Extra Sale Items!

As well as our 40% off sale that's on until we close on Thursday, we've also got a fab 25% off sale on all stamps, CDs, DVDs and a selection of embossing boards this Tuesday and Wednesday only.

We've also got out Mince Pie and Hot Chocolate days this Tuesday and Wednesday so pop in for some lovely festive treats for you and your stomach!

Crazy Christmas Sale....Starts TODAY!!

We've gone absolutely sale crazy this time, I think the cold must be getting to our brains!

There's a massive 40% off loads of products in store now including products from Kanban, Hunkydory, Papermania, La Pashe and loads more!

But hurry as at these prices, it won't last long and in fact it's already starting to go!!

Exciting stuff from docrafts in January!

We've just had a sneak peak of the new ranges coming in January from docrafts and they have really excelled themselves this time!  They are amazing and we're dead excited!!  As soon as they're in, we'll let you know!!

Papermania Vintage Notes Collection

With gentile colourways oozing warmth and comfort Papermania’s Vintage Notes offer a fresh twist on shabby chic style. Focusing on delicate filigree and lace, its beautiful detail will add flair to cards, projects and gifts for your home and loved ones.

This comprehensive collection features stunning new products such as Woven Fabric Tape, Clear Decorative Pins and delicate Crochet Flowers, allowing you to add bespoke accents to your creations.

Papermania Chronology Collection

With muted tones, charm and style, this desirable iconic steampunk genre can easily be incorporated into your card making, scrapbooking, journaling and altered art projects to create perfect gifts.

With icons including cogs, clocks, pocket watches, keys, hot air balloons and bicycles, you can easily add an authentic Victorian feel to your crafty makes including those ‘hard to make’ male cards. 

Papermania Spots & Stripes Capsule Collection

From catwalk fashion and jewellery designs to homeware and stationery, spots and stripes are always a firm favourite. The newest addition to the popular Capsule Collection from Papermania sees the exciting inclusion of this trend in soft, sumptuous shades to form the basis of your spring crafting wardrobe.

The polka dots, stripes and multi-coloured spots in stunning sorbet tones will appeal to papercrafters and stitchers alike. The combination of Paper Packs, Assorted Buttons, Ribbons, Big Bloomers, Chipboard Buttons, Pleated Mini Fabric Flowers, Large Buttons and more will sweeten any project.

Xcut Build-A-Scene Dies by docrafts - coming soon!

What do you think?!

Thank you!

Thanks to everyone who attended our Play Day on Saturday.  It was a great success and everyone seemed to enjoy it (including Ian and myself!).

There was some frantic punching and stamping going on with everyone taking advantage of the wide range of paper punches and stamps that we brought in to share.

The H2Os and eCraft machine were also popular with everyone and it was great to see so many of you taking advantage of the great special offer on the day.

Here are a few pre-chaos photos.  If you weren't able to make it, we hope to see you at the next Play Day very soon.

Crafter's Companion Blog - News, Views and Inspiration: New Fantasy Fusion Range

Crafter's Companion Blog - News, Views and Inspiration: New Fantasy Fusion Range: Take your Paint Fusion-ing to the next level with the brand new range of Fantasy paints and stamps.  The paints have been manufactured by...

FREE Play Day! Saturday 24th November

It's Play Day time again!

This one is being held on Saturday 24th November from 10am to 2pm so if you're free, feel free to drop in.

We've got loads going on this time.  We'll be bringing our eCraft Cutting Machine in again but this time it'll be connected up to the computer so we'll be able to show you how versatile the software is and how much more you can do without spending a penny!

There will also be a selection of paper punches and rubber stamps available for use.  All you need to do is provide your own paper/card and ink pads and you can use them as much as you like!

SPECIAL OFFER!

We've also got a very special offer on Twinkling H2Os and Creative Imaginations Stencils which will only be available on the play day.

Buy any 2 Twinkling H2Os and get £3.00 off any Creative Imaginations Stencil.

We'll also be demoing how to use these amazing watercolours with the stencils to create some stunning cards and backgrounds.

Art Deco Sample Card

Just had to share this picture of the stunning Art Deco sample card that Ian has designed.  It's made using the Hougie Board and the gorgeous backing papers printed exclusively for Valley Craft!  The stamped image of the Art Deco lady is from the free covermount stamp on this month's Creativity Magazine.  Ian's planning on doing this card in next month's workshops so if you haven't already booked in, put your name down soon as spaces are going fast!

Lots of new goodies!

October was a bit of a quiet month stock-wise in the shop.  We had a few new bits and bobs in but nothing particularly exciting.

However, I think we're making up for that this month.  It's only the 1st and we've already placed loads of orders for some GORGEOUS products including the stunning Art Deco range from docrafts, Hougie Boards and Books, Pearl Glues for making all those fabulous pearls on your cards, Sizzix dies and embossing folders and loads more!

Check out the Coming Soon section of our website for more info on everything that's arriving in the next few days.

We've also got some amazing new printed backing papers now in stock - exclusive to Valley Craft they are printed onto the gorgeous Silver Mist Iridescent paper in black and magenta with a swirl design.  Ian has made a fabulous Art Deco style card which combines the new backing papers and the free stamp on this month's Creativity Magazine so next time you're visiting, be sure to check it out!

I'm so excited!! - NOW IN!!

The stamps have finally arrived and they are lovely!  Get them while you can!!

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Think I'm going to burst!

We've just had an email from La Pashe to tell us that they're bringing out some new A5 Christmas Clear Stamp sheets in October.  Here are some pictures to tempt you:

La Pashe Christmas Stamps

The stamps are simply stunning and great value for money.  I can see the corner stamps being really useful in framing cards with style!

They are due for release around 5th October and will retail at £12.99 each.  We've placed a pre-order so as soon as they're available, we'll have them in!  Keep an eye on the website for their arrival.  I can't wait!!

Charity Support.....

Over the coming months, you'll start to see lots of these stickers appearing on various products throughout the shop

It's an idea we've recently had which will enable us to make a contribution to various worthwhile charities throughout the world.

The 'Charity Support' Year runs from 1st October 2012 to 30th September 2013 and during that time, anyone who buys a product that has the 'Charity Support' sticker on it, 25p from the sale will be donated by Valley Craft to our chosen charities.  We'll add up all those 25p's over the course of the year and at the end, we'll present them with a cheque!

So the more 'Charity Support' products you buy, the more we'll donate!

Our chosen charities this year are:

Nepal's Helpless Children's Education Program (NHCEP) - a project set up in 1997 to teach children from the most deprived and impoverished backgrounds in Nepal.

House of Joy - a charity in South Wales which aims to bring about real changes that are sustainable and benefit the lives of the people in Uganda.

For both these charities, a little goes a long way so we're hoping to be able to make some significant contributions to the lives of adults and children in countries where every day is a struggle and things we take for granted in this country, simply aren't available to them.

To see a list of all the products currently in 'Charity Support', please click here.

Toread.....or not Toread.....that is the question!

Crafter's Companion are once again bringing out the cutest papercrafting range you can imagine!

It's probably not to everyone's taste but I for one LOVE, LOVE, L-O-V-E it!

It's the new Toread range which includes a CD-ROM, 6 Rubber Stamp Sets, 2 Die-cut Decoupage Sets and 2 Papercrafting Kits made by Hunkydory.

We've been umming and arring about whether to get it as it's going to be on a certain craft tv shopping channel as Pick of the Week from tomorrow and we're not sure if everyone is going to rush out and buy it from them, rather than waiting another week for us to have stocks.

So, if you wouldn't mind, there's a poll on the righthand side of this blog which will hopefully give us an idea of where most of our customers plan on purchasing, if at all.  Please take a few seconds to vote.

You can also take a more detailed look at the range here.

Hougie Workshop Sample Cards

Here are some of the sample cards that Ian created at the recent Hougie Board workshops.  If you missed out, he'll be repeating the two workshops at a later date so let us know if you'd like to book a place - not sure of the dates yet but it will be a Saturday from 10am to 1.30pm at the usual price of just £5.00 per person.

Hougie Workshop Sample Cards

Bank Holiday Monday Play Day!

Just to let you know, we'll be opening the craft shop next Bank Holiday Monday 27th August from 10am to 2pm for a play day!

We'll be bringing in our ecraft machine, Big Shot machine and a few other bits and bobs so if you'd like to come and have a bit of a play, feel free to join us.

Want to see something in particular?  Just let us know and we'll make sure we bring it in if we've got it!

Simplicity Geared Punch Frame Sizes

Here are the details for using the Simplicity Geared Border Doily Strip Punch to make a frame in various sizes.

You'll need a piece of card at any of the following sizes to create the different size frames:

Large (to fit an A5 card) 14.4cm x 19.6cm

Medium 11cm x 16.1cm

Small 7.5cm x 12.7cm

NOTE: The first punch must be at the corner of the card, as per the following photo:

Simplicity Geared Punch Frame Sizes

Here are the details for using the Simplicity Geared Border Daisy Punch to make a frame in various sizes.

You'll need a piece of card at any of the following sizes to create the different size frames:

Large (to fit an A5 card) 13.7cm x 18.9cm

Medium 10.3cm x 15.5cm

Small 6.9cm x 12.1cm

NOTE: The first punch must be at the corner of the card, in line with the 'First Punch' dotted lines.

Paint Fusion Poppies

Just finished my first Paint Fusion 8x8" Canvas using the Poppies stamp set. Rather chuffed actually!!

Sizzix order!

We're bouncing around the craft shop at the moment with excitement as our first Sizzix order has just arrived!!  In the process of sorting it all out so if you've pre-ordered anything, expect a phone call very soon!!

Create and Craft down!

For a minute there I thought C&C was down for good but no, unfortunately they're experiencing a power outage at their studios so are playing random clips from Ideal World!

We were quite looking forward to watching good ol' Barbara Gray for our monthly fix but hopefully she's going to be on later from 2pm to 4pm so you know where we'll be!!

Opening Times this week

Just to let you know, this week the craft shop will be on reduced opening hours due to staff holiday.

Opening times are as follows:

Monday 6th August to Saturday 11th August: 10am to 2pm

We will revert to usual opening times the week after.

Sizzix Order

Sometime in the next few weeks we will be placing our very first order with Sizzix!

If you've never heard of them before, they are a company that make a wide range of die-cutting machines, embossing folders and dies and their product lines are truly phenomenal.

We are in the process of taking pre-orders from customers so if you would like to have a browse through their ranges, either pop into the shop where we have a full catalogue printed off, or click on the links below to view the online versions.

Sizzix Catalogue 2011-12

Sizzix Catalogue 2012 Update

If you would like to order any items, please let us know.

Stock info

Loads of new arrivals recently including:

Mulberry Wood CD-Roms and Stamp Sets - SPECIAL OFFER AVAILABLE

Collall All Purpose Glue - back in stock after flying out last time!

Stix2 Foam Pads, Double-sided Tapes and the fab new Pick Up Pencil

IndigoBlu - a few favourite stamps as well as some gorgeous new Christmas ones.

Creativity Magazine and Papermania Christmas

Tonic Studio Simplicity Geared Punches

Check out our website for a full list of everything new - link!

Christmas is coming!!!

Yes I know it's supposed to be the middle of Summer (not that it looks like it when I look out of my window!) but Christmas always starts early in the crafting world.  That's why Valley Craft are getting on the bandwagon early this year and have already started stocking up on our Christmas ranges.

As mentioned in my previous post, we've got Mulberry Wood CDs and Stamps coming in very soon (watch this space...!) and we've got a bargain deal price to boot!

We've also just received a docrafts order with some simply stunning products including Traditional Christmas, Strictly Party and Strictly Christmas.  We love anything that glitters and these toppers and decoupage packs certainly do that....in abundance!

As always, we try to keep our website as up-to-date as possible with everything that's coming soon or new in so please check it out regularly.  Here are a couple of links:

Coming Soon

New In

We've got loads more news coming soon, including an exciting new monthly meeting that is sure to be very useful to a lot of customers - more info coming soon.

Mulberry Wood - Coming Soon!

The gorgeous new Mulberry Wood CD-Rom and Stamp Sets are due out at the beginning of July.  The perfect way to get you in that Christmassy mood....

"It's Christmas Even in magical Mulberry Wood, which is covered by a twinkling blanket of snow.  The wood's cute dwellers gaze up into the mesmerising deep indigo sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus!  Share in their enchantment by crafting with this delightful collection of products featuring the beautiful artwork of popular artist Ian Hallows!"

Pre-order yours now to avoid having to wait too long!

Special Offer - Buy the CD-Rom and one of each of the 6 stamps and pay just £29.99 (saving you £8.94!!)

May 2012 Creativity Essentials - 10% Off

Don't forget to take advantage of the 10% discount on all the May Creativity Essentials we have in stock, including designs by Lucy Cromwell and Wellington Bear, gorgeous stamps by Michael Powell and some lovely embellishments to give your cards that finishing touch.  The discount runs until 30th June so if you haven't already, be sure to stock up now.

Special Edition Magazines - now in!

Great news!  We've literally just taken delivery of the 'Making Cards Vintage Special' and 'Parchment Craft Summer Special' magazines.

The Making Cards magazine has 32 FREE craft papers and they're gorgeous.  There are some great projects and ideas that work brilliantly with the free papers and there's sure to be something for everyone.  Be quick though as we've only got very limited stocks.

For those Parchment crafters out there, the Summer Special is beautiful.  Containing loads of inspiration and a variety of themes, this magazine is perfect for parchment crafters of all abilities.  White work, embossing and grid work are all covered and are complimented with several lovely ‘coloured’ pieces featuring the use of specialist pencils, paints and inks.  There are over 25 unique projects to choose from too!

Customer Comments

Please feel free to leave any comments, either on individual posts, or in the dedicated 'Customer Comments' section of the blog.  We'd love to hear your thoughts and views on Valley Craft - is there anything you'd like to see us stocking, anything we can improve on, anything you think we do really well - anything!

We've gone Sale mad!

Yes that's right - we've gone completely mad and have loads of amazing deals throughout the shop - everything from decoupage and stamps to punches, pens and embossing boards.

Pop in and grab a bargain today!  Just ask at the counter for more info and we'll be happy to help.

ProMarker Sale!

Letraset are in the process of simplifying their entire range of ProMarker sets and we've got a sale on the discontinued packs.

Save £2.50 on a range of 5 Pack sets and £4.50 on 12 Pack Blender sets.

But hurry as once they're gone, they're gone!

New packs have been ordered so we're just waiting for them to arrive - click here to see what's coming soon.

Photos from Saturday's Demo Day

Here are some photos from Ian's amazing demo day on Tonic Studio punches.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and there were some great ideas and tips picked up at the same time!

Permission has been sought by everyone shown in these photos.

Free demo day this Saturday!

Don't forget this Saturday's free demo day on Tonic Studio punches starts at 10 o'clock. It's sure to be a really busy day with loads of great hints and tips, hands on demos, special discounts and freebies so pop in between 10am and 1pm!

Sneaky Peek

Here's a sneaky peek of what's to come in the Making Cards Vintage Special Edition magazine - designed by Nancy Watt.

They're being very secretive about this issue so I'm hoping for some lovely surprises!

Making Cards/Parchment Craft Special Editions

There are two new special edition magazines - Making Cards and Parchment Craft which are available to pre-order now at just £4.95 each.  They are due out on 20th June so if you'd like us to reserve a copy of either for you, please let us know.

Here are some more details about the magazines:

Like all Making Cards editions, this very special edition will be crammed full with unique and original card making ideas. All feature a selection of the 32 FREE CRAFT PAPERS to be found inside and every free sheet has a beautiful ‘retro’ feel and has been designed with readers of all crafting abilities and tastes in mind.

Plus, our team of card designers have truly excelled themselves in creating a range of ‘vintage feel’ cards to suit all occasions. The illustrations here are just a glimpse of the wonderful portfolio of ideas you can enjoy in this summer one-off edition.

Timed to coincide with the Parchment Craft exhibition at Bristol in June, the PARCHMENT CRAFT Summer Special Edition features a wonderful collection of projects submitted by some of the leading ‘parchment’ practitioners from around the world. Many have had work published in Parchment Craft but there are others who may not be familiar to you. But each will inspire readers with their ideas and creative talents. (Ria von Arondt, Marjorie Rigby and Sara Keen - to name just a few).Several ‘Queen’s Jubilee’ themed pieces are included which are unusual and of superb quality.In this celebration edition there’s a variety of themes to suit all tastes and most aspects of your favourite craft have been covered (white work, embossing and grid work) which are complimented with several lovely ‘coloured’ pieces featuring the use of specialist pencils, paints and inks. There are projects suitable for those who have just started ‘parching’ while more intricate designs will satisfy the experienced crafter. All of the patterns are professionally computer drawn and are clear and concise to assist accuracy.In summary, with over 25 unique and original projects the PARCHMENT CRAFT Summer Special Edition is excellent for money at £4.95 and should not be missed.

Paint Fusion - Rose Stamp Set

Another successful Paint Fusion class finished last night. Everyone did really well! Rose buds and rose hips painted and here are a few ideas for finished cards.

Just arrived!

Just arrived, big bottles of ready mixed poster paint at just £2.75 per bottle.  These bottles are 600ml so are ideal for anyone who works with loads of kids as they are great value for money and come in a great range of colours.  Check out the website for more info.

Also just in, Faber-Castell Polychromos Pencils.  These professional colouring pencils have a soft, vibrant colour laydown, a thick oil based lead, are water-resistant and smudgeproof and are ideal for use with all your artist and parchment work.  Click here for more info.

FREE Demo Day Saturday 2nd June - Tonic Studio Punches

We're organising another demo day, this time on a Saturday (2nd June from 10am to 1pm) so hopefully a lot more people will be able to make it.


This demo day is going to be amazing! It's on the very latest Tonic Studio Punches, including the very easy to use Geared Punches, together with Petal Pairs Punches and much, much more!

We also have some very special offers on including 10% off all Tonic Studio Punches on the day PLUS spend over £20.00 and receive a FREE Tonic Studios Mug (while stocks last)!

So don't miss out on what's going to be an extremely fun and informative day all round.

Sample Cards from Friday

Friday's demo day was a bit quiet but Ian still managed to make some beautiful cards from the Creativity Essentials ranges. Here are a few photos to tease you all!

Welcome!

Hi everyone and welcome to Valley Craft's Blog!

In the past we've relied mostly on emailing customers to let them know everything that's going on in the shop but I think it's time that we embraced the 21st Century and started sharing information through this blog.  That way we can share a lot more information with customers without bombarding them with loads of emails which I'm always conscious about doing.

Anyway, I'll try and update the blog as often as possible with news, tips, info etc and I hope that you all embrace the blogosphere and will share your thoughts, tips etc too!

Thanks for reading.

Gavin