Meet My New Cuttlebug! :)

I am so excited to say that I officially own a Cuttlebug! :) Although it was a spur of the moment decision, I definitely do not regret it! As excited as I am, I haven't actually had much time to use it, which is why this post is so late. I worked from 8:30 to 5:00 both yesterday and today, and then spent time with my boyfriend until 10 both nights, so I have had absolutely no time to craft. My amazingly sweet boyfriend was actually the one who went and got the Cuttlebug for me since I wouldn't have been able to get to Michael's until 5:30 and was paranoid they would be gone (my boyfriend said it was actually the last one; I am so appreciative he did that for me). 

It came with an A plate, two B plates and a floral embossing folder. I was a little upset it didn't come with the four embossing folders and die cut like the ones at Hobby Lobby do, but for the price it was definitely worth it. After work today I went out and purchased more folders and die cuts:

These were both on clearance at Hobby Lobby for $3.59 each, so I couldn't pass them up. The folder on the left is "Argyle" and the folder on the right is titled "Perfectly Paisley."

The folder on the left is called "D'vine Swirl" and the folder on the right is called "Spots & Dots."

As for die cuts, I purchased "Asterisks," "Birthday" and "Leaves," which is pictured below. 

My final purchase was these mini floral embossing folders that were also on clearance for $2.49. I spent about $40 total, which was the "budget" I gave myself. 

I've played around with scrap paper and tried out a few of the die cuts and folders, but haven't created any cards yet. It took me a while to get the hang of getting the plates to slide through, but I'm getting there. :) The folders are a lot harder to roll through because the stack is so much thicker, I'm always scared I'm going to break the machine. And for the die cuts, I knew that they scratched the B plates, but I had no idea they left entire impressions on them, too! I was so scared when it first happened and thought I did something wrong, but then I looked it up online and found out it happens all the time and is nothing to worry about as long as you rotate the plates. I can't even describe how relieved I was. 

I hope you all are having a fantastic weekend, I promise to get my first Cuttlebug card posted soon! It's going to be a busy next few days for me, so I'll try my best. Thanks for stopping by and for all of your sweet comments and support! :)

Ashley