We Are In2crafting - are you?

This saturdays scrapbook crop

2012-01-25T10:41:00.000Z

For the ladies coming to my crop on saturday at the shop, here are the layouts we will be doing. The double layout has a 7"x5" on one side and and 1 6"x 4" plus 4 3" x 2" landscapes on the otherside. You could change that to 2 6"x4" portraits instead of the 7" x 5". The single layout was made the scraps I had left over and I used another 3 more 3" x 2" but you could use a 6"x4" as well. The double is great for using snaps, photos that you can cut out the background. There is plenty of room for moving photos about on these pages so dont worry if you dont have the exact sizes. You get a huge sticker sheet in the kit with lots of christmas and snowy themed images.

See you saturday

Jackie

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T10:11:00.000Z

Wishing you a Happy New Year.
2011 was not always a happy time for everyone and we hope that this year will be better for those who have had their lives drastically changed. I noticed that printed on a shopping bag of a customer the other day, the verse "John 3:16". I know from personal experience the help and comfort He offers.

Over the past year we have been supporting the Guide Dogs appeal with a collection box in the shop and have had two charity "Make Take and Eat Cake " events for Marie Curie Cancer Care. A good amount of money has been collected for both worthy charities - thanks to customers generosity.
For 2012 we are making Marie Curie our focus charity. We seem to have known so many friends and customers who over the past year have had their lives altered by this cruel desease that it seems right to choose this cancer care charity to give to.

On a lighter and crafting note - we are open New Years Eve until 3pm and on Bank Holiday Monday 10 - 4.

We have loads of things in our sale which is on until Saturday 14th January.
Included in that are all our wood mounted rubber stamps to clear at up to 85% off. Only 2 prices now - £1 or £2.99. We will be replacing these with a larger range of clear and unmounted stamps soon after stocktaking.

Our new workshop list is available in store or from our website www.in2crafting.co.uk Booking has started with classes being ever popular, so don't leave it too late before you book.

Thank you from all of us for your custom in 2011. We appreciate all your comments, cards and friendships. A big thanks too for all our lovely staff and tutors who make the place buzz.

Hope to see you again soon

John,Réne and the rest of the team

Letraset Metallic pens and some quick and easy cards

2011-12-03T09:38:00.000Z

New in the shop are the packs of Metallic Markers set 1 from Letraset at £11.59 a set, if you are a Promarker or Aquamarker fan you will love these pens!! The pens are slightly different in that the nibs are a fine and medium size.

They are waterbased not alcohol based like the Promarkers so you cant blend them together but you can blend them with water. Six fab colours....

I have been having a little play and here's a great technique to make backgrounds for some quick and easy last minute Christmas cards.

You will need: a heat resist craft mat, some glossy cardstock, circle punches, spritzer bottle with some water in, heat gun, Black Adirondak or Stazon ink pad, Glitter gel pen, ruler { with nice smooth edges} stamps. I used the Paula Pascual Joyful Bubbles and Christmas Messages

Firstly, take some of the Pens...I used 3 colours the blue, violet and green and literally scribble them in a small area on your mat, then repeat with the other two colours. Take your water spritzer and spray some water over the ink, you don't need too much.

Then take your glossy cardstock and lay glossy side down into the mat. I found if I moved it around too much I got a muddier look, which I did not like as much, so just press down firmly and then peel back. You can see the ink drying but I gave it a blitz with my heat gun to stop it dripping. The card will bend, don't worry it will straighten when cool.

To make the card I used circle punches to punch out 3 circles, then used the next size up circle punch to make a mat in black card. You can use whatever size punches you have or if you have a circle cutter or circle Nestabilities, they would work just as well. I stamped the "J" and "Y" on 1st and 3rd one and a snowflake and circle on the middle one. Stick the two layers together, I cut a rectangle of white card slightly smaller than the width of my prescored card stamped the little caps from Paula Joyful Bubbles set just above where I wanted the baubles to sit. Mat with some more Black card and before you stick down, take a ruler and run the Silver pen along the edge of the ruler to make a border, repeat on all sides keeping it even depth all the way around. I stamped the "to the world" sentiment, which comes in the kit but you can choose whatever sentiment you want. To do the bottom, I stuck a strip of double sided tape across the card, remove the top and sprinkle with silver glitter, firmed down with finger. I then scored a line above and below with a score board. Finally, a gem and some elastic cord for bows as a finishing touch.

Here's another version, same technique but I used the swirl stamp in the Christmas Messages set to stamp all over the circles and then drew a line with the Silver pen, the lighter the pressure the thinner the line. I attached with foam pads and run some lines of a glitter gel pen around the swirls to add some twinkle.

Hope you like playing with your pens, definitely something to ask Father Christmas for!!! Have a great weekend, don't forget you save 20% off your shopping at the till today in the shop and you still get your points as well if you are a Privileged Cardholder. So you get 27.5% savings in total!!!

Everything is included (except gift vouchers, special orders and payment for workshops). Even already reduced price stock is included! So come and make some savings, get some crafting stock or a present for someone. There will be demos showing a stamping, colouring and glittering technique at various times during the day between 10 - 1 and 2 - 4. Parking is free on Saturday - just outside our door.

Hot news.......just in individual Flexi markers in 52 colours just being put out in shop £2.95 each, so if you have been looking for more colours to fit in with your Promarkers, these work really well together!!

Jackie

Humphrey prize winner

2011-11-28T19:32:00.001Z

The winner of the Humphrey stamp is......................

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

3 Misteejay....congratulations!!

Timestamp: 2011-11-28 19:26:44 UTC, I included the two comments on the orginal posting.

The stamp is at the shop if you want to pop along to collect it.

Jackie

Slider Show for stepper card

2011-11-21T17:53:00.001Z

Jackie here...apologies for slider show not working, hopefully its working now! If you would like to be in with a chance to win this cute Humphrey stamp then leave a comment and I will pick a winner on Monday 28th November.

Make a slideshow

Products used:
Crafters Companions Humphrey's corner Christmas wishes
Basic Grey Nordic Holiday cardstock Apre ski & Slalom
Nestabilities labels 21
Any snowflake punch...mines a Martha but I thinks its discontinued but you can use any snowflake die/punch
Flat back crystal gems
Memento Black ink
White cardstock for card base plus some for colouring
Promarkers: Red, Oatmeal, Black, Warm Grey 1,2,3, Soft Green, Holly, Lime Green, Petrol Blue, Marine, Forest Green, Satin

Everything I have used is available to buy/order at the shop

You might not be able to read the measurements on the slide so here they are for you to write down.

Cut a piece of cardstock 11" x 5" and then take a pencil and mark 1" up from the bottom and 1" in from the right hand side, then mark 2" on the right hand side and mark across to 1" again, repeat at 6 1/2" . You should now have 3 lines going up the page 1" wide. Repeat on the left hand side of the cardstock. Take a score tool and score along those 6 1" lines....on the slide show they are marked in green pen. Now take a craft knife and ruler and cut from the first score line upto the last one and stop, turn card around and repeat on the other side. The slideshow shows you what the card should look like when you have completed that part. Follow the pictures to fold the score lines and score the top part of the card.

Lastly, details of photo requirements for my scrapbook class this saturday are 1 6x4 portrait photo, its a heritage page and the photo can either be in black and white or sepia or include browns/black and reds. There is another layout using the left overs, but you can add the photo at a later date...I dont think you will get to that point on Saturday.

Jackie

Saturday 19th November Make Take and Eat Cake Day

2011-11-17T23:48:00.000Z

We just wanted to let you know that on Saturday 19th November we are hosting another day of cardmaking with tea/coffee and cakes to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

We have called it "Make, Take and Eat Cake".

It is all about coming along to our upstairs workshop - making a card or two using all the materials freely available and having a good social time while enjoying some great cakes and refreshments.

Jill and Karen will be on hand to help and guide you. (they put a lot of work into this day - thanks)

All this for a £2 donation which will go to the charity.

You can choose to take your card home with you or leave it to be sold to give even more to Marie Curie.
Last time we did this we helped raise over £100 on the day + the sale of the cards.
Come along anytime between 10am and 4pm and stay as long as you like. The more the merrier and the more money will be made.

Also, on Saturday Privilege Cardholders will get Double Points on any purchases made in the shop regardless of whether you go to the make and take and eat cake!

Of course if you are just out shopping - you are welcome to go upstairs and have cake and a drink for a donation - there were loads of cakes last time - thank you to all who donated them.

So, two robust reasons to pop in on Saturday - parking is free too!

See you soon

Stepper Card Tutorial

2011-11-03T23:26:00.000Z

A while ago I was asked if I could do a tutorial for a stepper card, so finally I have done it and to make it simple for you I have added the photos in a slide show, which you can pause at any time.

Firstly the products I have used are:

Crafters Companions Humphrey's corner Christmas wishes
Basic Grey Nordic Holiday cardstock Apre ski & Slalom
Nestabilities labels 21
Any snowflake punch...mines a Martha but I thinks its discontinued but you can use any snowflake die/punch
Flat back crystal gems
Memento Black ink
White cardstock for card base plus some for colouring
Promarkers: Red, Oatmeal, Black, Warm Grey 1,2,3, Soft Green, Holly, Lime Green, Petrol Blue, Marine, Forest Green, Satin

Everything I have used is available to buy/order at the shop

You might not be able to read the measurements on the slide so here they are for you to write down.

Cut a piece of cardstock 11" x 5" and then take a pencil and mark 1" up from the bottom and 1" in from the right hand side, then mark 2" on the right hand side and mark across to 1" again, repeat at 6 1/2" . You should now have 3 lines going up the page 1" wide. Repeat on the left hand side of the cardstock. Take a score tool and score along those 6 1" lines....on the slide show they are marked in green pen. Now take a craft knife and ruler and cut from the first score line upto the last one and stop, turn card around and repeat on the other side. The slideshow shows you what the card should look like when you have completed that part. Follow the pictures to fold the score lines and score the top part of the card.

Free photo slideshow personalized with Smilebox

I hope you like the tutorial, leave us a comment and let us know. To celebrate my first attempt at a slide show I think I should give some blog candy away. Leave a comment and I will select one randomly next sunday to win a Humphrey Christmas Wishes stamp.

Jackie

Special offers available in our Wickford Shop on Saturday 5th November

2011-11-03T23:01:00.000Z

On Saturday 5th November we were planning to have one of our very popular free demonstration days. We have been informed today that the demonstrator for the company has been taken ill and they can not get anyone else at short notice. We are sadly having to postpone this demonstration.

However, on Saturday we will be giving TRIPLE POINTS to our Privilege Cardholder!

This means that you will get a £10 gift voucher to spend in store when you spend just £50.

If you spend £100 (or your points value add up) you will get £20 worth of vouchers and in addition anyone spending £100 or more on the day will get an additional £10 voucher making £30 in total in return for spending £100. A sparkling offer for you on firework day.

Of course, your existing points balance will be added to at triple rate for any spending that you do with us on Saturday. This means that you will get your next £10 voucher even quicker - no matter how much you spend!

Cricut Offer

We have a basic Cricut cutting machine at £179 which will give you £40 worth of vouchers and the Cricut Gypsy at £248 which will give you £50 vouchers!

Triple points are also given on the reduced price Cricut machine cartridges that we have in stock.

(points are not given on Workshops/Gift Vouchers/Embossing machines)

We are open from 9am until 5pm on Saturday, so why not come and get some savings?

Free parking on Saturdays in the adjacent car park.

Triple points are also available on all offers as well as all the new products that we have had in lately.

New products in stock include:

All the new Do craft products and Creativity magazine.

Limited edition Tim Holtz "Winter Set" Distress ink pads

Creative Stamping magazine

Tatty Button stamps

Christmas special Making Cards magazine

Creative Expressions new range of 5 x 7 embossing folders

Craft UK card and envelope packs in straight and scallop edge. Ivory and beautiful pure white varieties.

Co ordinating size card bags for the above cards/envelopes

Jigsaw puzzles by Gibsons - 250, 500, 636 and 1000 piece selections - ideal Christmas and birthday gifts

The latest Airfix and Revell model kits.

We still have vacancies on some of our classes, if you want to join on one we have lists at the shop or you can download one from our website - http://www.in2crafting.co.uk/cust/In2craftingworkshoplist2.pdf

Lindsay Mason at Wickford

2011-10-08T15:16:00.001+01:00

We are having such a great day here today - Lindsay Mason has been demonstrating with some fab new clear stamp sets and distress inks. It seems as though the ladies watching have been enthralled with her ideas and techniques.
It is great to see people getting new ideas with all the bits that Lindsay is using and also seeing how she does it of course. One lady asked Lindsay "if she ever knew what colour her hands used to be?" as Lindsay has got so many different colours of distressing inks on hers at the moment!
Here are a few pics of what has been going on today.

What colour shall I use next?

Eager to watch in detail what Lindsay is up to!

Just some of Lindsays finished cards

Stamp set PICSA6258 "Nativity - Unto Us A Child"

Stamp Sets PICSA6266 "Christmas Post"

and Build A Snowy Scene PICSA6261

Lindsay used the tree from the Nativity set above to create a beach scene card.

Again, using stamps from the Build A Snowy Scene

Using a set from Andy Skinner set - "Winters Tale" ASCSA5011

and wording from "Silent Night" PICSA6263

"Holly" from Gorjuss Stamps GJK015

The snowflake border design has been created using the Martha Stewart punch "Aspen Snowflake"

The stamp is another one by Gorjuss and is called Snowman. Lindsay also used Liquid Pearls to decorate as snow falling and along the bottom.

Lindsay has used a variety of Distress ink pads such as Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Fired Brick, Chipped Sapphire and Faded Jeans to create the dramatic sky scenes and black Archival Ink for the outlines.

Sit or stand - Lindsay captivates her audience with techniques and wit.

What a busy day Lindsay has had, loads of designs!

Brilliant, brilliant and brilliant!

Thank you Lindsay and to everyone who came to watch.

Lindsay Mason All Day demonstration

2011-10-07T14:36:00.000+01:00

This coming Saturday - 8th October, we have a return visit from Lindsay Mason, well known for her stamping and distressing techniques.

Lindsay is always popular and comes full of new ideas and techniques.

Lindsay will be back at In 2 Crafting, in Wickford, where she will be using the latest Personal Impression, Gorgeous Girls and Andy Skinner stamps, Martha Stewart punches, and Distress inks and tools for some perfect Christmas inspiration!

Take a look at Lindsay Mason's blog for crafting inspiration and quirky anecdotes from her crafting life.

Lindsay's a freelance artist, designer and demonstrator and has been involved in arts and craft her whole life in one way or another. Lindsay designs stamps for top British company Personal Impressions across the Personal Impressions, Funstamps and Inca ranges as well as papers, templates and other crafting products.
Lindsay Mason Blogspot

Lindsay will be with us between 10 and 4 - just turn up during that time - no need to book and parking is free in the adjacent car park on Saturday as well.

Saturday Offers

As well as having Lindsay demonstrating - you can save up to 25% off most items in the shop on the day!

All Privilege cardholders will be getting double points as well as 10% off purchases at the till. (usual exceptions apply - workshop bookings, Gift Vouchers, Die cutting/embossing machines).

So come along and be inspired by Lindsay and grab yourself some bargains at the same time.

New Workshop List for October to December just published

2011-09-21T00:24:00.001+01:00

On Wednesday we are publishing our new workshop list. This has been waited for by so many and we hope you will be pleased with the workshops, themes and free demonstrations that we have on offer.

We have some popular and well known TV crafters in during autumn - Jane Gill - doing an all day double workshop and Lindsay Mason on a Saturday free demonstration. This will be Jane and Lindsays 5th visit to us!

Carol joins our team as one of our tutors and Jackie is taking more scrapbooking classes this season. We aim to provide the best quality workshops in the area, at an affordable price and you get a great social environment as well!
The list is available at the shop and also on our website.

Scrapbook Class
On Saturday afternoon (24th Sept) Jackie's Scrapbooking class is a seaside /pool / water theme. If you are booked on to it - please bring photos to suit sizes on page - 3 pictures (4 x 6 landscape) 1 (4 x 6 portrait) and 1(3 x 2 approx landscape) for the double page and 1 (4 x 6 landscape) for the extra layout- all sizes in inches. background paper colours are bright blues, pink, yellow, orange and aqua. These are great for family photos and memorable holidays

Artist to visit In2crafting on Wednesday 14th Sept

2011-09-13T12:50:00.000+01:00

We are taking part in the A127 Basildon Art Trail and have some work on show by two different local artists. We are pleased that one of them - Bill Mason is able to come on Wednesday morning to do some artwork using pastels. Whay not pop in and see how he creates his effects?
The artwork on display is available to purchase from the artists, just ask in the shop for details.

Have you "Scene-it" with Jenny Mayes?

2011-09-07T23:30:00.001+01:00

On Tuesday we had a return visit from Jenny Mayes of HobbyArt. She did morning and afternoon workshops using her own stamps and some new Butterfly Kisses stamps.

This one was created using a combination of stamps from different collections and coloured with Aquamarker pens

The Christmas card below features a new sentiment from the Christmas Sentiments collection and the tree is a wooden mounted stamp design

It was a very busy day and lots of ideas and techniques were shared

Jenny will be back with us again in the future.

Bank Holiday Monday

2011-08-26T22:28:00.000+01:00

We will be closed this Bank Holiday Monday 29th August.
Open as usual on Saturday and then normal hours as from Tuesday.

We have just received the new stock from Docrafts which has some lovely new products available as well as their magazine - Creativity.

For young crafters we have just had a couple of new ranges of craft kits and products. Something for boys and girls to create and all at decent prices.

Hope to see you again soon

Scrapbooking class - Saturday 20th August 2.00pm

2011-08-19T11:10:00.001+01:00

Femine Theme

For those of you coming along to Jackie's scrapbooking class tomorrow you will need to bring the following photo with you:

1 - 6" x 4" photo (orientation - portrait).

Colours you will be using are brown, cream, orange and little turquoise. The title will be die cut to say "you bring me so much joy".

Come and make a card for Marie Curie Cancer Care - Saturday 13th August

2011-08-12T15:44:00.000+01:00

If you are free between 10 and 4 why not come along to our upstairs workshop where you can use materials donated by some of our customers and ourselves to make a card, which you can either take away with you for personal use or donate it to raise even more funds for this worthy charity.

We are asking for a donation of £2 per person taking part which will be given to Marie Curie.

There will be refreshments on sale including cakes at very modest prices. Again all profits will be donated to the charity.

Gill and Karen will be on hand to assist and look after you. Stay as long as you want, have fun, make a card or two for charity plus enjoy a cuppa and cake!

We hope to see you soon and thank you for your custom.

New Promarker ultra fine Nibs

2011-07-26T15:35:00.001+01:00

Free- while stock lasts. We have some new nib ends for Promarker Pens which will just clip on to the fine end of the pen but give you very fine line drawing and colouring capabilities. Gives Promarkers a new lease of life!

When you come in and buy some Promarkers ask for your FREE NIBS at the till. Don't wait too long though as we only have a limited amount of free ones. They also come with an end cap as well.

These nibs will be stocked soon as a pack of three for £1.99.

Also as you prepare for Christmas we have stock of Paula Pascual Christmas stamp sets including

Joyful Bubbles - a A6 clear stamp set. Jackie is currently using these on her early Christmas workshops as well as some sentiments sets.

Recently added to our range

2011-07-18T22:08:00.000+01:00

Just in ....after waiting for stock to be produced, we have the new Christmas Molly Blooms Stamps, some fantastic new designs to play with and create lovely Christmas cards etc.
Our range of Clarity Stamps has also increased due to demand and these seem to be popular on classes.

A range of Ink Cartridges has also been stocked. They are compatible cartridges with the main printer manufacturers. Due to the shop next door moving away, we decided as so many people were coming in asking for ink cartridges that we ought to stock some. They are made by UK manufacturer Jet Tec and fully guaranteed.

For the model maker, we have some "just released" Airfix kits, including the Valiant aircraft.

Just in time for the school holidays we have more children's craft kits in stock and more to come.

New Workshop List for July to September just published

2011-06-17T23:48:00.001+01:00

Friday 17th June - our latest workshop list has been published.
It is available on our website and copies are available at our shop.
You can also follow the link below to download a copy .

This time we have a new tutor joining us as well a couple of "guest" tutors doing all day workshops. By popular demand we have Jenny Mayes from Hobby Art Stamps and Jane Gill from Woodware doing these all day ones.

Our own tutors are keeping up the very high standards of classes and we hope you enjoy looking through the list of different classes.
Included are:
Projects for all occasions as well as some early Christmas ideas
Card making
Scrap booking
Parchment Craft
Drawing & Colouring
Painting
Jewellery
Teddy Bear Making
Die Cutting and Embossing
Stamping and Punching

Booking commences on Saturday, so get in early to secure your place(s)

We hope that you like the topics and designs that our brilliant tutors have come up with.

See you soon,

Réne, John and all the team.

July to September 2011 Workshops

Lynne Gilbert comes to Wickford to demonstrate Grand Calibur, Cuttlebug and Masking/inking techniques

2011-06-03T22:05:00.000+01:00

On Saturday 4th June Lynne will be here between 10 - 4.
She will be using the Cuttlebug and Spellbinders Grand Calibur embossing and die cutting machines.
Lynne will also be showing how to use inks with mists, masks and more to create beautiful effects
We will be giving double points to Privilege cardholders on the day.
Buy a Cuttlebug and get the free embossing folder with the machine and choose another one free from us.

Also we have some amazing prices on templates from WS Designs, BCE and Crafters Delight - all at up to 70% off normal price.
We have also reduced our prices on some remains of previous Do Craft promotions to clear them and make way for new stock. These are at 1/2 price while stocks last.
Privilege card holders will also get points even on these heavily reduced prices!

Our day with Jenny Mayes from Hobby Art

2011-05-18T00:03:00.001+01:00

We've just had an all day workshop with Jenny Mayes, the designer of Hobby Art stamps.

Jenny came a few months ago to do a demonstration and so many customers asked if she could come and do classes she was happy to come and spend another day with us.

She bought with her 3 new stamp sets that have just been released.

Window Scene-It Sentiments Scene -It Big Bear Set

You can purchase them from the link below.

Hobby Art Clear Stamp Sets

There were 12 ladies on both the morning and afternoon sessions and they all enjoyed their finished creations as well as learning some new techniques.

We hope to have Jenny back in the future for some more workshops.

Saturday 7th May Lindsay Mason Visit

2011-05-17T00:10:00.001+01:00

Well Saturday was great!
We had a guest visit by Lindsay Mason, who was demonstration products supplied by Personal Impressions, one of our craft product suppliers.
Lindsay enjoyed her overnight stay locally on Friday night and marvelled at the new large HD TV in her hotel room!
On Saturday she was busy with stamping, using some of her own design clear stamp sets and the new Distress Ink Daubers. She created some lovely effects with these especially when used with a mini mister!

A popular design was the rose and the stamps quickly sold out.

Lindsay used some lovely new 12 x 12 double sided papers - all fabulous with glitter on.

Some cards were designed using the Martha Stewart Punches, particularly the Butterfly.

We all had a good time on the day, John even sat in at one point to show how it was done!

Lindsay will be returning later in the year, so we look forward to that date.

Thank you to all who came along on the day.

Getting ready for the weekend!

2011-05-05T21:27:00.000+01:00

Wow! what a busy week we have had and the next one will be just as busy!
Why?
We have had new stamps in from Molly Blooms - they are gorgeous and some have sold out already!
Loads of new painting and stencilling brush sets have arrived. There are brushes for Acrylics, Oils, Watercolours and some lovely speciality brushes, all at competitive prices.
A delivery of Dufex die cut decoupage has come in with some glorious new designs as well as new photo glue and silicone glue. Designs include lovely flowers and colourful butterflies. So many people asked us to stock Dufex again that we just had to.
Had new papers in from My Minds Eye range
Just opened a box today to find new items from Tim Holtz, loads of interesting bits. This also includes the new Distress Ink daubers. I wonder if any will get used on Saturday? Oh yes, this Saturday we are excited as we have another return visit to us by......
LINDSAY MASON.
Lindsay designs her own stamps, is a qualified Ranger Products demonstrator and works closely with Tim Holtz, when he is in the UK. She is often featured in magazines as well as on TV. On saturday she will be demonstrating products from Ranger and Personal Impressions.

Lindsay will be with us between 10 and 4. Just turn up, no need to book.

Next Monday we also have Amanda Sambrook starting her second series of miniature Teddy Bear making classes. Have you seen these? There is a bear on display near the till. A couple of places still available if you are interested to make your own "Sambrook Bear" which takes 3 weeks.
Then on Wednesday we have our first all day class - with special guest crafter - Jenny Mayes from Hobby Art. Jenny did a demonstration for us recently and was so popular that we quickly filled this workshop.
So plenty going on at the moment. Check back soon for more information.

Happy crafting
from
In2crafting

Bank Holiday Time is Here

2011-04-15T15:12:00.001+01:00

Hi folks

Don't forget it's our demo day tomorrow with Jane Gill making lovely dimensional flowers using Woodware punches. You can see full details on last week's post.

The ever wonderful Clarity stamps have been flying out. And due to this we have more winging their way and should be in any day now. So watch this space.

And most of us have some time off work to look forward to soon. So we are all looking forward to the Easter break and of course the Royal Wedding.

To celebrate we are giving double privilege points on both Bank Holiday Mondays.

Oh.. don't forget too, you still have time to use your Privilege Card Holder coupons sent to you earlier this month. Including a coupon that will give you a £5 gift voucher when you spend over £50 or £10 gift voucher when you spend over £100.

Hope you all enjoy your hard earned breaks and hope to see you tomorrow at the demo.

From John, Iréne and the In2crafting Team.

2011-04-08T16:02:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone

Hope you are enjoying this glorious weather we have been having. How bout a bit of crafting in the sun hey!

Not much time for us to enjoy the sun :-( Cos we are busy getting prepared for next week's demo with the very talented Jane Gill :-).

Jane has some great treats for us to see. Her forte is making dimensional paper flowers. Using nesties, punches, stamps, shrink plastic, glitter and much more to make some lovely creations

She'll also be using the new Crafty Edger from Woodware. This system easily enables you to line up border punches from the same range.

Here's an example of what is in store:

Don't forget it's free and there will be double Privilege Points on the day too!

Here's the deets:

Saturday 16th April from 10 am til 4pm - hope to see you if you can make it:

Have a fabulous week and hope to see you soon.

From John, Réne and all the In2crafting Team

New Workshop List Available Now

2011-03-18T16:26:00.001Z

Hi there

If you haven't already seen it the new workshop list for April-June is now available in shop and to download from our main website.

There are many wonderful classes to whet your appetite. One particular highlight is that we have managed to secure Jenny Mayes from Hobbyart for not one but two workshop classes on Wednesday 11th May. The morning is Floral from 10-12.30pm and Scene it in the afternoon 1.30pm to 4pm. See our workshop list for more details. If you are interested best be quick spaces are going super fast.

Talking of workshops. We have a few spaces left on this coming week's workshops as follows:

Tuesday, 22nd March - Water Colour Painting
Thursday, 24th March - Sliding Cards with Hidden Messages
Friday, 25th March - Inbetweenies cards suitable for pre-teens, Castle, Rocket and Angel cards

Other news for this week is that we have some really lovely new mini stamps come in the range is cArt-Us and there's many really sweet designs including fancy bird cages, fantasy butterflies and clock faces (which you can put hands at any time you like). And at £1.29 each it's a very affordable way to add to your collection.

Molly Bloom stamps update - unfortunately she is fashionably late. This is due to unprecedented demand. But the manufacturers are doing their best to keep up with it. So the good news is we've been told that she should arrive Monday/Tuesday next week.

Thats our news for this week.

Hope to see you back soon.
John, Iréne and the In2crafting team

Lots of new stock... o-err.

2011-03-12T13:09:00.005Z

Hi there crafters

Firstly apologies that it’s been a while since we’ve blogged. We have just been so busy with our trade show and getting in all the lovely new stock for you (and us) to coo over.

First off the blocks was the new Do Craft / Papermania range. If you haven’t already seen it there is, as ever, some very pretty collections. Including Pampered Pets and more of the very popular Country Companions. There’s even a range of products for the notoriously hard to craft for men!

If you missed Amanda Curtin on last week’s demo there was plenty of examples using this range. You can see a selection of what she made in the photo attached with more at the shop.

The good news is that if you did miss this demo, she was so popular we have decided to bring her back for next month’s demo on 2^nd April. Not too be missed!

Hunkydory Crafts

There was much squeals of excitement on opening the boxes of lots of lovely new Hunkydory Products. It’s worth a visit us to checkout what we’ve got for you. And if you are quick you might be able get yourself a copy of the highly sought after first issue of the Hunkydory magazine. They are now out of print so it’s a case of MIMO… miss it, miss out.

In the meantime you can see their latest range here: http://www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk/acatalog/latest_products.html

We have a very good selection of these. But if there is anything else you’d like don’t forget we’ll always happy to order it in. And that goes for any of the many brands that we stock.

Martha Stewart

We’ve also just had a delivery of Martha Stewart punches. They are so delish and great quality, we just couldn’t control Réne she got carried way and ordered loads. We have favourites back and new designs too.

Clarity Comes to Wickford

And…. drum roll…. we now stock the simply stunning Clarity Stamps as seen on TV in Barbara Gray’s wonderful demos.

We spent a good part of the day yesterday putting these into stock. There was much glee and excitement. So some… ahem… did find their way into our own shopping baskets. But not to worry we still have left plenty for you to choose from.

Have you seen?

Sally got really excited about an innovative new product the “Crafter Edger” from Woodware. She just can’t wait to use it on one of her classes!

It’s a clever system that allows you to do a border punch up to 12” length without having to match up the design yourself. It makes the task effortless.

You simply slot in your punch cartridge into the holder and run it along the ruler guide and pegs do the matching up for you.

The set comes with the attractive scallop ribbon slot design and many more available to buy separately (with more to come soon).

You can see it here: http://www.woodware.co.uk/detail_display01.php?ProdID=9780

Bling and things

For those of you who love your sparkle we just had a big delivery of Glitterati gems and embellishments. The perfect way to “ice” up your projects and make em shimmer n glow!

That’s it for this week. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Coming in next week is the very cute Molly Bloom range… more news soon on blog on this along with all the other things going on in In2crafting world.

Thanks for checking us out and hope to see you soon

Hugs x x x

John & Iréne and the In2crafting team

New In and Workshop Availability

2011-02-11T15:00:00.000Z

Hi fellow Bloggers

Just a little bit of news for today.

We have had some new stock coming in this week. Including the following:

Crafters Companion Printable Papers all suitable for most home printers. Adds a professional touch to all your crafty projects. Ideal to use with your lovely CD Roms:

Printable Light Card - £3.99 x 25 sheets - top quality 160gsm
Satin Finish Printer Paper - £3.99 x 50 sheets - high quality 100gsm paper.
Printable Decoupage Paper - £3.99 x 15 sheets - This paper is the ideal thickness for running through your printer and for cutting easily to give a professional finish to your decoupage images.

Also from Crafters Companion we have the wonderful Neenah Solar White (£3.99 x 20 sheets) it's wonderful top quality ultra smooth white card. Its perfect for colouring with your alcohol based pens like Promarkers.

Workshop Spaces

We have some spaces left on our workshops coming up this week as follows:

Friday 18th February

10am - Parchment Craft with Cherry

2pm - Beginners Drawing with Cherry

Saturday 19th Feburary

10 am - Cute & Cuddly Cards with Sharon

That's our news for now. Look forward to seeing you on your next visit.

John, Réne and the In2crafting Team.

TV's Jenny Mayes Demo (Hobby Art)

2011-02-04T15:03:00.006Z

We had a wonderful time last Saturday when the very talented Jenny Mayes demonstrated the new range of Hobby Art stamps and products.

Her ideas and designs are simply inspirational. Some of which you can see in the photos below.

She had a wealth of ideas using watercolour techniques, Promarker and Tombo Art Pens.

If you missed out on the demo you need not be disappointed. All the Hobby Art stamps & stamping products used in Jenny's demo are still available in the shop.

We have also increased our range of art materials. Now available are individual Winsor & Newton watercolour paints - in tubes and pans. With Daler Rowney System 3 artists acrylics to follow shortly.

Privilege Card holders are in for a treat over this Spring. We have emailed vouchers to existing card holders with great deals on FlowerSoft Toppers, embossing powders, card packs and decoupage sheets. With more to follow over the rest of spring.

Check in store (or call) for more details if you are interested in becoming a card holder and don't want to miss out.

That's our news for now. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit.

John, Réne and the In2crafting team.

Double Privilege Points until end of January

2011-01-20T22:25:00.000Z

Our Privilege Cardholders will have double points added to their balance for all purchases between 17th and 31st January!

We are also selling our Christmas themed items at 50% off including paper pads, stamps, punches and embellishments. Get stocked up for next year at 1/2 price.

Our Sale is now on!

2011-01-07T11:45:00.000Z

Come along and bag yourself a bargain with ...

20% of most lines

50% of Christmas lines

50% of Sizzix Dies

50% of Wooden mounted stamps

and 70% of selected lines (as marked)

Sale ends on Saturday 15th January 2011

From Monday 17th to 31st January we will be awarding double points to all our Privilege cardholders as an additional saving in January.

(Exclusions apply)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2010-12-31T12:05:00.001Z

Morning All!!

Just thought I'd let you know that our sale has now started!!

We are open today until 3pm, closed tomorrow but will re-open on Monday 3rd January with normal working hours.

Come along and bag yourself a bargain with ...

20% of most lines

50% of Christmas lines

50% of Sizzix Dies

50% of Wooden mounted stamps

and 70% of selected lines (as marked)

(Exclusions apply)

It's been a pleasure seeing you all over the last year especially when we moved into our new shop and now have more goodies for you to buy LOL

So .....

to you all and see you 2011!!

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

2010-12-24T10:47:00.002Z

Morning All!!!

Hope you are all prepared for Christmas ... I'm working until 2pm then off home to wrap final pressies, cook ham and generally wait for Santa to arrive!!

Just to let you know we are shutting today at 2pm (see above for the rest of opening times).

When we re-open next Thursday we are starting our sale!!

We will have ...

50% OFF CHRISTMAS GOODIES

50% OFF SIZZIX (exclusions apply)

50% OFF WOODEN STAMPS

20% OFF EVERYTHING ELSE (usual exclusions apply)
SALE ENDS SATURDAY 15TH JANUARY 2011

DUE TO ALL THE BARGAINS YOU WILL GET WE ARE UNABLE TO OFFER PRIVILEGE POINTS DURING THE SALE BUT .... WHEN THE SALE ENDS WE WILL HAVE A PERIOD WHERE PRIVILEGE CARD HOLDERS WILL RECEIVE DOUBLE POINTS ..
THIS WILL END ON MONDAY 31ST JANUARY 2011

All that's left to say is ......

SEE YOU IN 2011!!!

Big Hugs

xx Lynne xx

DECEMBER CHALLENGE WINNER!!!!

2010-12-17T14:24:00.000Z

Afternoon everyone!!

Sorry I'm a bit late in posting the winner of the December challenge but I've had a really busy week and just haven't found the time! But ...... I'm here now and can I say thank you so much for all the lovely entries we received - they were gorgeous - each and every one!!!

We had 8 entries and I put you all in Mr Random and the winner is ......

GILL HOWARD

CONGRATULATIONS GILL!!!!

Here's the winning card :o)

Such a beautiful card :o)

When you are next in the shop Gill don't forget to pick up your mystery prize - a bag full of goodies :o)

Just to let you know that we will be giving the challenges are miss over the Christmas period but will be back in January!!

Thank you all for the lovely entries you have wowed us with this year and look forward to seeing some more of the same next year.

Bye for now

xx Lynne xx

LIGHT UP WICKFORD ... LATE NIGHT OPENING TONIGHT!!!

2010-12-10T10:18:00.000Z

Morning All .... again LOL

Just thought I'd let you know that tonight is "LIGHT UP WICKFORD" ... the whole of the High Street will be closed to traffic and there will be Christmas Stalls, rides for children and most of the shops will be open late..... WE ARE OPEN LATE!!!! we will close briefly at 5pm (so we can eat dinner LOL) and then we will RE-OPEN AT 6:00pm UNTIL 9:00pm

There will double privilege points, Di and Sally will be demonstrating stamping, embossing and colouring techniques and there will be some samples for you to take away.

Réne will have some beads and jewellery making bits out for our younger crafters who can make a stretch cord bracelet

We will have Mulled Wine - to keep you warm and Seasonal Nibbles - to keep you going and lots of crafting goodies / scrapbooking goodies / art materials / models / kid's crafts and much, much more .. with double points too (exclusions apply as normal)

So we hope you can join us to celebrate the festive season :o)

Hope to see you there

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

CHALLENGE ENTRIES

2010-12-10T09:54:00.000Z

Morning All!!

Just thought I'd pop in and show you some wonderful entries we have had to this month's challenge :o)

'fred

Marion Doyle

Kay

Marion Smith

Veronica

Wendy

Thank you so much ladies your cards are all absolutely gorgeous - I'll keep my fingers crossed for you :o)

Don't forget you still have until Tuesday 14th at 9pm to enter CLICK HERE TO ENTER or you can email me your entry at lindasalmon826@btinternet.com

See you all soon

xx Lynne xx

A SNOW UPDATE

2010-12-04T10:09:00.000Z

Morning All

Just a little update - sorry it's late but we've had no internet access until now!

Today's class will be going ahead as normal starting at 10.30am finishing approx 1:00pm

Shop is open as normal today and we will be closing around 5:00pm

We would love to see you .... but if you do come out in this weather be very, very careful!!

Be back later with some challenge entries and other general news :o)

xx Lynne xx

Snow Again!!

2010-12-02T08:23:00.000Z

To let you know that we are postponing this mornings class at the shop due to the fresh fall of overnight snow and the forcast of more to come today. We do not feel that we can ask you to come out in this icy weather unless you really have to. Having spoken to everyone that was due to be on the class this morning - everyone would rather do the class on another day in better travelling conditions.
We will re schedule all the postponed classes and let you know the new dates as soon as we can see the break in the weather!

We will be open at the shop today, so if you are passing - call in, you will be sure of a warm welcome.

Réne & John

Snow update ! Wed 1st Dec 2010

2010-12-01T08:17:00.000Z

The shop will be open today but will probably close at 3.30 to allow staff to get home safely. This will be subject to weather conditions.
Unfortunately we have had to cancel todays class as some people will not be able to make it and we do not want to ask people to travel on icy roads. We will re book the class and let you know the new date.

DEMO DAY!!!

2010-11-18T11:08:00.000Z

Morning All

Just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who came along on Saturday for the Demo. I had such a good time (so much so I didn't even take a break!!!! - but anyone who knows me - knows I can easily talk for 6 hours non stop!!!!)

I hope you all enjoyed it and got some inspiration for Christmas
Thought I'd upload some of the cards I made on the day for those of you who couldn't make it - there are many more in the shop - so if you pop in feel free to have a browse through the basket of them

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you soon

xx Lynne xx

NOVEMBER CHALLENGE

2010-11-15T20:05:00.001Z

Evening All!!!

Hope you all had a good day :o)

So here is this month's challenge and this time we are back to following a sketch - any theme - birthday, christmas ... whatever you like as long as you follow the sketch

I don't mind if you rotate it but you need to keep to the basic layout ... also ... as you can see we have an added extra of Circles ... I want to see lots of circles!!!! Punches, die cuts I don't mind :o)

Here is what the DT came up with

So ... all you need to do to enter is to follow the theme and leave a comment below with a link to your blog post not just your blog please, if you don't have a blog feel free to email your entry to me at lindasalmon826@btinternet.com or - if you live locally - pop your entry into the shop - you can enter as many times as you like but no back linking please.

But, most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!

The prize this time is a bag full of suprise goodies for you to play with - everyone loves a surprise right????

So what are you waiting for - get crafting!!!!!

Can't wait to see what you come up with :o)

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

OCTOBER CHALLENGE WINNER!!!

2010-11-15T12:41:00.000Z

Morning all!!

Thank you to everyone who took part in last month's challenge :o)

We had a total of 9 entries .... so I put all numbers into Random.Org and shuffled them about a bit and the winner is ..........

NO. 3

KAY CONEY

CONGRATULATIONS KAY!!!!

Here's her card

What a beauty!!!! Absolutely Gorgeous Kay!!!!

When you are in the shop next don't forget to pick up your prize :o)

Check back later when I will be uploading the new challenge and some lovely DT Cards for inspiration.
Until then ...
xx Lynne xx

WE ARE ON T.V.!!!!!

2010-11-12T11:16:00.001Z

Hello again ... 2nd post of the day .... how exciting is this!!!! We are going to be on T.V.!!!!

On Wednesday (10th November) a BBC camera crew came to our shop to do some filming and we will be on t.v. on Sunday 21st November at midday (I think) The Politics Show. Here are some pics taken whilst they were filming :o)

So look out for us on that day!!!

AND A FINAL WORD .... DON'T FORGET OUR DEMO TOMORROW - SATURDAY 13TH ... QUICK AND EASY CHRISTMAS CARDS WITH ME... LYNNE

LOTS OF INSPIRATION (hopefully LOL) FOR THOSE LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS CARDS THAT DON'T TAKE THAT LONG TO MAKE :o)

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

xx Lynne xx

CHALLENGE ENTRIES

2010-11-12T10:56:00.000Z

Good Morning All!!

Just thought I'd show you some challenge entries we have had from some local ladies who come into our shop regularly

Carol

Eirwen

Lorraine

Marion S

Marion D

Wendy

I think you will all agree that they are gorgeous!!! Thank you ladies :o)

You still have until 9pm on Sunday to enter this month's challenge CLICK HERE for all the details

Hope to see your creations before then

xx Lynne xx

JUST A LITTLE CATCH UP!!

2010-11-05T11:09:00.007Z

Hi Everyone!!!

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted anything - busy, busy, busy!!!!

Anyway .... thought I'd give you a quick update on what's going on :o)

Tommorow, Saturday 6th November we have a Parchment demo with our Tutor Cherry Trapmore - she will be here from 2pm - 4pm showing you a variety of things including tools you need, embossing and pricking. Pop along and see this fantastic technique in action and then you have the opportunity to book on one of Cherry's classes either Tuesday afternoons or Friday mornings.

Then ... next Saturday 13th November I will be doing a demo on Quick and Easy Christmas Cards. I will be here from 10:00 - 4:00pm and I will be using an assortment of stamps, papers, decoupage, embossing folders and die cut toppers to show you just how quick your cards can be but still look like you've spent hours making them!!

It's all free ... so please come along and join us and say hello :o)

Don't forget as well that you still have just over a week to enter our challenge CLICK HERE for details - entries need to be in by 9pm on Sunday 14th November and I will announce a winner on Monday 15th.

NOW IN STOCK as well is the new promotion of DO CRAFTS - there are some fantastic things this time, the new Woodland, Born to Shop and Oriental ranges, some brilliant mini punches, beautiful flowers and much, much more!!! Pop in to take a look or CLICK HERE

I think that's all for now .... hopefully see you at the Demo tomorrow and again on Saturday 13th November as well :o)

See you all soon

xx Lynne xx

OCTOBER CHALLENGE!!

2010-10-15T12:54:00.002+01:00

Good Morning Blogland!!

I'm back with another challenge - so sorry we've been absent for a month but due to both shop commitments and DT personal commitments we had to miss a month but ... we are back !!!

This month it's our Michelle's turn to be Guest Challenger and she has chosen :

A CHRISTMAS THEME with a Recipe

3 SNOWFLAKES (at least)

2 PATTERNED PAPERS

1 RIBBON

This month we are giving away a brilliant prize - a Flippin Women stamp set - and .. you guessed it ... it's the "Crafting" one!! (unfortunately we are only able to post the prize in the UK)

Here is what the DT have come up with

Janice has used papers from DCWV and embossed them with swiss dots Cuttlebug embossing folder

Nestabilities - tags, squares, scallop squares

Laura has used a Wild Rose Studio Milton Clear Stamp and coloured with promarkers

Snowflakes are from Anitas by Papermania

Click Here to visit's Lynne's Blog

Lynne has used Magnolia Stamps - Tilda with christmas gift and Merry Christmas Tag

Papers from Cosmo Cricket paper stack - Cosy Mittens

The snowflakes are from Marianne Creatables

Michelle has used printable Papers and Decoupage from Wild Rose Studio Christmas CD Rom

Nestabilities - Labels One

Réne has used punch around the page from Martha Stewart - Snowflakes

Background paper from Craft Creations

Mini Clear Stamp - Snowflake Tree - from Kars

Marianne Die Cuts - Eastern Ovals

Snowflakes from Marianne Creatables

Click Here to visit Sharon's personal Blog

Sharon has used Craft Creations background papers

Cut n Emboss snowflake from Sizzix

The challenge is open until 9pm on the 14th November so you have a whole month!!

So now you have loads of inspiration I want to see lots of entries this month :o)

All you need to do to enter is to leave a comment on this post leaving us a link to your blog post (not just your blog please) and we will pop over and take a look. If you don't have a blog, that's not a problem just email me at lindasalmon826@btinternet.com with a picture of your card, or if you live locally to the shop just pop your entry in and I will take a picture of it :o)

There are not many rules but if in doubt please check in the sidebar :o)

All that's left for me to say is HAVE FUN!!!!

Can't wait to see all your lovely creations

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

JUST A CATCH UP :O)

2010-10-08T15:57:00.002+01:00

GOOD AFTERNOON ALL!!!

How are you??

I'm so sorry it's been a while since I been on here but I've been away for almost 3 weeks!!! Back to work now though and back to the important business of blogging!!

I know you all must be thinking what's happened to the Challenge - we are still doing it but because of being away this month's challenge has lapsed - so very sorry about that :o( - but ... we are now all back in action after holidays, shop openings etc and are all buzzing to get back to our cards.

The next challenge will be uploaded here on Friday 15th October with Michelle as our "Guest Challenger" - i'll keep you in suspense as to what the theme will be though :o) check back on the 15th for all the details and our DT cards.

We've had a busy couple of months here at In2Crafting and a few demos along the way - I did colouring techniques and then we had a Do Crafts one and last but certainly not least Di did a Cuttlebug one last week - thank you all so much for coming along and hopefully getting some inspiration

Here are some of the pictures of Di's Demo

and here are some pictures of the beautiful card samples she made :o)

If you want to leave a comment and tell Di how wonderful she is I'm sure she wouldn't mind lol :o)

So ... until the next time I'll say bye for now

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

Die Cutting & Embossing with Di Cox

2010-10-01T11:53:00.001+01:00

This Saturday ~ 2nd October we have Di demonstrating the varied and wonderful things you can create using a Cuttlebug or Big Shot machine.
Most of our cards and projects have an element of embossing or a die cut on them and you can do so much more with one of these machines.
Come in between 10am and 4pm and see Di - its free to view and also free to park in the main car park on Saturday!
We will also be issuing double points on your Privilege card during the day as well as some offers on the Big Shot Machine (which is in stock) and pre orders for Cuttlebug machine. Unfortunately the European distributor has run out of stock of Cuttlebugs until the end of October. This is a factor outside of our control.

AUGUST CHALLENGE WINNER

2010-09-15T08:59:00.000+01:00

Good Morning Blogland!!

Thanks to everyone who took part in last month's challenge - "Magnolias Only" along with Sally's Sketch - hope you all had fun!!

We had 9 entries this time - all beautiful cards :o) but, unfortunately there can only be one winner - and that is ...............

NO 6 - WENDY

with this gorgeous entry :o)

Well done Wendy - whenever you are in next pick up your prize :o)

Regarding this month's challenge :

Unfortunately we are delaying it for a couple of weeks due to commitments on the part of the DT - I will be uploading the new challenge - week commencing 4th October

Thanks again for all your beautiful entries :o)

Bye for now

xx Lynne xx

CHALLENGE ENTRIES!!!

2010-09-05T13:56:00.000+01:00

Afternoon Blogland :o)

Hope you are all okay and having a good weekend :o)

Just thought I'd pop by and show you a couple of challenge entries I received this week - they are absolutely fab!!!

Gorgeous cards Ladies - I love them!!!!

Come on everyone else - where's your entries this time????? Surely you all love Magnolias????

Click Here to be taken to the challenge post with all the details - you still have until 9pm on 14th September to enter and the prize is a Magnolia stamp of your choice - and the new order goes in this week!!!!

Look forward to seeing some more entries before deadline :o)

Bye for Now

xx Lynne xx

MY DEMO LAST SATURDAY

2010-08-24T16:52:00.003+01:00

Afternoon Blogland

Thank you all so much for coming to the demo on Saturday and saying hello :o)

You were all so kind with your lovely comments - it makes the hardwork preparing so worthwhile :o) I hope you all got some inspiration and ideas.

I thought I would post my cards I made so if you didn't get a chance to come along or you forgot to take photos you can look here :o)

Hope they are of some help to you

Thanks again and see you all soon

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

CHALLENGE ENTRY

2010-08-24T16:34:00.001+01:00

Hey Everyone!!

Hope you are all well - just thougth I'd pop by and show you an entry I've received that was dropped into the shop

How cute is this!!

This adorable card was made by Eirwen - good luck in the challenge :o)

The challenge is still open and won't close until 14th September - click on the link on the sidebard to take you to the correct post and show us what you've got :o)

Bye for now

xx Lynne xx

AUGUST CHALLENGE - MAGNOLIA'S ONLY!!!!

2010-08-16T12:06:00.005+01:00

Good Morning All!!

Hope you are all well.

Sorry I'm late in posting this month's challenge - i've had a very busy few days!

Anyway ..... this month's challenge I'm very excited about - as you probably know we are now stocking Magnolia stamps - so, as the title says, this month's challenge is -

MAGNOLIA'S ONLY plus sketch

Sally is our Guest "Sketcher" this month and she has given us a great sketch to work with - I also need you to use Magnolia stamps only as your main image.

As usual you can interpret the sketch however you choose, you can resize and rotate but you must stick to the original sketch.

Our prize this month is a Magnolia stamp of your choice

(subject to stock availability)

Here are the DT cards

Click Here for Di's Blog

Di has used Tilda with Cute Skirt coloured with promarkers, Basic Grey DP - Wisteria, Marianne Flower punch and emboss due and oval nestabilities

Janice has used

Mega Curved Rectangle Nestabilities, Woodware leaves punch, Papermania Capsule collection petals, glitterati gems on tiara and promarkers

Laura has used Princess Tilda coloured with promarkers, new range of Do Crafts 12x12 papers, Martha Stewart Doiley Lace border punch

Click Here for Lynne's Blog

I have used "Hanging Tilda" coloured with promarkers, Papermania DP - Summer Bloom, My own digital sentiment, Craft Creations self adhesive roses and oval nestabilities

Michelle has used "Happy Tilda" coloured with promarkers, Martha Stewart deep edge border punch, Papermania DP - Henbury Lane

Tilda on Bike, Summer Background and Signpost all by Magnolia, Background papers are from our "20p stack"

Click Here for Sharon's Blog

Sharon has used

Sentiment stamp is from Inca, oval nestabilites, papers from Sharon's stash and Bazzill card

Hope you like our DT Cards and look forward to seeing all your "Maggie" cards :o)

Bye for now

xx Lynne xx

SHOP OPENING AND CHALLENGE WINNER

2010-08-15T21:32:00.000+01:00

Hey All,

Sorry I'm late in posting - been out today

Anyway thank you for your entries to last month's challenge Christmas in July - we only had 6 entries (a bit disappointing) hopefully there will be more next month.

I numbered you in the order I received the entries and mixed you all up and ..... the winner is .......

NO 6

GILL HOWARD

and here is Gill's card - Absolutely Gorgeous! - thank you Gill

When you are in the shop next please pick up your prize :o)

Before I sign off I wanted to share with you some pictures taken at the end of business on Saturday to show those of you who haven't managed to pop in yet what the new shop looks like :o)

I'll be back tomorrow with the new challenge :o)

See you all then

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

NEW SHOP!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-07T12:22:00.000+01:00

Good Morning All

Well .......... the time has finally arrived - at 5:00pm this evening our shop at Alpha Garden Centre will close :o( - we will spend the next 3 days packing up and moving all the goodies and then, on WEDNESDAY 11TH AUGUST AT 9.30AM the New Shop at the Ladygate Centre in Wickford Town Centre will open :o) It's sooooooooo exciting!!!!!!

Here are a few more pics

The new Till Area

The new workshop area - so airy and bright

By Wednesday hopefully the ladders and boxes will be gone lol and the shop will be filled with lots of crafting goodies

We would like to thank you all for your good wishes and general "excitement" at the move - it's so lovely to hear that you can't wait for us to be there and most of you have said you will be there on Wednesday to support us

Thank you all so much it means a lot :o)

Bye for now and ..... see you at the new shop!!

xx Lynne xx

CHALLENGE ENTRIES

2010-08-01T11:42:00.001+01:00

Morning Everyone!!

Hope you are all enjoying the weekend :o) - what a busy day it was yesterday it was the start of our "PRE-MOVE - CAN'T CARRY IT ALL" SALE - for all of this coming week you get 20% off PLUS your privilege points (exclusions apply) so have a look online or pop in and treat yourself :o)
Don't panic though, we will still be stocking all your favourites but we also need to make some room for some new goodies :o)

Anyway .... this week I've had another couple of entries for our Christmas in July challenge

(Alice tells me this is first competition she has entered - absolutely fab first entry is all I can say!!)

Both very different designs but equally as gorgeous - well done ladies you did a grand job - good luck in the challenge :o)

Be back later in the week with an update on the shop and maybe some more pics

See you all soon

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

DEMO DAY

2010-07-27T22:53:00.000+01:00

Evening All!!

A big thank you to everyone who came along on Saturday to see Kay demo the Hougie Board - what a brilliant piece of equipment it is. Sorry I couldn't be there in person - I was at a wedding watching my daughter be bridesmaid but by all accounts you all enjoyed yourself and lots of you went away clutching your own Hougie!!

Some of Kay's Samples

Next demo, all being well, is ME!!!!!

Keep your eyes peeled and I will post more details soon

Bye for Now :o)

xx Lynne xx

CHALLENGE ENTRIES AND DEMO DAY!!

2010-07-23T11:24:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone!!

Hope you have had a good week and are looking forward to the weekend - don't forget to pop down tomorrow to see Kay Rutter here demonstrating the Hougie Board and the amazing shaped cards you can make .... and .... it's many other uses :o)

The demo starts at 10.00am and finishes at approximately 4.00pm. No need to book, just turn up and take a seat!!

This week I have had two Challenge entries - one by email and one handed into the shop - both are gorgeous!!!

Maria Pert

Marion Doyle

thank you ladies for your lovely creations :o) and for making a start on Chrismtas!

The challenge is still running and will close at 9.00pm on 14th August -

Click Here for more details

Hope to see you all at the demo tomorrow

Bye for now

xx Lynne xx

NEW SHOP UPDATE!!

2010-07-21T20:33:00.000+01:00

Evening All!!

Just thought I'd give you an update ...

Everything is going well at the new shop - things are moving along nicely. I popped in on Tuesday morning to have a little look and took my camera with me :o)

Here are some new pics

As you can see its light and airy and has lots of room for new goodies.

Hopefully you will all be shopping here by early August ... can't wait!!!!

AND ... DON'T FORGET ... SATURDAY IS DEMO DAY

SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

A SNEAKY PEAK!!

2010-07-16T16:52:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon All!!

I'm very, very, very excited!!!! to say the least!!! I can, at last, tell you that Magnolia stamps are coming to a craft shop near you - In2Crafting to be precise!!!!

We will be stocking Magnolia stamps and can't wait to display them in the new shop - I can't tell you how happy this makes the girls and me!!!!!

Last Monday evening we had a crafty get-together and we had a play - boy did we have fun!!!

Would you like to see what we did ?????

I hope that you are all as excited by this news as we are and a little birdie tells me that there will be classes on the next workshop list devoted to these little darlings!!!

WATCH THIS SPACE!!

Lots of Love

See you soon

xx Lynne xx

ALMOST FORGOT THE FREE DOWNLOAD!!

2010-07-15T22:26:00.000+01:00

Hi again :o)

I almost forgot .... I was just shutting down my laptop for the night and I remembered that because the challenge this month is "Christmas in July" I am also giving you a free download of Christmas Sentiments to maybe use on your card

Click Here to download the sentiments

Sorry about that lol :o)

See you all soon

xx Lynne xx

JUNE CHALLENGE WINNER

2010-07-15T17:18:00.002+01:00

Hello All

Thank you to everyone who took part in last month's challenge - your cards were gorgeous!!! I numbered the entries as I received them and put all your names in a hat and picked out the winner

I can now reveal that the winner is ............

NO. 5 - KAY!!!

Here is Kay's winning card

Well done Kay!! - when you are next in the shop pick up your prize - and don't forget to have a go at the new challenge CHRISTMAS IN JULY (scroll down for details)
xx Lynne xx

JULY CHALLENGE - CHRISTMAS IN JULY!!!

2010-07-15T17:08:00.000+01:00

Hey All!!

Hope you are all well :o)

And now for this month's challenge - I thought I would give you some freedom with the layout this time and give you a theme instead -

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

So .... it's entirely up to you - santa, snowmen, mistletoe, poinsettas, wreaths .... anything you like as long as it's Christmas!!!

You have until 9.00pm on 14th August to enter - see details of how to enter on the sidebar - you could be the lucky winner of this new stamp set from Papermania

Here are the DT Cards

Click Here for Di's blog

Marianne Creatables Cut n Emboss Poinsettas

Snoesjes Clear Stamp - Snow Fun

Marianne Creatables - Swirl/Circle

Craft Creations 12 x 12 paper

Cuttlebug Folder - Winter House

Square and Scallop Square Nestabilities

Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities

Snowflake Punch - EK Success

Click Here for Laura's Blog

Most of Laura's card was made using items from the Do Crafts Christmas Goody Bag

Popcorn Bear Stamp - All Wrapped Up

Click Here for Lynne's Blog

Percy and Penelope - A4 Paper Pack

Percy and Penelope Clear Stamp Set

Labels One - Nestabilities

Selection of Snowflake punches

A Winter's Tale paper pad

Nellie Snellen Stamp

Click Here for Sharon's Blog

Bear Essentials Clear Stamps Set - Buzzcraft

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Snowflakes

Craftime Glitter Parcels

Craft Creations 12 x 12 paper

I have to offer apologies on behalf of Sally and Réne this month as due to other commitments haven't been able to do a card - but they will be back next month.

Look forward to seeing all your entries :o)

Bye for now

xx Lynne xx

MORE CHALLENGE INSPIRATION

2010-07-10T08:57:00.000+01:00

Morning All!!

Lovely morning and hope where you are the sun is shining and you can enjoy it :o)

I received another email entry today from one of our lovely ladies - 'Fred :o)

Love the "grass" and the embossing :o)

See you all soon

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

NEW CARDS!!

2010-07-09T08:43:00.000+01:00

Morning All :o)

Just a quick posting before I go to work ..... mmmm I think I'd rather be sunning myself in the garden lol!

I have just received two more challenge entries and here they are :

this beauty is by Marion Doyle

Another beauty by Kay Coney

Well done ladies ... your cards are gorgeous!!! good luck with the challenge

Seems you all like to leave it to the last minute lol - so, dont forget, you have until 9pm on 14th July to enter.

See you all Soon

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

CHALLENGE ENTRY ALERT!!

2010-07-07T19:56:00.000+01:00

Good Evening All!!

Just a quick posting as i've just come in from having a lovely lunch with my brothers for one of their birthdays :o) I picked up my emails and received another challenge entry. This one is from Veronica.

Isn't it beautiful! The embossed dragonfly is just gorgeous!!

Good luck with the challenge Veronica :o)

See you all soon

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

NEW SHOP!!

2010-07-06T13:55:00.001+01:00

Hiya All!!

Just a quick post to keep you up to date :o)

By now you probably all know we are moving into Wickford. It's going to be great - bigger shop, two floors but best of all our own toilets and hot water!!!! Hooray!!!!

Seriously though... it's going to give us the opportunity of stocking a wide range of goodies and being able to display it properly so that you can all see what you MUST HAVE lol !! As yet we don't have a moving date but if you check back here regularly I will keep you posted on everything that is happening.

We are going to be situated in the Ladygate Centre in Wickford Town Centre, just beside Somerfield and opposite Choice (see pics on the right) which is walking distance from Wickford mainline station, on lots of bus routes and for those of you who drive, you get 1.5 hours free parking in Somerfield, free parking all day Saturday in the main car park and if you just need to "pop in", behind the church there is a car park that is just 20p for half an hour.

If you live outside of Wickford here is a map to give you an idea of where we will be

Cant wait to see you all there

Bye for now

xx Lynne xx

NEW PRODUCTS JUST IN!!

2010-07-05T15:44:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone!!

Just thought I'd pop by and show you what i've been playing with. On Friday we had a delivery from Kanban and lots of new goodies arrived - I pinched a few lol and have made a couple of cards to show you.

This card was made using the new range Wooly Bear - Girls on the Move - in the kit you get a sheet of die cut toppers and an A4 sheet of matching card - I have also used some of the new 10p card that has just come in to make the inside special too - and I still had this over for more cards

Next is a similar kit - this time - Football Mad - once again you get a sheet of die cut toppers and an A4 sheet of matching card - this time I used the matching card and folded it to make the base card, matted and layered some bazill card and added some ribbon.

Although I've no card left I still have toppers left for other projects

With both cards I have made my own card candy by cutting 1/4" circles with a plier punch and embossing them from the back to make them "domed" and attaching them with a foam pad - I think this just finishes them off

Hope you like them and thanks for looking :o)

Lots of Love

xx Lynne xx

ANOTHER CHALLENGE ENTRY

2010-07-03T08:34:00.000+01:00

Good Morning All!!

Lorraine popped into the shop yesterday and gave me her challenge entry - and here it is!!

Isn't is beautiful!! Good luck with the challenge Lorraine :o)

Now ..... where are all the rest of you???? You've got until 9pm on the 14th July to enter - so come on - get those creative juices flowing and let's see some masterpieces lol.

Anyway off to work now

See you all soon

xx Lynne xx

CHALLENGE ENTRY

2010-06-27T16:23:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon All!!

Well I dont know about you but I can't watch England anymore .... my nerves can't take it lol, so I though I'd share with you a challenge entry I've just received from Gill Howard

Your card is beautiful Gill, good luck with the Challenge :o)

So where are all your entries this month?? I'm getting a little despondent now :o(

Come on Everyone

Show me what you've got, when I log on next I want to see lots of new entries

Bye for now

xx Lynne xx

WINNER OF THE FREE DEMO PRIZE DRAW!!!

2010-06-24T20:48:00.000+01:00

Hey Everyone!!

Just a quick posting this evening to let you know the winner of our free prize draw last Saturday on Demo Day. All of you who made a purchase on Saturday and used your privilege card (why wouldn't you when we had double points lol!!! ) were entered into our free prize draw - and I can now reveal the winner was ..................

Debra Sherry-Brennan

Well done Debra I hope you enjoy spending your £25.00 gift voucher on lots of new goodies.

See you all soon :o)

Lynne xx

DEMO DAY!!

2010-06-20T12:19:00.001+01:00

Hi Everyone!!

And a Happy Fathers Day to all you dads out there :o)

What a great day it was yesterday - so many of you turned up to see our very talented demonstrators Lynne and Viv provide you with great ideas and lots of inspiration - their cards were truly amazing!! From what you all said the general feedback was a great day - we enjoyed seeing you all as well (even if we couldn't squeeze out back to see what was going on lol!!)

Here are just a few samples of the lovely cards the girls brought with them - aren't they beautiful!!!!

and a beautiful project for a box cover

Dont forget everyone who made a purchase yesterday and used their privilege card was entered into a prize draw for a £25.00 gift voucher, the draw will take place in the morning and as soon as I know the lucky winner I will post it here.

Have a lovely day and see you all soon

Lots of Love :o) xx

JUST A REMINDER

2010-06-17T14:58:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone!!

Just a quick posting ... First of all just to remind you about the Demo Day this Saturday - come along if you can - Lynne Gilbert will be here showing all sorts of techniques and inspiration using cosmic shimmers, new unmounted stamp sets, distress inks and lots, lots more!!! Its free - just come along anytime between 10:00am and 4:00pm and enjoy!! :o) !!

While I'm here posting I thought I'd show you two father's day cards I made using things I'd forgotten I had (don't we all do that!!) This one is from my children to my father-in-law and I used the Flippin' Men range of stamps "Football" Click Here for availability, I coloured him with promarkers but just used the "Warm Grey" range giving the image an old fashioned feel - I stamped out the border three times, coloured it in then punched the circles out (green 1" woodware punch) to make a background. I computer generated the sentiment and then punched it out (yellow 1.5" woodware punch)

Hope you like it :o)

The second one is for my father-in-law again but this time from my hubby and me - this time I used the Jayne Netley Mayhew animal CD Rom Click Here for availability - I isolated an image (see tutorial HERE for a step by step guide), I then printed 4 copies and cut them out using a nestabilitie shape gradually getting smaller to make my own pyramage. The papers were printed out from the CD as well onto pearl paper.

Keep watching as I am going to post a tutorial on how to make this type of pyramage soon!!

Thanks for looking and hope to see you all at the Demo on Saturday :o)

By the way if any crafting goodies I use are not in stock just give the shop a ring on 01268 730234 and we will be more than happy to order them in for you and post them out if you don't live locally

Ta Ta for Now xx

JUNE SKETCH CHALLENGE

2010-06-15T16:44:00.000+01:00

Hello Everyone!!

Hope you are all having a good day :o)

Well ... here it is .... the June Challenge and this month DT member Di is our host / guest designer. She did a workshop on sketches a while ago which proved very popular and this was one of them - so it was all new to me this time lol!! Don't forget you can rotate it or resize it but just keep to the basic sketch

We all want to see lots of entries this time either by posting a comment with a link to your blog post so we can pop over a take a look, if you don't have a blog email your entry to me at lindasalmon826@btinternet.com or if you live locally pop it into the shop, here's what you can win this time around - one of the new Cuttlebug folders just out

Might just have to get this one myself :o)

Anyway here is what our Design Team have come up with :-

Click Here to visit Di's blog

Click Here to visit Laura's blog

Click Here to visit Lynne's blog

Click Here to visit Sharon's blog

Well I hope you like all our creations and they give you the inspiration you need to join us this month .... go on - give it a go!!!

Lots of Love

Lynne xx

AND THE WINNER IS ......

2010-06-15T08:33:00.002+01:00

Good Morning Everyone!!

I can't believe how quickly May has gone and we are halfway through June - time flies by when you are having fun crafting!!

Anyway thank you to everyone who entered our challenge last month - the number of entrants are rising and we want to see lots more next month because we all love seeing what you create - check back later for the June challenge.

So ............... onto our winner ..........................

No. 5
JULIE!!!!

Well done Julie - can you email your address at lindasalmon826@btinternet.com and I will pop your prize in the post to you

Here is Julie's entry - I'm sure you will agree it is gorgeous!!! Love the mucky pup!!

Be sure to join us again next month :o)

SENTIMENT EASEL CARD

2010-06-13T14:22:00.001+01:00

Hi Everyone

Earlier this week I posted a tutorial on how to isolate an image in a PDF document and gave you a freebie to try - hope you have all had a go.

I wanted to make a card with the sentiment sheet but have been out of action this week as I have had a new kitchen fitted (click here if you want to be nosy lol)

Anyway... my craft area is back to normal now so I made a card this morning just using the two sentiments from the sheet, nestabilities and paper from a paper stack called "planes & Trains"

I cut both sentiments using nestabilities, and then distressed the edges before I removed then - leaving a white border - the main sentiment is from Labels 2 and the "Just for You" is from the Ovals set.

Hope you like it :o) xx

TUTORIALS - HOW TO ISOLATE AN IMAGE IN A PDF DOCUMENT PLUS A FREEBIE!!!

2010-06-07T14:36:00.003+01:00

Hello Everyone

Hope you all had a good weekend. I've "officially" got a week off this week as I'm having my new kitchen fitted but ... I'm sitting in the lounge with no water, no kitchen and a craft area that looks like a dump site so I thought i'd post this tutorial I prepared last week to show you how to isolate an image from a PDF document - this works well with CD Roms that open up as a PDF i.e. Joanna Sheen -i've also given you a FREEBIE of some wording sentiments - you could print the page out as a whole or follow these instructions to just print out the sentiment you would like to work with. So ......

Firstly

Open up your pdf document

At the top on the toolbar you need to make sure to have a “snapshot tool” (this is a picture of a camera)

– if you don’t see it - simply click “Tools” then "customise toolbars"

this will open a new window - scroll down to almost the bottom and you need to “tick” the box next to “snapshot tool” – click ok - this will add it to your tool bar.

Now click on the snapshot tool (camera) – as you move your mouse around the document you will see that it has changed to a cross “ + “

Position this cross at the top left of the image you want to isolate – keep the left click of your mouse depressed and “drag” it over the image – it will turn blue – as you release the mouse a new window will pop up and it will say “the selected area has been copied” – click ok

Click back on the document and this will get rid of the blue square.

Now open up whatever programme you use to print out from i.e. Microsoft word, right click and then click paste.

You now have your "isolated one image" and just print as you would normally

So .... give it a go and try it with this freebie - a collection of sentiment meanings

These also look great if you cut them out with nestabilities to make a shaped greeting

Click Here to download this file

Hope you find this useful and please please let me know what you think, leave me a comment below :o) xx

THEY KEEP ON COMING!!!

2010-06-02T16:55:00.001+01:00

Good afternoon everyone!!

Gorgeous day isn't it :o)

Popped into the shop today to pick up some goodies I had ordered and found another two challenge entries had been dropped off. I'm so glad that you are having a go at our sketches - These two cards, like all the others, are beauties!!! Each one of them all so different - that's what I love - they way you are all interpreting the sketch in your own way.

So ............ keep them coming everyone - you have until 14th June to enter

Good luck to everyone :o) xx

KEEP THOSE ENTRIES COMING!!

2010-06-01T13:41:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone!!

Hope you all had a good Bank Holiday weekend .... despite the weather

Just thought I'd share with you another email entry I received today - isn't it great - love the colours so bright and cheery on this wet and dismal day.

Don't forget you have until June 14th to enter the challenge - go on have a go .... you never know you just might win :o) xx

ANOTHER EMAIL CHALLENGE ENTRY!!

2010-05-27T21:34:00.001+01:00

Hey everyone!!

Me again

Just thought I'd share another email challenge entry with you - they are all soooo lovely - this one makes me want to put the kettle on, have a cup of tea and some cookies - chocolate of course - lol!! It makes my day to see your great cards and how you are all playing along - keep up the good work and good luck :o) xx

MAY CHALLENGE ENTRIES

2010-05-27T14:30:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone!!!

Just a quick posting ..... thought I'd share with you a couple of challenge entries I have received by e-mail - aren't they gorgeous!!!! Well done girls and good luck :o)

Remember you have until 14th June to enter - just link me to your blog post, email me your entry or pop it into the shop - whatever is best for you ............. I'm waiting!!!!

LINDSAY MASON DEMO DAY

2010-05-24T14:15:00.000+01:00

Hey Everyone!!

What a brilliant weekend - Lindsay Mason demo on Saturday and lovely and hot on Sunday - Bliss!!!

Thank you to everyone who came along on Saturday - I think we can all agree that Lindsay does a great demo!!

She showed us some great things to do with alcohol inks .....

and if you wasn't already in love with Martha Stewart punches you are now!

All in all I think everyone went home with lots of ideas and inspiration which is what it is all about - so thank you Lindsay for another great day and look forward to seeing you again.

APRIL SKETCH CHALLENGE WINNER!!!!

2010-05-15T17:52:00.001+01:00

Good Evening!!

Hope you have all had a good day today - I have now finished my Cricut classes for the week and can relax a little. Anyway just thought you would all like to know who the winner of the April Challenge is ......

Drum Roll Please ......

ANIKA - ANIKRAFT

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Please contact me on lindasalmon826@btinternet.com with your details and I can get your goodies sent out to you

Here is Anika's card - what a beauty!!!!

MAY CHALLENGE

2010-05-15T07:53:00.012+01:00

Good Morning All!!!

Welcome to another challenge - well it is supposed to be spring but I can't see much evidence at the moment so ........ get yourself comfy and join in this month's challenge - thank you to everyone who took part last month and check back later to see who has won our crafting goodies.

So .... here we go .... here is this month's sketch - don't forget you can rotate it, resize the elements of it but just make sure you keep to the basic outline and put your personal interpretation on it.

and here is what you can win!!! (unfortunately we can only post to the UK but please still join in just for the fun)

:o)

Click Here for stock availability

Here is what our Design Team came up with

Click Here to visit Di's Blog

Click Here to visit Lynne's Blog

Click Here to visit Sharon's Blog

Thank you to the Design Team for all your wonderful cards this month

So... all you have to do to enter is post your entry on your blog and leave me a comment with a direct link to your post (not just your blog) and we will come and have a look, alternatively you can email me your entry at lindasalmon826@btinternet.com or finally if you live locally you can pop your entry into the shop.

Good Luck to you all and most of all HAVE FUN!!! :o) xx

A CATCH UP

2010-05-06T17:15:00.002+01:00

Hello Everyone!!

Before I start another tutorial I thought I’d give you a little update on what’s happening in the shop. First of all thank you to everyone who turned up for our Do Crafts Demo Day, Amanda was brilliant and I think you all thoroughly enjoyed yourselves – as you know on that Saturday and the Bank Holiday Monday if you used your privilege card you were entered into a prize draw and I can now tell you that the winner was ..............

ALISON MONK

Well done Alison – look forward to seeing you when you collect your voucher.

Laura, our “I.T” department has been really busy lately updating the website with lots of products and she has now reached the grand total of 5,703 – we mustn’t forget the “3” that’s very important – pop over to the website and see what goodies you “must” have!!

On the subject of the website, we have had a few occasions recently where orders have been placed and then not finished due to the customer believing they can only pay if they have a PayPal account – this isn’t so – you just use your credit/debit card in the normal way and the web order will process that way.

So now ..... scroll down ..... and enjoy the Tutorial xx

TUTORIALS - NESTABITLIES SHAPED / EASEL CARDS

2010-05-06T17:11:00.003+01:00

So here we are with another tutorial - I do hope these are helpful to you - I know I have a lot of fun doing them!!
Before I start I must pay homage to Sharon - this was something she did on one of her classes and I fell in love with it - so all credit to her xx

The first one is simply using your nestabilities to cut a shape from an already pre-scored card. This enables you to mat and layer on your card using the smaller sizes of the nestabilities shape you have chosen.

Please scroll down to the very bottom of this post as an Easel Card version follows these instructions .... and you don't want to miss that do you!!

So ... first of all gather together your "tools" you will need

A die cutting machine, low tack tape, nestabilites shapes, pre-scored cards, a bone folder and some double sided tape. For this particular card I used "curved rectangles" (Click Here for stock availability) and so I needed a 7x5 pre-scored card.

Place your nestabilites shape you have chosen cutting edge downwards onto the folded card leaving a small gap to the fold so that the whole shape isn't cut and secure with low tack tape

Turn your card the other way up so that the nestabilities shape is underneath the card with cutting side now facing up and cut - (if you are using a Cuttlebug the order is A Plate, C Plate, nestabilities face upwards with card face downwards then B Plate)

run through once and then run back again towards you (giving it a double cut) - with some die cutting machines the pressure on the roller can be slightly uneven - and mine is no exception - as you can see it has cut deeper to the right than the left

- this is easily remedied by simply turning the plate around and running it through again.

You now have your shaped nestabilities card

Next gather together what you want to use to decorate and finish your card

I have chosen some die cut decoupage, complimentary blue card, adhesive pearls, ribbon, stickles and flowers

I have cut the next two smaller sizes down in the blue card

I have then cut a small amount off of the left hand side to make it straight - this is necessary so that when you mat and layer your card the straight edge will line up against the fold of your card

Now just finish off your card with the embellishments you have chosen

Here is an alternate version I thought I'd show you this time using Labels Two (Click Here for stock availability) and using a tent fold so that the card opens the other way

Now ..... to take it one step further and make an easel card you follow the same principle

Place your chosen nestabilities shape face down on your pre-scored card and secure with low tack tape - in this instance I have used Scallop Circles (Click Here for stock availability), and cut, using the same procedure as before

You will also need to cut an extra single scallop circle

You will then need to fold back the lower scallop on itself

So it now looks like this - this is the support for the "easel"

On the single scallop apply double sided tape to the BACK OF THE LOWER HALF of the shape - you are going to stick this to the folded over scallop

This forms the basis of your card - all you need to do now is decorate and finish it with your chosen embellishments

I have cut two smaller classic circles (Click Here for stock availability) from complimentary card

I left the white card inside the circle and distressed the inner with Spun Sugar Distress Ink (one of the new colours) Click Here for stock availability with some cut n dry foam this gives you a white "rim"

I then stamped a butterfly from "gem stone insects" a clear stamp set from Inkadinkado click here for stock availability again with Spun Sugar Distress Ink, and cut another circle from pink spot card - so I now have three circles, one of the pink spotty ones I have trimmed an edge to leave it straight - this is so it will fit inside the card easier.

I then mounted the butterfly image onto the top of the card

To make the "stopper" for the easel I decided to stamp a greeting and cut it out using the smaller circle and scallop circle nestabilities and using the same technique as before inking the circle to leave a white rim.

I then decorated the greeting and the butterfly with silver sequins

And here is the finished card!!

Thank for for staying with me through this "long" tutorial but I have tried to be as precise as possible with lots of pictures so that you can see step by step how to achieve this lovely cards - I hope you have a go as they really are easy once you get the hang of them. If you do make some, post them on your blog and leave me a link in the comments and I will pop across and have a look - I would love to see what you do.

If you live nearby pop your finished cards into the shop so we can all see what you've done.

I'm going to have a rest now!!!

Lots of Love and see you soon :o) xx

FREEBIES!!!!!

2010-05-02T10:44:00.001+01:00

Good morning everyone!!

What a glorious day ... ha ha ha!!

So .... on this miserable Bank Holiday weekend I thought i'd give you something to smile about. As a new feature I will hoping to post some freebie downloads for you. I will try to post these around the 1st of the month. And ..... to start you off ..... i'm giving you two!!!!

What we have for you first is a sheet of easel display instructions. These were very kindly designed and donated by our very own Sally. They go hand in hand with the easel card tutorial I posted a while ago. So .... you make your easel card and then you download and print out your display instructions, cut them down to size and enclose them with your card - that way the recipient will know how to display their card properly.

CLICK HERE to download your copy

Secondly, we have a sheet of "sentiments" I have designed these so that you can download them, print them out on whatever card or paper you choose and then punch them out with the Woodware 1.5" yellow circle punch (click here to check stock availability)

CLICK HERE to download your copy

Now for the boring stuff ... We have no problem with you downloading these freebies and using them as often as you like - that's what they are for but please do not mass produce them, copy them or pass them off as your own as a lot of time and effort goes into making them for you to use

(We know you won't .... but we have to say it anyway :o) )

So all that leaves me to say is download and enjoy!!! Oh and please leave me a comment to let me know if they will be a useful addition to the blog - thanks so much

Lots of Love xx

DO CRAFTS DEMO DAY TODAY!!!

2010-05-01T08:58:00.001+01:00

Good Morning All!!

Just a quick reminder to let you all know that the Do Crafts Demo Day is today. Amanda Curtin will be showing you all sorts of techniques using the new products from the new promotion that launches today, and I know for a fact that all the goodies are there waiting for you because we spent all yesterday afternoon unpacking, pricing and scanning 15 boxes of wonderful papers, punches, flowers, gems, decoupage .... the list goes on and on!!!!

The demo will be on from 10.00am to 4.00pm and is completely free, just come along and find yourself a place and enjoy yourself. (Shop is open from 9.30am to 5.15pm)

If you are a privilege card holder you will be getting double points today and Bank Holiday Monday and if not, why not!! Sign up today - ask for details instore. When you use you card today and Monday you will automatically be entered into a prize draw with a chance to win a £25.00 gift voucher (draw will take place on Tuesday and I will be back to let you know who won).

Have a great Bank Holiday weekend and hopefully we will see you at the demo.

Shop is open on Monday 10.00am to 4.00pm

MORE MENS CARDS - WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY

2010-04-28T08:52:00.000+01:00

SPACES AVAILABLE!!!!

Just to let you all know that Di's class "More Mens Cards" on 4th May has spaces available. So if you fancy making cards for the men in your lives give the shop a a ring on 01268 730234 and book yourself a place. The class is in the morning and will run from 10.00am until 12.30pm approx, no need to bring anything, everything will be provided including tea and biscuits!!

Just so that you know what you will be making .... the pictures of the cards are below

Go on book it ..... you know you want to!!