Envelopes with Ease

Over the years there have been many products that help you create various size envelopes, but the WRMK Envelope Punch Board would have to be the easiest. We hope this video shows you just how quick and easy it is to use and how you can use spare patterned paper to customise envelopes of varying sizes:

We have them available here

Art journal class

Yesterday's class was full of colour and drippy paint with loads of fun. 
Here is a brief video of one of the pages created:

You can view more of the process and pages on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CatchyCrafts

Hot Off The Press Cards & Templates

At Catchy Crafts we have an amazing selection dies which enable you to create awesome cards, however, we realise that not everyone has access to a die cut machine. This is why we stock Hot Off The Press Cards and Templates which enable you to create pop up and side step cards with a paper trimmer and scoring tool (and optional scoreboard).

Watch this video to see just how easy it is to make special cards:

You can find the card sets here in a variety of styles

The templates are available here

Paper Trimmers are here

Score boards are here

Scoring tools are here and here

'Tis the Season to be Jolly

It's not too late to get started on your Christmas cards and this video shows some great techniques to get you motivated:

The Tim Holtz stamps, dies & stencils are available in store and on-line 
Stamps here
Dies here
stencils here

Layer upon layer

This was a fascinating video to watch and would be great in an art journal:

Art Journal
Dylusions Paints
Gelatos
Donna Downey Stencils
Archival Ink
Blending Tool
Brushes
Tim Holtz Handwritten stamps

A better way to use masks

Masks have been around for years, but I actually had an ah ha moment when I watched this video by Balzer Designs. Absolutely brilliant and will now be doing this to all my masks...and the new ones I plan on purchasing (you can see our latest shipment here )

Crazy about Tim

If you are lucky enough to own the Crazy Birds, Cats or Dogs stamps and have invested in the matching dies, you may find this post by Tim Holtz helpful, as the dies can be a bit confusing as to which bit goes where on the stamped images. We hope this helps:

http://timholtz.com/crazy-framelits-templates/

So much to share with you

Dina is back from her trip to the USA and no sooner landed then headed off with Doug in Matilda for the start of the last round of shows for this year - starting in Brisbane. This of course means that we have lots of stock arriving on a daily basis, so let us share with you what's happening in store:

We are now stocking Carabelle Studio stamps
and Find it Trading dies (with lots of lovely Christmas dies)
New release Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous stencils and stamps
Restocks and new Lawn Fawn
New release Kaisercraft - Glisten and Ooh La La
New Tonic dies - with great male themes

We will be Uniting in Pink and hosting an all day morning tea to support women's cancer research with a special bra card kit available (the proceeds will be donated to the Cancer Council) on Saturday 15th October from 10am - 4pm. If you are in the area, why not join us, make a donation, have some yummy treats, grab a bra card kit and check out our new stock and on the day specials. If you are unable to join us - then you can order your Bra card kit by calling the shop on 02 9477 4401 or via email: info@catchycrafts.com.au

Our monthly kits will be up as soon as possible and the Pages to Die For kit  features the Kaisercraft Ooh La La range, so keep an eye out for our notification about the kits. The Page Pack kit is grungy and perfect for a teen layout and of course Cookie has come up with another gorgeous card kit. 

We still have some past kits available:
PPK August
Pages to Die For

We have new Crafts4U products available and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our hinged stamper tool.

Alphabet Punch Board

Have you wondered how to use the Alphabet Punch Board by WRMK. Here is a quick video, showing you how easy it is:

We have the Punch Board available here

Banner Punch Board

While we are looking at the various WRMK tools this week, we thought we would share this video demonstrating the Banner Punch Board, which shows the variety of sizes and shapes that can be achieved:

We have the WRMK Banner Punch Board available here

Envelope Punch Board

The WRMK Envelope Punch Board is such a useful tool for creating personalised envelopes, special sized envelopes and even small boxes:

We have the WRMK Envelope Punch Boards available here

Letterpressing

The WRMK Letterpress kit has been around for a while now, but still remains a great way of achieving a professional look to cards and invitations. You can also create your own project Life Cards or business cards. There are a number of sets available on our website as well as the starter kit. While it has been designed by WRMK for their Evolution Machine, it can be used with the Bigshot, Cuttlebug and most other machines. 

We've seen a few videos on how to use the system, but love this one by Amy Tangerine as she is so enthusiastic to start using it, she actually shows you how NOT to use it first:

You can find WRMK Letterpress products on our website here

Gel Press printing

The Gel Press plates make mixed media printing so interesting and easy. They come in a wide variety of sizes, so there is something to suit everyone's needs. Here is a quick video showing a mixed media tag and just how easy it is to create something special:

We have the Gel Press plates available here
Brayer is available here
Craft mat is available here
and of course a large selection of  paints are available here

Have fun creating!

Distressing news

Distressing news, but only if you miss out - New in stock are the latest releases of Tim Holtz Distress Crayons #4 and #5 and here is a video by Joggles of just how easy they are to use:

We have all the Tim Holtz Distress Crayon sets available in store and on line here
You can find the Joggle Flower Patch stencil used here
the mini blending tool here
spray mister here
and craft mat here

September Kits Now In

We have just put up the September editions to our popular page kits in store. Cookies Card Club will be released next week. Currently only the PPK is online, but all kits can be pre-ordered via email or calling the shop on 02 9477 4401.

Page Pack Kit:

Pages to Die For:

Deluxe Edition shown with the included bauble die

More watercolour fun

Yesterday's post focused on the Prima Water Soluble Oil Pastels, so today we will share this video on the Tim Holtz Distress Crayons and Faber-Castell Gelato's and the differences between them:

We have the original 3 sets of the Distress Crayons on special at the moment here
and the Gelatos are available here

Endless Possibilities

In the world of watercolour we are spoiled by the variety of products available - Gelatos, distress crayons, distress markers, inks, sprays etc. Then Prima has (what seems to be a contradiction) - Water Soluble Oil Pastels, but this video shows just how versatile they are and how easy they are to use (it is a long video crammed full of different techniques, so maybe make a cuppa and get comfy):

We have them on special at the moment here

Finnabair Art Alchemy paints

More luscious mixed media from Prima - with the Finnabair Art Alchemy paints. Lovely little pots of soft metallic colours to add something special to your next project.

If you'd like some inspiration, here is a great project video:

The Art Alchemy Paints can be found here
Black Gesso
Archival Ink
Mini Stones
Art Stones
Mechanicals

Pico IrRESISTible Embellisher

We have had these in stock before and they proved so popular, we got all the colours in for you to play with.

In case you missed the last video on how to use them, check out this video:

Pico IrRESISTible Embellisher can be found here
We also have the Memento Luxe inks here

Pink Your Life

Aw toooo cute - The new Stampendous Pink Your Life clear & cling stamps - Mushrooms and pixies are to die for. Check them out in this video:

We have them available in store and online:
Mushroom Cling Stamp
Mushroom Clear Stamp
Whisper friends
Whispers House

We have lots of NEW Stampendous stamps in stock - heaps of Christmas themed stamps as well as House Mouse - you can find them here

Adding Texture

If you love playing with mixed media, then you know all about texture and how much oomph it adds to your projects. There are many ways to add texture, but one of the easiest (and coolest) ways is with the Finnabair Art Stones and Texture Powder.

This video shows you just how easy they are to use:

You can find the products on our website and in store:

Mini Art Stones

Art Stones

Texture Powder

Double Ended Brush Set

Heavy White Gesso

Prima Stencils

Donna Downey Stencils

Donna Downey keeps coming up with the most amazing stencils to add fun and personality to your mixed media projects. We have lots of these amazing stencils available in store and online here

And here is a video showing a creative way to use them:

Nuvo Embellishment Mousse

We are huge fans of the Nuvo Embellishment Mousse and use it regularly with stencils, but check out this video on just how versatile these big pots of colour really are.....oooh so many new projects to make with them now:

We have seven colours in stock here and in store.

Gelli Plate Printing

If you've wondered what all the fuss is about - then take a look at this video to see just how easy it is to create with the Gelli Arts Gelli Plate:

We have them available here online and in store in a variety of sizes for all your creative needs like this awesome print by Dina Wakley

Dina Wakley

Rusty Old Thing

If you are wondering what to do with the new Finnabair Rust paste set, we have an upcoming class "Metal Magic" which shows you an example of its use along with Ken Oliver Liquid Metals. 

The Rust Paste set comprises coarse, water-based pastes made to imitate a rust effect and it works instantly, so it is perfect for projects where you can't wait for the real rusting reaction. Of course it is only an imitation, but it is perfect for creating matte, rust-like texture and adding dimension, great for steampunk, grunge and masculine projects - it can be applied on all surfaces, especially if it is primed with gesso.

The Brown Rust is coarse, the Red Rust has a medium texture and the Gold Rust has less "grit". To get the best effect you should apply 3 colors of the paste on one project with a sponge, palette knife, texture tool or paintbrush to create multi-tone effect. 

Peta has used the Red Rust and Gold Rust on this masculine card

Other products used on the card:

Ultimate Crafts Rusty Old Ute die

Distress Ink - Forest Moss

Impression Obsession stamp 

Pages to Die For

Introducing our new kit concept which allows you the best of both worlds...plenty of new exciting product to create double or single page layouts or oodles of cards. The choice is yours. We provide detailed instructions for a double page layout and a sample photo for a single layout and cards. Each kit contains the latest release paper and embellishments and we have additional die cut embellishments for you to use. If you wish to purchase the die to cut more images we are offering it to you at 20% discount when purchasing the PDF (Pages to Die For) kit.

The June kit is $35.00 and is based around the Kaisercraft Boho Dreams release. The die used is Tonic Studios - Butterfly Circle Doily 581E and when purchased with this kit is $27.16 (normally $33.95).

You can order the deluxe kit (includes die) here or the standard kit here online.

The kits are also available in store or you can order via email sales@catchycrafts.com.au or phone us on 02 9477 4401.

 Deluxe kit 

 Double Page Layout

Single page layout

Card set

The doily die is so versatile - there are so many variations to achieve different results.

Gearhead Card

At Catchy Crafts we love all things Tim (Holtz) as do our customers and as a result they rarely last for very long on our shelves. We recently had a new shipment of CHA releases and what better way to show you one of the great dies received - Gearhead:

We have this die set available here and in store.

In Black and White

Black & white art journals look like a lot of fun, but if you're not sure where to start it can be a bit daunting when confronted by a blank black page. This Joggles video provides some interesting ideas to get started.

If you'd like to try a black journal, we have a limited number of the 8"x 8"available in store (not yet online). If you are placing an online order you can put a note in comments. You can also email us (info@catchycrafts.com.au) or call the store on 02 9477 4401.

We have the white Sharpies here
White Linen Dylusions Paint here
Joggles Stamps here

Joggle your Creativity

More creative art journal techniques...this time using Joggle stencils a little bit differently:

If you'd like to try this at home, we have the products available in store and online.

• Joggle Stencils
• Tim Holtz Stencils
• Dylusions Paints
• Tim Holtz Distress Paint
• Brayer
• Tags

Art Journaling

One of our most popular classes is Art Journaling with Terri. She comes up with such inspirational ideas and great techniques. We understand that sometimes you can't get to our classes, so would like to share a great Art Journal page by Jennifer Engle using Donna Downey stencils and Dylusions paints.

You can find the Dylusions paints here and the Donna Downey stencils used here. Enjoy the creativity.

Sand in My Toes

We wanted to share Kelly's version of a mini album that Tasneem taught earlier this year, so undertook to make a video of it as it is very interactive and single photo's just don't do it justice. We hope you forgive the amateur videography (we hope to get better with more practice, but think for a first attempt it's not too bad) :

Kelly has used some lovely dies to tie in with the beach theme: Kaisercraft Fishing Net, Memory Box Tiny Bubbles, Impression Obsession Shells For a really special touch she has used Prima Mini Art Stones.

Creating texture

In the Scrappin' Inspiration class on Thursday, Cookie showed a great way of adding texture to a lovely but flat patterned paper by using silver Nuvo Mousse and Prima Doily stencil. Such a subtle yet effective technique with stamped Kaiser script for some added interest:

We have the quick drying Nuvo Embellishment Mousse available in store (if you are placing an online order and would like some, just pop a note in comments and it can be added to your order before payment is processed). 

The papers used are from Kaisercraft Cottage Rose Collection, also available in store.

There is always something interesting to learn in these self paced scrapbooking classes each Thursday, so why not join in. Bookings are essential, so we can save a spot for you.

and the cuteness continues

You may have guessed that the staff at Catchy Crafts has a real affection for Lawn Fawn dies and stamps and get quite excited when we get new stock in. Because we have so many of these cuties in stock at the moment we thought we would share yet another inspirational video:

While they last, you can find them in store and online here

Waltzing Matilda

If you follow our Facebook page you will have seen the travelogue of Matilda (and Dina & Doug) as she travels from Adelaide to Perth. Amazing scenery, lovely locals and the odd hiccup along the way. We had a great time at the Adelaide Show and are looking forward to seeing both new and old customers at the Perth Craft and Quilt Fair - Perth Convention Exhibition Centre 18 - 22 May.

More Lawn Fawn Cuteness

Our Lawn Fawn stocks were quickly depleted, but we have restocked and put up new stamps & dies as well. These cute, punny (not sure if that's actually a real word) and just downright adorable stamps and dies seem to leap of the shelf and into customer baskets (and our staff's as well!!!!). Nichol Magourik shares some awesome cards in this video:

To get your hands on these little cuties, check them out here

Dylusions Paint Pens

More mixed media goodness from Dyan Reaveley with her set of paint pens in black & white. Perfect for art journals, doodling or general craftiness. In this video she shows you how to use them properly:

We have these pen sets available here

Happy Mothers Day

If you are taking a few moments with a cuppa on Mothers Day, be inspired with this video showing a Mothers Day card using Spellbinders D-Lites :

Why not browse our range of Spellbinders D-Lites dies here

Distress Mica Sprays

If the bright vibrant colours of the Dylusions Mica Sprays is not for you, why not check out the metallics of the Tim Holtz Distress Mica Sprays in this video:

we have them available here

Look who won best stand at the Adelaide Show

That's right - we did. Thank you to all our customers for visiting us at the show....

After we finish up here in Adelaide we are off to Perth for the next show and would love to see all our lovely customers from the West Coast.

Dylusions Mica Sprays

If you love the Dylusions range of products and the lady herself  - Dyan Reaveley - then watch her video showing the beauty of the new Dylusions Mica Sprays:

We have these gorgeous sprays available here

The Crafters Workshop stencils

Wow! So many to choose from - love the variety. The same designs are available in 12x12 and 6x6 depending on what you need them for. Great for scrapbook layouts, cards and of course art journals. This video shows them used with Ken Oliver Color Burst and Liquid Metals to achieve some creative cards:

The Crafters Workshop Stencils are available in store and online here
Ken Oliver Color Burst and Liquid Metals are available in store and online here
Versamark ink is available in store and online here
Embossing powder is available in store and online here
Craft Mat is available in store and online here
Heat Gun is available in store and online here

May Classes

Our May schedule is now up on our website. Join our talented teachers and create fabulous cards and stunning layouts. We offer technique classes, art journalling and colouring with Copics (and other marker brands) as well as off the page creations. There is something for everyone - here is a taste of a few of our up coming classes:

Scrappin' Inspirations May 5th

Fun with Inks May 6th

Card Creations May 10th

Beautiful Blooms May 14th

Card Creations May 24th

To book in, just call us on 02 9477 4401. We require payment at time of booking, materials are included in the cost of card classes (Scrappin' Inspirations you choose your own papers etc and pay for those), but you do need to bring your standard craft kit with you (adhesive, foam tape, paper trimmer, scissors etc).

Under the Sea

We are now taking pre-orders for Heartfelt Creations NEW collection - Under the Sea.

Take a walk along the edge of the deep blue sea, feel the warm sand between your toes and breathe in the salty air. Balmy breezes tousle your hair and toy with the exotic hibiscus flower behind your ear as you stoop to snatch a lustrous seashell that has been swept onto the beach with the incoming tide. Cares and worries melt away because life really is better at the seaside.

Emma Lou shows you how lovely it is:

If you  would like to take advantage of the 20% savings by pre-ordering the entire collection "I want it all" then click here

IrRESISTible Pico Embellisher

This is a resist medium that you can paint and draw with and use with watercolor paints, water based inks and sprays. Once you get the paint flowing nicely through the nozzle, you can draw fine or thicker lines and dots. How hard you squeeze the bottle, determines the paint flow speed and amount. It dries within 20-30 minutes and adheres well to various kinds of paper, without flaking off. 

IrRESISTible Pico Embellisher available in store and online here

Lawn Fawn Stamps & Dies available in store and online here

Craft Mat available in store and online here

Gelato's available in store and online here

Aqua Brush available in store and online here

Versafine Inkpad available in store and online here

Embossing powder available in store and online here

Heat gun available in store and online here

Tim Holtz Layering Stencils

So many great products by Tim Holtz...so we are trying to share their uses with you. The new layering stencils are a must have in any paper crafter's tool box - card makers, scrapbookers and multimedia artists alike can find a use for them. We thought we would share this really cool technique with you (if you try it, why not share it with us on Instagram @catchycrafts):

Tim Holtz Layering Stencils available in store and online here
Tim Holtz Distress inks available in store and online here
Craft Mat available in store and online here
Round Blending tool available in store and online here

It's all about the texture

Obviously the staff at Catchy Crafts LOVES mixed media and that it entails. We love to play with texture and just have to share this incredibly cool tool with you. It is the Finnabair Texture Brush set. To see just what these brushes can achieve check out this video:

To buy these cool brushes just click here

Let's get messy

Create the ideal splatter with the Tim Holtz Distress Splatter Brush.
 

The Distress Splatter Brush is designed to create unique effects with Distress Ink, Paint, Stains, & more. Achieve various speckles, splatters, and texture on your mixed-media projects using your favorite art mediums.

Watch this cool video by Tim to see how to get the best results from the brush.

We have these products available in store and online:

Distress paint

Distress Stain

Splatter Brush

Craft Sheet

All Dolled Up

Peta loves playing with dolls - she has admitted it to us....the Julie Nutting Doll stamps that is and here are some of the lovely cards made with them. We know she has just bought some of the new Seaside dolls, so are looking forward to sharing those with you also. If you'd like to shop the range just click here.

We would love to see your creations too, please either email us or pop in store with your dolls or any other crafty creations you make.

Gelatos & Stencils

We love mixed media and especially love Gelatos (we now have them for sale as individual colours as well as sets). They are so easy to use and our teachers use them in a variety of classes. We don't have any videos of our own teachers at the moment, so we are sharing this cool tutorial:

If you would like to see our range of Gelatos, we have them here

our stencils are available here

and our gesso range is available here