ready to retire, but I just don't want to let them go!  One of those retiring items is the Big Shot.

The Big Shot is one of those tools that you sit and ponder a long while because of its cost, but I bit the bullet many years ago, while I still lived in Edson, and bought it.  At first, it was a fun tool, but I didn't know how to use it very well.  

After a while, and especially in the last few years, as I have gotten a better craft space and more time (really??) to use my things - I think the wonderful space that Phil designed for me helps a lot, so thank you honey!- I have gotten a lot more capable and confident using it. 

Really, the biggest thing was searching for ideas that used the die sets that I already had was the biggest factor.  I searched, would see things I liked, then try them out and realize that the Big Shot actually made it easy to look like I had amazing talent!

I made this Thank You card this morning.  I punched out the same four pieces in several colours, cut and glue some on top of each other to get the beautiful colours to work together, and added some Wink of Stella to give it a bit of sparkle.  All that took me about 20 min, most of which was me sticking my fingers to each other when I squeezed out too much Tombow glue!!

In the end, I have an amazing card, CASEd from http://www.judemcardsandcrafts.co.uk/, and I get to feel like I am truly capable and amazing at creating beautiful things.  That helps me to feel a bit better and get out of this funk I have been in being off work with my laryngitis still hanging on.  So that makes my Big Shot purchase just an example of good mental health practice, doesn't it?  ;)

If you are interested in looking at the Big Shot, or seeing the other amazing retiring items, check out my shopping page.  Do it soon, as they are all available only while supplies last!