The Big Shot.

Sorry Duster Bird, you weren't the big shot around here today!

No, it was Margaret G's  'Big Shot' that was the centre of attention.
A manual  Die - Cutting and Embossing machine.

It worked like a mangle. You made up a 'sandwich' with a perspex cutting mat, die, card and another cutting mat - then passed it through the Big Shot.

We cut shapes and embellishments for cards...

...  and you can also do embossing with the Big Shot...

... and cut fancy frames.

 It's quite addictive and you can get in a bit of a mess once you get started!

 In the right hand corner of the photo {above} you can just see a Multi purpose platform. I think it's to add a bit more thickness to assist with the die cutting.

We are making butterflies, bees and birds for our group project this year so there were a lot of butterflies on show.

Maureen and Angela also brought in their die cutting machines. I think they were 'Spellbinders'.
This was a useful magnetic holder for keeping the dies secure.

There were beautiful butterflies made from copper sheet treated with alcohol inks.

 There was a butterfly cut from a can.

These are Maureen's brooches.

The machines will also cut lighter weight fabrics and I think Maureen cut the felt to make these cute little birds.

There's always a lot of prep required for these demos so thanks to Margaret G., Maureen and Angela for entertaining us. We had a great morning trying out the machines.
Now who's off to buy a 'Big Shot?'