Summer crafting doncaster

[angela]

So, are any of you lovely ladies going? I was then I wasn't then I might be now it looks definate lol, I'm awaiting a reply from an online friend (whom I've met and been manchester with years ago) or a colleague at work, non crafter said she'd come for the day out, so it looks as though I'm going.:confused2:

[morgana123]

Hi Angela

I went last year with my eldest daughter and we thoroughly enjoyed it although we spent far too much. We went on the saturday, they laid a bus on last year from the train station for free, dont know if they are going to do the same again this year but that was a great plus. Have to say we had a wander in the morning, taking a good look around and noting prices as there was a lot of variation then went round again in the afternoon and picked up what we wanted. Spent a while at the inkylicious stand, Deby taught me how to use the ink dusters I had bought the previous October at Stamp Magic but it was absolutely packed out.

We are both planning to go again this year Angela, that is if she isnt working. But I am definately going again (unless there is a dire emergency lo) so if you are there perhaps we could meet up and compare bargains lol.

[angela]

Hi Morgana I too went last year, we did have probs locating the free coach even the train/coach station didn't know about it! But we did manage to get it back from the event as there was one waiting outside whe we came out, I'm due a crafty day out haven't had one since March, I should have got my act together and gone to Aintree today!

[angela]

Anyone decided if they are going yet? Just got my ticket, after ums and ah's from one or two friends I decided to go on my own, that way I can please myself, DB has just announced she will be there saturday and sunday

[morgana123]

Angela I am going with daughter and another crafting friend. She did think it was the same weekend she was at Hampton Court and was gutted but then she had another look on her calendar and saw she was free so we will be going on the Saturday I think. Not a great fan of DB so thats one stall I wont be flocking to, Barbara from Clarity and Deby from Inkylicious is another matter, that is if I can get near them lol.

[Janie B]

Stuart asked me if I wanted to go, I am was not sure... never been to such a big craft event.. but we have bought the tickets... so I guess we are going... should be a great experience...

hugs Janie xx

[angela]

Hi Morgana, we will have to meet, I'll tell you what I'm wearing nearer the time lol, Janie you must go it was fab last year, loads of stalls and you can sit out on the concourse if the weather is nice.

[morgana123]

That would be great Angela - I checked on the website yesterday and it says they are running the free buses again so that is a bit of a bonus. What I will be doing this year is either taking a small wheel suitcase or my craft cart on wheels, just the weight of the create and craft goodybags last year had my arms aching without all the other goodies and I didnt stock up on papers as I didnt want to get them damaged.

[LynneH]

How does it compare with Harrogate? Is it bigger? I missed it last year but I've been wondering about going this time.

[angela]

Good idea Morgana, I ended up with 3 packs of the pearl white card last year and boy were they heavy. Hi Lynne I would say it's a lot bigger than Harrogate, when we went last year we mangaged to get around quite well as the area was much bigger than harrogate a few of the popular stalls were a bit cramped like crafters companion, Barbara gray is there this year so I expect that will be busy, there are a few food courts and plenty of room to sit out on the race grounds, you should go it's fun, when you go in at first most people start queuing to go in the vip area to meet the presenters but I didn't bother with that.

[LynneH]

Thanks Angie. I'm not a club member yet so I will be banned from the VIP area! lol I do quite fancy going though. It's always nice to go to a show and it's an easy drive, straight down the A1.

[morgana123]

My daughter and I went to the VIP area on the way out and ended up going back into the show while the bowl she threw on the potters wheel dried a bit. She is hoping Paul will be there again this year so she can have another go on the potters wheel and perhaps make a small vase this time lol. What I did find out last time was that during the morning they were taking a customer survey in the VIP area and those who completed it got a voucher for a free goody bag from the create and craft stall so we may just go in there first this time to see what is on offer this year. What they did was give out times and ask you to go back to complete the questionairre and they provided refreshments while you did it.

Have never been to Harrogate but I have to say this show is more than big enough for me. This year I will definately be popping to the Inkylicious stand again - want some of Deby's stamps and am hoping that she will have some show offers on.

Hope to see anyone else going there.

Jacqui xx

[angela]

Thanks for the tip on the goody bag, might do the survey, what was in the goody bag? I remember some people buying goody bags for £10 not sure what was in them though.

[morgana123]

They all varied angela. Create and Craft club members got a couple of tape pens thrown in as an extra, in the two bags Tanya and I got there were two complete card kits that made forty cards each. mine had three tubs of the hunkydory ultra fine glitter. all different, there was some silicone glue in one and tanya's had 40 sheets of A4 cardstock which was patterned on one side and was mirror card in all different colours on the other, some of the rub down lace borders, some pricking folders, create and craft cd roms and thats what I can remember lol. One of the women who got on the bus going back had got a heat gun in hers. They really were well worth the tenner. If they have them this year they are on my to get list and the staff on the stall were really obliging cos when we got our bags tanya's and mine were practically identical when we had a good look in them at lunch so we went back down and cheekily asked if we could exchange one and they let us lol.

[Rentochops]

you should all meet up!

[LynneH]

It looks like I will be going. Mum and Dad are coming up that weekend and seem quite keen to go. It's also not quite as far as I thought, only 50 miles away. Looking forward to it now.

[angela]

Thanks Morgana might just treat myself, hope you enjoy it Lynne.

[morgana123]

The free bus is definately running and Im assuming it will be going from the same spot as last year so for anyone who doesnt know you head out of the station by the doors at the front - dont go towards the shopping centre. If you turn right outside the main doors and walk towards the edge of the car park that is where the bus picked up from last year and I assume it will be the same this year. The buses start running at 9.30 am and are expected to run every 15 minutes, traffic dependant of course apart from lunch time and will run after the show closes.

Not sure which train we are getting yet, a lot will depend on how tired we are after day in newcastle on friday, youngest daughter graduates at 4pm that day but we are going at 7am to get her all packed up to come home after we have watched her graduate and had drinks and nibbles with the faculty. Apparently her student group completed the most student surveys on Northumbria University of all graduating students and as a thank you they are throwing the after ceremony beanfeast for graduates and relatives.

So I may catch up with some of you there and if not, look forward to catching up on all our bargains on here lol.

[Rentochops]

why don't you have Craft Telly Badges :)

[morgana123]

Im going to take my crafters companion craft trolley with me and get revenge for every one who last year whacked me round the ankles with their trolleys lol. Daughter says she wants to hire a granny mobile and be like some of those last year who just used theirs to ram everyone out of the way when they wanted to get to a stand that had a crowd around. I suppose I could get a helium balloon and tie it to the handle then you will all be able to find me lol.

I will have my create and craft badge on so perhaps, just like the woman on the advert, people will come up and talk to me just because I am wearing my lovely little badge. Mind you, last year it did get me 10% off at quite a few of the retailers who regularly sell on create and craft such as crafters companion and hougie crafts but I havent heard any of them saying they would be offering the discount this year.

[LynneH]

Mum and Dad are here now and we've started a list! lol We're going on Sunday so I look forward to hearing all about it. I assume you're going on Saturday, Angie and Morgana.

[angela]

Hi Lynne yes I'm going saturday, it's operation Doncaster here now lol, I'm going to take my own food, last year we thought you couldn't so we didn't but there were lots of people with pack ups, we ended up getting a hot beef butty but it was as tough as old boots and about a fiver!. Mustn't forget my c and c badge

[jr77]

Can I ask a favour please. If you are an MCS user going to Doncaster and you get the opportunity to view the new features (cutting tool) can you let me know if you think they are worth joining the MCS Platinum club for. I was hoping there was going to be a demo on C&C before the end of the month but neither Diane or Stephanie have mentioned them when I have been watching and the membership goes up to £25 in August. I would be grateful for any feedback from the show as I can't go myself.

With thanks
Janet

[angela]

Hi Janet if I get chance I'll try and ask for you.

[craft addict]

I hope everyone that is going has a wonderful time !! :)

[alwayscrafting]

I would have loved to have been going but no transport, no pennies and if I'm being really honest..........need to carry on decluttering!

So to all thats going - enjoy -spend up and make us envious when you tell us what you have bought!!!!

[morgana123]

Well I am looking forward to tomorrow but am going to be absolutely exhausted - not been home long from daughter's graduation in Newcastle, was up at 5am for that. But just checked my emails and had one from crafters companion and it says Sheena is going to be there so that just another added bonus. Barbara, Deby and now Sheena all in one place - what more could a crafter ask for lol.

[morgana123]

Well I am back from Summer Crafting - absolutely cream crackered but had a great time. Actually got near enough to see Sheena, Barbara and Deby demo. Deby was so informative regarding ink pads, which ones to use and how to use the ink dusters, showing how you could use one duster with three or four different shades of the same colour ink one after the other and it wont transfer. Sheena obliged by showing my friend how to use her paint fusion stamps for both paint fusion and watercolour and Barbara demonstrated how to make a hill scene without a brayer, just using a make up sponge and torn paper. Was very good, took a list of things I wanted and pretty much stuck to it, just added a copuple of bits and pieces that werent on my list.

So shopping stash goes as follows:

Big and Juicy Ink pad - Foliage
Two verse stamps, large tags, small mdf box to alter and ink dusters from Inkylicious
Last three set of paint fusion stamps from Sheena
Stamp sheet from lily if the valley for circle toppers, four round sentiments stamps with a variety of phrases you can put in the middle of them.
Half a dozen acetate sheets to colour and glitter - wanted the butterfly ones for a wedding project so went for the 6 for a fiver deal
Some multi coloured and extra extra large book rings
Create and Craft goody bag which was well worth the tenner again. However, this year they are all exactly the same as each other but with a heat gun, decoupaged embellishments, packs of card and vellum, a kilo of card off cuts, peel off stickers to name just a few of the bits in them they were worth the money and members got an extra £4.99 mini bag free,

See I have been very restrained - well the bank balance had to be observed lol.

But if anyone is thinking of going tomorrow I would say it is well worth it.

[LynneH]

Thanks for the report Morgana. It sounds like you had a great time. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.

Were Create and Craft doing any deals on their club membership? The goody bags sound interesting. Is that all they sell on their stand?

[angela]

Glad you had a good time Morgana, I'm back and cream crackered too!
Well I made it to doncaster train station in one piece and went to join the queue for the free coach, whilst stood there it started raining so I was getting my kag out when the lady next to me put her brolly over us both, we got chatting and decided rather than wait, to go and get the service bus together, well we got on like a house on fire and ended up spending the day together!
Although we had different tastes we still had a good mooch around, although I have to say it was heaving and the disabled peoples electric wheelchairs seemed to be of the huge variety this year causing many a traffice jam in the ailes.

Anyway, here's what I bought
both polkadoodles xmas magic cd's
c and c £10 bag well worth it
some doilies
sheet of LOTV sentiment stamps, although when I saw Little Claires later I would have prefered them! (will get some in manc)
Sheet of die cut sentiments circles from Little Claire
1 making cards mag £1 offer
simply homemade mag
simply cards and papercrafts mag
some dewdrops
pack of 50 6x6 cards
paperbox box of card
sheet of LOTV already stamped/coloured images
so, nowt mega exciting except for the cd,s but got some essentials.

Tbh, I wanted to watch Nikky, Deby Barbara but they were packed out when I got to them also my arm was dropping off with the c and c goody bag.
But all in all an enjoyable day,
Hope you have a good time tomorow Lynne
ps Janet so sorry didn't get chance to ask about the MCS

Aww forgot to add, Steph was doing her flower painting in the main area, didn't see much of Martin but he was around, and DB was in a corner in the tiny VIP lounge if you blinked you would have missed her, they certainly weren't bigging her up. We got a free coffee as well lol

[LynneH]

Glad you had a good time Angie. It's nice that you met someone to spend the day with too.

I've just been packing my bag for tomorrow. I hope there's still lots left for us! lol

[budgie]

I am not long back home and totally cream crackered too!

Had a brilliant day, and finally got to meet Steph, Nancy and Diane, who are all lovely! Was watching Steph doing her painting for a bit, she makes it look so easy. Nigel looked to be enjoying himself!

Didn't get near to either Sheena or Barbara to see their demos cos it was really busy. Watched Debi for a while. Asked her when she would be on tv again, but she didn't know, she said they have such a lot on what with all the shows.

Bought some of the brand new LOTV christmas stamps, that haven't been released on their website yet (25 July). They are lovely, also go a couple of the new girlie ones.

Also got a couple of tree stamps from Circa Designs. Don't think I have come across them before, but they had some lovely stamps. More stamps from Cardio too. The lady doing the demo there said they will be on C&C in August. Nicky from Polka Doodles also had a huge crowd around her, so couldn't get near enough to watch.

Bought a C&C goody bag this year too. Well worth the tenner! Got a right wadge of coated cardstock in the kilo of card pack, which will come in very handy. The lady I went with had some thick card in hers which will be great for paint fusion. None in my pack unfortunately, but you can't have everything!

Got a real bargain on finger lift tape too. 12 rolls for £5! Myself and my friend shared, so we only paid £2.50 each for 6 rolls.

There was lots of other things that I wanted, but couldn't afford.

Those of you who missed out on the C&C carousel, may be interested in looking at the Inkylicious stand. They have them there, as a show special, for £24.99. I know that is more than they were on C&C, but if you want one badly enough they have them.

[sam]

Glad you had a good time, I'd have loved to have gone but it's just a bit too far for me.
Angela, will you let us know what you think of the Polkadoodles cds when you've had the chance to have a look at them? I'm still in two minds whether to get them both, just one or none at all. I have got a couple of Nikkys cds and though I really like them, I just hardly ever use them. Trying not to make the same mistake again. HeHeHE!

[LynneH]

Thanks for the tip about the carousel, budgie. I missed out when it was on C&C, so I'll definitely look out for that. Although I'm not too sure that I fancy lugging it around the show.

[hobbit]

Hobbitmum and I made an on the spur decision to go today - have just got back. We left at 9am this morning, and spent about 3 hours in the show... I not only spent my cash, my emergency cash, but started on the card! (my bank manager will be shuddering).

I thought the C&C £10 bag was well worth the price - extra heat tools are always helpful, and you'd pay £10 just for that. I got two more sets of stamps from Nikky - and may I just say what a star she was! She did a whole A4 size picture just to show hobbitmum and I how to shade a sky...

Also got a label 5 nestie and stamps to fit from The stamp man, and practically hobbitmum's body weight in card from various stalls. I think you could say I am happy but tired. *grins*

Oh! forgot to say I got some really cool double sided peel offs from Pondskipper crafts that you can use glitter with. Really ingenious!!!

[jr77]

Thanks anyway Angela. Glad you had a good day.
Janet

[morgana123]

The goody bags are most definately worth their money and apart from create and craft t shirts at a tenner and mugs at £3 (which they were giving away in the VIP are !!!!!!!!!!!!) there was nothing else to buy on the create and craft stand.

I could have spent an awful lot more but knew I didnt have the money so my credit card stayed formly in my purse. I loved the new lily of the valley stamps but I have the kanban christmas set coming so decided against anymore.

Daughter was quite upset when we got home as it dawned on her that she hadnt bought me anything as a birthday present - when it was my birthday in June I told her to wait and she could buy me something at summer crafting. When she realised she said we can go back tomorrow if you want to mum. I said thanks but no thanks, after graduation, a day at summer crafting, happy potter tonight I need tomorrow to relax and get my energy back/

[LynneH]

Well we're up and getting ready to go. Hopefully there will be lots of goodies left for us. Our first stop will be the Clarity stand. Then I will be looking to see if there are any carousels left.

[angela]

you've probably gone by now Lynne but make sure you ask for your discount on the revelant stalls, they didn't seem very forthcoming in reminding folks.
Well I've checked my goody bag and yes they are well worth the money, didn't get a free mug in vip though! lol, I think the mistake I made was getting the goody bag at the beginning and having to carry it, it kinda put me off buying much more as I was struggling with the weight, but I came home with £50+ so I'll put that away for manchester in sept.
Looking back I realised I missed lots of the stalls I wanted to look at and missed the new LOTV stamps, I think next year a pully along might be wise, as shoulder is killing me today!
I've had a brief look at Nikky's cd's and love them both, my lappy doesn't though it nearly concked out playing them, hope it satays alive long enough for me to print some stuff.

[budgie]

I realised this morning that we had managed to miss some stands that we had intended looking at. Never mind, there is always the next time. I agree about the goody bags being too heavy to buy at the beginning of the show, next time will leave it till the end. Fortunately my friends husband took ours back to the car after lunch, so we didn't have to carry them around too long. Bought mostly stamps this time, so at least they weren't too heavy! I resisted the temptation to buy lots of magazines this year, apart from them being heavy, I have nowhere to store them, so I have not renewed any of my subscriptions either. The only one I am going to continue getting regularly is Craft Stamper, so I am just waiting for a good subscription offer for that, cos they never get it in on time in WHSmiths.

Saw some lovely samples which had been created with the huge bauble stamp from Papermania that I got last year. Given me lots of inspiration for using that, so it will be coming out again this year.

[Millburn]

I'm sooo jealous of you all, it's donkey's yrs since we had anything like that this far north :sad:

[dyzni]

Sounds like everyone had a fab time. I haven't been to a craft show for years. Had planned on going to Farnborough earlier this year but ended up buying a lot of stash just beforehand off a lady who was packing in crafting. Roll on next year :giggle:

[morgana123]

I took a wheelie cart with me this year because the goody bags were so heavy last year but three goody bags later (mine, daughter's and friends) and the wheelie cart was full. I did want to go to Lavinia's stamps but completely forgot and TBH never noticed her stand on my way around but that was probably just me lol. I will just have to get my order from the website.

I have decided that before next year's show I am going to put half the money I receive when I make cards etc into a pot and keave it there so that next year I can splurge without guilt lol.

Well I really must head up to the craft room and find a place for everything I bought yesterday and make a start on the wedding guest book.

[LynneH]

We're back and had a fantastic time. I've been to Ally Pally, Farnborough and Harrogate but I think this was my favourite.

We got there for 10am and headed straight for the Clarity stand. It was nice and quiet so we were able to have a good look around. I got the wheat stamp (to go with this month's club stamp), the ATC sized postage stamp and the two 'Twas the Night stamps that I don't have. When I went to pay I found that DH had put some more cash in my purse so that was a nice surprise.


We then went straight to Inkylicious and I got the carousel. :mysmilie_378: Thanks again for the info on that Budgie. Luckily they kept it for me so I didn't have to lug it around all day. I even remembered to collect it before we went home!

I got the Distress Inkpad that I was missing,another Big n Juicy and a few more bits and bobs. We then had a good look around the LOTV stand and I couldn't resist a couple of those. Mum got some lovely ribbon/bow stamps from there so I've just stamped some out. It's such a shame that she doesn't live close so we could borrow each others things.

I decided to join the C&C club so I've now got a little badge! lol I've decide I'm going to use my £10 credit to get Barbara's class stamps.

Mum made me laugh, she knows all the names of the craft guests but she didn't recognise most of them in the flesh! The TV certainly adds a few pounds!

I couldn't resist saying hello to Nigel. He was so lovely and friendly to everyone.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o59/LynneH_photos/Card2011-07-17at12-38-00.jpg

Please excuse the stupid look on my face. It's an automatic reaction whenever someone gets a camera out!

Got to save up now for next year!

[LynneH]

Forgot to say the Ink Dusters and Clarity window stamp that were on my list had sold out, so I'm going to have to order those.

[budgie]

Glad you had a good day and managed to get a carousel! I hope lots of people came and talked to you when you were wearing your lovely little badge! No one came and talked to me, but neither did they all bash into me this year, so I am not black and blue today! I think this year was loads better than last year. So much more room to move about, even when it was really busy. I did find it ever so hot, but the doors were all wide open, so kept standing outside to cool off. Looking forward to next year, and with a bit of luck, I might even get near enough to watch Barbara!

[sam]

I thought that all you lot that had "a lovely little badge" were "like a little community":giggle:

[LynneH]

I hope lots of people came and talked to you when you were wearing your lovely little badge!


I thought that all you lot that had "a lovely little badge" were "like a little community":giggle:

Now you come to mention it, they didn't! Mind you if I had the stupid look on my face that I'm wearing in the photo I'm not surprised! :grin:

[angela]

aww glad you had a good day Lynne, you look lovely in your photo, I just remembered I wanted stamp from clarity but forgot, also would have like to have had a good look at LOTV and little claire and also hobby house, polka doodles nic nacs inc east of india ribbon, rolls eyes will make a list next year

[Mistyblue]

Sounds like you all had a great day out :nod: and I'm not all envious - well maybe a bit! :envy:
Budgie, lucky you getting the new LOTV stamps, I am impatiently awaiting the 25th when I can get my sticky mitts on them :giggle:

[Muffintop]

Nice that everyone who went seemed to enjoy it (and the stash-building of course). :wink:

[budgie]

Sounds like you all had a great day out :nod: and I'm not all envious - well maybe a bit! :envy:
Budgie, lucky you getting the new LOTV stamps, I am impatiently awaiting the 25th when I can get my sticky mitts on them :giggle:

Not long to wait Mistyblue. They are worth waiting for!

[LoobyLou]

I'm so envious of all you lucky folks who can actually get to these events. I have done Newbury in the past, but just lately even that is beyond my reach. So glad you all had a great time and Lynne, you look great in that pic, but then you always do.

[Victoria]

Good to hear that so many of you have a great time at the fair. They're all some distance from me, but I did manage one earlier in the year and I know how lovely it is to be able to see and feel products. Enjoy your goodies.

[Wellington]

Right, so do I have to start saving now to try & get to next year's event :giggle:

Sounds like it was worth the trip for everyone anyway.

I'm about to start my usual dither about whether I can afford to go to Manc in September...

[angela]

AWW you MUST go welly, it might be better in the trafford centre, I'll be there although I will have my friend with me, who will probably rush me round so that she can go into the trafford centre as she's never been! So I'll probs end up not getting the chance to look round properly, note to self next year go alone lol.

[morgana123]

Welly as its the only craft fair I can get to easily and cheaply I am starting saving for next year already lol. Seriously, I do think it is well worth going to, just wish I was a teeny weeny bit wealthier so I could have treated myself to a few more goodies. But next year with a bit of luck I will have saved a few more pennies up and can treat myself to a bit more lol.