January 2014 Newsletter

Monthly Newsletter

Welcome to our first combined newsletter. Until now we have had different newletters and updates for the different components of Warren Crafts. We then came up with the idea of sharing what’s going on at The Warren since people who love small animals, may also like cardcraft or scrapbooking and vice versa, so here we go!

   Our Animals

January is the beginning of our breeding season, and we have a few rabbits with young litters at the moment, with more due to be mated by the end of the month. We also have our first guinea pig litter due 31 January, and a couple more piggies in the breeding pen. We do have some young adult rabbits and guinea pigs up for adoption. If you are thinking about adding a rabbit or a couple of guinea pigs to your family, then give us a call and pop along for a chat.

All our small animals go with a health check, a supply of feed, and an information sheet. More importantly, we offer Forever Homes, so should your circumstances change, we will always take back the animal you purchased and do our best to find suitable homes for them, or remain with us here at The Warren. We will always provide advice if you have a rabbit or guinea pig, whether or not you adopted the animal from us or not. We must stress this does not replace the advice of a vet, but with 20 plus years of breeding, showing and sharing our lives with these adorable animals, we have a wealth of knowledge that we can share.

Some of you will already know how excited we are about the pending arrival of a couple of Pygmy Goats! They will hopefully arrive in the spring, mother nature permitting. So we are busy making preparations for their arrival. We are having 3 small paddocks built, one of which is for the rabbit and guinea pig runs. We are also having a breeze block stable built, and much of the decking between the chicken coup and the rabbitry is being removed in place of concrete, making it easier to maintain, and safer to walk on.

For more information visit our websites:

http://taraxstudrabbits.wix.com/tarax-stud

https://www.facebook.com/KaimykCavies/

Small Animal Boarding

We have always offered a rabbit/guinea pig boarding service for the animals we rehome, but with the closing of the local small animal boarding business, we decided to make the boarding service into a more formal business and open to all. We have very reasonable daily and weekly rates (see the website link below). This has meant investing in new small animal housing blocks. The first of these are in place, and the last few blocks being built as we go to press. All hutches are painted, disinfected between occupants, with regular exercise for all our animal guests. There are requirements that need to be met before your booking can be confirmed (e.g. vaccinations, insurance etc), and details can be found on the booking form available from the website link below.

http://stevetoltonst.wix.com/the-warren

 

Handmade Wedding Stationary, Favours, Gift boxes and general Greetings Cards.

We offer two options when it comes to our handmade cardcraft products. You can either let us make up your order after agreeing on the design you want, OR you can make them yourself in a workshop, with family and friends, and us there to guide and assist you along the way. This makes the preparations for your wedding or other special event, even more special. Contact us to arrange an appointment and you can decide which option you want to go for.

 

Workshops:

Cardcraft & Scrapbooking

This year our workshops are  going to be more structured, in terms of planning – at least that was our intention when we made it our number one item on the New Year’s Resolution list! Each month we will be featuring a technique, plu s2 or 3 stamp sets.

January will begin with Dry Embossing as the technique and the stamp sets will be picked with the theme ‘Love is in the Air’. Even if you do not celebrate Valentine’s Day, love is why we hand craft cards and scrapbook pages, so do not be put off by the theme. The featured colours will be Black, Grey, Red & White.

We Offer workshops for:

 

1. Children aged  5 to 12 years
2. Teenagers, aged 12 to 18 years
3. Adults
4. Children and adults with special needs
5. The Bereaved & those with life limiting conditions
   Everyone attending any of our papercraft workshops between January and the end of March 2014, will be entered into a free monthly prize draw to win a bundle of Stampin Up products, and a copy of the new book, Fifty Shades of Rubber Stamping by Amanda Bartlett.
    
   
   We are also committed to making improvements to our Blog  
   http://stampinupatthewarren.blogspot.co.uk/
   We will be uploading a monthly card template challenge on the First Monday of each month & a Scrapbook Challenge on the Third Monday of each month. We will be asking you to send us pictures of your creation (by email, post or using a link on blog), within two weeks of the challenges going live, and a winner will be picked for each challenge. If successful, we will also look for sponsors to provide prizes for future challenges, but for now, we just want you to have fun. We are also hoping to keep the blog up to date with news, tips, techniques and projects.
   My Digital Studio
   MDS is Stampin Ups digital cardcraft & scrapbooking programme. You can download the programme for a 30 day free trial from my Stampin Up! Website http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinupatthewarren/
   Let me know once you download the programme if you want to attend a workshop to get to know how to use the programme before you decide to buy. There are plenty of downloads available with new downloads listed weekly. For examples, visit http://www.mydigitalstudio.net/
    
   Sale A Bration
   This is an exciting time of year for all paper crafters as it is when Stampin Up gives you fabulous free products for every £45 you spend from the current Annual Catalogue, the Spring/Summer, Catalogue, and/or the Sale A Bration Catalogue. But hold off ordering immediately, as Sale A Bration doesn’t begin until 28 January. Free products include a choice of 3 stamp sets, a punch, an accessory kit, a card kit, 2 MDS downloads; an embossing folder and a pack of double sided patterned papers.
   If you have been thinking about becoming a Demonstrator, then give me a call and see if you think it is for you. You can even pop in for a cuppa! I do not normally push this side of things, but during Sale A Bration you get so much more for your money in your Starter Pack.
    
   
   OPEN HOUSE LAUNCH PARTY FOR SALE A BRATION
   TUESDAY 28^TH JANUARY 2014 11am-7pm
   Includes a make & take, and free catalogue
   Lots of new products to view
    
   You can now order your Stampin Up! Products online
   Via my Stampin Up Website:
   http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinupatthewarren/
   Lastly, we must mention our Fabric craft!!
   We continue to make soft furnishing from quality UK manufactured cotton fabric. We always have some cushions, baby quilts, and doorstops made up, but we love making custom orders and you are welcome to come and browse the fabrics we have in stock.
   Our website is undergoing a makeover and overhaul, so bear with us. We have a digital swatch library via our website at www.warrencrafts.co.uk
   Kim has been working on refreshing her dressmaking skills, and is in the process of designing a range of children’s clothing from 0-5 years. She can also make children’s clothing of all ages to order. Watch this space for the launch.
   Machine Sewing Classes
   Would you like to learn how to make do and mend, or learn dressmaking or how to make soft furnishings? If so, drop us a line to arrange some sessions.
    
    Class/Workshop Fees:
    £15 for a 3 hour session
    £30 for 10am to 4pm session
    
   Contact us: Kim & Steve Tolton
   Telephone: 08432896848
   Text: 07759587004
   Email: info@thewarren.co.uk
   The Warren, Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Essex, SS11 7QW
   

Sale A Bration Sneak Peek

The New Year brought with it a New Years resolution to be more organised in my business. I hope I can keep the momentum going, but I am full of enthusiasm to interact with you all. How? Well, I am going to be running a card  template challenge on first Monday of each month using Mojo Monday Templates and a colour challenge for the same project, It will help to stretch me and as you share your ideas with me, you will spur me on to keep enthusiastic to blog, blog, blog ....

Then on the third Monday of each month, I will be running a Scrapbook challenge using various templates. Scrapbooking has always been more of a challenge for me, card and box making are my comfort zone, but I like to stretch myself. I hope you will join in and post on here with your take on the templates.

And now for the Sneak Peeks from the pending catalogue launch

I was so excited when I received my order containing up coming products from this years coming Sale A Bration, and also the new Seasonal Catalogue, both of which go live on 28th January!!

Needless to say I have been spending loads of time in my craft room creating cards and objects with my new stamp sets, Designer Series Papers, Accessories and of course the free products available each time you spend just £45 during Sale A Bration.

So now I thought I would share some of my sneak peek makes with you, I hope you like what you see.

Me personally, I am loving the colour combinations of Crisp Cantaloupe, Black, Smokey Slate, Summer Starfruit, crumb cake and soft suede

This from an amazing paper stack ... perfect for quick card makes and this beautifull red floral design is just gorgeous!

A more manly creation featuring some new framelits and a great accessory pack . Pacific Point and Summer Starfruit with a little Tangerine Tango to make the colours pop

This card uses the same template as the one above, this time the crisp cantaloupe/tangerine tango take centre stage, add in a little Pear Pizzaz and you are away

I decided to go with more muted, neutral tones with this card. Using the same colour ink and cardstock to stamp the baground, creates a subtle background, and the same stamp is then used in the central pane, stamping in Sahara Sand and sponging to glours stems with crisp cantaloupe. I just LOVE the teeny honey bee stamp. If you see the teeny little banners at the base of the card ... a little secret ... shhh ... it is a new punch. Do send me you comments on what you think of my creations as I would love to hear from  you

Not that I am done just yet ..

This card is using one of the new Designer Series Papers, they have a very retro feel and colours perfect for the men in your life ... Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango, and Very Vanilla with accents of Pool Party and Summer Starfuit

Another masculine card from one of the new stamp sets. The same colours as the above, and here I have stamped anchors onto the patterned paper to create a great background, and using the antique brads gives a very vintage feel to the card. The pacific point ribbon is new too.

If this lot doesn't wet your appetite and stir you on to make a HUGE shopping list when you get your new catalogues, I don't know what will. I still have so many new items to keep on creating, and I promise I will share them with you as I do the photo shoots.

Don't forget you can now ORDER ONLINE via my Demonstrator website 

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinupatthewarren/

If you would like to talk about becoming a Demonstrator or order directly with me you can do so by:

Phone: 08432896848

Text: 07759587004

email: stampinupatthewarren@hotmail.co.uk

All images copyright Stampin Up!

Quick Project:Stampin Up UK Circle Treat Cup Card

Have Fun Making Circle Treat Cup Cards or Baubles

Treat cups are an excellent way to add an extra dimension to your cards, and an interesting one too!! You could put sweets, glitter, water, beans & pulses, Coffee Beans, Loose Tea and much more into them, creating a personalised gift as well as a card! How fab is that?

The video below shows you how to use these little plastic treat cups and of course you can view the video and pause it whilst you make your own version - so it is a great teaching/learning tool.

When you are ready to order your Stampin Up Treat Cups - and I know you will, just contact me on (details are below the video).

Order Details:

Circle Treat Cups (pack of 12) including adhesive liners - Item No: 116802 £2.75

You will also need the 1 3/4" (4.4cm) Punch - item No: 119873 £15.95 to punch out the circle

 

I am sure you will agree that this will make a wonderful Christmas or Birthday gift for any crafter and a great way to start getting involved with the cardcraft hobby.

 

To order or make enquiries simply contact me as below

email: kim.tolton@hotmail.com

Telephone: 08631896848

Text: 07759587004

Join Stampin Up as a Demonstrator

Is crafting a big part of your life? Wouldn't you love to earn money while doing something you enjoy? How about the convenience of setting your own hours? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then Stampin' Up! is the perfect opportunity for you.
Doing what I love, and sharing what I love with others are just a few of the benefits that made me decide to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I love sharing my passion for stamping with family and friends, meeting new people, and having the chance to build a great business doing so. I also get to set my own schedule and that is a definite plus!

Even better, Stampin' Up!'s Demonstrator Starter Kit is completely customisable! Build your Starter Kit your way! For just 129 €/£99, you get

• Your choice of up to 175 €/£130 worth of any current Stampin' Up! products!
• A business supply pack valued at 60 €/£45!.

That's a total value of 235 €/£175!

Visit My Demonstrator Website to Join today

If you're interested in becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, follow these easy steps:

1. Click on the Join Now image above to go to my Demonstrator Website so you can join Stampin' Up!
2. Read and agree to the Independent Demonstrator Agreement.
3. Purchase your Starter Kit. The online form will prompt you to choose up to 175 €/£130 worth of products to create your own custom Starter Kit, allowing you to start your business, your way!

Once you've completed the above steps, Stampin' Up! will send you a password so you can log in to the demonstrator website where you'll find an abundance of tips, ideas, and training to help you

And do not forget that I am here to support you in your Demonstrator Journey.

If you have any questions just contact me:

email: kim.tolton@hotmail.com

Telephone 08432896848

Text 07759587004

Making Gift Boxes for Christmas

 

Well, here at The Warren, there has been a bustle of crafting with several classes on Making Gift Boxes in the run up to Christmas. Personally, I had always shied away from making my own gift boxes, prefering papier mache blanks, that I decorated, but then I found Sam, of Pootles Papercraft, and her large selection of box making utube videos. The mystery of box making was unlocked, and in the main, they are just SO easy, so long as you have the right tools for the job ... there are not many needed at all and once purchased, will last for many years.

Making your own gift boxes can transform a simple gift into a beautiful gift and is made that much more special by the time and love it has taken for you to make that box for someone you care about.

I can see Santa having a large request list for Stampin Up gifts this year!!! So here is what Santa really needs to know about ....

The first two tools are the most essential part of your kit, and these are:

The Simply Scored Tool

Item Number 122334 £25.95

I know the trimmer comes with a scoring blade, but there is something cathartic about using the Simply Scored Tool and if looked you look after it, it should last many, many years. This is an absolute must if you are going to make more than just a couple of gift boxes/bags. There are additional plates you can purchase that fit onto the Simply Scored Base including:

• Simply Scored Metric Scoring Plate (item number 127531 £10.95)
• Simply Scored Diagonal Plate for making envelopes etc (item number 125586 £10.95)
• And the Simply Scored Borders Plate (for fab finishes on envelopes, boxes and cards) (Item Number 125586 (10.95)

If you lose your stylus, then you can easily replace it for a mere £3.95, but so long as you always place the stylus back in it's holder on the Simply Scored Tool, you should be fine

And the Stampin Trimmer

(with or without the rotary extension)

Item Number 129722 £25.95

I just love my Stampin Trimmer, and you can purchase additional replacement blades and cutting mats to ensure your trimmer lasts for yonks! It comes with both Imperial and Metric measurements and has an extension bar that allows you to use 12" x 12" cardstock easily.

Then you need 

a selection of cardstock for making the boxes

Stampin Up have a huge range of co-ordinated cardstock with prices starting at £6.25 for a pack of A4 card (24 sheets). If you go for a particular colour collection, you can purchase selection packs wthat contain a couple of sheets of each of the colours in the collection. There are 5 collections in all 

• Subtles
• Brights
• Regals
• Neutrals 
• In Colours

These colour collections are co-ordinated throughout their range of cardstock, ink pads, Designer Series Papers, Ribbons & Trims, Buttons, Brads, Stampin Write Pens. Begin with just one colour collection and build up your stash over time,

Next you need some Craft Scissors (Item Number 108360 £24.95) and a pair of Paper Snips (Item Number 103579 £8.95)

To make nice crisp folds for that professional finish to your box, you absolutely must have a bone folder (Item Number 102300 £5.75.) It will last you a lifetime, so well worth the cost outlay.

Next you need some Designer Series Papers (DSP) to decorate your gift bags and boxes. Alternatively you could have just one colour card (e.g. Whisper White or Very Vanilla) and stamp images onto the card to create the background.

Afternoon Picnic (Item number 131390 £9.95)

Gingham Garden (Item Number 129310 £9.95)

 Polka Dot Parade (Item Number 126902 £9.95)

Venetian Romance (Item Number 130144 £9.95)

There are also Designer Series Paper Stacks that co-ordinate with each of the colour collections. Check out my Demonstrator Inline Shop to view all of the DSP's. There will be something for everyone!

Now we need to have some sticky stuff to glue your gift boxes together, and here are my favourites:

Sticky Strip
Item Number104294 £5.50 per roll (9.1m)

Great for when you need a heavier weight adhesive. Fab for 3D embellishements



Next comes my mainstay for sticking cardstock together, Good
 old Multi-purpose Liquid Glue (Tombow)
Item Number 110755 £3.25

This is a really fast drying permanent glue. It may look like PVA glue, but it is way more adhesive then that!! A little goes a long way. It also allows for a little movement when you first bring the edges together for making fine adjustments when you bring the edges of boxes together.

And we finish with

 SNAIL Adhesive

Item  Number 104332 £5.50 & Refils item number 104331 £3.75)

Perfect for sticking the Designer Series Papers (DSP) onto your gift box. Suitable for lightweight items only. If you want something a little stronger, then mini glue dots would be idea Item Number (103683 £3.95)

And here is the really fun biit, playing with 

Ribbons & Trims

Stampin Up has a huge range of ribbons, trims and bakers twine, in many colours that co-ordinate with their cardstock, DSP, ink pads and embellishments. Stock with one colour collection to begin with and build your stash over time

Prices start at £2.50

And that is pretty much all the essentials, apart from rubber stamps and ink pads. 

Here are some I made earlier 

As Always, if you would like to have a chat, book a class (including online classes), or place an order, please contact me by:

Telephone: 08432896848 or 07759587004

Email: kim.tolton@hotmail.com

Or shop online via my Demonstrator Website

Thinlets Card Dies

They’ve been called flip cards, flip flop cards, swing cards, and more—but they have always been a bit tricky to create. Not anymore! Our amazing new Thinlits Card Dies cut and score to create a card that flips in just one step.

Item	Description	Price
133479	Label Card Thinlits Die	£29.95
133480	Circle Card Thinlits Die	£29.95

These new card dies come with extra die pieces that have versatile designs, so you can use them on other projects, not just flip cards. (The Circle Card Thinlits Die comes with 10 total pieces; the Label Card Thinlits Die comes with nine total pieces.) With the number of dies you’re getting, plus the die that creates the card itself, the price is a great value--especially to create an interactive card! You can go into mass production with these impressive “flip” cards. They would make great announcements, invitations, or Christmas cards. The main shape in the cards (circle and label) can work with a lot of our stamp images so you can create tons of different kinds of cards using many different stamp sets. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started:

Label Card Thinlits Die (item 133479):

• Happy Day Stamp Set (item 130294 W item 130297 C)

Circle Card Thinlits Die (item 133480):

• Worth the Wait Stamp (item 131091 W)
• Five-Way Flower Stamp (item 131088 W)

Both card dies pair well with:

• Oh, Hello Stamp Set (item 131931 W item 130733 C)
• Yippee-Skippee! Stamp Set (item 131341 W item 131344 C)
• Really Good Greetings Stamp Set (item 130330 W item 130333 C)
• Regarding Dahlias Stamp Set (item 130324 W item 130327 C)

These dies also work well with our new magnetic platform (item 130658) so you can place the dies exactly where you want them!

Order online today by clicking here
or you can order by contacting me via:
 Telephone: 07759587004 or 08432896848
Email: kim.tolton@hotmail.com

Envelope Punch Board

 

Do you like making cards in different sizes, but struggle to find envelopes that fit, or are of the quality you want? If this sounds like you, then you are going to love Stampin Ups latest catalogue addition. There s even a youtube video showing you how to use it step by step. How cool is that?

 

Why not add this to your Christmas wish list today?

 

 

Item Number   133774

Envelope Punch Board

£17,95

SizzixMagnetic Platform

The Magnetic Platform from Sizzix is Genius!!

 

I have used Post It Notes and masking tape to try and hold my Thinlets. I have stopped breathing whilst slowly, slowly lowering the top cutting plate before turning the wheel of my  Sizzix Big Shot ... but there were still too many occasions where the die had moved whilst going through the machine making the die cut useless. BUT NO MORE!!! I was delighted when my Magnetic Platform arrived. the die stick to it almost like glue.

 

You get best results by ensuring your cutting plates do not become too distorted (turning them over regularly helps), so I always keep a spare set that are completely flat. The platform works brilliantly with the new Thinlets Die that is one of my blog posts. It is worth every penny!!!

Magnetic Platform Item - Number: 130658 £35.95

Standard Cutting Pads -  Item Number:113475 £8.50

Extended Cutting Pads -  Item Number: 113478 £17.95

 

 

Order Online by Clicking Here

Alternatively you can contact me by:

 

Telephone: 07759587004 or 08432896848

Email: kim.tolton@hotmail.com

Holly Jolly Greetings Simply Sent Card Kits

Would you like to make your own Christmas Cards but do not have time? Perhaps you would like to give people a personalised Card with a family photo inside but cannot find what you want? Then the Holly Jolly Greetings Simply Sent Card Kit may be just what you are looking at. And at just £13.50 it is a steel!

132159

Create oodles of cards quickly and easily with the Holly Jolly Greetings Simply Sent kit. Materials for 12 holiday photo cards: printed cards with die-cut photo notches, note card for handwritten or printed message, closure stickers. Finished card size: 5" x 7". Acid free, lignin free.        item number 132159     £13.50 Order online today by clicking here                                          Or contact me by: Phone: 07759587004/01245327772 email: kim.tolton@hotmail.com

Envelope Liners Framelits Die

Have you been busy making your Christmas Cards? Or maybe not started yet? Would you like to have an easy way to create luxury card envelopes? If so, the ne Envelope Liners Framelits Die may be just what you are looking for .... These Framelits come in a pack of 3 different sizes that co-ordinate with Stampin Ups Envelopes:

• Item Number:                 132218       Envelope Liners Framelits Dies      £16.95
• Item Number:                 106589       C6 envelopes  (11.4 x 16.2 cm)        £6.75
• Item Number                 107309       Square envelopes (7.9 x 7.9cm)        £6.75
• Item Number:                131528       Note Cards Envelopes (13 x 9.2cm)  £4.95
• . A video clip below shows this beautifully.

 

 

If, like me, you decide this is a must have, you can order online by clicking here

 

Otherwise you can send me you order by telephone:

07759587001 or 08432896848

Email: kim.tolton@hotmail.com