Things that make me go 'yum'

Sorry folks, this was Saturday's post from the shop that got missed.

Really, I wanted to share with you our display of new Parchment products. The first lot came in and whizzed out again for pre-orders, but there are some on the shelves now.

I don't really do parchment (well, ok, I don't do parchment at all). But the vellums and papers really caught my eye, and the stamps are also delicious. Can I say 'delicious' to describe stamps? They totally make me go 'yum'.

In other news, Hilary and Steve have recently been visiting trade shows and looking at new products. Crafting has changed a lot over the last few years, especially as the economy has tightened and everyone is feeling the pinch. I think we are all looking for the best value for our money, getting the best products we can as well as ways to stretch our crafting supplies. The good news is that there has been lots to see at the show, and I think our ranges in the shop will start reflecting some of these new trends and techniques - and always with an emphasis on value.

Speaking of shows, of course, we go to the trade shows as attendees because we're retailers. But if you are coming to Bristol or Harrogate (more details on our home page ) then we will be there complete with shop.

We spent this evening choosing colours for a new range of 12x12 cardstock. It's been a while since we updated and there are some fantastic tones out there. I am really excited to get my little hands on it for some scrapbook pages. Things that make me go 'yum', indeed!

Saturday at the shop

Gosh, hello there.

The last couple of weeks have whizzed past...and now we seem to be in the grip of the frozen winter that we thought we'd missed. Perfect weather for crafting, though.

I've been a bit slow on the sample front as I am now studying a new course and it's taking me a while to work out how to fit everything into my day! But that doesn't mean the shop is quiet...oh no.

FaberCastell Polychromos pencils  are restocked and now sold individually. Just the display makes me happy. There's something about colours in order, isn't there?

And this is so new it isn't even online yet...Sublime Egyptian cotton DK. I am so in love with this I can't tell you. My self-imposed yarn ban (until I finish the two projects that are currently in progress) is going to fail, I can tell you. Every single colour is beautiful, and the yarn has the most gorgeous sheen. 

In the meantime....Mindy also has new colours and patterns in Sirdar Click, and I can vouch for the feel of this yarn as I'm wearing it right now.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Kate x

Changing colours

I'm never really ahead of the curve on craft trends. It always takes me a while to get in to something, and so it took me a while to get in to Promarkers.

And while I'd heard that you can use them to re-colour other things (like gems, and peel-offs, and stickers) I had never tried it. But my friend is getting married and I'd offered to make the invitations, and on the sample I'd used a pretty pink gem. She loved it - which was great - except I ran out. 

So thank you Mum and Mindy, for reminding me that I could use a pink Promarker to turn my little clear gems into perfect pink ones.

And then I realised that the white alphabet stickers that didn't work on my scrapbook page, would look perfect if they were pink. And in doing so, completed what might be the longest scrapbook page ever. Thankfully, I love it. That perfect pink was worth waiting for.

Hunkydory Lady in Red

Some Hunkydory kits look more enticing than others, and when I first looked at the packet for these Lady in Red luxury cards I wasn't too sure how they were going to turn out.

I needn't have worried.

These kits are gorgeous. I say it every time, but the quality of Hunkydory kits is astounding. The silk cardstock is thick and glossy, and the cards are all pre-scored so they're easy to fold.  

The silver foil edging is really hard to photograph, but trust me - it looks fabulous. And I think these illustrations are really beautiful. (I love red shoes.) 

These are the pyramage cards, with four layers to each image. There are four designs in the pack.

But wait!

The leftover images from the pyramage cards....make the invertage cards.

I know it was late at night when I was putting these together, but I thought that was pretty clever.

The same four designs are repeated, and this time instead of the stepped card, you get a box and frame to put these in. Each box has a foldout piece on the back so it will stand upright, and a hook so you could even hang it on the wall.

I just love these cards, I think they're quite beautiful. After all the sweetness and light of Christmas, these monochrome cards with a splash of red look stunning.

I don't normally post about prices on the blog, but I just wanted to let you know that this kit which makes 8 cards is currently only £6.99, which I think is a real bargain.


Kate x

Saturday sock yarn

Last week, Mindy took a delivery of some very exciting yarn. Patterned sock yarn, to be exact. 

It looks beautiful just stacked up there on the shelf....

....but Mindy has also been knitting with it... 

 ...and it looks pretty amazing knitted up as well! The sock pattern is free when you buy a ball of yarn.

I love variegated yarns, they make knitting so much more exciting. These ones really, really make me want to knit socks. I think I should probably finish the projects I'm already working on, but I'm definitely adding these to the list!

Kate x

Something different - cross stitch

If you receive our newsletter, you will have seen that we are now stocking Mouseloft Cross Stitch Kits.

They are great if you've never cross stitched before, or used to cross stitch in the dim and distant past before you discovered papercrafting (like me!)

I tested a sample yesterday for you and this little ladybird took less than two hours start to finish, including a break to chat to someone.

The Tiddler range is the perfect size to make quickly for a card, tag or other crafty gift. The kits come with everything you need and the lengths of thread are pretty generous too. Enjoy!

Kate x

More Art Deco ladies in decoupage

These are my favourite. Maybe that's why I'm saving them till last?

All these cards are on 4x4 blanks, so the image itself is only about 3x3. Beautiful.

Mirror card is really difficult to photograph, but there are gold highlights on all these decoupage images, so I had to use some as a mount.

These cards don't even need a greeting, I think. Just lovely as they are. I double-mounted this one but that's as much 'extra' as it needs.

This one is my favourite of all. I used some embossed card, but you could run a background through the Cuttlebug for extra texture.

Thanks for sharing my decoupage ladies!

Kate x

Art Deco Die Cut Decoupage

Oh gosh, I wish fashion was still this glamorous.

 Also, I wish I was this thin and elegant!

 And hats! Can we bring back cloche hats?

I think this one is best kept for special occasions only, though. Imagine turning up to work in that!

You can find this decoupage sheet here.

My final group of elegant ladies will be appearing tomorrow!

Kate x

Polka dot decoupage cards

These decoupage flowers are some of our new stock for January. They are die-cut and super quick to assemble.

Because they are so simple, at first I couldn't think how to arrange them on the card without any kind of background shape or element.

Then I realised that actually, this was perfect for me to add my own backgrounds and greetings, and make a much more varied range of cards.

I love how this banner looks like it's floating, but actually it's just using silicone glue instead of 3D pads. (Shameful crafting admission: I've only just started using silicone glue, that stuff scared me!)

You might also notice that these cards have a watermark on. There are so many websites out there that take images and use them as their own - and even places like Pinterest where people blog images without the original source - that I felt it was about time I laid claim to my own work. I really hope that these images inspire you to get creative. And if you post your own work online, you can find out how to make your own watermark brush in Photoshop here. 

I've also been trying out the Art Deco Decoupage that's new in the shop...that'll be up on the blog tomorrow!

Kate x

New Die Cut Decoupage

Hello,

I’ve been putting the first of the new products for the year up on our website today.

We have 2 new Die Cut Decoupage series. They are in stock & available right now in the shop.

There is the Art Deco Series & the Polka Dot Flowers Series….with a special offer to buy the complete set in each range.

Art Deco Die Cut Decoupage

Polka Dot Flower Die Cut Decoupage


Hope you like them

Pinterest inspiration to life

Phew! I can't believe Christmas is over. I feel slightly bloated from eating far too much chocolate, and totally ready for a new year of creativity.

Have you heard of Pinterest?

In case you haven't, it's a website for collecting links to all sorts of inspiration. A bit like the corkboard I used to have pinned up by my desk...except this is all online and so each image links back to the original source.

Pinterest is a great place to spend hours collecting inspiration...but I wanted to make sure that I did something with all of this eye candy. So, I present: Pinterest to life. I'll show you how I've used an image from Pinterest to create something myself.

Check out this image on my Pinterest board. These lovely cards are by Danielle Flanders. Simple, colourful...you can practically hear my brain whirring with ideas.

And here's my version. I used a coloured card blank, and rounded the corners of the white card front. Then I used a collection of flower stamps across the card, stamping right over the edges. I only have small sentiment stamps, so instead of putting the greeting over the flowers I used the white space at the top. I left off the machine stitching, and replaced the string with ribbon, because that made the card more 'postable'. The colours I've used are much softer and more autumnal, as those are the inks I had to hand.

I love Pinterest for ideas, but I love it even more when I can use those ideas to make something of my own. I want to spend less time reading website and more time making things. This is just the start!

Kate x

If you'd like to 'follow' me on Pinterest, you can find me here.

Playing with paper

When you own a craft shop, sometimes it's hard just to create because you love it. There are always deadlines, samples, displays to create, and sometimes it can all be a bit too much like actual work. And that's no fun. So, to combat those post-Christmas blues and kickstart our 2012 creativity, Mum and I got together with some paper, paint and glue.

I'd forgotten how much fun it is to craft with someone else. Especially someone who gets it when you squeal with glee and clap your hands because something looks amazing (we may both have done this).

I especially love it when you get useful tips. See that little dish with my glue in it? It's a milk bottle lid. Top tip, thanks Mum.

In between having fun and endless cups of tea, we have also been planning workshops for the shop in 2012. I'll let you know more once we've finalised the details.

The next time I post, it will be 2012. Happy New Year, everyone.

2011 review

Hmmm....2011. Where did that go, then? The week between Christmas and New Year is, for me, always a time to reflect on the year that has gone, and make some plans for the year to come.

For me, crafting in 2011 was about new products. Some things stay with me throughout - I think scrapbooking and cardmaking will always be a part of my crafting repertoire. But this year I definitely noticed myself trying out new products and techniques, which I'm really pleased with. I feel like I've made a great start, and 2012 will be all about learning even more. So before I come up with some plans for next year, in no particular order, here is my 2011 Top Five:

1. Promarkers. I know, I know, I'm late to the party. No change there then! But I'm so glad I discovered these little beauties. My stamps have all gained a new lease of life and I love the bright, vibrant colours that Promarkers give. I will admit I was a little bit nervous in the beginning - there are a lot of tutorials and blogs out there and I had the impression that there was some 'secret' to Promarker technique. I'll tell you now - there isn't. I'm sure there are lots of ways I can improve, but even my first efforts are pretty pleasing.

2. Border punches. These aren't new either, but this year I've moved away from just using them on scrapbook pages and they've really helped my cardmaking. I love pretty trims, and I feel a bit daft for taking so long to bring these into my cards. Now that I have, I can't stop!

3. Greetings stamps. Something else that has completely changed the way I make cards. These fabulous sets of clear stamps on an A6 sheet are reasonably priced, great quality, and really versatile. I used to either write my greeting, or look for a sticker, but these stamps give me dozens of options and look much more professional. They are absolutely the most useful stamps I own.

4. Yarn! Specifically, the Sirdar Bonus range. I first started using this last year, on my first crochet blanket. Since then, Mindy has expanded the range to include almost every colour you could need. And I'm using quite a few of them in this ripple blanket. It's also deliciously soft and has beautiful stitch definition when you crochet.

5. Wooden crochet hooks. Apart from being gorgeous, they are also easy to use and much lighter in my hand than the metal ones. I've also managed to develop a new technique for crocheting which doesn't make my wrist click, so I'm hoping to avoid any craft-related RSI in future.

...and, 6. Paint Fusion. I'm sneaking this in, because it's not a product I use. But Hilary has spent a lot of this year perfecting her technique and doing some amazing paintings. It's so exciting to see someone learning something new and loving it so much - and deservedly so, because the results are amazing.

What products have you enjoyed this year? I am so excited for 2012!

Kate x

Merry Christmas

Wherever you are, whatever and however you celebrate.

May your Christmas season be happy and healthy.

Working on it

This is my desk, tidied.

Gran's gift this year will be the same as last year - a selection of handmade cards that she can use for any occasion. So right now I am in the midst of bright colours, birthday sentiments and lots of flowers.

Did you make any Christmas cards? I'll be honest - mine were shop bought this year. Card making is a challenge for me (which is why it's taking me so long to do these cards for Gran) and Christmas cards were not on my priority list. I think I might have to do a batch of birthday cards for myself, that way I don't have to make any more cards for another year!

In other news - Wightcat Crafts will be the main craft supplier at the Bristol Parchment Exhibition, 24 June 2012. Exciting times!

Getting in the mood for Christmas

I think it's kind of hard to think about wintery snow scenes when we are having a fairly mild winter at the moment. (I am writing this in advance...if by the time you read this it has started to snow, I apologise!)

For various reasons, I am not doing a lot of Christmas crafting this year. But these tunnel cards are quick and easy and look lovely...I think I might break my card-making block for these!

K x

It's a family affair

Saturday afternoon went something like this...
Making: Christmas cards and samples for the shop.
Talking: to customers about embossing, and friends who like Tim Holtz-style distressing.
Drinking: lots of cups of tea.
Sharing: my crochet and Mum's painting (which deserves a whole post of its own).

Yep, I like afternoons like this!

K x

Saturdays are made for crafting

Guess where I've been today?

At the craft table

My Saturdays usually involve lying in, cleaning, shopping and visiting Gran. Today I took a break from my normal schedule to spend the afternoon at the shop. I often pop in on my lunch break, but this week I moved to a new office that's a bit further away and so I think my lunchtime breaks might be less frequent for a while. It's a whole five minutes' walk away instead of three.

But the best thing about spending the whole afternoon in the shop is that I can take advantage of the nice clear worktable, and try out some of the products in stock. Like this Hunkydory Treasure Box:

The finished product

I won't lie, there were a few issues putting this together. Mainly due to my lack of preparation and missing the bit that said 'Read all instructions before starting'. I think if you followed this wise advice, you'd probably find it a lot easier. Also, the instruction sheet has two sides. Just saying :)

The box is so cute, though, I forgave it all the trouble. It comes with everything, including a card to go on the top, and a gift box to put it all in. I'm thinking a Christmas present, perhaps....?

Thanks for sharing my Saturday!

Kate

Blue skies

Hello :)

I've been enjoying the extended summer..and every time I think it must surely be autumn now, the weather surprises me. Today I was walking around town without a coat. And it's November.

And if it's November...can we talk about Christmas? Pop by later for some crafty ideas.

Kate x

BADFA Annual Convention 2011

The British Association of Decorative and Folk Artist Annual Convention 2011, will be on Saturday 1st October and Sunday 2nd October. Apart from the AGM on saturday evening the event is open to the general public. There will be an exhibition of members work, workshops and several make'n'takes, as long with a Trade stand from Wightcat Crafts.

The Venue is Lamb & Flag Inn, Batt's Lane, Ottery Saint Mary, Devon EX11 1EY.