Wednesday 27 November 2013

New Website & App Find

Today I found a great new app for my iPad (also available as an android app and windows app) and it is also a great website - www.brit.co

They have some great posts for craft ideas, there is a shop (shipping within USA only at present), episodes & tutorials. The items are all categorised from crafts through to tech.

You can comment on posts, pin items to Pinterest, Facebook & Twitter and tag favourite items.

I love this post below and it has inspired me to get on with my Christmas gift wrapping posts!!


Check out the website & app now

Tuesday 26 November 2013

Christmas Inspirations

Before I start some festive wrapping posts, I thought I'd post some images of items you can currently find in shops that are inspiring me in 2013.

POM POM BAUBLES



WOODEN TREE DECORATIONS




BIRD BAUBLE


ADVENT BUCKETS


All above items are available from John Lewis. 

TABLE SCATTERS



CERAMIC GIFT TAGS


SEASONAL INK STAMPS


The last few images are for items available at Paperchase




Tuesday 19 November 2013

Neon Craft Thread

On my travels around the USA I found some amazing craft items. I also found some common craft items that also gave me some ideas.

At Paper Source (see previous post for details about this store) I found neon craft thread which gave me an idea for gift wrapping.



I have an excellent gift box from Paperchase (www.paperchase.co.uk) which is a a ridged, clouded plastic which is ideal for jewellery, cuff links, sweets or small gifts. I decided to use the neon thread to 'wrap' the gift box by using two strips of each colour.



I like the simplicity of the gift wrap and the brightness of the colour against the clear box with a darker insert.


SIMPLE KNOTS TO TIE THE THREAD


You could use different colours or type of threads. String, wool and raffia would all work well and you could use more threads to cover a wider area. I like the bright colours that stand out but you could use contrasting colours against wrapping paper or use tones of one colour

Thursday 14 November 2013

Christmas is Coming

Today I completed my first Christmas package. It was for my 6 year old goddaughter Molly.

It is hard to wrap for children as you want it to be all pretty and smart but I think children are more concerned with what is within the package than the wrap. As Molly will be receiving a selection of gifts, I decided on a pre-decorate box. I embellished this with a ribbon, gift tag, a felt reindeer clip (to attach the gift tag to the ribbon) and a reindeer tree decoration.

I hope she likes it!!


The reindeer clip and tree decoration were from Paperchase last year. I always stock up on Christmas items in the post-Christmas sales as most will never go out of fashion. I would always suggest buying more traditional items in the sales as on-trend items may not last until next Christmas

Paperchase has a great range of items available this year including a great selection of felt tree decorations. Visit www.paperchase.co.uk for more information and stock.

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Holiday Finds

Lucky me! I've just returned from a few weeks in the USA and managed to get some shopping done. I also managed to find two amazing craft stores.

Please note that both of these stores visited were in Dallas, Texas. Stores may vary by location and may not be in all US states 

Paper Source

I was blown away by this store. It is really one large room holding as many paper items you could imagine. The rear of the store is just racks of paper! There was a paper craft demonstration at the front of the store, friendly & helpful staff and brilliant themed areas. I LOVE THIS STORE!

You can sign up form newsletters and they do ship internationally, which is a bonus. However, there is a flat shipping fee to the UK of $32 (currently this work out to be £22.50)

Visit http://www.paper-source.com for catalogues, ideas and stock range


 PAPER SOURCE


PAPER SOURCE


PAPER SOURCE


PAPER SOURCE


PAPER SOURCE


PAPER TABLE RUNNER - PAPER SOURCE


BANNER GIFT TAGS - PAPER SOURCE


CHRISTMAS FUN AT PAPER SOURCE



Michaels

This store is very similar to the UK store Hobby Craft. On a much larger scale than Paper Source, this store deals in all arts & crafts items. They have great sale sections running all year round and great seasonal items. 

I currently can't see any information on international shipping and you do need a US zip code in order to join the email list.

Visit http://www.michaels.com for stock ranges and info



MICHAELS
A new trend I noticed was gift boxes in Chinese take-out style boxes. Many colours, sizes and styles were evident. I only wish I had room to fit some into my suitcase!


MICHAELS
Wooden Christmas gift boxes - can be painted for further effect


MICHAELS
Another US trend is decorated lunch bags. I also wish I brought some of these back for food gifts


MICHAELS
Mad coloured Duck Tape!