Thursday 29 March 2018

Meet the Maker - Elaine Mellor

Who
I have been a Stix2 demonstrator for almost a year but I have used Stix2 for as long as I can remember . I’m seriously thrilled I get to demonstrate such great products and still pinch myself. I’m also on 2 design teams which I love being part of too. I love how I can intermingle different craft products that I love and lots of things work so well together.



Where 
I live in the West Midlands and spend hours in my craft room. I travel to to demo days as far as north Nottingham visiting some amazing craft shops and meeting some fabulous people.

How you started
Well I started crafting almost 12 years ago. I saw a simple handmade card and thought I would love to have a go. My first purchases were blank cards and peel offs. I’ve never looked back since.

Favourite to make 
I love to make anything to be honest. If I’m creating I’m happy.

Workspace
I’m quite a tidy crafter but when I’m busy prepping it can get quite messy in my room.

Can’t live without
Well where do I start....Stix2 adhesives is a must and I use all different sorts depending on what I’m doing. I’m a massive fan of Stix2 card in every variety and colour and it’s on almost everyone of my makes along with the card blanks which are 300gsm and amazing. Finally my trusty guillotine and Sizzix big-shot,  these are 11 years old and still going strong.

Creative friends
I have met some truly wonderful people over the years and have made some amazing friends at my local craft shop where I go to craft once a week to relax with like minded ladies. I have to give a mention to the Stix2 team who have been so wonderful & supportive.

Visit www.stix2.co.uk to see when Elaine is next demonstration.

For further information contact us on the details below.
T: 0191 2697810
E: sales@stix2.co.uk

Wednesday 28 March 2018

Meet the Maker - Rushanne Young

You
I'm a Stix2 demonstrator and freelance craft tutor living in 'not as flat as you think' East Anglia, where we have several very good independent craft shops.

How you started
That's all thanks to my Mum, her ability and encouragement to try anything creative.  I love to find as many uses for things as possible, to mend and recycle where I can.



Favourite project
A papier mache head, decorated with die cut cereal box shapes and broken jewelry stuck on with hot glue, painted and waxed.  A handy stand for headphones.

Favourite tool/product
The Stix2 2in1 glue pen and Transfer Foils - write, draw or stamp something with the glue and foil it, no need to buy an expensive machine. Mounting Foam - now I have a stamp platform I'm re-mounting my old rubber stamps to fit the press and using the redundant wooden blocks for altered art.

Can't live without
A non-stick crafting sheet, heat resistant and so easy to clean makes it a MUST have.

Inspiration
This comes from everything, anything and anyone. Other crafters are a mine of inspiration, whether it's my local group or a well known blogger. Also look at things with a view to what else could you make from it, an empty malt drink plastic pot makes a great child safe night light with an LED tea light inside.

Visit www.stix2.co.uk to follow Rushanne when she is demonstrating.

For further information on Stix2 products please contact us on the details below.
T: 0191 2697810
E: sales@stix2.co.uk

Meet the Maker - Jan Curtis

Hi I am Jan Curtis demonstrator and tutor. I live in West Wales by the sea. After working in education for over 22 years, I retired to relax and do my own thing .( I have always been a crafter) well I visited a craft shop in Milford Haven and it has been all go since!!!


I teach all paperbacks to over 20 ladies and 2 gentlemen every week. My inspiration comes from my ladies asking me can we do this or that from paint techniques to folding paper. I come up with a plan and all are happy.

As requested by a lady to make a suitcase and album which has turned out ok this is my latest and favourite project. The other ladies want to make it too now!! Here are some photos of my craft room view from my window working in class.

Find out when Jan is demonstrating for Stix2 by visiting www.stix2.co.uk

Contact the Stix2 team for further information on the details below.
T: 0191 25697810
E: sales@stix2.co.uk

Have Fun Crafting!


Tuesday 27 March 2018

Meet the Maker - Jane Collman

Who
I have been crafting forever! Taught well by my late parents, drawing, sewing and knitting etc.
I started making cards over 20 years ago before my youngest daughter was born and then worked in various craft shops, teaching and demonstrating the wonderful array of products!
I have also been lucky enough to have had projects in a number of magazines in the past.


Where
I live in Surrey, just a half an hour train ride south of London, and 10 minutes from the biggest car park in England....the wonderful M25!!  We all hate it but use it frequently.



Workspace
I am lucky enough to have a big cabin in my garden which is my workroom, storeroom and classroom.  It’s very much my Sanctuary and I can lose myself out there for hours!  No children, dogs or husband.....just crafting.  I hold workshops in there and I have everything including the kitchen sink!  Photo shows half the cabin, bit of a mess at the moment...sorting out cupboards again! Help...I’ve run out of space!

Favourite Project
My favourite project ever has to be the glass bottle I painted for a class project.  Couldn’t have done it without the aid of Stix2 extra sticky doublesided tapes and hot glue!  Photo shows bottle with and without lights.

Tools and Materials
What do I reach for most....hmmm, couldn’t be without my trusty scissors, knife and guillotine.

I was thrilled to be asked to demo for Stix2 several years ago. This has enabled me to visit some amazing craft shops in the South East and meet more lovely crafters.  I do enjoy being able to show the great and varied products Stix2 have.

Thank you to the wonderful Michelle Johnson for introducing me to Ruth and her brilliant team at Stix2!

Visit www.stix2.co.uk to see when Jane is next demonstration.

For further information contact us on the details below.
T: 0191 2697810
E: sales@stix2.co.uk

Have Fun Crafting!

Meet the Maker - Clare Brown

You 
Stix2 demonstrator,  Freelance designer  for Making Cards Magazine and co-owner of Paper, Pen and Plan. This is me at my very first demonstration day at Sew Yarn Crafty in Dunfermline. As you can see from my huge smile I was having an amazing day!



Where
I work pretty much everywhere. Mostly in my office when I’m not demoing but during the warming months I’ll take my work outside if I can.

Time to Relax
I love to doodle in my sketch book especially just before bedtime as it helps me get out of work mode.

Keep an eye on the Stix2 website to see when Clare is next working near you.

For more information on any Stix2 product please contact us on the details below:

E:Sales@stix2.co.uk
T: 0191 2697810

Have Fun Crafting!

Monday 26 March 2018

Meet the Maker - Debbie Frost

You
Hi my name is Debbie Frost & I live in South Devon. I've been a demonstrator for Stix2 for almost 4 years which I love. I'm also a craft tutor & I regularly run my own workshops on a variety of different topics & techniques


Where
I live in sunny Exmouth, Devon which not only has a stunning4 mile beach but beautiful  scenery & nature at the estuary where the river Exe meets the sea.

How you started
I have been a crafter for as long as I can remember but got more interested in card making when I got a job in the local craft shop (Japonica- sadly no longer open!). I then went on to win a couple of competitions in craft magazines, was a DT member for the Woodware blog & was finally approached by Stix2 to become one of their demonstrators. The rest is history!

Favourite to Make
Anything messy & mixed media with lots of texture,colour & different techniques especially canvases!

Workspace
Overlooking my garden but don't too too closely at the mess!

Can't Live Without
My trusty Stix2 Hot Melt glue gun! Always on my desk & useful for all kinds of  craft techniques not to mention household repairs.


Customers & Feedback
Nothing gives me a greater buzz  when I've been to one of my Stix2 demo days at one of my crafty retailers than knowing I've done a good job & everyone had a good time. So thanks to all my loyal retailer supporters! The ladies at Somer Craft Addix

Creative Friends
Of course I count all those associated with Stix2 as my creative friends but we all have special ones don't we? I feel privileged to count this fine trio of ladies as my close crafty friends.

My craft bestie Jan Caudrelier - that's us with the award for Best Craft Retailer in 2014 awarded to Japonica at the NEC.

Fellow demonstrators Jenny Redfern  & Jane Williams


To find out more on Stix2 demo days or Debbie Frost please visit www.stix2.co.uk
or contact us on the details below:
E: sales@stix2.co.uk
T: 0191 2697810

Have Fun Crafting!

Wednesday 7 March 2018

Make your own Benny the Bunny Easter Box

Great way to present chocolate, Chicks or any Easter gift thanks to Jenny Redfern.

To make your own Benny Bunny you will need ...

A4 Pearl Bronze Card A4300PEARLBRONZE
A4 Pearl Misty Rose Card A4300PEARLMISTY
A4 Pearl White Ice Card A4300PEARLWHITEICE
A4 Pearl Oyster Shell Cream Card A4300PEARLOYSTERSHELL
Craft Foam Pads 5mm x 5mm x 2mm S57082
Ultra Clear Tape 6mm x 15m  S57085

Ribbon
Scissors 
Heart Punch
Dies 
Die Cutting Machine 
Hole Punch


How to... 


  • Cut Bronze card 29.5cm by 21cm and score this at 4,14,18 and 28cm the extra bit is the flap to stick it together.
  • Score the shorted side at 2cm (this is the bottom of the box) 
  • Using tonic layering dies Oval and Circles - die cut- (Sizes count from the smallest die out)
    • 2 x Eyes from White Ice Card, size 1, circle die
    • 2 x Cheeks from Bronze Card, size 2, circle die
    • 1 x Head from Bronze Card, size 9, circle die
    • 2 x Ears from Bronze Card, size 6, oval die
    • 2 x Inner Ear from Misty Rose Card, size 3, oval die
    • 2 x Feet from Bronze Card, size 4, oval die
    • 2 x Inner feet, from Oyster Shell Cream Card, Size 3, oval die
    • 1 x Tail, from Bronze Card, size 6, oval die
    • 1 x Inner Tail from Oyster Shell Cream Card, size 4, oval die
    • 2 x Hands (paws) from Bronze Card, size 4, oval die
    • 1 x Nose from White Ice Card, size 1, circle die.
    • 1 x Teeth from White Ice Card, Heart Punch
  • Die Cut a hole in the front panel for the window, Using the Ultra Clear Tape, stick a rectangle of Extra Thick Acetate behind. Everything else is layered up with 2mm foam pads.
  • Fold the edges of the card in to create your basic box and stick together with Ultra Clear Tape.
  • Hole punch the card at the top to be able to thread the ribbon before attaching the head.
  • Cut whiskers from the White Ice Card and stick to the head using the 2 in 1 Glue Pen along with the eyes, nose, cheeks and teeth to the head.
  • Using the Foam Pads later up and attach the ears to the head and then the head to the body.
  • Layer up the feed and tail with the Foam Pads and again using the Foam Pads attach this to the body. 
  • Attach the paws with Foam Pads
  • Use the ribbon to give Benny a bow 
  • Fill your box and tie the bow 
Thank you Jenny for this wonderful box. Please visit Jennys Blog for more of her work.

For information on Stix2 products contact :
T: 0191 2697810

Have Fun Crafting!

Tuesday 6 March 2018

Make a Mother's Day Wallet ...Hand Made

Mothers Day will soon be on us and Babs has made this lovely Wallet to put special memories, Tickets or a treat!


Babs has used...

Large White Alteration Tags S57324
Red Gingham Card A4250REDSMALLGHIN
Die Cut Clover Flower White S57299
Tinted Card Intensive Red A4250TINTRED
Tape Runner S57269 / Refill S57270

Along with many other products.


For further information please contact 0191 267810 or sales@stix2.co.uk

Have Fun Crafting!