EK Success Punches Just In

We have had a delivery of EK Success punches with a variety of designs.  Favourite one will be the corner punch as it is so difficult to get a good one.

This one will cut through paper and card, just like the Martha Stewart punches, as will all the other designs.  There are only a few of the corner punches though so be quick!

New Kanban just in

We have several new Kanban products just in and they are lovely!

It doesn't matter if you are making a card or looking for something for a scrapbook page, these new designs will have something to suit.

We have loads more than the couple shown here so why not pop in and have a look.

New Darkroom Door stamps in now

We have new Darkroom Door stamps in.  There are several new designs, all finely detailed, that produce the most beautiful images.  So if you are planning on making a greetings card, or looking for that special little something to finish off a scrapbook page then have a look at the new designs.

Simply Create trip

I had a bit of a busman's holiday on my day off this week as we took a trip to Simply Create in Alford.

Thinking it was going to be a lovely sunny day I dressed for summer, which it was until we were approaching Cairnamount when it started to hail.  Then we got sleet, then slushy snow. Just what you expect in May!

By the time we got near the top we were down to less than 20 mph as the slush was freezing and the car was sliding about.  Still, we reckoned it was better to be going up and sliding than going down and sliding, so on we went.  Just as well we did as once over the top there was no sign of anything other than a shower of rain.

We got to Simply Create a little later than planned, but it was worth the trip as Jacqui has some lovely things in her shop.  We also met two of Jacqui's crafters who were busy doing a scrapbook for a local railway society. (Sorry I can't remember your names ladies, but it was nice meeting you both.)

After a good look round I had a bit of a spend (doesn't matter that I have my own shop, there's always something different in other shops) which along with a long, long, long, long natter with Jacqui made for a lovely day out.

An evening meal at the Alford Bistro, near Simply Create, and it was back down the road, this time going by the main road, just in case.  So if you are up Aberdeenshire way, drop in and see Jacqui.  You are guaranteed a warm welcome.  I know I'm looking forward to my next visit.

At last!

The latest issue of Craft Stamper has finally arrived.  Our apologies for the delay but they literally only arrived this morning.  Heads have been jumped on, feet have been stamped ( no pun intended ) and we've been assured that they will be here on time in future.

Off-roading again!

We were off to Dunkeld again yesterday morning to enjoy a bit more off-roading. This time we were driving a £66,000 Range Rover, something that's been on my 'If I win the Lottery' list since I discovered the joys of off-roading.

The day, as before, was brilliant, helped in no small part by Gilbert, one of the Centre's Lead Instructors.  He has a great deal of patience and a fantastic way of teaching, so that anyone can develop and enjoy their off-road driving skills whatever their abilities.

While we were there the local wildlife made a few appearances in the form of a couple of herds of deer who were totally unfazed by the presence of a large lump of vehicle, or the brief appearance of an RAF jet as it thundered low overhead.  They only vanished when some quads noisily appeared and disappeared.

While we didn't quite manage to follow in the tracks of the deer we had great fun going up, down and round some seemingly impossible slopes.  So much so that I was absolutely knackered by the end of my session and glad to let Ross drive for a while.

I'm looking forward to going back again and trying one of the whole day courses.

Oh, and my 'Lottery List' Range Rover? I've replaced it with a Discovery 4, it's a much nicer drive. And I'm having it in purple! Now where did I put my Lottery ticket ...

Looking forward to my day off!

I am so looking forward to my day off tomorrow.  Despite it only being Wednesday today it seems to have been a very long week.  The joys of working weekends I suppose.

However I'm not planning on putting my feet up tomorrow. We are off to Dunkeld to go off-roading again, this time in a Range Rover.

The only drawback, apart from having to give it back again at the end, is I could only get a morning session which means a 6 a.m. rise for 7.30 a.m. departure!  It'll be worth it though as getting my own vehicle is definitely on my 'If I win the Lottery' list.  More details to follow

Wee Wicca Babe is coming to Kitty Krafts!

Wee Wicca Babe, otherwise known as Debbi Glennie, is coming to Kitty Krafts on Saturday 12th June to demonstrate her skills.

Debbi is one of the top demonstrators in Scotland, if not the U.K., and will be demonstrating Pro Markers, stamping and lots of other things.  More details  to follow so keep an eye on the Blog.

She will be here from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., therer's no need to book and it's free!

Phoenix Falconry Centre

We spent a fantastic afternoon at the Phoenix Falconry Centre just outside Gleneagles yesterday.

I had first seen what I thought was a stuffed owl when shopping at the Gyle in Edinburgh.  I only realised it was real when it's head turned round to look at me! After meeting one of the residents of the Centre there I booked a half-day experience and duly set off yesterday morning.

The Centre is new and offers a great introduction to the fascinating world of birds of prey.  Despite the name it isn't just Falcons which are at the Centre, but also a variety of Hawks, Owls and Eagles.  Sadly I can't remember all the different names (apart from the unforgettable Edna) so the pictures will have to remain unlabelled.

The best thing about the Centre is that the birds aren't just exhibits to be looked at through a window or netting. They are living creatures who enjoy the freedom of flight and in the process get some of their food.

Before the tour starts there is a talk by Adrian Hallgarth who is a veritable font of knowledge when it comes to the birds, their habitats and their needs. Then you are taken through the breeding section, before going outdoors to see the birds that you will be meeting more closely later.

There is a large arena where the birds are flown and you aren't just a spectator, although you can be if you prefer. We were split into two groups at either end of the arena which allowed the birds to be flown between, each person taking a turn at having the bird land on the outstretched gauntlet.  Of course they were more interested in the morsels of food awaiting them than meeting new people. They have no fear of people as they are 'imprinted' which basically means they don't realise there is a difference between them and us.

The weather wasn't the best but seeing the birds in their natural element more than made up for that. The final bird of the day was the Bald Eagle, a truly massive and majestic bird who was only interested in getting his dinner.  Everyone had to be ready for his return quickly as he was stopping for no man, or woman!

I'm looking forward to a return visit in the near future, and would recommend it to anyone.

If you'd like more details just click here www.falconry-in-scotland.co.uk

More Tim Holtz goodies!

We have more Tim Holtz goodies in now, including his lovely Vintage Shabby and Retro Grunge Paper Stacks. They are double-sided so very good value.

We also have more of his metal embellishments if you're looking for something for men's cards.