Settled in Sweden

After a long wait and lots of organisation, I'm finally situated in my new abode in Sweden with my hubbie Peter.

It's been a long time coming and a bit of a bumpy road from time to time to get here, but huge thanks to mum & dad for helping out, hiring the monster of a van, driving across the UK, Denmark and Sweden with me, my cats and all our things. I couldn't have done it without you. x

LookWhatIveMade.com

LookWhatIveMade.com is a brand new crafting community website, sure to get your sewing machines buzzing! Created especially for knitters, sewers and crafters of all kinds, LookWhatIveMade.com is the perfect opportunity for you to show off your latest creations, share your ideas with other like-minded people and be inspired by the work of others.

To celebrate the launch of this new community site, you can enter a competition for your chance to win £250 worth of sewing and other craft goodies, plus there's a whole load of runners-up prizes as well!

To enter, go to www.lookwhativemade.com, create a profile and upload at least one project to the website.

Find even more info on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lookwhativemade

One Stamp 24-hour challenge

Following a hugely successful challenge last year, Lynnda Worsnop of Oak House Studio will again be running her One Stamp 24-hour project this weekend, 13th & 14th April.

Lynnda will be running the project over two 12-hour slots at the weekend from her Bishop Burton studio, working with a single selected stamp to create projects on card, wood, metal, fabric, glass and more to demonstrate a whole range of techniques, the versatility of her stamp and multiple effects you can create using a single design.

The Studio at Calf House Studios will be open from 10am-4pm for visits, so you're welcome to head over and see what Lynnda's getting up to!

Hemline releases

Hemline have released some new sewing essentials in the form if the Pro Cut embroidery scissors and premium sewing needles.

These gorgeous hand-crafted scissors feature as new additions to the ever-expanding range of scissors from Hemline. Made from high-quality steel with thicker blades than standard and a comfortable grip, the super-fine tips make them perfect for needlework.

The news scissors are available in a selection of decorative designs and colourways for £11.50.
There's also a new selection of gold eye hand sewing needles, which have been created to offer flawless piercing of fabrics and ensure fabric threads aren't snagged or damaged whilst sewing. Flip-top packs give you both instant organisation and handy storage and there are 12 needle varieties available.

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

The Cake & Bake Show

Looking forward to a bit of a family outing today with mum and Emma to The Cake & Bake Show in Manchester. I'm planning to get back in to baking when I move to Sweden next month, as I've not baked for years and will definitely have more time.

I'm going to take my camera and do a bit of celeb spotting as well as shopping I think!

I'm not expecting a great deal of free samples, but definitely a lighter purse!!

http://thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk/manchester/

Issue 74 readers' gallery call

Morning all! Just putting out a call for layouts to feature in our Scrapbook Magazine issue 74 readers' gallery.

I'm looking for holiday layouts for this one - summer holidays to be precise, so email me over your beach, tropical, overseas and other sunny holiday pages!

Send your layouts to me at lindsey.hopkins@practicalpublishing.co.uk.

Life's a picnic!

Spring is just around the corner (hopefully!) and with the start of the exciting new Great British Sewing Bee there'll be plenty of opportunities to get creative with sewing projects for picnics, parties and more.

Making bright spring and summer accessories to complement your outdoor feasts can be made even easier with Gutermann's Sew All threads for hand and machine sewing, so get creative, get crafting and get outdoors!

A large selection of Gutermann threads is available nationwide from craft and hobby shops. For stockist information email gutermann@stockistenquiries.co.uk or call 01453 883581.

Wedded bliss

Morning all,

Just getting back into the swing of things here after marrying my partner Peter last Thursday! We had an absolutely fabulous day and have both agreed that we'd do everything exactly the same if we had to do things over again.

The venue was superb, the service sensational, the food amazing, our violinist fantastic and everyone had a wonderful time. I really can't fault a thing, so very pleased I spent so long organising the finer details as well as the main ones.

We were married at The Plough Inn, Eaton and the staff there did a fantastic job of making the day run so smoothly. Big thanks especially to Annette who coordinated everything for us.

Our violinist, Mark Ostyn, did a great job of playing for us and our guests before, during and after the ceremony while we were eating. As well as playing the classics, he charmed us with Abba, Loreen, Take That and other pop songs, which was a great hit with the guests.

Finally, here's a piccie of me and dad so you can see the dress in full.

Fiskars additions

I'm loving the new-look handles of these Fiskars kitchen scissors - much more feminine takes on their already popular line of orange-handled scissors!

You can now choose from Coconut, Water, Eggplant and Juicy colours and these are available from www.pandoraupholstery.co.uk.

Felted cuties

Take a look at these gorgeous little felted characters from Dimensions that you can now buy in kits! These characters require just basic needle felting techniques and come with easy-to-follow instructions so they're simple to create.

The kits include 100% wool felt, a felting needle and mat, plus some kits also come with an embroidery needle and floss so you can add extra finishing touches.

The animals available currently include small character kits for a bird, hedgehog, penguin & snowman, medium kits with an owl, monkey, bunny & cat, or large characters for creating a monster, dog, pony & bear.

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


Issue 71 is on its way!

Keep your eyes peeled for issue 71 of Scrapbook Magazine that we sent to the printers this week! This one's available from the 21st March and there are lots of treats to look forward to!

This issue brings you designer tips for making your own Easter embellishments, Mix'd Media Inx, colour theory, multi-photo layouts and a delightful daughters mini book to name just a few, plus more great challenges and design inspiration in our activity pack!

Clover Amour

There's a new range of Clover crochet hooks now available featuring coloured handles to brighten up your tool selection!

These easy grip hooks are fun and bright and are available in sizes from 2-6mm.

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

Berisfords Essentials

Berisfords have just launched their new Essentials ribbon and trim ranges, with top quality choices for your creations and a whole host of ribbons in a variety of finishes and styles, ribbon roses, bows, micro beading strings and more.

 To make previewing the range super easy, there's a new 58-page brochure with over 40 inspirational designs, with plain, printed and woven ribbons in a great range of colours, plus a collection of ribbon florals in a number of styles.

For stockists details or for more information email berisfords@stockistenquiries.co.uk or call 01453 883581.

Happy Valentine's Day

Just a little note to wish everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day! Here's hoping you all get flowers, chocolates, cards, hugs, kisses or even stash - whatever your heart desires! xx

Wool House

The biggest ever celebration of wool in the UK is due to take place 13th - 24th March this year as The Campaign for Wool runs the Wool House showcase in the stunning west wing of Somerset House in central London.

Arabella McNie has been appointed as curator for the event, which will feature a showcase of interiors, fashion and the world of artisan and craft making, plus a hi-tech educational suite.

Leading interior designers including Donna Wilson, Ashley Hicks, Josephine Ryan and Kit Kemp, will feature their work as exclusive room sets alongside a huge wool art installation commissioned by the Campaign from Dutch tapestry artist Claudy Jongstra.

Entry to the showcase is free and more details can be found at www.campaignforwool.org.

Craft Creations Big 15p Sale!

As per the banner above, The Big 15p Sale is now up and running at Craft Creations, giving you the chance to snap up some absolute bargains from the current stocks of decoupage, papers, die-cuts and more for just 15p per sheet, or just 7.5p when you buy them in bulk!

With new releases upcoming, Craft Creations are clearing some warehouse space, so head on over to the website now take advantage while stocks last at www.craftcreations.com!

daylight StarMag collection

daylight has just introduced a new spring line in the form of the StarMag collection, a varied range of small hands-free magnifiers, LED lights and clamps for crafting. This innovative new range keeps your hands free so you can work as normal on your scrapbooking, beading and other craft projects, and gives you a great range of lightweight, portable and ergonomically designed products to help you work in comfort.

The full range is available from next month in selected shops. To check out the full range of daylight products, order online or find a stockist near you, visit www.daylightcompany.com or call 020 8964 1200.

Hello Sunshine

NitWit Collections are such a breath of fresh air with their latest Hello Sunshine collection! Despite us still having such dark mornings and nights, this latest collection brightens our spirits and gives us the usual great array of printable products for our projects.

This is the perfect digital kit for upcoming spring makes. Check out www.nitwitcollections.com to see all the elements available.

DaisyTrail charity work

DaisyTrail have just announced that they've hit their fundraising target and will be donating over £9,600 to Tommy's, a charity that funds medical research in to preventing miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.

The online social crafting network has raised this fantastic amount through activities such as a DaisyTrail Bake Sale, a 10K run in Nottingham and a £1,000 hamper giveaway. DaisyTrail also sell a range of four Tommy's digikits with all proceeds from sales going to the charity.

Originally the target was £5,000, but following the immense support of  individuals, the online community and staff, the target was increased first to £7,000 and then to £9,000!

Go to www.DaisyTrail.com for details on Tommy's kits or go to www.tommys.org for information on the charity, support and how you can help.

Crafty magazine

Crafty is the new magazine featuring the freshest, quirkiest and most stylish contemporary crafts for you and your home. Alongside inventive projects to sew, crochet, knit, alter and more, team Crafty love to upcycle and customise - with all the ideas and inspiration you need not only to make something amazing, but make it your own.

Whether you want to take a peek into the fun, beautiful and sometimes curious homes of crafters or get expert advice on starting a handmade business, this magazine brings together all elements of the Crafty lifestyle to create the perfect blend for the modern maker.

Keep your eyes on www.practicalpublishing.co.uk for more details coming soon!

Scrapbook Magazine issue 70

Hi scrappers,

Just a quick shout to let you know that the rather fabulous issue 70 is due out on sale on Thursday if you're not a subscriber and been lucky enough to have your copy already!

This issue features all kinds of lovelies including a stunning paper pack, how to guides on making your own resist papers, designer inspiration on spring, creating mini books, using Washi tape, shrink plastic and acetates, plus the delightful Dolly Edge (my granny) features on the cover - a fact that she's rather pleased about!

DaisyTrail Pin Up Collection

DaisyTrail, the online crafting community, have just released a new digital collection to glam up your projects using the range of CraftArtist software.

 If you're a fan of vintage style, victory roll hairstyles and the chic retro look then this collection is definitely up your street and features hand-drawn illustrations by DaisyTrail designer Charlotte Thomson-Morley.

Each digikit is just £4.99/$7.49 and gives you a great range of pin up papers, embellishments, alphabets and more to craft with. The digikits now available are Pin Up Cabaret, Pin Up Sweethearts, Pin Up Cheesecake, Pin Up Chic and Pin Up Starlets.

Go to www.daisytrail.com for more information.

Bazzill Basics goodies

Check out these super new products I've just had arrive at the office courtesy of Bazzill Basics!

Hot off the press from CHA, these great new products will be winging their way to some of our Scrapbook Design Team for use on their projects in an upcoming issue, so keep your eyes peeled for Big Word Stickers and the fun Lucy's Crab Shack collection!

See the full range of Bazzill goodies at www.bazzillbasics.com.

Heart-shaped must-haves

Take a look at islovely heart-shaped Yo Yo which you can create for embellishing your projects, accessories and personalising clothes, bags and more!

Designed to give you perfect hearts every time, the Clover "Quick" Yo Yo Maker gives you evenly spaced stitch guides to ensure a beautiful finish and is available in two sizes (25x30mm & 40x45mm).

 

Perfect for making embellishments for Valentine's gifts and keepsakes!

 

Clover products are avialable nationwide from all good craft, knitting and hobby shops. For stockist information email clover@stockistenquiries.co.uk or call 01453 883581.



CHA update

We've sent a couple of crafty individuals over to the big CHA trade show in California to get the low-down on current and upcoming releases in the craft world for the coming months and it sounds like we're in for some real treats! We've just had the first report through with some details, so here are just a few of the things we've got to look forward to!

The die-cutting experts at Spellbinders are showcasing their new Media Mixage range of dies, plus Artisan Explorer die-cutting machine, which are created with ease of cutting thicker materials in mind such as metal and fabrics.

Tim Holtz is offering yet more creative ideas at this years' CHA with a new Distress Paint range to add to his vast array of top-quality products. This new range, created with Ranger, are thinner than Adirondack products and so offer a smoother alternative to work with that can be manipulated whilst wet and give an opaque finish once dried.

Masking techniques and altered art seem to be very popular trends at this years' show and Jillibean Soup are displaying their new Placemats range of creative masks.

The chevron pattern seems still to be very popular and there are multiple ranges featuring it which have been released at the show. Woodgrain patterns, birds and muted colour schemes, as well as retro designs are also prevalent.

Check out this Craft Armoire door storage solution on offer from Jinger Adams, which makes for a stylish idea for your craft room storage. Perfect for keeping your stash handy!

Perfect pom-poms

Check out these pom-pom makers from Clover which come in multi packs  to give you two size options for your projects.

Pom-pom makers mean it's super easy to create colourful pom-poms for your projects including soft furnishings, hats, scarves, bags and more, plus papercraft applications as scrapbook and card embellishments, so mix and match pom-poms with other decorative details to personalise your favourite possessions and create keepsakes!

Clover products are available nationwide from all good craft, knitting and hobby shops. For stockist information email clover@stockistenquiries.co.uk or call 01453 883581.



A touch of Klasse

If you're a fan of fabric crafts and embroidery then check out these new scissor sets from Klasse, which are presented as a gift set for £31 giving you a pair of dressmaking and embroidery scissors with matching gold finish handles.

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

NitWit Pick 'a Kit Contest

Digital crafting favourites NitWit Collections have announced a brand new contest they're running that gives you the opportunity to put forward your ideas for kits you'd like to see in 2013.

NitWit Collections are asking that ideas be emailed across to them along with some detail on what sorts of things you'd like the kit to feature, so as well as themes you should email suggestions for types of digital embellishments and the like you invision in the kit. The winner will then be contacted by Mary Fran to finalise the details for the winning kit!

The NitWit Pick 'a Kit Contest is running until the 18th January so get emailing your ideas to the team using the 'contact us' form at www.nitwitcollections.com.