CHA New Stuff

Sorry this is a rather long one, I've had to combine several days' worth as internet connection here is really hit and miss. Unless I want to pay $95 a day for an internet connection, at Starbucks in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel! Of course I had to have a white chocolate mocha and a slice of marshmallow dream bar while I thought long and hard over that decision!

Hey look, it's a red Cricut.

Ah, but this is no ordinary Cricut. This is the Cricut Cake. It's a Cricut with all parts being food safe and aimed at the cake decorating/sugar crafters among you. The idea is that you can cut icing based on any Cricut cartridge design, and stick it straight on your cake.
Now I can't see that I'm going to have much use for it but there must be a market out there for it somewhere. At least the cartridges they've designed for this machine are however compatible with the other Cricut machines. Here's a quick sneak peek of some new cartridges coming out (or have already been launched):

Here's some pics of the new embossing folders that Provocraft have/are launching for the Cuttlebug:

Bazzill are bringing out more embossed cardstock and more glazed designs:

but they are discontinuing their Destinations range and some Bling colours, So be warned, if you have projects using the Destinations range and you think you need more supplies, buy now before it's no longer available.

Bazzill are also releasing some new big blingy like buttons (looks more like something you would wear on your finger to me!!)

Magnolia's new collection (that you can already pre-order from our website) is just amazing:

Sizzix are definitely progressing and getting better all the time.
They've teamed up with Tim Holtz and bringing out a line with his designs both in die and in embossing folders:

and then there's this new puppy. The E-clips.

It is just the coolest new electronic die cutting toy. But not going to be available til later in the summer - how mean can they be teasing us so?

For the Making Memories Slice machine, there's more cartridges on the way:

and they've now made it in such a way that you don't have to hold the machine in place while it cuts as it's got magnets in it and holds in place to a magnetic mat.
All these guys are not hanging on the wall but just held in place due to the magnets:

Zutter have brought out a cutter for cutting really thick chipboard

and
a gadget for distressing the edges of card\paper

very noisy (the prototype anyhow) and seems expensive for what it is.


Stampavie have released some lovely new Sarah Kay designs (already ordered, instore soon):

Watch out for new stuff coming instore soon:

Right then, back to it, more reports to follow
meanwhile, happy stamping
- janicex

Where are we?

Can't believe where time has gone! Has it really been 6/7 weeks since I last blogged? Blimey Charlie. Well, we have been extremely busy and not had much time to ourselves. Reason for being so busy? We've moved premises - not far away from our previous location - just next door but one. We've still got alot of hard work to get it finished off as we want it but it's definitely going in the right direction. Please bear with us while we change over the displays and may take some time finding stock if you come in and ask for something not currently out on the shop floor.

Cricut Chris was a complete star helping out loads. Here she is washing down our shelves before we brought the stock over (with help from her son Mitchell who was just too full of energy - wore me out just watching him!):

And here's Andy having fun varnishing the doors:

I was getting to grips with a brand new vacuum cleaner:

and here's just a small fraction of stuff to still sort through:

As things haven't gone as planned, we didn't advertise with a grand opening day, so our 'soft opening' happened last Saturday when we had the lovely Copic Louise demo'ing for us. It's so much more spacious in the new unit that you guys were able to mill around without bumping into one another so that was lovely to see. Thanks for the great comments. And also thanks to my little spontaneous helpers on the day, Brenda and Jules who seemed to enjoy themselves immensely getting stuck into hero arts stamps and unpacking them for me - thanks girls. And where would I be without Chris, again, a complete angel for looking after you all - finding stock and answering questions. What a lovely, lovely first day.

Haven't actually got any pics with me of the new look shop nearly full of stock. "Why don't you go and take a photo now?" I hear you say. Little tricky, Andy and I are sitting in a Starbucks, having a Grande Latte thingy, over in Anaheim, California. Yep, it's that time of year again for CHA, the biggest and best trade show for us crafters. Nearly didn't come as there's just so much to do still back at the unit but good ole Brenda and Eddy convinced us we needed to come - thanks you two. So glad we are here now but feeling hugely guilty for leaving my folks, Louise and Nick having to sort everything out back at base. Be gentle to them while we are away, they are working their little socks off and already come across more than one hurdle. But coping extremely well with everything that's getting thrown at them. Right then, I think it's time to go and fetch another mega milky mini mocha chocca lenti thingy (is it!) and maybe a blueberry muffin to go with it :)

I'll report more tomorrow (I promise) on what we're up to..


in the meantime, happy stamping and check out the latest Tilda collections (Through my Heart/Raise the Ceiling) that you can pre-order today and we are just waiting for them to arrive, currently no confirmed delivery date.


- janicex

Geez, what a day!

Saturday was our 2nd Ultimate Rubber Stamping Demo Day, featuring 7 fantastic demonstrators and their awesome projects and creations. Thank you to all those that came to support the shop and the girls. Sorry for the queues at the till but I hope the free demos and free food made up for it.

Gina demo'd the wonderful watercolouring with Art Impressions stamps and plenty of glitter - surely you all have that darn skeleton tree stamp by now!!

I still find glitter from her demos in all the nooks and crannies around the place :)
All the lovely name signs that you saw around the room on saturdya were created by Gina as was the little hand painted and decorated pots of sweeties - thanks for that Gina, it's always the finishing touches that make it special.

Brenda kept everyone entertained with her fantastic 3D roses that are just amazing. You would just not believe how these guys come about using just a six petal'ed flower punch. Brenda's actually popped a tutorial about this on her blog today so if you missed out on the demo day, please go and have a peek at her step by step tutorial at "Floral Fantasies".

Brenda used these 3D roses to decorate fork 'andles (and a few extra).

Also here's a click glimpse of cards finished off very nicely with the roses.

Chris kept busy all day embossing flowers with her peanut technque, stamping Inkadinkado designs and talking through all her gorgeous projects including her hand made calendar and the festive "Noel" mantelpiece decoration:

and her little Sarah Kay house:

Keep up-to-date with her latest creations at her blog - "Always About Colour".


Copic Louise just had far too much fun with the Copic Markers.

Louise had a different take on the 3D flower creation and used 5 petal'ed retro flowers to create gorgeous flowers. Look at all these pieces of artwork she's created:

and the 'crème de la crème' just had to be this advent calendar she made, inspired by projects from the first issue of the Magnolia magazine (more due in store in a couple of weeks).

You can see this in more detail (and other gorgeous creations) at her blog - "Just Love to Stamp".


Ok, if I mention cream shrink plastic, tildas and versacolour inkpads in one sentence, who comes to mind? Of course, none other than the very talented Crafty Lou:

She had plenty of card samples to show you all on Saturday and here's just a small spread of them:

Keep up with all Crafty Lou's artwork by checking out her blog - "Crafty Lou's Small World"


We'd been blessed with the presence of Kim Reygate for most of last week.

Kim was extremely helpful, assisting us with all sorts of general Sir Stampalot duties including one of the major ones - keeping us feed and watered (thanks for the endless cups of tea and salads and hot food, Kim). And then the finale to her week was demo'ing all the cool new gadgets (creative metal)

and plenty of the good ole stuff (alcohol inks, stamping, inking):

Kim's recently started her own blog, see what it's all about here.


And finally, Lisa, one of our latest tutor/demonstrators to join our little "band of merry men".

She was just a complete star at the demo day - donning a very festive hat with full on jingly bell.

As well as demo'ing the functionality of the Cricut, Lisa wow'ed you all with the latest must-have accessory to the Cricut, the Gypsy. This is the a portable "design studio", giving you the ability to create your designs on the go and then cut your creation when you get back to base with your Cricut. She loved it. I had to wrestle it off of her at the end of the day as she didn't want to part with it!!!
Her talents don't stop there, here's her series of Tilda canvas' that she's worked hard at.

These will be run as a set of classes next year so watch out for that in the new class list (due to go live around 22nd Dec).
And also all the scrapbook wonders she's got planned next year too. Here's one layout she was having fun putting together on Saturday:

Luckily it was a Saturday, you guys managed to dominate the car park:

And finally, one big, big thank you to all you demonstrators, the day would not be what it was without you. And to my wonderful helpers, Mandy, Steph, Eddy and Azaria - we would be a wreck without you! And also to our very own photographer and gopher - Nick - cheers.



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New Stamp Designs from Hero Arts

About this time every year, Hero Arts release a debut collection as a taster of new designs for the New Year. The designs are being released on Friday 18th Dec. We have it all on order (but no idea what's in the collection until the release date, so don't try to force us to tell you before then!)

However, We at Sir Stampalot are holding a special debut party on Saturday 19th Dec from 6pm til Midnight, where you'll be able to view the complete Hero Arts debut collection. And we will be offering you a FREE copy of the 2010 Hero Arts collector's catalogue with every qualifying pre-order purchase of Hero Arts goodies.
On top of all that, there'll be Make 'n Take projects, door prizes, hot chocolate, munchies and more!

And the coolest thing ever, is that Hero Arts has featured us on their blog today. What an honour. They have a wonderful blog packed full of ideas and samples, go check it out here.

in the meantime, happy stamping
- janicex

Watercolour Wonders

Gina certainly knows how to keep you guys entertained. At the NEC she drew the crowds as always. I think this just had to be my most favourite card out of the ones she demo'd.

I love the way she's used the Art Impressions Phone Box and topped it off with Snow Writer (now back in stock) with some added bling (prisma glitter) to give it a real glistening snowy feel.

Gina's also stamped out the wrought iron fence a couple of times whilst masking off the phone box to place the phone box infront of the fence and then stamped the birch tree and grove of trees to make them look like they are behind the fence. A little bit of added foliage with the leaves stamp and teeny tiny grass, and you have yourself a fantastic festive scenic card. Finished off very nice with the greeting, which I firstly didn't realise what stamp Gina had used, until she pointed out it was a verse stamp and she'd only used part of it (that's the great thing about using the Marvy Le Plume II pens, they give you complete control). I so love that font on the greeting.

Now, although that phone box card is my favourite, this next card definitely wins the most points for the most ingenious.

This design, you just won't believe it, is actually created by using a twig stamp design (wc bare branch).
If you click on the link you'll see what it looks like to start with. This idea came to Gina in the middle of the night when she couldn't sleep, and then she had to get up and out of bed, straight to her craft room, to try it out while it was still fresh in her mind. Now I know she's not the only one who seems to get wonderful ideas in the middle of the night (our scrapbook tutor Lisa - to name another!!). And i'm sure many of you do too - keep a notebook and pen by your bedside - definitely worthwhile.

Anyhow, back to "twiggy". Gina's stamped it at North, South, East and West on a small square of card, then again between each of those impressions, all so that the base of the twig touches in the middle (or close enough). You'll then be able to see 'petals' that you can colour in, add some glitter, a lovely sparkly gem in the centre and you've got yourself a superb, very creative, poinsettia card.

Thanks Gina for all your wonderful ideas that you share with us. It is very much appreciated.


The 2nd Ultimate Rubber Stamping Demo Day
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This Saturday - 5th December 2009

If you want to come and see Gina in action - along with 6 other fantastic demonstrators (Brenda, Copic Louise, Crafty Lou, Chris, Kim, Scrapbook Lisa), then we are holding our 2nd Ultimate Rubber Stamping Demo Day here at Sir Stampalot in Peterborough. If you came last year, you'll know how good it was (and hopefully will be again this year). Brenda's hubby Eddy and grand-daughter Azaria will be on Free Food and Drink duty!! It was such a blast last year. Bring your camera. It's totally free. Rolling demo's (including copics, cricut, gypsy, watercolouring, metal work, distressing, tildas, fork 'andles!) from all 7 ladies all day long (10am- 4pm) and I seriously suggest you allow at least a couple of hours for your visit. Cant' wait to see you all.

Click here for directions to Sir Stampalot, Peterborough.

Sign up to our online newsletter as, later next week, we'll be featuring some product discount vouchers to use instore on that day - Saturday 5th Dec.

in the meantime, happy stamping
- janicex

Copic Louise

We were very lucky to have Louise Roache demo on our stand at the NEC for a couple of days. She was promoting our Copic Ciaos and wow her samples were just amazing.

This one was a last minute sample Louise made before coming to the NEC, however, Louise had mentioned she wasn't over fond of - but I sooooo totally disagree. It's gorgeous!!!

Louise used Copics (of course!) to colour in the 'Tilda wearing Christmas Wreath' design:

Tilda looks fab sitting on the Tilda Clock, such an appropriate card to see in 2010 - it's brill. With a touch of glossy accents on the clock face to give the appearance of glass.

Even this New Year greeting is embellished with ferns and flowers brads and some bling! Bet you never guessed the flower is taken from Tilda design's head-dress - ingenious.

The card is finished off very nicely with a couple of brad'ed bazzill hinges, and notice how the flower/fern combo is repeated from the greeting. Great punched edging using the Martha Stewart Lattice Arch edge punch. The Mistletoe patterned papers are from the Tilda Christmas Collection.

Here's another card sample Louise made for display at the NEC.

These little chubby robins from artist Gillian Roberts are adorable. You can find all the colours of copics that Lousie has used to colour them in with, by checking this sample out on our online gallery where all the materials used are listed.

The background to the card is embossed using a cuttlebug embossing folder and then accented with embossed die cuts from the nestabilities 'create a flake #1', then embellished with self adhesive gems and some random applications of prisma glitter too.


Great ideas from a very creative lady. Thanks Louise.

You'll be seeing a lot more of Louise if you decide to stop by instore!!
Additionally, you can keep upto date with Louise's creations by visiting her blog - just love to stamp.


Next installment - Gina's artwork from the NEC ...

NEC Report!

Well, we're back from the NEC and slowly getting back ontop of the orders and emails. Sorry to everyone who's had to wait for their goodies to arrive.

The NEC was interesting to say the least. It's always great to met the customers and put a face to a name. It was a treat to met Dawn - All Pink Girl (thanks for the chocs Dawn, very yummy), and it was wonderful to see so many of our shop customers come by to see us and support us - big thanks to Tricia and Joan who brought along home-made fairy cakes - wow are we spoilt! And also to Mandy for helping out on the Stand on a busy first day.

Our girls demo'ing at the show did the most spectualar job ever. Thanks to Gina, Chris and Louise, I'll show some of their work over the next couple of updates.

Chris demo'ed the Thursday and Friday at the show and attracted the crowds with her wonderful techniques and tips, including the peanut flower!!

Chris inked up some plain white textured flowers from Hero Arts with versamagic ink, dipped the flower in clear embossing powder and then embossed. Then embellished with a shrink plastic centre piece.

The card itself has a main focal point of a Hero Arts angel and the mistletoe Tilda patterned paper sets it all off a real treat.

Then there's this little guy:

He's from the Sarah Kay range of clear stamps and is just the most cutest guy ever. Love the way Chris has used Bazzill Cardstock and Imaginisce patterned papers and fanned them out behind the image - brilliant idea Chris.

This card by Chris is again using some wonderful ideas. There's the punched baseline using Martha Stewart Snowflake edge punch, zigzag die cut at the base of the patterned paper center piece. Texture added by using string to dangle the little podgy birdie, liquid pearls used for the mistletoe and silicone to give it shape on the card.

Thanks Chris, look forward to seeing you demo again at our instore demo day on 5th Dec - everyone welcome.
Check out more of Chris' creations at Always About Colour.

Lastly but by no means least, a HUGE thank you to my folks for being there at the NEC to help us, and for always being on call to help out. We miss you greatly when you're not here - come back soon!!!


Next installment - artwork from Louise.....