Christmas baking

It seems that yesterday was a day for baking, as not only had I decided to try my hand at some Swedish lussebulle but another 7 of my friends were also tackling baked goodies in some respect from mince pies to truffles and scones.

Here are the finished lussebulle I made from a saffron bun recipe and I'm rather pleased with them! My parents had two each and seemed to enjoy them, plus I've got another batch in the office with me today to try out on the guineapigs that are my work colleagues!

There's a great recipe for these here.

Pre-Christmas rush

I'm sure most of you have now been caught up in the mad rush up to Christmas; endless lists and tasks to achieve before the big day, plus fitting in all that shopping, contending with crowds and the like?

Thank goodness NitWit Collections have got the Christmas scrapping covered with their new Christmas Memories Album giving us ten 12x12" printable pages you can just add photos to. You can also resize these to print at 8x8" or 6x6" sizes and even print mutliple copies to give as gifts or create decoupage on your own.

French knitting

I don't know how you all got started on crafts, but I very clearly remember my nan teaching me to knit. At first with needles and then a French knitter. I would spend hours creating lengths of French knitting and then sew them together to create a whole range of multicoloured circles using nan's leftovers.

I thought I'd mention this one as I've just spotted this French knitter from Clover and I think these are great things to keep the kids entertained and while away the hours ourselves!

You can use these with wool, cord, embroidery threads with beads and more, so they're a great little versatile tool.

Email clover@stockistenquiries.co.uk or call 01453 883581 for stockists details.

Feeling festive

Well I just couldn't wait until Saturday 1st December to get out my Christmas decorations and get festive!

It all started with a trip down in to town to pick up a choccie advent calendar from Thorntons. I'd decided to keep this at work for a little chocolate fix every day and was very good in waiting until this morning before opening the first window, meaning I got 3 chocs! The advent calendar I bought also have 3 larger penguin chocolates, so I'd decided to have one every Monday until the Christmas break meaning I also got one of those out this morning!

Once I was up and about on Saturday I got out the Christmas decorations and created a Christmas haven! I'm back at home now following the sale of my house and preparing for my move to Sweden next year, so the old bedroom is looking very bright and festive! Dad commented that it was 'very Blackpool', which I've decided to take as a compliment!

Pretty patchwork

Paper quilting is a great way to use up scraps to create a decorative effect and the new Paper Quilt Creations templates from Joanna Sheen give you a range of great design sets with templates and instructions for making a range of projects from fashion elements to sail boats, hearts and more.

Take a look at www.joannasheen.co.uk or call 01626 872405 for the full range.

Sew Vintage

Take a look at these gorgeous new additions to the Sew Vintage range of creative storage solutions!

This great collection features a lovely range of stylish storage accessories with a difference, in that the entire piece itself or often the lid is highly decorative. This fab mini sewing table features a pin cushion in the centre, plus small drawers which are perfect for storing buttons, needles and pins.

Other additions include this knitting needle box, complete with miniature knitting decor built-in to the lid.

For stockists details email crafts@stockistenquiries.co.uk or call 01453 883581.

Patchwork Christmas

NitWit Collections have just released a new wintry wonder in the form of their digital Patchwork Christmas collection.

This fabulous new kit features cool blues with warm reds and browns for a great mix of Christmas and winter in one collection, making for great seasonal supplies for your projects.

Ready Set Go

There's a brand new collection available through American Crafts as part of their Amy Tangerine designer line in the form of Ready Set Go. This popular designer opts for bright colour palettes mixed with contemporary designs and bold patterns in her releases, and Ready Set Go is no exception combining traditional autumnal colours with bold and brilliant shades for a different look.

Here's a fabulous scrapbook page from the American Crafts design team using the new line.

Barleylands Craft Village

Barleylands in Billericay, Essex are running a shopping and taster event next weekend 10th - 11th November, giving you a chance to visit this creative haven for a chance to get some Christmas shopping done.

With over 60 craft studios, workshops and galleries, you'll be able to see a wide range of handcrafted products from artisans and even try your hand at creating a few handmade treats yourself including advent calendars and shabby chic wreaths!

Visit www.barleylands.co.uk or call 01268 532253 for more details.

Maya Christmas

Maya Road are getting ready for Christmas with their latest holiday kit releases including some limited edition kits!

Take a look at these fabulous spool trees and you can even get some amazing kits using the Maya Road zipper trims to create festive trees and wreaths!

Visit the website at www.mayaroad.net to see the new releases!

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You can also now see the full tutorial for making the zipper trim tree on the Maya Road YouTube channel here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE7Z2hsKM7E&feature=plcp

Kaisercraft templates

As well as releasing a staggering 3 new collections every month, Australian papercraft manufacturers Kaisercraft has embarked on a new adventure in the form of a range of fabulous templates.

These are ideal for masking and stippling techniques and are available in a selection of shapes and styles for your projects, so email UK distributors Jones Crafts at craftsales@jonesnottm.co.uk to get stockists details.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! Here's hoping you're all prepared for the impending trick or treaters that tonight will no doubt bring - I know I've got my chocs and lollies in a pot by the door ready for when the kids come round in costume. I'll admit I've had a couple, but have so far managed to restrain myself from eating the majority!

Piccie one of the fine Halloween shots from www.freeimages.co.uk.

NitWit news

If you're a big fan of NitWit Collections then you'll be pleased to hear that the new blog is up and running, so you can visit and register for your chance to win prizes and take part in challenges and contests.

The folks at NitWit Collections will be making regular posts with sneak peeks, news, product releases, techniques and designs, as well as creating a place for like-minded NitWits to interact with the team.

Check out http://nitwitcollections.com/blog/.

Flight School

The ever-popular NitWit Collections have just announced the release of a brand new digital Christmas collection in the form of Flight School.

This latest release gives you the usual fabulous selection of printable patterned papers, whimsical characters, embellishment and word art, which is conveniently combined in the FQB download kit. It's also possible to get the bits and bobs seperately with Alphawits, digi stamps, extra papers and Lil Bits for your Christmas creations.

Die'sire deals

As part of their on-going birthday celebrations, Crafter's Companion are offering even more deals as the days go by this week and today are giving us a buy one get one free offer on their fabulous range of Die'sire dies. As if this wasn't enough, you can also take advantage of the double loyalty points and free standard UK P+P to celebrate their 7th year and choose from the 2013 die shapes as part of the BOGOF offer until 28th October so make sure you head over to www.crafterscompanion.co.uk to check out the shapes available!

Haunting Halloween products

There's a great selection of Halloween products available this year for our creepy creations including fab offerings from Pebbles Inc. with their Tricks & Treats collection and the American Crafts Pumpkin Patch range.

Pebbles Inc. bring us their usual whimsical style for really fun double-sided paper designs, accompanied by a great range of embellishments to compliment our projects including alphabet and accent stickers.

American Crafts has also given us the Pumpkin Patch collection that gives us a great choice for not only Halloween projects, but also seasonal creations as well with a lovely autumnal colour scheme and imagery.

Cherry Blossom Bakery

I embarked on the second stage of learning how to properly ice cupcakes last night by attending a Pretty Pastel Cupcake Class at Cherry Blossom Bakery with my mum and sister and we had a great time!

Our host Antonia, one of the owners of this fabulous little establishment, was bright, bubbly and really knew her stuff! It was a great pleasure and lots of girly fun to get covered in icing sugar and try our hand at buttercream icing, fondant embellishments and more.

I'm actually rather tempted to book on the Belgium Chocolate Cupcakes class she has one place left for on the 30th!

Here's a hint of what we got up to - actually rather pleased with myself!

Romantic ribbons

Berisfords have just released images of their upcoming Valentine ribbon designs in the Natural Charms and Essentials ranges, so take a look at these! These new designs are ideal for your romantic makes, whether creating cards for that special someone, adding finishing touches to handmade gifts or even wedding and anniversary themes!

To find stockits of these fab ribbons call 01453 883581 or email berisfords@stockistenquiries.co.uk.

Create your own buttons with Hemline

If you're wanting to add fabric to your projects in subtle ways, or even create your own buttons for a handmade item of clothing or altering an accessory for a unique look then be sure to get your hands on some self-cover buttons from Hemline.

These fab little things are available in 11, 15, 18, 22, 29 and 38mm sizes, plus directions for how to cover the buttons and a cutting template are included with each pack. As well as covering with fabrics or felt, why not try covering these with patterned paper and distressing the wrinkles to coordinate with your card or scrapbooking projects?

Email crafts@stockistenquiries.co.uk or call 01453 883581 for stockists details.

Cute candle holders

Take a look at these rather fabulous silver-plated cake candle holders from Vivi Celebrations, which are ideal for adding those extra touches to a boys' birthday party!

These lovely little transport themed candle holders are available in sets of 5 and are perfect for boys both young and old! Also available are other stunning designs including crowns, hearts, angels and more.

XOXO from American Crafts

The new XOXO collection from American Crafts is sure to give you everything you need for traditionally coloured Valentines creations from scrapbooks to cards for that special someone!

Whether you're documenting the day through your scrapbook pages, creating an anniversary mini book, scrapping a wedding day or similar romantic themes, then XOXO will give you all the double-sided papers, embellishments, page accents and Thickers alphas you need to give them justice.

Also an ideal range for pretty-in-pink little girl themes and therefore also a great one for décor pieces such as wall hanging art and more to decorate their bedrooms!



Darling Dear

The new collection from Studio Calico is well worth a look for your upcoming scrapping, with a selection of double-sided papers perfect for masculine and other themes and featuring stars, chevrons, speech bubbles and more with a bold colour scheme to boot!

Darling Dear also features a broad selection of super embellishments including stickers, wooden veneers, new colours in the popular Mr Huey's sprays, calendar pocket tags, gems, badges and more so take a look!

CSV Make a Difference Day

The CSV (Community Service Volunteers) are preparing for their Make a Difference Day which takes place on the 27th October this year, and are asking crafty types to colour flowers and donate them to a local homeless shelter, school or community club as part of the biggest single volunteering day in the UK.

As well as colouring your own flowers, CSV is giving away several other free how-to guides to promote the skills you can gain or use as a volunteer including gardening for good, baking, building and knitting a difference and being a professional volunteer.

With activities taking place over the next two weeks, you can register your event on the CSV Make a Difference website here to promote and encourage attendance. You can also claim a free action pack including stickers, certificates, t-shirts and more.

Autumn additions

New at Scrapbook MAX! are a selection of stunning downloadable products which are perfect for autumnal creations including the fabulous Amazing Autumn collection from A-Manda Creation.

You can choose to download the printable Amazing Autumn kit as a whole, or even buy the individual elements for your projects which include page titles, layered papers, journal cards, extra papers, floral clusters, cluster frames, borders and alphas.

A stunning kit!

Pony colour-coding

Pony have recently released new colour-coded sewing needles, with the eye of each needle now featuring a different colour according to size which makes for easier recognition as to which needle to use for your specific projects.

There are three different needle types in all (crewel & beading, tapestry and chenille) and each needle type is available in three different colour-coded sizes:

Crewel & Beading - Size 10 red, Size 11 blue, Size 12 black
Tapestry - Size 24 black, Size 26 blue, Size 28 red
Chenille - Size 22 black, Size 24 blue, Size 26 red

Packs are available containing 6 needles in either the same or assorted sizes for £1.25, plus extra-long beading needles are available for £3.55.

Check out your local craft or knitting shops, or for specific stockist details you can email crafts@stockistenquiries.co.uk or call 01453 883581.

Mini Masterpieces midnight release

Lili Of The Valley have just announced their scheduled midnight release of 16 new Mini Masterpieces, so be sure to check out www.liliofthevalley.co.uk when the clock strikes 12 UK time!

Mini Masterpieces are stunning A4 sheets of die-cut toppers with each sheet giving you a selection of topper sizes and at just £1 a sheet they're a bargain!

Little Suzy's Zoo

Look at these adorable new additions to the Little Suzy's Zoo range which will soon be available from Joanna Sheen!

These lovely characters and designs from artist Suzy Spafford are now available from Joanna Sheen in yet more cute rubber stamp designs as well as coordinating decoupage sheets for your projects, as well as cross stitch kits. Great for all kinds of occasions!

The eBosser is landing!

Crafter's Companion have announced the impending arrival of the Craftwell eBosser, the fully-automatic embossing and die-cutting machine allowing you to craft with paper, cardstock, fabric, leather, sugar sheets and more in up to A4 sizes.

You can still take advantage of the pre-order deail on this great little machine, but it's limited to as long as it takes for the first shipment to clear Customs so don't delay! The starter kit include the eBosser, power adaptor, instruction manual, all the cutting and embossing platforms, shims, mats and a free A4 embossing folder to get you started!

Take a look at the demo video on YouTube here to see what you'll be missing!

Heritage revamped

Be sure to check out Bazzill's newly revamped Heritage line which was released today and includes a stylish selection of papers, word stickers and more for vintage, family history and other themes!

New additions from the older range sees patterned papers with vintage receipts, journaling cards, tabs and more, so don't miss out!

British Wool Week

Next week (15th - 21st October) sees British Wool Week and specialists Artesano are supporting this great cause using their new British Wool by encouraging knitters to create socks and hats for the troops in Afghanistan.

Both Wool Week and National Knitting Week taken place together and Beaker Button will be open from the 16th, with make do and mend demonstrations focusing on recycling and with an aim of knitting as many pairs of socks and hats as possible using the Artesano British Wool. These will then be sent to our troops.

Beaker Buttons are inviting anyone in the area to drop in and try it out, so head to their shop at Studio 11, Fairground Craft & Design Centre, Weyhill, Andover SP11 0QN if you can!

Big Stamp & Scrapbooking Show here we come!

Here's looking forward to heading down to the Big Stamp & Scrapbooking Show in Kettering tomorrow with Chris from the sales team. I can't wait to have a good look around now the show has moved further up north and catch up with some old contacts like Stamposaurus and Clevercut.

Sat nav and car snacks well and truly prepared!

Merry & Bright

I'm loving the new Merry & Bright collection which has just been released by NitWit Collections!

This latest release features a lovely contemporary colour scheme, which is perfect for modern Christmas makes in greeting cards, home accessories and even creating your own decor for the tree! Designs feature the usual high-standard with whimsical characters, papers and embellishments galore all being available in the FQB download bundle. I'm particularly taken by the little white reindeer!

Limited Edition ProMarker gift set

Following on from the announcement of the Limited Edition Winter ProMarker 6-pen set, Letraset have also now revealed their 2012 Limited Edition Seasonal Gift Set which is great for crafty friends, newcomers to papercraft or even to go on your wish list for Santa!

This new set features all 24 colours from the 2012 Limited Edition seasonal sets, now all available together in one convenient package!

Get full details at www.letraset.com.

Autumnal products at Papermash

Papermash have well and truly embraced the season with their stationary ranges this month and a selection of leaf and autumn themed products including cute placecards, nature tags, notebooks, Washi tape, a lovely letterpress print designed exclusively for Papermash by Abigail Borg and more!

Christmas Wonderland from Cupcake



There's a new CD-ROM just been released by Cupcake Crafting in the form of the traditional A Christmas Wonderland disc.

 

With licenced artwork from Cheryl Seslar, A Christmas Wonderland featured whimsical and endearing characters including reindeer, chickens, polar bears, winter scenes and more.

 

Printables include backing papers, card fronts, decoupage, toppers, alphabet tiles, sentiments, boxes and more, so for £12.99 it's a bargain for your Christmas makes!

www.cupcakecrafting.co.uk