Shop's 9th Birthday Demo Event

Hi bloggers, today we want to share with you the fun that was had at Saturday's Shop Birthday Demo Event. The rain dried up and the sun came out shining to make it a glorious day. Thank you to all of you that came out to see us, to watch the demo's and buy those all important crafting goodies. We will break down the day by first looking at all the different demonstrators, sharing a few of their samples and any hints and tips we picked up from the day!

So let's get started.....

Christine Emberson - Global Ambassador for Spellbinders

Christine had lots of great tips and techniques to share with us using a variety of Spellbinders die sets. Christine also brought with her lots of samples that have been made using many different dies which provided great inspiration on how to use them. Also the many different ways we could use one die to get the most value out of it, including how to use ink with your die whilst die cutting. This effect looked stunning and helped create dimension once it had been embossed!

Christine also shared with me a quick tip for cleaning your embossing pads to get all those tiny frays of paper off. Simply get hold of some low quality parcel tape (e.g. Poundland) and cover your mat with several strips of tape. Put the mat through your die cutting machine and then peel off the tape to reveal a clean embossing pad! Check out the clean line below after the tape had been peeled away!

Kim Dellow - Crafter/Designer/Blogger

Kim brought with her lots of inspiration for using the Tim Holtz new distress colours which were a fab arrangement for this time of year with lots of bright colours. I watched Kim demonstrate as she created the butterfly card (bottom left) using a circle stencil to keep the colours contained, Kim merged the different colours together and then dripped some water droplets on top to make the distress ink react with the water. Kim also had some fun ideas creating cards with the Project Life card kits, making card making simple and fun for everyone!

Paula Pascual - Freelance Designer

Paula's table was full of bright colours and flowers, providing lots of inspiration for using the new Craft Asylum die sets from Sizzix. Paula had many different varieties of projects from cards to scrapbook layouts to 3D flowers and more! Check out the beautiful 3D flower (bottom right) Paula made using a combination of the Sizzix Bigz floral dies. Once again Paula provided some great tips on creating simple and effective cards that can save you time and money!

Nick from Chameleon Pens

We were lucky enough to have Nick, a representative from Chameleon pens to join us on Saturday to show us how to use these pens. Simply by placing the nib of the pen in the blending chamber you can create a multitude of colours from one pen. The longer you place the nib in the chamber the lighter the colour and then as you begin to use the pen you will see how the colour changes creating great blending techniques and shading. These pens really show you how you can do more with less!

Stamping Caz

Caz went back to her stamping roots on Saturday demonstrating the new stamp and die sets from Hero Arts alongside the Hero Arts Ombre ink pads. Caz created some stunning effects, specifically one called 'Bokeh' to place lighter shades on her backgrounds in a circular shape which can add some artistic flair to your creations! As you may notice in the top left picture Caz also had a quick chance to play with the Tim Holtz Bird Crazy stamp set which we will be getting back in stock the week commencing 10th August.

Sue M

Sue provided us with some great inspiration for using the Lindy's Stamp Gang embossing powders, turning a plain die cut into a wonderful card embellishment. As usual Sue kept to her vintage theme, using vintage images to decorate her cards as well as the new Prima Garden Fable 6x4 paper pad. Sue also showed us that you are not just limited to embossing on paper and card, why not apply the embossing powders to glass? Which is exactly what Sue did with an old jam jar (bottom right).

Alex Kamann

Christmas has come early at Alex's demo as Alex showed us different ways to use the new Memory Box and Poppystamp release. Alex demoed how to create a shaker card using the new Circle frame dies from Memory Box and I have to say I'm convinced that I'll be incorporating this design of card in my Christmas card making this year! Alex also showed us how to use the dies to simply just emboss the design onto a card rather than die cutting the shape, again providing more value out of your die.

Charry Wijers

If you're looking to create some different shaped cards then Charry's table was definitely the place to be as Charry demonstrated the new Create-A-Card die sets from Crealies. If you've purchased a Crealies die or seen the image of them on our website you'll know what I mean when I say the shape of the die looks too simple to create such an intricate design of card but when you see them in action you can see all the engineering behind it. Charry also shared her tips for looking at the online instructions on Crealies website which provide templates and also the size of the cardstock you need before die cutting your card.

Jo Wojcik

Jo demonstrated the new Tonic Studios Indulgence Shutter die sets and was again a great demo for anyone looking to create something a bit different in their card making. As Jo demoed how to create these cards you could see how much value you were getting included in the die set. These die sets provide you with the die to create the shape of your card and then all the extra dies that cut the papers to fit it, speeding up your card making time.

Karen Maccoy

If you love using flowers in your cards and projects you would have loved Karen's demo using the Susan Tierney Susan's Garden collection from Elizabeth Craft Design. Karen made some beautiful card samples, adding incredible detail to her flowers and all of them started off as plain white cardstock. The magic of the Tim Holtz distress colours transformed them into stunning poppies, hydrangeas and holyhocks.

So as you can see there was lots for everyone to be inspired by. But we can't forget the other events of the day including the Charity Auction, Raffle and Lucky Dip which were all in aid of St. Catherine's Hospice and raised an amazing £406 so thank you very much everyone that bid, bought raffle tickets and took part in the lucky dip.

We also revealed the winners of our Birthday Card Competition and we think it was definitely a difficult job for our demonstrators to choose the top 3 cards but here they are:

1st Place: Lisa Plummer

Winner of a £50 Crafts U Love Gift Voucher

2nd Place: 

Winner of a £20 Crafts U Love Gift Voucher

3rd Place: Sam Alpine

Winner of a £10 Crafts U Love Gift Voucher

Congratulations to our winners who will be receiving their gift vouchers in the post soon!

Also thank you to everyone who sent in your wonderful birthday cards, we appreciate the time and effort you put into making these cards and we are truly touched by all the entrants we received.

All in all the Shop Birthday Demo Event was a fantastic day and once again we want to thank everyone who came and those that have been supporting us for these past 9 years at the shop and also from the very beginning!

THANK YOU!

Charity Auction Lots Revealed

Hi bloggers, today we are revealing to you the lots that will be up for grabs in Saturday's Charity Auction. We have got some great items for you to get your hands on, including some fabulous handmade cards from Julie Hickey, a noticeboard from Sue M and a signed frame from Alex with one of her stunning Prima bloom girl pictures in coloured with Copic markers. 

If you like your signed goodies we have a card made, designed and signed from Karen Burniston with some added extras. Or perhaps a signed Marianne storage folder with 14 different dies inside!

Or if you prefer to win a crafting experience then why not bid for a private card class with Charry for you and 5 friends to make a beautiful collection of 4 mini cards with a box to store them in.

Perhaps you are looking for some crafting inspiration, if so, we have 5 magazine lots up for grabs with ideas about cardmaking, stamping and die cutting!

I have to say there is definitely something for everyone in this list so make sure you mark your favourites.

We've got our gavel ready so bring your best bids!

Create & Take: Virgil's Party

Hi bloggers, it's the beginning of a great week for us at Crafts U Love as on Saturday it is the Shop's 9th Birthday Demo Event so we are keeping ourselves plenty busy to get everything prepped for you guys, so we hope many of you will be able to make the day!

Let's begin with a celebratory card by taking a look at last Friday's Create & Take.....

Products Used:

Karen Burniston for Elizabeth Craft Design - Virgil the Pig Die Set

Karen Burniston for Elizabeth Craft Design - Props 2 Die Set

Karen Burniston for Elizabeth Craft Design - Farm Greetings Clear Stamp Set

Bazzill Basics Cardstock - Admiral

Bazzill Basics Cardstock - Tutu Pink

Bazzill Basics Cardstock - Raven

Bazzill Basics Cardstock - White Smoothie

Studio Light Cardstock - SCRAPSB03

Carta Bella Travel Stories Cardstock - Directions

Marianne Confetti Die Set

Black Versafine Ink Pad

Stickles Glitter Glue - Crystal

Instructions:

1. Cut the detail layer of Virgil , Snout and Tail from Tutu Pink cardstock. Lightly add some pink distress ink around the edges.

2. Cut the shadow layer of Virgil from black cardstock. Assemble and set aside.

3. Cut hat base and pom pom from blue cardstock and hat detail from red cardstock and assemble. Adhere to Virgil's head.

4. Stamp the wording onto a piece of white cardstock 5cm x 8cm using black versafine ink pad. Mount onto a piece of Admiral blue cardstock measuring 5.5cm x 8.3cm.

5. Cut Admiral cardstock 13cm x 13cm, Studio Light paper 12cm x 12cm and green Directions cardstock 2cm x 12cm. Adhere paper layers to the cardstock as shown.

6. Assemble the card as shown above and finish the card by die cutting some confetti from coloured cardstock and adding some Crystal glitter glue.

Remember Karen Burniston also has other friendly characters in her collection so you can make even more of these fun humorous cards!

Slick Sliding Cards

Hi bloggers, today we want to share with you Jo's slick sliding cards from her class last week. Jo used some of the new Crealies dies to create her cards, alongside some beautiful Maja Design papers.

Jo used Joy Crafts Cherry Blossom Tree stamp set to add these wonderful sentiments to her cards.

For Jo's next card she used Crealies Create A Card die no. 9.

These card designs are a great way to update your cardmaking skills and definitely beats any pre-made cards in those high street shops. 

Don't forget Charry will be demonstrating Crealies Create A Card dies at our Shop Birthday Demo Event on Saturday 25th July - so if you want a bit of help and inspiration for your cardmaking make sure you pop by and see Charry.

Create & Take: Doodle Daisies

Hi bloggers, today is the start of a new week and what better way to start then with a bit of card design inspiration. Today we will be sharing last week's Create & Take card made by Caz using new Woodware stamps. So let's get started....

Products Used:

Woodware Doodle Daisies Stamp Set

Maja Summer Crush 12 x 12 Cardstock - Flirty

Maja Summer Crush 12 x 12 Cardstock - Sweetheart

Maja Summer Crush 12 x 12 Cardstock - Long Summer Nights

Echo Park Happy Easter 12 x 12 Cardstock - Carrots

Black Versafine Ink Pad

Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad - Mermaid Lagoon

Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad - Abandoned Coral

Sponge Dauber

Zig Chalk Writer Pen - Blue

Scor- Buddy

Silver Kaisercraft Gems

Character Shaper Tool

Instructions:

1. Stanp the largest Daisy onto the Long Summer Nights paper, the smaller daisy onto the Flirty and Sweetheart paper and both the leaves onto the green side of the Carrots paper using black ink.

2. Cut around all the images.

3. Using a dauber, ink around the edges of the flowers with Mermaid Lagoon and Abandoned Coral ink.

4. Shape the petals of the flowers using the character shaper tool.

5. Using the Scor-Buddy make two lines on the reverse side of the card; make a line at 7/8" and 1".

6. Stamp the 'thank you' sentiment at the bottom right of the card using black ink.

7. Adhere the flowers and leaves onto the card and finish by adding some silver gems to the center of the flowers and by using the blue chalk marker to add some dots around the flowers.

This card is great for the summer, with some fab uplifting colours, making it perfect for a thank you, birthday or get well occasion.

Stay tuned on the blog this week to see some amazing creations from Alex's and Jo's recent classes at Crafts U Love.

Create & Take: New Home Scene

Hi bloggers, its the start of another week so let's get our creative juices flowing with a look at last week's Create & Take.......

Products Used:

A6 White Card Blank

Bo Bunny Garden Journal Cardstock - Airy

Bo Bunny Garden Journal Cardstock - Pastel

Bazzill Basics Cardstock - Coconut Swirl

Bazzill Basics Cardstock - Wild Pansy

Bazzill Basics Cardstock - Tutu Pink

Bazzill Basics Cardstock - Lemonade

Bazzill Basics Cardstock - Lily Pond

Find It Trading Couch Die Set

Poppystamps Small Madison Window Die Set

Joy! Crafts Spring Love 3 Die Set

Woodware New Home Clear Stamp Set

Gems

Petal Pink Liquid Pearls

Lace

Black Ink Pad

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of Airy cardstock 10cm x 10cm, a piece of Pastel cardstock 4.5cm x 10cm and a piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock 0.5cm x 10cm. Adhere to the card blank as shown above.

2. Die cut the window from Coconut Swirl cardstock. Cut a piece of Baby Blue cardstock 4.5cm x 5.5cm to fit behind the window. Cut a small piece of lace to fit behind the window and adhere these pieces together as shown above. Die cut the plant stalks and flowers from a mixture of colours and adhere to the bottom of the window.

3. Die cut and emboss the couch from Lily Pond cardstock.

4. Die cut the cushions from Pastel cardstock and adhere to the couch.

5. Die cut the shelf from the Spring Love 3 die set using Tutu Pink cardstock. Cut off the bottom parts of the shelf so that it looks like a rectangular mat for the couch to sit on.

6. Adhere the window , couch and mat to the card.

7. Using black ink stamp the 'New Home' sentiment on the bottom right corner of the card.

8. Finish by adding some liquid pearls to the centers of the flowers and adding a couple of green gems either side of the sentiment.

This card would also suit a birthday occasion if you could include a sentiment about 'taking it easy on your birthday'.

Birthday Demo Day: The Demonstrations

Hi bloggers, today we want to share with you what our demonstrators will be demoing at the Shop's Birthday Event. With less than a month to go we are busy getting things ready for the big day and we are hoping lots of you will be able to join us this year!

We currently have 10 demonstrators confirmed for the day, with lots of different techniques to show you, so let's dip in and see who's doing what.....

Christine Emberson from Spellbinders

Christine is an international ambassador for Spellbinders and also a design team member with Scrapbook Adhesives for 3L.

Christine will be inspiring us with the new die cutting release from Spellbinders, providing you with some great tips and techniques.

Kim Dellow - freelance designer

Kim is a freelance designer who has had work published in numerous craft magazines and is currently a design team member for Practical Publishing and Craft Stamper.

Kim will be demonstrating the Project Life range but not in terms of scrapbooking but cardmaking! Kim will also be using the new Tim Holtz distress colours to make her cards pop with colour!

Paula Pascual - freelance designer

As a freelance designer, Paula has published articles in numerous magazines, published two books, worked as a creative designer for Sizzix releasing a range of die cuts as well as designing a range of stamps for Personal Impressions.

Paula will be providing some great inspiration for using the new dies from the latest Sizzix release with lots of die cutting tips and techniques.

Stamping Caz - Designer

Caz loves to craft and is currently a design team member for Karen Burniston's range of dies for Elizabeth Craft Design.

Caz will be going back to her stamping roots demonstrating the new ombre ink pads from Hero Arts using some new Hero Arts stamps as well.

Charry Wijers - Designer

Charry has long been a firm favourite demonstrator at Crafts U Love events and has been inspiring us with her beautiful cards and scrapbook layouts.

Charry will be demonstrating the new Crealies dies including the brilliant Create-A-Card range, lots of different card designs to inspire you to make something different!

Alex Kamann - Designer

Alex has also demonstrated and hosted many classes with us at Crafts U Love, with features in magazines and on numerous craft blogs.

Alex will be inspiring us with the new Christmas release from Memory Box to start getting us in the festive spirit early!

Karen Maccoy - Actress and designer

Karen has been crafting for many years alongside her years in the theatre/ commercial appearances. She has featured at many Crafts U Love demo events and runs numerous classes.

Karen will be demonstrating the Susan Tierney die collection with Elizabeth Craft Design. Be inspired by her intricate card designs using the beautiful flowers and country themed die cuts.

Sue Millard - Designer

Sue has been crafting for many years and absolutely loves anything vintage and distressed! Sue has featured at many Crafts U Love events and also teaches vintage classes at the shop.

Sue will be demonstrating the Lindy's Stamp Gang embossing powders, showing you how to make some beautiful backgrounds for cards and other projects, including an embossed glass jar!

Jo Wojcik - Designer

Jo brings her unique European design eye to her creations and introduced the Sospeso decoupage range to us at Crafts U Love. She loves to craft and has featured at numerous Crafts U Love demo events with regular classes at Crafts U Love.

Jo will be demonstrating the Tonic Studios shutter die cuts alongside her fabulous demonstration of the Sospeso decoupage range.

We will also be joined by a representative from Chameleon pens to demonstrate how to use these colour changing pens. You may have seen these pens featured on Create & Craft and we now have been lucky enough to finally get our hands on them. These pens will change the way you colour forever!

So the line up for the big day is looking great if we do say so ourselves. There is definitely something for everyone. Plus there will be lots of other activities on the day including the Charity Auction with some great lots up for grabs. Keep an eye out on Facebook for a few sneak peeks of what you could bid for......

If you have any questions about the event, demonstrations or how to get here, just send us at email at enquiries@craftsulove.co.uk

Look forward to seeing you there!