Any Hobby Craft Experts out there?

beachbeth

I thought I would make my own Christmas cards for next year (Im a bit early I know!) as this year I got quite a few from internet friends with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (I have three myself) on them. I thought I would visit Hobby Craft and buy card and bits of decorative paper. I can take digital photos of my dogs and print them onto the card too. I was reading on another forum that someone used a heat gun to make a gold design. How does this work?

Taking into account that I cannot draw and Im not particularly arty has anyone got any advice as to what I should buy at Hobby Craft?

tiff

You could buy rubber stamps and do it that way. They have magazines that tell you what you can do, there is also a website https://www.docrafts.co.uk with a forum for help and advice. Obviously you wouldnt be able to use photos of your dogs for the rubber stamping, but they have loads of designs.

Dont know if you have one near you but The Range also do excellent craft stuff. https://www.therange.co.uk

MimiJane

I thought I would make my own Christmas cards for next year (Im a bit early I know!) as this year I got quite a few from internet friends with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (I have three myself) on them. I thought I would visit Hobby Craft and buy card and bits of decorative paper. I can take digital photos of my dogs and print them onto the card too. I was reading on another forum that someone used a heat gun to make a gold design. How does this work?

Taking into account that I cannot draw and Im not particularly arty has anyone got any advice as to what I should buy at Hobby Craft?

Personally I've found Hobby Craft to be very expensive compared to other craft shops I've been to locally.  A good source is ebay, where you can find everything from beginners'  kits to rubber stamps, embossing punches, etc., etc.

Good luck!

VickyA_2

Lakeland have some good starter kits that I've been using until I get used to it all!

Lakeland Ltd Crafts

Sofa_Sogood

Or try https://www.qvc.co.uk

Some bargains sometimes. Today I think  ;)

Sofa_Sogood

Lakeland have some good starter kits that I've been using until I get used to it all!

Lakeland Ltd Crafts

That looks good btw, and I like Lakeland. Thanks!

Edinburghlass_2

There is a little craft shop in Lower Largo in Fife, back of beyond to most people, but it has a great range of things and according to a crafty friend that I took there was very well priced on everything.

So I would agree with the person who said have a look locally after perhaps pricing what you want on the internet.

beachbeth

Thanks for your suggestions but I think Hobby Craft is my only craft shop. I do have a Lakeland Craft leaflet that I might take a look at. I will be going to Hobby Craft tomorrow I think. Is there anything anyone would suggest I take a look at?

bigbrummygirl

the cardmaking and scrapbooking section on ebay have some very cheap bits for making cards
i've had loads of stuff off there

beachbeth

Will definitely take a look on Ebay. Thanks!

madmummy_2

I've been making my own cards for over a year now so I can give the benefit of my experience.

Hobbycrafts & QVC are very expensive. Lakeland has a good choice. Docrafts has ideas and a chatboard so you can post on there and you can be assured of an answer. Ebay is recommended although I've not tried it myself. On line is definitely the way to go if you've no craft shops nearby. Try these websites - I've no connection with any of them whatsoever. They will all offer products and ideas with full instructions.

https://www.imag-e-nation.co.uk
https://www.artsandcraftsdirect.co.uk
https://www.clares-crafts.co.uk
https://www.madaboutcards.com
https://www.craftcreations.com
https://www.cannycrafts.com
https://www.bydonovan.com (rubber stamping)
https://www.createandcraft.com
https://www.cardinspirations.co.uk
https://www.crafts-beautiful.co.uk

If you've got Sky/freeview/NTL etc. then you will do well to watch Create and Craft, Ideal World and QVC for their craft hours. You get loads of ideas and learn some techniques. Magazines are good too. I've put 1 or 2 web addresses above. There are several to choose from nowadays and available on line or in high st newsagents.

To answer your question about the heating up technique. I guess the crafter has stamped an image, sprinkled embossing powder and then heated it up using a heat gun. Heat guns can be bought in many places for around £20 - cheaper in the sales? An expensive toy if you're not sure how much you will use it. Embossing powder is £2 - £3 a jar and stamps will cost anything from £3 upwards depending on size and quality.

If you want any other help or advice, feel free to pm me and I'll help all I can.

Welcome to the world of card crafting!