Everyday by Paula Pascual

Sizzix have just announced the release of the brand new Everyday Collection designed by Paula Pascual. Paula has been a designer for Sizzix for quite some time and you may have seen her work in a couple of our magazines in the past on behalf of them.

The collection includes a range of Framelits dies with stamps, Textured Impressions embossing folders and even a Bigz die. This range is Europe-exclusive and will now be available from Sizzix retailers so check out www.sizzix.co.uk to find details of your closest supplier.

Hero Arts Frame Cuts

Hero Arts have just announced the release of new holiday additions to their Frame Cuts range of dies which give you a selection of Christmas and winter shapes including snowflakes, a snowman, tags and baubles.

The range of Frame Cuts dies coordinate with Hero Arts stamp designs and you can see the full selection available here. Simply stamp the design and then die-cut around it to create embellishments and toppers for your projects. Frame Cuts are compatible with most manual die-cutting machines.

What a Hoot!

NitWit Collections have just released their What a Hoot collection so head over to www.nitwitcollections.com to get your digital downloads!

This collection is adorable for fans of owls and features an abundance of cute characters in a range of colourful designs, coupled with printable papers, embellishments, word art and more.

Lili Of The Valley grand opening!

The new Lili Of The Valley shop in Leeds opens its 2nd floor tomorrow, so if you fancy getting up close and personal with even more crafting goodies be sure to stop by at 51 Springfield Centre, Bagley Lane, Farsley, Leeds, LS28 5LY between 10am - 3pm.


Here you'll find the 400 stamps now available from this popular brand and even be able to see the brand new stamps in their mini-launch tomorrow.

Other lines available at the shop include dies from Spellbinders and Memory Box, as well as other crafting essentials such as paper pads (including the new NitWit designs), ribbons, glitter and more!

Lili Of The Valley will also be taking part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, so you can enjoy a refreshment during your visit whilst contributing to a great cause.

Craft Creations catalogue

Craft Creations have just released Part 4 of their 2012 catalogue which features essentials crafting supplies including scrapbooks, adhesives, acetate, card blanks, bags, boxes, envelopes, labels and more. Part 1 of the catalogue has also been updated to include the all-new Christmas products.

Take a look at everything available, or download PDFs of the catalogue by visiting www.craftcreations.com.

Inspired by Innocent

Take a look at these fun Innocent smoothie hats that Helen Fisher from the Artesano Yarns knitting group has recently created.

Helen does lots of knitting for charity and this will be the third year she's supported the Help The Aged appeal through Sainsbury's with Innocent smoothies. You can find more information about 'The Big Knit' here.

Feeling the chill

Hi everyone,

Well, I'm back from my holiday in sunny and stunning Madeira to find myself positively chilly! What a shock to the system to come from 27-32 degree temperatures and step off the plan in sandals to rain and low teens! I'm rather glad I had a jumper in my hand luggage.

What a fantastic holiday it's been. The weather was perfect (just 30 minutes of rain one morning which was dry within 10 minutes), the views were stunning, the food excellent and I'm feeling really well-rested and geared up for the next few month.

This was a piccie I took from a mini castle on the grounds of the Royal Savoy hotel where we stayed. Madeira's a volcanic island so there aren't many beaches at all - most of the coastline is either cliffs or positioned stone around the inhabited areas.

It was truly super to be here and the sea breeze made it especially pleasant to sunbathe as we didn't get too hot. Lashings of suncream and we didn't burn either!

Here also is one of the photos I took when we went on the King's Levada trail. This was a 4 and a half hour walk along the Levada walk at São Jorge where we went along narrow trails along the mountainside and even walked under a waterfall at one point. It was mildly terrifying in parts as the majority of the trail had sheer drops on the left and no barriers. Sadly this meant I spent most of the time looking down to ensure I was watching my footing, but I made sure to stop and look when I saw a super view.

Totally stunning and I'd 100% recommend Madeira to anyone!

xx

Jetting off

Afternoon everyone,

It'll all seem a little more quiet on here than recently for the next week and a half as I'm finally getting away on a holiday!

This will be my first proper sun, sea and sand holiday for 18 years and also the first real holiday me and Peter's will have been on together. In the early hours of next Monday morning we'll be jetting off for a week in Madeira and I can't wait!

Mum and dad had a stop-over in Madeira a few years ago on their anniversary cruise and were so taken with it that they decided to take out a time share. They'll be coming at the same time as me and Peter as they're using their banked week for 2013 to get a second apartment this year instead. This does mean they won't be able to go next year though, so they must really have been pleased for us to come with them!

The suitcase is out and half of my packing is done - just need to fit in all the shoes, chargers and other bits and bobs then I'm good to go.

I'll be sure to take as many pics as possible while I'm away so I've got plenty of scrapping material for the next few months and will put some of the piccies on here when I get back.

I may be going slightly overboard with the pre-holiday beautification, but it's all part of the fun and I don't treat myself in this way very often. My eyebrows are currently glowing bright red from them being waxed and plucked at lunchtime! I'm booked in first thing in the morning for a manicure and pedicure and then at 3 for a hair cut and super-straighten. I think that covers it!

If we don't 'speak' before then here's hoping that you all have a great weekend and that next week brings sunshine and smiles for everyone.

xx

Artiste inkpads

For those of you who've not heard about them already, docrafts have released a range of new and improved Artiste inkpads and brush marker pens which are perfect for papercrafting. The inkpads are available in pigment, dye and water-based inks and are available in an array of colours to suit your schemes.

The new brush marker packs can be found as sets and these are currently Bright, Vintage and Pastel. Each features 12 pens in a selection of colours.

Artiste is available from docrafts stockists so go to www.docrafts.com to find your closes store.

Epiphany Shape Studio

Crafter's Companion have just announced that the new Pennant 25 and Flower 25 Shape and Button Studio tools from Epiphany Crafts are now available from them - you can currently take advantage of a multi-buy option on their website to get 3 for £39.98 (RRP: £19.99 each), so it's well worth taking a look at www.crafterscompanion.co.uk or calling 0845 296 0042 and getting your hands on these while you can.

This range of tools is great for making your own accessories and embellishments and are designed for use with the EC Shape Studio accessories which are clear toppers for the shapes. The tools themselves are used much like paper punches so you can personalise the pattern and make sure it coordinates with your project.

Simply position the paper or card, add the clear epoxy accessory and punch your way to super quick embellishments!

Owl crazy!

I've just spotted these really fab owl design storage boxes from Groves - aren't they super?!

Owls continue to be a really popular trend in all manner of crafts and these super storage solutions embrace these fun creatures in a whimsical and colourful way for a really stylish look. The larger box (28x14.2x24cm) features a metal clasp and carry handle, whilst the smaller one (22x11x13.5cm) has a magnetic closure. There's also a built-in divider in the larger box, making it ideal for skeeping your bits and bobs separate.

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

Women's Weekly Live!

Women's Weekly Live! The Creative Stitches & Hobbycraft Show takes place at EventCity near the Trafford Centre in Manchester 13th - 15th September, so be sure to take a trip there to see over 125 exhibitors selling creative craft supplies, showcasing the latest ideas and demonstrating a wide variety of techniques.

The show will feature brand new display pieces, workshops, details of upcoming trends, cookery ideas and more for a great day out!

Get your tickets at www.ichf.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01425 277988. You can also follow the event organisers on Twitter @ICHFUK or Like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ichf-events.

This weeks' plans

Peter lands in from Sweden this evening (he's currently enjoying a burger and a beer in his 4 hour wait at Copenhagen airport) so can't wait to finish work and head to Manchester airport to pick him up!

This week will see a much more subdued series of events after what turned out to be a pretty manic July fortnight when he was here last - we even had plans the night he arrived! Definitely something we won't be trying to recreate again!

So far we just have a few simple plans arranges, with tea at mum & dads with Em & Sam tomorrow night and that we'll be doing our traditional Frankie & Bennies plus a film another night this week. I'm working all week as we're off to Madeira next Monday, so we're rather restricted to what we can arrange anyway.

Roll on 5:30!

Tulip

What fabulous weather we ended up having this weekend! Such a great opportunity to sit out in the garden, so I did a bit of basking first thing on Sunday morning and sat with a book in the garden for an hour. I also had lunch with mum & dad, granny and my uncle Jim and auntie Pauline at The Butley Ash, so another chance to sit out and enjoy what could be the last of our summer.

Sam did great on his Para 10 challenge and finished the 10 mile run in 2 hours and 20 minutes - not bad for someone with a replacement hip!

Just wanting to give a quick shout about the new Tulip range from docrafts, which features a lovely whimsical character in the new Christmas collection.

The illustrations of Andrea Jane Evans have been transformed into papercraft products for the delightful Tulip range, and you can take your pick from paper packs, Urban Stamps, die-cut decoupage, topper and sentiment packs, as well as cardstock stickers and a 6x6" decoupage card kit.

 

Check out these quirky products at www.docrafts.com.

Sunny Saturday

Morning everyone.

Here's hoping the sun is shining for you all this morning.

As always I've got a busy day ahead. Sweep's at the vets at 9 for her vaccinations (she's currently asleep behind me on the computer chair completely unaware of what's coming - sure she'll get an inkling when I get the cat carrier out!).

Heading to town late morning with mum for a bit of shopping and some lunch. We'll also be popping in to Cherry Blossom Bakery to reserve our cupcake icing class next month for me, mum and Em. I may also be tempted to sample a cupcake whilst I'm there as I'm sure they'll look amazing - as well as cupcake classes they also operate a little tea room in the shop front.

Em and her fiancé Sam are off to Catterick Garrison this afternoon as Sam's been training for the Para 10 - P Company Challenge which takes place tomorrow - a 10 mile run with a heavy pack on your back! Because of this, mum and dad are house-sitting with their grand-dogs tonight, so I'll be heading over there later for some food.

That's pretty much my Saturday, with a few cards for a Simply Cards & Papercraft commission and some housework sandwiched in between!

Have a great day everyone!

xx

Got to adore Adoremat!

I've just heard about a company called Adoremat who produce really fun doormat designs so thought I'd share them with you!

There's a collection of new Christmas design doormats which have just been released that you can have personalised with your family name. The mats are designed and made in the UK, feature a non-slip backing and are machine washable. They's also low profile so can be rolled and stored with the rest of your festive decor.

Take a look at the full selection at www.adoremat.co.uk.

Announcing the NitWit Collections sale!

If you're after a digital bargain then make sure you head over to the NitWit Collections website this weekend to take advantage of their annual autumn sale!

Everything in the online shop (apart from gift certificates and licences) will have a super 32.5% discount applied on Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th September, so be sure to stop by and bag a bargain!

There's also a fun new collection available called Party Animals which is ideal for kids cards and invitations, scrapbook layouts and more.

Dreamy designs

Dreamees have done it again and released a lovely new selection of stamps including characters, Christmas designs and more. Dreamees have been designing craft products for a couple of years and made their first debut at a small craft show. With an ever-increasing range of products including stamps, CD-ROMs, digital downloads and more, constantly growing web business and success at shows up and down the UK, make sure you check out this popular stockist!

Here's a selection of just some of the new releases. Head over to www.dreamees.org.uk to see the full range available!

Lynette Anderson Designs

Craftime have just launched a stunning new papercraft line designed by Lynette Anderson in the form of the Christmas Fun collection.

This gorgeous new range features a truly whimsical style and combines the traditional red, green and kraft Christmas colour scheme across the range of products featured in the collection. Lynette's been working with Craftime to create the Christmas Fun collection and wanted to have a flexible range that could be incorporated in to both textile and paper crafts.

The collection includes printed ribbons that feature Lynette’s famous reindeer, giant brads, scrapbooking paper, stickers and more, plus a cracker making kit and even wrapping paper!

For details contact Craftime on 01623 722828 or visit www.craftime.com.

Gingerbread Twist from Polka Doodles

This fantastic new hybrid collection was just released by Polka Doodles this weekend and is perfect for both digital and traditional papercrafters alike.

Containing over 300 unique elements, this Studio 12 CD encourages hybrid crafting and this release features a navigation menu to walk you through the contents, plus the easy-to-use interface means you can simply click on the image you want and it will automatically open in your default graphics programme.

Polka Doodles collections are a little different to others in that they come with a variety of features effectively giving you everything you need in one package - the ability to layer and manipulate the images, use the designs with your electronic die-cutting machine, and even create your own brushes for digital patterns etc.

Boofle Christmas Wishes

I adore Boofle and am delighted to hear about the new Christmas Wishes range featuring this cuddly little character!

There's a full spectrum of super papercrafting products available featuring the festive Boofle, from paper packs, to die-cuts, coordinating ribbons, clear stamps and pretty pre-tied ribbon bows.

For super cute Christmas cards and creations, be sure to check out your local docrafts stockist, or go to www.docrafts.com to find one near you.