Do you have one of these...

...it's a Hougie Board (in-case you didn't know).
I have to admit that this was another piece of kit that I've had for some time (probably around 10 months). I saw it demonstrated at Excel last year but thought it was a bit expensive considering I already had a Crafters Companion Ultimate Pro and a Martha Stewart scoreboard (oh, and not forgetting the little scoreboard that I won in a raffle many moons ago). However, temptation raised its head a short while after as Pinnacle Crafts had them in just as they were having a 30% off Members Weekend - well I ask you - what is a girl supposed to do...

Today I had a day off work so that I could chill a bit after a quite busy weekend and also take myself off to a 'Hougie' class. Pauline was doing the class at Pinnacles and I had decided to grab a copy of the Hougie book that I had noticed hanging next to the boards. One of the things I enjoy about the Pinnacle classes is that you often get to play before you embark on making something. We had fun playing at scoring and creating hand embossed designs on CS and Miri card.

Then armed with some measurements and instructions we created the base for a double-sided stepper card. I've made a few 'steppers' before but the "steps" have either been to one side or in the middle - this was going to be a bit different.
Miri card was cut to cover each of the steps and the central panel. Before attaching the pieces to the steps we were allowed to play at creating designs. Pauline had suggested a few patterns on her sample card but we were given free-reign to come up with what ever we wanted.
I decided to do some of the scoring from the miri-side and some from the white-side...thus creating embossed & debossed patterns. Staggered dashes, brick walls, checks (straight & diagonal) and then I thought I'd get flash and try a sunray...not bad for a first attempt LOL
With the patterned panels atteched to the steps we were given some decoupage to decorate the central panel - mine is a twisted pyrimage.

One of the things I like about the Hougie is that you have both metric & imperial on one board so it will cater for most things.

Will it replace my other scoreboards?...I don't think so.

I don't think you can beat the Ultimate Pro for quick and easy box making (I should know - I made all my niece's wedding favours) and it is great not having to worry about measurements for some of the most popular card styles.

The 'Martha' board is in imperial and has smaller increments than the Hougie so that too will have its place in the scheme of things.

All in all, the Hougie is handy because it will take 12x12 sheets and this means I'll be able to use it with my scrapbooking as well as my other paper crafts...........................................