docrafts Creativity Magazine Review

docrafts Creativity magazine s a bi-monthly publication which is jam packed full of craft ideas and projects, ranging from beginner/child-friendly makes through to more skilled and technical masterpieces. We received the latest copy to review and let you all know what we think.... so here we are!

The magazine is very well laid out with skill levels and shopping lists clearly shown so that that you can make sure that you have everything to hand before you start! Some projects definitely need specialist equipment or materials, so it is best to check these over before planning your weekend of craft activities! There's a handy list of stockists for the more obscure items that you may need. You can also find this on their website here.

As the magazine is produced every two months, there's a good variety of seasonal craft ideas included - we had things like Easter, Father's Day and general Spring themed projects in our issue. We decided to start by making the 'stained glass effect kite'. My daughter (9) made this with a little help from me, so it shows that the instructions are clear and easy to follow.

 

We were impressed with the finished item and it now hangs in my dining room window, shining in the sunlight!

 

Our next project will be to make the Father's Day cards in plenty of time for the upcoming Dad's weekend! Each issue comes with free gifts - we received some Father's Day card toppers so again, these will definitely come in useful!

 

I like to craft but often find that time runs away with me and I don't get enough time to try new ideas, but with docrafts Creativity, the more advanced projects are easy to follow and so I would feel confident enough to try a new techinique when I've an afternoon to myself!

 

There's also a docrafts website which has a handy forum and lots of further projects and advice, so if there's a query or you just simply get stuck with something, there's sure to be the answer (or someone who can help!) on there! You can also keep in touch with the lovely people who run the magazine along with fellow crafters on their Facebook here. Pop over and say 'hello' - they're a freindly bunch!

 

So all in all, I would recommend this magazine as a general source of craft inspiration. There's so may different magazines out there; some specific and some covering a range of different techniques, but docrafts Creativity is my new favourite 'me-time' read! Why not give it a try and let me know what you think?

Mixy - "Fashion's A Snap" Bead Jewellery Kit Review

This week, we were sent to review two bead jewellery kits from Mixy by Wooky Entertainment.  These kits are aimed at children aged 5 years and older so even my son joined in!  We spent a lovely afternoon creating, un-creating and re-creating many different designs - some practical and some slightly wacky!

The beads easily but securely clip together with a satisfying "click" and can be made to any length (number of beads permitting of course!).  The bonus for me which makes these kit great is that there is no fiddly threading but the beads look as if they have been threaded so you can create jewellery that does not look "pre-school" if you know what I mean!  Older children would be happy using these beads and another advantage is that your creations can be dismantled and new designs created!

There are a generous amount of beads in each set and, of course, additional packs all work together so there can be no end to the amount you create!

Each pack also has it's own special shiny themed beads and one mystery bead(!) - these add a lovely touch as pendants on necklaces or charms on bracelets.

Both of my children (8 & 5) were thrilled with these kits and may daughter has asked "Santa" for them as part of her Christmas present!  Already, I hear you say(!) but she was sooo impressed that this is the first thing on her list!  So a definite thumbs up from us.

Mixy "Fashion's A Snap" kits can be bought at various toy shops, including Armadillo Toys, priced from just £3.50!

Pop over to the Mixy Facebook page here and say "hello"!

Time to Pamper :)

Firstly, I must apologise for the lack of posts yesterday... it was a rather hectic day with a million and one things to do.  But I was proud of myself for managing to tick off the list all of the things that needed to be done - and that resulted in me being able to treat myself at a Pamper Evening organised by my local school's Parent Committee.

It was a great evening - for a small entrance fee there was a lovely buffet and numerous beauticians so we were able to choose what treatments we wanted to try!  From massage and holistic treatments to eyebrow shaping and "twinkle toes" nail art, it was a lovely way to wind down after a long day.

I'm not really a "girly-girl" but love to treat myself now and again - I've had the Twinkle Toes treatment before but this time treated myself to hair diamantes, like this...

They last about 1 week and will withstand gentle shampooing... I think I'll have to have these done again for a special occassion - I'll find a babysitter, have my hair done and then there's no excuse for my husband not to take me out!  Hee hee...

There was also a representative from The Body Shop at Home selling scrumptious pampering products - as a teenager I loved anything Dewberry-scented!  Even now, the smell takes me back to my high school days.....

Also, there was a lovely local lady EllieBelle Jewellery & Designs promoting her business and selling lovely jewellery items and gifts.  I love the wooden plaques she has for sale here and was definitely spoilt for choice as each saying could definitely apply to my house at one time or another!  From the jewellery side of things, I love the flower rings and my daughter loves the Moshi Monster danglers.  Pop over to her Facebook page and give her a "like" and a wave from me!

Anyway, off to sort the children out with their supper... it's Silent Sunday tomorrow so I'll speak to you all on Monday!

It's Competition Time!

Well, here we are, all ready to host my first competition!  We have up for grabs a £10 voucher to use at Luvit! - a cute and quirky shop in my home town of Barmouth, Gwynedd.  You can also buy through their website here, so feel free to enter even if you don't live in my corner of the UK!  (Quick small print - UK entries only for the comp please!)

I love this little "Aladdin's Cave" of a gift shop - you can always find the perfect gift at the right price.  From bags to toys, craft items to kitchen accessories, there really is something for everyone!  Local suppliers are very well supported - I especially love the hand made jewellery items and bags from Eleanor's Attic.

They also stock beautiful retro and vintage kitchen equipment like these cookie cutters... great for shortbread biscuits or sugarpaste cake toppers.... yum yum! 

The competition will close on Tuesday 29th May... keep "liking and sharing" and earn a massive 5 entries each!  Good luck everyone!

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