Chalk Pens offer code...

I've been sent some chalk pens for free from Chalkola.  I've had a quick try of them decorating these chalkboard baubles from Hobbycraft.  I found they work better than traditional dusty chalk, There's much more staying power but the chalk can still be easily erased with a wet cloth.  I haven't tried any other chalk pens so cannot compare or review them properly.
Check them out for yourself on the Chalkola Website http://www.chalkola.com/

They're available to buy from Amazon, both sets include a white pen.

Pack of 10 Neon Colour Markers - 6mm Bullet Tip

Pack of 8 Earth Colour Markers - 6mm Bullet Tip

As well as the free chalkboard markers I was sent an offer code to share with my followers so if you'd like some then feel free to use this offer code (valid at time of writing) that gives you 20% discount on Chalkola products.

20% Off on Amazon - Coupon Code -> 20OFFSTR

For ideas to use chalk pens and chalkboard paint checkout my Chalkboard Art board on Pinterest

Disclaimer:  I was gifted these pens and voucher by Chalkola for free.  I was under no obligation to write this post and didn't or will not receive any payment or commission.  Opinions and images are my own.

Embroidery with hochanda part 2...

An update on my beautiful Rowandean embroidery kit from Hochanda.  As you can see it's really beginning to take shape and I've reached the fun bit - stitching with the organza fabric (all part of the kit!).

I love the texture the organza adds to the design and all those french knots - stunning!    I can't wait to finish it.  I'm hoping to have more time to stitch now that the nights are drawing in,

Since part 1 I've had more thoughts on what to do with the finished piece.  Make it into a bag, rather like this one ?

For the love of Yarn...

I was lucky enough to see a preview screening of this fab new film...

YARN

Available in UK cinemas from 9th October

Officially selected for SXSW and Goteborg Film Festival 2016, YARN is a poetic documentary which follows four international artists who are redefining the tradition of knit and crochet, bringing yarn out of the house and into the world. Reinventing our relationship with this colourful tradition, YARN weaves together wool graffiti artists, circus performers, and structural designers into a visually-striking look at the women who are making a creative stance while building one of modern art's hottest trends.

The film introduces us to the unique stories of characters from four different countries that use yarn in very different ways. Their view of the world is reflected through their passion with yarn as they travel around the world spreading their work. The characters all have one thing in common - they all work by hand and their work is in one way or another interacting with the environment; as part of architecture, the streets, nature and people.

It's an interesting documentary celebrating yarn as an art form rather than a craft hobby.  Focusing on a handful of global artists whose work explores the endless possibilities in a skein of yarn.  The film proves that knitting and crocheting can produce absolutely stunning works of art. As a knitter and crocheter I found it extremely fascinating.
To coincide with UK Wool Week (10th - 16th Oct ) there are screenings throughout the UK, to find a screening near you and for more information about the film you can visit the website here
http://yarnthemovie.com/

I got 99 problems...

Octopus Books sent me this lovely cross-stitch book to review.  As a counted cross-stitch novice, my first impression is it's a perfect place for a beginner, like me, to start.

The first three chapters describe the materials to use, how to cross-stitch and framing your finished work.  A complete beginner's guide, each step is clearly explained with photos to illustrate every point.  The remaining chapters feature 20 easy cross-stitch pattern charts all with attitude!

The author, Genevieve Brading, is an experienced cross-stitcher and the brains behind Floss and Mischief, an online emporium of all things needlework.

I have my supplies ready, my design chosen and I can't wait to get stitching!  I'll be back with the next instalment as I start to stitch.

Disclaimer: I was gifted this book to review for free but was under no obligation to write this post. Opinions are my own.

Embroidery with Hochanda part 1...

I've been sent a really pretty embriodery kit from the craft channel Hochanda to review it's from Rowandean Embroidery.  My kit is called Cornflowers and it contains printed fabric, coloured organza fabrics, threads on numbered organiser card, fully illustrated step by step instructions, and plastic wrapped chenille needle.

 It's all part of this campaign Hochanda are running.

I'm kinda wondering how I can transfer the finished design from the calico onto denim but I'm working on that and I've added some pins to my Denim Craft Pinterest board to inspire me.

I'll be reporting back with updates throughout the project to let you know how I'm getting on.

Disclaimer: I was gifted this product to review for free but was under no obligation to write this post. Opinions are my own.

Alphabet stamps my product picks...

I'm a typography fan and this card showcases my two favourite alphabet stamp sets.  They're well used and getting slightly worn so I've been looking for replacements before they wear out completely.

Kaisercraft Typewriter Font

You can't go wrong with a typewriter font and I love this clean and fresh one from Kaisercraft.

Lindsay Mason Skinny Alphabet

Skinny type is a big trend right now, perfect for wedding cards and stationary, here's a really pretty one designed by Lindsay Mason for Personal impressions.

Avery's Alphas 

You could really make a statement with this clean and bold font from Avery Elle there's a matching die set too, decisions, decisions!

What are your favourite alphabet stamps?  Can you suggest a set I may have missed?

Border dies my product picks...

To add a little more interest and liven up this card I added a matching die cut scalloped border to the inside edge.  That's what I like about Kaisercraft paper pads, as well as being slightly larger at 6.5 inches square, they come complete with 4 pages of diecut borders, shapes and elements.
I'm a lot happier with the design now I've added the border, which got me thinking about maybe investing in a set of  scalloped border dies.  So I went searching and searching, here's my pick of the crop!

Lawn Fawn Stitched Border Set, love the stitched detail 

Sizzix Thinlits Die Set - Borders by Stephanie Barnard

A value for money set with 7 dies in the pack plus some double sided patterns so loads of design possibilities.

Xcut Xpress A4 Border Dies 1

A more ornate set of extra long A4 border dies, so may need extended cutting plates.

What do you think?  Which one would you go for?

Reviewing a new die cutter...

I was happy with my old Cuttlebug embosser and die cutter, apart from a paper trimmer and craft mat it was the first considered paper crafting tool I purchased.  It has stood me in good stead for the past 5 years and I wouldn't be without it.  Although being a lurid green it looks out of place in my neutral toned craft space!

So when Cricut got in touch and asked if I'd like to sample the new Kirstie Allsopp Cuttlebug I jumped at the chance.  Swayed by the new streamlined profile and retro styling, but mainly, if I'm honest, that the machine was designed in Kirstie's exclusive duck egg colour, a much better fit in my craft space, and that my 'B plates were getting kinda worn and needed replacing!!

I've been using it regularly for over a month now and I've found it gives great results with both cutting and embossing.
It comes with an 'A' plate, 2 'B' plates and instead of a 'C' plate as my old model, a rubber embossing/cutting mat which works better than the 'C' plate for cutting with thin metal dies - Spellbinders, Sizzix, Xcut and cArt- Us.

I love how the handle tucks away when it's not in use!

It comes with a little starter pack of Cut & Emboss Dies three piece set: Tags

and an A2-size embossing folder: Polka Dot Frame. 

There's a further six brand new Cuttlebug folders designed by Kirstie.  Each set includes an A2 embossing folder and 5" coordinating border. They're available from various stockists you can see the whole range here at Cutting Edge Crafts .  My favourite is the Zig Zag

Overall it's a BIG improvement on my old machine

• Smoother operation - handle easier to turn

• Improved results with thin metal dies

• Sleek styling  - handle tucks away

• Not forgetting the duck egg colour

All opinions are my own.

Custom made rubber stamp from Speedy Stamps...

Speedy Stamps got in touch recently and asked if I'd like to review one of their custom rubber stamps, made to my very own design.  Of course I jumped at the chance and after deciding on a stamp of my blog header, promptly sent off the artwork.
Within a couple of days I received the stamp along with a nice new juicy black ink pad.

It's a well made sturdy stamp, love the wooden handle!

I've found it gives a perfect impression every time

and a professional finish to my handmade cards.

If I ever get around to setting up my Folksy shop and selling the mountain of cards I'm accumulating I can use the stamp on the packaging too!