It's coming ...

And no, I don't mean Christmas ...

Royal Mail clearing backlog of mail (Ross' Rant)

At long last we are starting to get our backlog of mail.  Thank you to all of you who sent us Christmas cards, we have just received them.

There was even a Recorded Delivery letter amongst today's post that was posted on the 9th December. We also had a parcel last week that was posted on 8th November which had taken 2 months to arrive.  Wouldn't have been so bad but it was stock for Christmas.  A bit late now! If that is the standard we can expect from the Royal Mail as they "improve" the system, then bring back the Pony Express!

And I don't care if the big boss at Royal mail has apologised in one of the local papers. I don't care if they have been shipping managers in from London, Wales and Aberdeen to try and sort it out.  I don't care if they are grovelling at the door.  If we gave the same service we'd be closing the doors as customers would have gone elsewhere.

So, Royal Mail bosses.  You've apologised, now get on with sorting out the mess you've made.  You still have the monopoly on mail delivery, for now, but keep this up and you'll have all the other private companies bidding for it.  And you know how the Government is always looking for ways to save money ...

Making Cards magazine, February issue now on sale

This month brings an abundance of themes and techniques for you to try your hand at. Themes include flowers, birds and cupcakes using techniques such as stamping, embossing and inking.

Take a look at Dee Paramour’s fabulous flowers, where she has incorporated several different styles of flowers to form bright and bold focal points. They will brighten anyone’s day if it’s a little gloomy outside!

The month of February brings Valentine’s Day; however card designs for this occasion can also be used for romantic events like anniversaries and weddings. It’s all about how you adapt them to suit your recipient!

Take a look at Stephanie’s Clever Cards in the February issue. Her 3-dimensional designs are catered for Valentines but as they use pretty colours and papers you could adapt them for birthdays too.

And make sure you check out Nancy’s free gifts this month, and have a go at making some beautiful paper roses. Nancy is always ready to answer your crafting queries on her Nancy’s Know How page so make sure you write or email us.

Check out our other regular features for all the latest from the world of cardmaking in New to You and Bits and Buy.

All this and 16 free pages of card making papers!

Craft Stamper February Issue is now on sale

 The February issue of Craft Stamper is on sale now, full of intersting articles and hints and tips.  It has features on:

Free Stamp Makes
This month’s free cover mount stamp is a fabulously grungy pocket watch design, created especially by Stampattack.

Stamping Contrasts
Four designers are challenged to work their magic on charming springtime stamps.

Stamping for Scrapbookers, by Isabelle Norris
In this regular feature, Isabelle shows you how to create stunning polymer clay embellishments.

Idea Gallery: Romance
This regular feature is packed with love-themed ATCs this month.

Designer’s Palette, by Rachel Jackson
This regular feature looks at combining colours effectively in your stamped projects.

Masterclass: Pearl Powders, by Kate Bentley
Dig out your pearl pigments and try Kate’s four fabulous ideas.

Stamping with…Trees, by Anneliese Bates
Our regular feature looks at using common stamp types creatively – this month, Anneliese creates seasonal cards with tree stamps.

There's all this and much more.  Grab your copy today!

New Martha Stewart punch

We have finally received our delivery of Martha Stewart.  We now have the new Aspen Ornament Medium Double Punch in stock.  It's ideal if you are wanting to do some little embellishments out of mirror card, or glitter card.

Glossy Accents has shrunk!

We are now stocking the new 18 ml size of Glossy Accents. It's ideal if you are doing a small project, or looking for a little stocking filler for a junior, or senior, crafter.

We still have the large 68 ml size in stock so if you are needing to stock up for some Christmas crafting you don't have to worry.

January is here already!

The January issue of Making Cards magazine that is.

It has a variety of articles featuring different techniques and materials for you to learn about including:

• Delightful decoupage
• Elegant for any event
• Beautiful butterflies
• Fancy florals
• Pretty patchwork
• Plaids for lads

And there are 16 Free craft papers with 3 themes included with the magazine, ready for you to start on the projects inside.  Great for whiling away the Winter evenings. Or if we get another blizzard and can't get out!

Gift Vouchers

If you are stuck for what to suggest when you are asked, "What do you want for Christmas?",  just think how much fun you could have wandering round here with a Kitty Krafts Gift Voucher burning a hole in your pocket.

We can do vouchers for any value from only £5 upwards and they're valid for 6 months, though I doubt anyone would be able to wait that long to spend one.

So tell your other half / significant other / bidey in / spouse / son / daughter / brother / sister / Mum / Dad (delete as appropriate) to pop down and solve at least one of your Christmas present problems.

Royal Mail strikes again! (Ross's Rant)

No, they're not on strike again, just being their new efficient self.

The Sorting Office for the DD4 and DD5 postcodes is one of the Sorting Offices being used as a guinea pig for the new system that is supposed to be implemented throughout the country shortly.  This much vaunted new system will improve efficiency, save money and improve the service to customers.

That'll be why we received mail yesterday dated the 26th November.  That'll be why we, as a business, have gone from daily deliveries to 2-3 times a fortnight.  I see our postman in Tesco more often than I see him delivering here, which is a scary thought considering we both live nearly 20 miles away from the shop!

So, if you are one of the unfortunate people who live in the DD4 & DD5 postcodes, who are wondering why your mail service has suddenly got so bad in recent weeks it's quite simple really.  It isn't the snow (they have done an amazing job really getting out and about), it isn't the Christmas rush, it is simply that Royal Mail bosses have decided to improve the service.

Dovecraft Creative Ribbons

We now have the new range of Creative Ribbons in from Dovecraft.  Each roll is only 99p so they are ideal for using with Xmas cards, Thank You cards, Birthday cards, or any other project you have in mind to while away the Winter evenings.