Friday, June 04, 2010

Sparkly scrapbook paper

using one sheet of double-sided paper



Would you believe that one sheet of double-sided scrapbook paper was enough to do 2 pages, a card and a tag?


collage page



I kid you not. So I had fun experimenting with some different styles.


clean lines with butterflies



These photos were taken exactly a year ago....life has changed so much since then. I have to say, though - short hair is so much easier to look after ;)


flower close up



This flower is part of the paper - just use a craft knife to cut around the petals and bend them slightly before you stick it to the page.


sparkle birdies



I didn't even need to add any extra sparkle to this one - all glitter is included!

K x

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Need some inspiration with your kit?

If you have one of these kits from Hunkydory, you might be looking for inspiration...when I was putting together some samples for the shop, I noticed that there weren't a lot of images in the card kit itself. So, to help you - I've put together an idea sheet with some images of the cards I made. I hope it helps!



K x

Friday, May 28, 2010

Tip of the week

If you are embossing a straight line against a ruler it’s very easy using a Pergamano shader tool or PCA shader (holding it vertical), if you use a ball tool it can slip underneath the ruler if you are not careful.

Do you have any Crafting tips???

Send them in to us so we can share them we everyone, for every tip that we use, we will send you discount voucher for your next order when you shop with us (online or instore).

crafts@wightcat.com

Sunday, May 23, 2010

It's all hunkydory

These new card making kits from Hunkydory are fabulous. I'll admit that they're not my usual style, so when Mum asked me to have a go at making some samples I was dubious to say the least. But, I'll try anything once - so I took the kit home, and am I ever glad I did!

The kit comes with enough cardstock to make at least 8 cards, including 4 A5 size. By adding extra card blanks from my own stash I was able to make more than double that, and I even added some tags using the leftovers. The quality is amazing - the cardstock is thick and glossy, the die cuts are beautiful and the gold finish makes them look truly luxe. These are quality cards and even better - they are super-quick to put together. You'd never guess that I made most of my cards in one evening, would you?

And some close-ups of the details. I couldn't resist adding even more glitz with some Stickles glitter glue.

The die cuts include single butterflies, and two sets of pyramid decoupage:

And you get a whole sheet of matching sentiments to add a message to your card:

Please excuse the mess on my desk - I think I have some clearing up to do now!

K x

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Squares, repeated

in the gardens
I do scrapbook as well, you know!

Repeating a simple shape for a patterned effect works just as well on a larger scale as well as on cards. For this scrapbook page, I simply used a variety of co-ordinating scraps and arranged them in a grid pattern. I stamped on some of the squares to add a bit of variety. As you can see, the photo didn't quite fit in the grid so I added some brads down one side to balance everything out. The scalloped trim on top and bottom ties it all together.

I've just ordered a big batch of photos - there is so much of last year still missing from my scrapbooks. I'll have plenty more to share with you soon!

P.S. I use www.snapfish.co.uk for my prints - email me on katebucci@wightcat.com if you would like a referral :)

Monday, April 19, 2010

Quick and easy cards :: No. 2

Any punched shape, repeated in co-ordinating colours, is an easy way to create a stylish card. I particularly love this scalloped square, but any similar shape would do. A striking ribbon finishes it off nicely.

Do you know the simplest way to get your ribbon to look good? Instead of tying two ends of ribbon together to make a bow, lay one long piece of ribbon flat, take a shorter piece and tie around it. Much easier!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Do you believe in fairies?




This book is available to pre-order now, and will be with us (and you) in May. There are some beautiful designs in there and we are dying to get our hands on it!

Thursday, April 08, 2010

New Book - Parchment Craft, A Classic Collection

This new Parchment Crafts book will be published later this month and is now available for pre-order on our website www.wightcat.com


This 92 page book is ideal both for beginners and experts in the craft.
It contains parchment craft techniques, step-by-step instructions for embossing, lace making, 3D figures & painting in various mediums

Each project is accompanied by work descriptions, a large colour photo of the completed work, thumbnails enlarging various sections of every project & patterns printed in full size for easy replication

Clear and concise instructions help to ensure that even newcomers to this fascinationg craft can follow with ease. There are plenty of tips from the designers, a tools/materials conversion table & tricks on how to achieve perfect lace

Designers- Dorothy Holness, Julie Roces, Tatsue Shibata, Loes Laanen, Ria van der Ploeg, Akiko Shida, Robyn Cockburn, Carla Prediger Trasel, Trisha Liu, Kannikar Sukseree, Mary G Kerr, Ria Van Avondt and Patricia Murphy

A total of 32 patterns and a multitude of interpretations guarantees months of endless parching

Available from Pre-Order Now at Wightcat Crafts www.wightcat.com

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

A parchment peek...

Parchment peek

Hilary has been hard at work on the sample card for this week's parchment workshop.

I wish I had her patience!

Monday, April 05, 2010

A quick and easy card

a quick and easy card

Ever need a card in a hurry? I have been making a stash of quick and easy cards that I thought I'd share with you. Simple designs are the best!

For this one, all you need is some paper scraps. Cut into strips that are not quite as wide as your card blank, and around 1.5 inches high. The beauty of this card is that it doesn't matter if they are not even or exact.

Ink the edges of each strip. I find this makes such a difference and really makes your card look great. These chalk inks are great for this as the small pads are easy to handle and they dry quickly.

Arrange the strips on the card blank, deliberately making them slightly askew. This saves you having to line them up evenly. Use a strong pattern in the middle of the card, and choose two or three other papers to repeat, bringing the design together.

Layer some paper flowers together and secure them with a brad. Two or three flowers together gives a fuller effect. Secure these to the card. If you don't want to poke a hole in the card to put the brad through, just use a glue dot or some double sided tape instead.

Create your greeting. I like to use my own handwriting on a strip of co-ordinating cardstock. If you don't like your handwriting, you could use a stamp or a peel-off instead. Ink the edges of the cardstock strip and adhere to the card, tucking it behind the flowers. Of course, you could always leave the greeting blank and just fill it in when you're ready to use the card.

And there you have it! A quick card to use up your scraps.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

It's more fun on the move

Isn't new technology great? I can sit here and type on Mum's shiny new blackberry. So much quicker than using the PC.
Which is a good job really, as we are being kept busy with some exciting new deliveries!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Spring = crafty goodness

P1090252

It's been a long time coming but Spring is finally here! After what seems like weeks of hibernation the sunshine has restored my creative mojo. Of course, some new products always help and I've been trying out the latest products from Flowersoft.

P1090269

The new Ultrafine is far more subtle than the original Flowersoft, and is great for doing cute outlines on cuddly bears, or for adding little details to the new recipe cards. It comes in some delicious colours and I think it would be great for adding texture to other projects as well. In the original Flowersoft is the new autumn range, which is a beautiful mixed orange and works with the new 'Autumn' and 'Oriental' cards.

I've been really impressed with these new products and love the results!

P1090238

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Countdown to Christmas

By now your advent calendars are half open and eaten if its a chocolate one.
Hopefully all your cards are made with a few too spare.
Some posted to far off places to friends you have never met.
Turkey's on order, sprouts already picked.

But have you checked your address book?

Make sure all your friends addresses are correct and complete, because after all the effort you have taken to make your cards and gifts, it would be a shame if they didnt arrive in the condition that they left you. Dont blame the Postie it probably wasn't his fault.

Here at Wightcat Crafts we are sending out Parcels nearly every day, most of them arrive and usually in the condition it was posted. I have just spent a few days at our local Sorting Office, where they are stretched to capacity with the Christmas post, (35000 2nd class letters in just one day).
Most letters are correctly address with a postcode making sorting easy, but there is a large amount that have wrong or missing Postcodes. Some letters are just adressed to "Fred & Jane" one I saw was address as follows:

"Miss Anne Jones (dont know your married name)
Nr Stroud
dont know Postcode"

You may well laugh but its more common than you may think.

So remember to check your addresses before you post your Cards.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

New Magazine "Making Gifts"



The new magazine from the publishers of
Issue 1 available now from Wightcat Crafts


Where's to Time Gone

Just noticed thats its been months since I've posted on the Blog, must remember to do it more often, usualy put updates on twitter see www.twitter.com/wightcat

Will try to do better

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Parchment Craft Christmas Special Magazine

Parchment Craft Magazine
Christmas Special

A bumper issue dedicated to the Christmas theme.
Apart from some wonderfully inspiring card ideas, there are also Christmas projects including crackers, table decorations, etc
Includes 2 FREE sheets of Red and 2 FREE sheets of Green Parchment Paper to make your projects with.
Due to a high demand this magazine sold out within days
But it is being reprinted
To ensure you get your copy here!
Order by Tuesday 13th to guarantee your copy

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Christmas Prize Draw 2009

Wightcat Crafts
are running a
Christmas Prize Draw
and its FREE to enter

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Magazines - Christmas Specials

Parchment Craft Magazine
Christmas Special

A bumper issue dedicated to the Christmas theme. Apart from some wonderfully inspiring card ideas, there are also Christmas projects including crackers, table decorations, etc
Includes 2 FREE sheets of Red and 2 FREE sheets of Green Parchment Paper to make your projects with.
Issue out on 6th October order now to ensure you get your copy here!



Making Cards Christmas Special


Another Christmas Special from Making Cards, with over 40 unique projects.
Includes 32 sheets of FREE craft papers (including 16 GLITTER Varnished), to enable you to complete the projects.
Issue out on 6th October order now to ensure you get your copy here!

Saturday, August 08, 2009

New Pergamano Products


Due out in September and Available for Pre-Order now

Click on the pictures to go to the webpage
Or
Copy and paste the link into your browser


A lovely new collection of
Books, Patterns, Grids, Tools and other accessories
From Pergamano


Go to our website to see our special offer!


Don’t forget you will receive a free pattern with every order this month
Are you a Knitter? Do you Crochet?
Did you know we now sell wool?

Happy Crafting from Steve, Hilary & Mindy
Wightcat Crafts
14 Carisbrooke Road, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1BL
Tel: +44 (0)1983 527525
Email: crafts@wightcat.com
www.wightcat.com

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Are Hobbies Healthy for you

Well naturally some Hobbies like Sky Diving have dangers associated with them, but even these still health advantages.

How can Hobbies help with your health?

Having hobbies can help you keep busy so you are not overeating, they can lower your blood pressure, provide a release from stress, and keep your mind and body active.

Do you want to quit smoking or drinking?, lose weight, want to feel more interested in life, a sense of accomplishment?

Then take up a Hobby.

Your hobbies will be unique to you; find things you are good at, you have always wanted to learn, or bring back something you did years ago, recapturing your youth. They can range anywhere from: crafts, games, art, music, writing, pets, gardening, and exercise.

Hobbies such as, sports, exercise, and gardening, are forms of physical activity, providing movement for the body. This movement helps to tone and stretch the muscles, balance the blood sugar, lower the blood pressure, reduce stress and rid the body of toxins. Some of these can be done out in nature; connecting with nature has been shown to have great health benefits. Activities like: hiking, camping, gardening, or even a walk in the park, are great examples.

Animals are also important to health it can be watching a Gold Fish in a bowl or training a Parrot or walking a Dog. Taking care of and bonding with them, requires learning, activity and opening yourself up to love. Animals have been known to lower blood pressure, provide laughter and to even help people with disabilities open up. Laughter has been shown to provide many health benefits, such as: lowering blood pressure, helping digestion and keeping you young.

Art and music and writing have been used for therapy; it has been shown that developing our creative side is so valuable for overall health. Singing requires one to breath deeply, bringing more oxygen into the lungs and cells of the body. Writing allows us to express our feelings and creativity. Art, allows us to de-stress and to express ourselves; all three provide a sense of accomplishment.

Hobbies are great when you are trying to quit smoking, drinking, overeating, or other bad habits. Take up new hobbies instead of the bag of chips; Start today to keep your mind and body active. The latest studies show, we can develop new pathways in our brain, so start learning new hobbies today.

So de-stress, relax, chill and exercise your brain with one of the following:

Scrapbooking, Knitting, Embroidery, Paper Folding (Origami), Parchment Craft, Rubber Stamping, Decoupage, Painting

They are all good for your Healthy wellbeing

Monday, August 03, 2009

Cross Stitch Kits




Designed to inspire you down to the very last stitch

Maia is a premium counted cross stitch brand intended for fans of beautiful design.

Created expressly for a dedicated stitcher or someone who is wanting to make a statement
with a framed piece, maia kits are of the highest quality imaginable.
So whether you are new to stitching or you have been practising the art for many years,
Maia is for you




Saturday, August 01, 2009

New Siesta Grids



Check out the latest Ruler Grids from Siesta
ideal for dry embossing or Parchment Craft
15 different dessigns to choose from


Also New 2009 Christmas Grids

now in stock






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Our Summer Sale Mystery Box will come as a great SURPRISE!


Packed full of goodies for cardmaking and crafting and incredible value for money.
All the products are new and the contents of each box will vary with over £50 of products (RRP)
These will make a great gift.....whether to yourself or someone else!


GREAT VALUE at just £25.00
Don't miss out!

This offer is available only whilst stocks last.

Typical contents include: Assorted papers, cards, stickers, boxes, assorted embellishments, sticky essentials, rubber stamping, 3D paint, punches, Christmas embellishments, decoupage papers, decorative stones, flowers etc

Bookmark and Share

Thursday, July 23, 2009

New Products on our Website


Wightcat Crafts
http://www.wightcat.com/
And don’t forget
Free Pattern with Every Order

And enter code “WCCAUG” at checkout
to receive a free gift on orders over £30

(Offers valid until Aug 31st)

New Polar White from Flowersoft
The first delivery has come in and flown out to all Pre-Order customers
Katy Sue Designs Ltd are delighted to announce the launch of POLAR WHITE, the first new product in their premium Diamond Range

This is a speciality colour with unique properties. Crafters will be amazed at the semi translucent and frosted effects of Polar White, which has been specifically created to work on white areas within designs. Polar White is set to be the season’s sensation by giving the most realistic snow effects ever seen in paper crafts


Flowersoft Polar White


http://www.wightcat.com/crafts/flowersoft.htm

New Christmas Cute and Polar Friends from Flowersoft



http://www.wightcat.com/crafts/flowersoft.htm


NEW! Tool Caddy Handle
The Tool caddy handle is proving very popular which is not surprising as it allows to combine all 3 (or 2 if you have only 2) layers of the PCA Tool Caddies together so that you can carry them with you... or spin each layer around to you as you work with it on the desk also!


http://www.wightcat.com/crafts/parchment-grids&accessories.htm

Are you a Knitter? Do you Crochet? Did you know we now sell wool?

Happy Crafting from Steve, Hilary & Mindy
Wightcat Crafts
14 Carisbrooke Road, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1BL
Tel: +44 (0)1983 527525
Email: http://www.blogger.com/crafts@wightcat.com
www.wightcat.com
http://www.wightcat.com/

Also follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/wightcat

Friday, July 17, 2009

“Magic of Childhood Summer Holidays”

Most of the Schools are breaking up today, unless you live north of the border where they have already broken up.

But do Kids today have as much fun as we all did when we were kids?

Everybody says that your Childhood years are the happiest and that you should make the most of them. In some ways it is true, when you are a child you don’t have the worries and responsibilities that you do when you’re an Adult. When we were young the world wasn’t as materialistic as it is now, it didn’t matter if you didn’t have the latest computer game.

I don’t remember it raining during my summer holidays, maybe that’s because I am wearing rose tinted glasses, or maybe its because I am a child of the 60’s & 70’s when summers were long, hot and sunny and consisted of messing about with your mates.

For me it was playing the garden making tents with mums clothes horse and a couple of sheets, playing cowboys and Indians with cap guns and water pistols made from washing up bottles (those were the days of Blue Peter and Magpie), climbing trees or the garden shed which also doubled as a den. When older it was messing about along side the Canal that ran through the Village, even though it was off limits. I loved going for long bike rides all around the local villages, or cycling to Southport, spending the day riding along the seafront and the beach. Those were the golden years; I remember watching the Apollo missions, especially the Moon landing whilst on Holiday in Blackpool. Summer treats if you behaved during the holidays like going to the Farnborough Airshow or the Edinburgh Tattoo.

Life was a lot simpler, all about exploring and creativity.

So if you want to try and capture some of the “Magic of Childhood Summer Holidays” why not spend a few days at the Beach. I can recommend the Isle of Wight which has some of the Best beaches in the UK. There is Appley (Ryde) only a stones throw from Portsmouth, or Yaverland & Sandown just a short train trip from Ryde, or Gurnard & Cowes if you are travelling from Southampton. If you have time to stay longer then there is Alum Bay, The Needles or Bembridge. Not to mention all the beaches along the back of the Wight between Ventnor and Freshwater ideal for surfing. If the beach isn’t for you then there are Adventure parks at Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine, or the breath taking countryside of Tennyson & Mottistone Downs. If it Grand Houses that you prefer then we have Osborne House, home of Queen Victoria and we even have a Castle at Carisbrooke where King Charles I, spent his last days.

But the best place to visit is Wightcat Crafts where you can explore and let us bring out your creativity.

I have but together things that means Childhood Summer Holidays to check it and see if you agree.
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Thursday, July 16, 2009

New Polar White from Flowersoft

Ever since Flower Soft® was launched in 2004, crafters have yearned for a pure white colour. The Flower Soft® Ivory created fabulous results in their vintage snow scenes, but they all knew that white would be even more spectacular, particularly in more modern Christmas scenes. Well at long last, after 3 years of exhaustive research Katy Sue Designs Ltd are delighted to announce the launch of POLAR WHITE, the first new product in our premium Diamond Range



This is a speciality colour with unique properties. Crafters will be amazed at the semi translucent and frosted effects of Polar White, which has been specifically created to work on white areas within designs. Polar White is set to be the season’s sensation by giving the most realistic snow effects ever seen in paper crafts

http://www.wightcat.com/crafts/flowersoft.htm

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Knitted monkey

Here is one of my latest projects. My needles have been clicking furiously these last few weeks. I made this using Sirdar Hayfields Bonus DK
I am very pleased with it, especially its customised jumper.

Friday, June 26, 2009




Window Decoupage


A new dimension in Decoupage, we have the following new in stock now

Boutique for Ladies

Mens



One Stroke Painting Brushes, Workbooks & Accessories

The One Stroke® Painting Method was created by Donna Dewberry as an easy and fast way of decorative painting. One Stroke Painting involves blending, shading and highlighting – all in one easy stroke! Through Learn to Paint Packs, Worksheets, Brushes, Books and DVDs, Donna demonstrates how to paint flowers, greenery, landscapes and still life with brushes and tools made just for the One Stroke program

Wightcat now have in stock Folk Art Paints – Great for One Stroke Painting!

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Kannikar Sukseree Brushstrokes Workshop


Sadly today is the last day of Kanny's workshop here at Wightcat Crafts. I know all the Ladies that have attended over the last three days, would all like to Thank Kanny for the enjoyable time they have had.

Its Kanny's Birthday tomorrow and ladies have a little surprise for her, but cant say what it is until later.


Here is a photo of todays workshop, we will post some more later


Monday, June 01, 2009

Pergamano Exhibition Bristol 2009

We are back from the Pergamano Exhibition in Bristol and a great time was had by all.
Here is the picture of our table and if you click on this picture it will take you to our flickr page with all the other pictures too.

Wightcat Crafts (Hilary Bucci-Pepper)

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Jester Medieval Mouse



Just finished the Jester mouse from Simply Knitting's Medieval Mouse collection. I am so pleased with how it came out. I actually had to make two because when my friend saw it, she wanted one too!


He did it!


Steve completed the Bembridge to Carisbrooke section (the hilly bit)of the Isle of Wight Walk the Wight today. There was a torrential down pour on the way, and he got very muddy, but he did it! Yippeeee!

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Parchment Fairies 2009


Fairies 2009 the fifth book in the Fairies series from Japan will be released this weekend.

If you want to be one of the first to own this must have book, then pre-order it today from Wightcat Crafts by clicking Fairies 2009 Pre-Order


Monday, March 09, 2009

Parchment Craft - Cutting Crosses

I've had several questions about cutting crosses in parchment so I got busy this weekend making a little video demonstration. Hope this works and gives you a better idea for cutting crosses...don't forget you can always ask for more help if needed


Saturday, February 07, 2009

Are you enjoying the snow?

I love snow...especially when I remember that magical feeling I used to have as a child when I saw the first few snowflakes come fluttering down. The excitement of playing in the snow, making a Snowman and sleighing if we were lucky.

As I got older, memories of going for long romantic walks in the crisp white snow. Stopping at a quaint country Inn to have a drink in front of a warm log fire.

Now I am older and wiser, Snow days are Craft days, special magical days for ourselves, remember how each snowflake is unique, just like our creations we make on a Craft day

Enjoy your crafting

and don’t forget….if you need anything, we are always at hand…..online at
www.wightcat.com
or
by phone 01983 527525

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas.

*
This
Xmas
I would
like to put
up a tree in my
heart and instead
of hanging presents
I would like to put the
names of all my Friends.
Close friends and not so close
friends. The old friends, the new
friends, those that I see every day and
the ones that I rarely see. The ones that I
always remember and the ones I sometimes
forget. The ones that are always there, and the
ones that seldom are. The friends of difficult times
and the ones of happy times. Friends who without meaning
to, I have hurt, or without meaning to, have hurt me. Those I
know well, those I only know by name. Those who owe me a little,
those I owe a lot. My humble friends and my important friends. The
names of all those who have passed through my life, no matter how
fleetingly. A tree with deep
roots, and very strong
branches so that their
names may never be
plucked from my
heart. So that
new names
from all over

may join the existing ones. A tree with very
pleasant shade so my friendships may take a
moment to rest from the battles of life. May
the happy moments of Christmas brighten
every day of the New Year are my sincere wishes.



Have a wonderful day, keep safe, and from our house to yours,

Merry Christmas.

Thursday, December 04, 2008

International Christmas Post

The last date for Guaranteed delivery for Christmas that we can post any Orders to:

South & Central America, Caribbean,
Africa, Middle East, Far East, Asia,
New Zealand and Australia

By International Airmail is Friday 5th December


For

Japan, USA, Canada and Eastern Europe

its Wednesday 10th December


and for

Western Europe its Friday 12th December

Wightcat Crafts on going offers

Pergamano Tutors Discount

15% of all Pergamano UK products for Registered Pergamano Tutors
Proof required, please call 01983 527525 for details


Parchment Craft Guild Discount

10% Discount for current Parchment Craft Guild Members
Proof of Membership required please call 01983 527525 for details


Usual Terms & Conditions apply

UK Postage

With immediate affect Wightcat Crafts have reduced our UK Postage to Zero

Yes Zero

All UK orders are now Postage Free

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Card Making Workshop

These are the cards that we created in the workshop this month....

This month I created kits of all the bits to make the cards, in theory this should make it easier for everyone... it means that if you dont get all the cards done in the workshop you can still take the bits home to make them and it means I can make sure all the bits are there in the workshop so we can all relax and make cards....but of course nothing is every so simple. I had all the kits made by Friday and they were sat on the counter ready to give to everyone.....then they disappeared. I suppose putting them all in one of our carrier bags might have been asking for trouble, but you'd have thought that whoever picked it up would have returned it, its a bit sad really....anyway, I had enough to make up some more kits and I think everyone enjoyed it because they all booked again.



The Bauble Card is an Embroidery Peel off stuck onto patterned paper. The Background of the card has been embossed in the cuttlebug and lightly inked.


The Tree is made out of tea bag folding


Santa is paper pieced


And the Penguins are decoupaged
























More later....


Here are some cards that my incredibly crafty sister has created this week. They are made using a tag book from K&Co.
The Mouse card below has a hand drawn mouse to match the tag and its hat is covered in Flower Soft.















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