General Chat

Mandy, Churchdown, between Gloucester and Cheltenham. About an hour and a half from Conglesbury. A bit far really but may get there one day. i was in Hobbycraft at West End Southampton a few weeks back when they had a lady showing how to make cards, got some ideas from her. I also take the new magazine 'Quick cards made easy' and that has a few simple ideas (it has to be simple I can't do difficult!) I have done embossing, and have a proper heating tool but find it a bit messy with the powder. Also I never seem to have the design I want, stamps are quite expensive. However I have robin I might use on a few cards, he would look good embossed. I keep trying to think of a way of incorporating something in a Christmas card to a cousin who is also a keen Family Tree researcher - any ideas? I like to make cards for specific people. Ann Glos

Have a look at this website www(.)docrafts(.)co(.)uk. You can't buy direct from them, but they give you lots of projects and ideas, and tell you when their products are on special offer. I've just discovered that one of our local shops stocks their items, and I got a set of four Christmas stamps and a stamp pad for £7.99, which I thought was very good. Liz recommended a brilliant little product to me - we got ours from Lakeland but craft shops sell them too. It's called a Snappy Tray (£4.95). It comes flat then the sides fold up and snap together with a little spout at one end. It's great for embossing etc, as you use the little spout to pour all the spare powder back in the pot! Mandy :) PS Docrafts also do a magazine which only costs £1 and usually has some free outline stickers with it.

Mandy stop putting websites on this thread, I can't resist having a look, and then of course I have to buy!!It's all your fault, I just HAD to order that tray from Lakeside LOL. Must say they are really quick with deliveries, ordered that and a few other items for the craft box I am making up for daughter as Christmas present. Order placed on Friday, delivered today! That's what I call good service. Off now to see this docraft site!!!

somebody pushed this one up and it wasn't me - honest. Has everyone finished their Christmas cards now? I am still in the middle of mine, made 8 so far this afternoon, 5 craft and 3 photo. Ann Glos

Made over 30 so far. has anyone done any T bag folding. I might have a go, did you find it easy? Also have you come across mini glue dots? i have just 'found' them and think they are great. it is so easy to stick bits onto cards such as buttone etc. Ann Glos

Ann, I have lots of tea bags and 3 books on how to fold teabags but find this so complicated, but also very pretty. I'll try again some time. As they say "try, try, try again until you succeed". Sylvia xxx

I've only made 6 of my Christmas cards so I'd better get a move on! Have to do it on an evening when my boys are in bed but find myself on here instead! Plus it takes that long to get all the stuff out and then tidy away afterwards that it hardly seems worth it sometimes! I must get more efficient! Joanne

If ayone is interested in embossing I have just found the Fiskars Shapeboss Embossing system for sale on Amazon for £9.99 (usual price £17.99) also Fiskars Shapecutter and Shape Template Set for £17.99 (usual price £29.99). Might make good Christmas presents!

sounds good Anne, good value for anyone who hasn't got an embossing gun. Ann Glos

Has everyone finished making their cards now? I have got to about 65 but it is addictive so i just go on, any i don't use will come in for next year. Does anyone use te carla craft punches? I find them great, except I have trouble with the saller one of two stars that I have, so hard to push down that Tony has brought in a vice type (hand held) thing to grip and push the punch down with. it works but I could do with an extra hand. it looks good though if you punch the card and put silver paper behind the stars. Ann Glos

For Ann!

Thanks John why didn't it do that when i put card in I wonder? another of lifes little mysteries. ann glos

Glad to help.

I have just received the Jan issue of Quick Cards made easy. Lots of great ideas in there, including several pages on using recycled items to make cards. Something on using punches, and also a bit on stamping. Two adverts of interest - one if you are in the Yorkshire area - The great Northern papercraft Extravaganza at the Great Yorkshire showground Harrogate Sat 5th and Sun 6th February. Details phone 0113 270 5986 Tickets availabe from the same number. adults £3.50 children under 12 free. Entrance on the day £4.50 The North's premier card making event. For those in the South west: Westpoint Arena Exeter 21-23 January 2005 Fri/Sat 10am - 5pm, sun 10am - 4pm. Advance tickets £4 (cons £3), On the day Adults £5 (cons £4) needlecraft, Hobby Craft and much more (it says). free parking. Workshops, lectures etc. Details 0117 959 2020 Or www(.)craft4crafters(.)com Hope you find this of some interest. Ann glos

Rose, if you read through this thread you will see that we have all sorts of talented people on the boards, i am sure there are others who also do cross stitch cards. I tend not to make many cross stitch because I am a bit slow at it. i prefer to make photo cards or craft cards. i made over 80 this year. Ann Glos

Rambling Rose What happened to your posting? Ann Glos

I suppose it will be Easter cards next Ann! Sylvia xxx

I have changed the title in case people think they have read all messages. Ann Glos

I went looking for this thread to do a 'shameless nudge' only to find I'd missed the latest additions on 22nd December!! Did anyone have any good crafting stuff in their Christmas stockings? I had my embossing tool in advance and was really pleased with the tags I made, and have now made some 'thank you' cards. I got a wire-working tool and a dozen spools of different coloured wires. I haven't got round to trying it out yet, been too busy with new webcam and Family Tree Maker lol! You can make things like wire flowers, hearts etc with it. Will let you know how it turns out! Mandy :)

Hi again Caz, have emailed you with full details, but the Lakeland website is www(.)lakelandlimited(.)co(.) remember to remove brackets. When I looked on there yesterday, they were updating the website, so I'm not sure when it will be back up and running. Is that thing where you wind the string called Spirelli? I've seen that and it's very effective. Ann, hi again! Thanks for the dates, South West one looks interesting! Mandy :)