http://www.crafttelly.com/ http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=76 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=76 Ideal Shopping Direct (ISD) has today announced the acquisition of createtoday from Internet Media Marketing. This is the first acquisition by ISD since its public-to-private transaction last year, and supports its strategy of increasing multi-channel reach and digital capabilities. The createtoday platform will be used to enhance ISD’s Create and Craft business, which is enjoying strong growth across all channels including social media.

“createtoday will help us leapfrog our competition in the craft market, by offering customers a superior digital experience and access to more diverse content, via third party partners as well as createandcraft.tv” said  Mike Hancox, Chief Executive of Ideal Shopping Direct.  “This is another example of our investment in digital development and in our Create and Craft business, which has a rapidly growing customer base and recently appointed Anthea Turner as Brand Ambassador to lead our campaign to “Get Britain Crafting”.

createtoday's founder, Julian Jarvis says: “createtoday was started to empower people in the world of print-on-demand products. A classic case of technology enabling people and democratising the creative process. I am delighted to announce that createtoday now becomes part of a business that is equally passionate about creativity and empowering people with technology, ideas and great service.”

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]]> Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:15:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=75 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=75 The team at Create and Craft are thrilled to announce that they have been voted Best Online Retailer, Best Overall Crafting Website and Best TV Shopping Channel For Crafts by the readers of Crafts Beautiful and Let’s Make Cards magazines.

CEO Mike Hancox commented: “To have won every award we were nominated for is a fantastic achievement! We have a very passionate team that work hard to continually improve the service and community that we provide to our customers; these awards are great recognition of that and a brilliant start to a year that will bring many more exciting developments. Thank you to all the readers that voted for us!”

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]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:25:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=74 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=74 We have the first Craft Event of the year beginning at 9pm tonight on Ideal World, and 8am tomorrow on Create and Craft! There will be lots of amazing deals from your favourite craft brands, and be sure not to miss the great Pick of Day craft items on Ideal World, one from Serif tonight at 9pm and another from Spellbinders tomorrow at 9pm. Flexi Pay is available, meaning you can split the payment for your order into installments, and don’t forget if you are a member of the Create and Craft Club you get 10% off your purchases! The event finishes at 8.59pm Thursday evening on both channels.

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]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:08:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=73 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=73 The nation’s perfect housewife and former Blue Peter favourite, Anthea Turner, will be making her British TV comeback as she assumes her place as Brand Ambassador of Create and Craft TV this year.

20 years after building the famous Thunderbirds Tracy Island model, Anthea returns to her crafty roots to become the face of the channel, commencing in January. Later in 2012, Anthea will front Create and Craft's 'Get Britain Crafting' campaign.

It is a rapidly growing area and craft enthusiast, Anthea, is teaming up with the channel to get the nation’s creative juices flowing. Crafting can be especially useful during a tough financial period when people are tightening their belts, why not learn to make your own cards, gifts and home decor with Anthea and Create and Craft?

Anthea Turner said: "I really do hope that during my time with Create and Craft I can help encourage many more people to discover the joy that crafting can bring. I know that the team have lots of exciting ideas in store; my personal interest is bringing craft into the home, with hand-made details like table decorations, trimmings and picture frames. And gifts, too - what’s nicer than being able to present someone with a beautiful jar of homemade chutney, with a pretty lid and a hand-written label? In times like these, when no one really has much money to spare, it’s important to remember that putting time and effort into creating
something especially for another person is priceless."

Mike Hancox, Chief Executive of Ideal Shopping Direct, says: “I am delighted that Anthea Turner is joining the Create and Craft family. We are proud to be working with a personality that has a genuine interest in crafting and I look forward to working with Anthea to Get Britain Crafting”.

Create and Craft, a subsidiary of home shopping network Ideal Shopping Direct, is the UK’s fastest growing craft retailer.

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]]> Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:51:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=72 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=72 The Queen of crafting, Dawn Bibby is to launch a new show on Create and Craft which promises to bring viewers the best of US and UK papercraft brands.

From January 3rd 2012, Papercrafting with Dawn Bibby will be on air every Tuesday between 2-4pm and 7-8pm, combining Dawn’s papercrafting know-how with industry-leading products to inspire viewers to create an endless source of ideas and projects. It will showcase up-to-the-minute papercrafting tips and techniques including scrapbooking, embossing, stenciling and stamping, as well as exclusive launches of Dawn’s own collections and appearances from special crafting guests.

Tune in from 2pm on January 3rd on Sky 671, Freeview 36 and Freesat 813, and keep a close eye on the Create & Craft TV Facebook page for more info.

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]]> Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:13:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=71 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=71
Leonie commented on the news: “Sarah was a wonderful lady and a brilliant craft guest. She was full of creativity and an absolute pleasure to work with, and will be greatly missed.”

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]]> Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=70 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=70 Ideal World have thanked CraftTelly.com readers for their feedback.

“Hi Everyone. Thank you for all the very candid feedback on our Christmas Song this year! We appreciate it may not have been everyone’s cup of tea but we were always intending to release this song ahead of Christmas and try to sell copies in order to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Rather than just do something specific about Ideal World and Create and Craft we decided to do a more general Christmas Song that might have a wider appeal. So we stumbled upon this track from Swingfish and invited them to join our presenters in studio to make our Christmas video. The band and all our presenters gave up their time and effort for free and we’re really please to announce that we have already raised several thousand pounds that will help us hit a target to build a nuerosensory unit at the hospital.

To that end we do hope you will join us on Monday when we will be having a GOSH…It’s Christmas day, where we will be looking to raise even more money across Ideal World and Create & Craft, for this very special cause at this very special time of year. Keep coming with the feedback, good or bad, as we’re always listening!

Merry Christmas…Ideal World & Create & Craft”

£1 per single will be donated by Ideal Shopping Direct Limited to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (Registered charity no. 235825).

To buy the single Click Here.

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]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:25:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=69 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=69

Don’t miss the first celebration of our Create and Craft Club from Monday 17th October to Thursday 20th October 2011!

• Exciting line up of craft products and demonstrations
• 3 days of fantastic exclusive members offers and shows
• Club members can take advantage of exclusive discounts on top of their usual 10%
• PLUS, don’t miss the launch of the new members’ gift!

PLUS, as part of our inaugural Craft Members Event we are launching the first Create and Craft Break for Club Members! The Create and Craft Break will be a chance to meet the presenters, pick up some crafting hints and tips and relax in style with fellow crafters, so tune in for further details! To celebrate the launch of Create and Craft Breaks we are giving away 30 rooms at the first Create and Craft break for free – that’s up to 60 create and craft club members! All you need to do to enter is to be a member of the Create and Craft Club and purchase a craft product during our members event from 9pm on Monday 17th October. Good Luck!

There’s never been a better time to join the club, so if you’re not already a Create and Craft club member, don’t miss out, join today!

Call 09056 480480 or go to www.createandcraft.tv

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]]> Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:31:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=68 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=68 After a phenomenal two weeks, we just wanted to take the time to say a huge thank you for all of your support.

With such a successful launch, we're now able to offer even better deals on the products you love! Almost every product price has been slashed and we've added an additional shipping method, which works out much cheaper for orders that are not as heavy.

Here's just a few crafters that have ordered from the Big Craft Store instead of their usual craft supplier… check out how much they've saved..

Sandra from Wakefiled saved £20.53

Cath from Peterborough saved £13.28

Julie from Edinburgh saved £11.58


Over the past two weeks we've received lots of customer comments relating to Shipping, Pricing and Cricut® Cartridges… here's the answers to some of those questions.

In addition to our Express Delivery Duties Prepaid Shipping, we've now introduced Business Mail Priority Shipping for smaller, lighter orders. This will make a big difference to your order total. During checkout, it's your choice which shipping method you prefer to use. Remember, the more items in your basket, the more cost effective the shipping!

Our regular list prices are a reflection of the manufacturers recommended retail sale price, but the majority of products are priced much lower. This means that you'll find most of your favorite crafting products cheaper at the Big Craft Store than anywhere else.

An exception to the rule is Cricut® Cartridges and Copic Markers. All craft stores purchase products at varying prices. We have to determine our retail sale price, based upon the price we have paid for the product. Provocraft products and Copic Markers are priced at the manufacturers recommended retail sale price, so please don't let this put you off looking for other great deals on our website!

If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact us at info@BigCraftStore.com.

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]]> Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:51:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=67 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=67 Create And Craft and Ideal World host, Nigel May, is heading off on his travels again to say hi to lots of crafty people at events across the country and couldn't wait to share the news with us.

"The next few weeks are going to be really crafty ones. First stop will be The King's Hall in Belfast on Thursday 13th October for the fabulous Creative Crafts Show. I loved going to Belfast earlier in the year and can't wait to go back again. It's a great show featuring so many different crafty subjects that are featured on Create And Craft - everything from knitting and scrapbooking through to beading, decoupage and papercraft. And the viewers I've met in Belfast are always wonderful.

Then I shall be heading to the Max Papercrafts event at Harvey Hadden Stadium in Nottingham on Sunday 23rd October and telling people about all of the exciting things coming up on C&C. There are loads of exciting things planned for the months ahead. And after that it's off to the NEC in Birmingham in November for the brilliantly busy ICHF event. It's always full of Create And Craft experts and I can't wait to see what the event brings. I'll be meeting lots of people for an essential crafty natter and having a superb time as ever. Hopefully lots of people will come along and join in."

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]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2011 10:56:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=66 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=66 We are celebrating My Craft Studio’s 4th Anniversary starting today on Create and Craft with a chance for customers to win £4444. Could you put something on crafttelly.com for me please?

Hit the Jackpot with My Craft Studio and Create and Craft!

Create and Craft invites you to tune in for a whole week of fantastic offers from My Craft Studio and an amazing £4444 cash giveaway!
Tune in to Ideal World and Create and Craft from Friday 30th September to Friday 7th October for an amazing giveaway, new My Craft Studio features, special offers and new artwork!

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]]> Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:44:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=65 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=65 The BigCraftStore.co.uk is a brand new easy to use website showcasing over 700 leading brands and an impressive portfolio of over 70,000 craft products, carrying everything from Paper Crafts, Scrapbooking and Art Supplies to Sewing, Knitting and Fabrics at very reasonable prices.

Ashley, the founder of the Big Craft Store commented:

"An online store that stocks an extraordinarily large variety of popular craft products is well overdue for UK crafters. My wife is an avid crafter and has spent hours searching the web for specific items she wanted, especially products that were brand new. Most of the big brands she loves are located in the USA and the latest collections are either impossible to find, not yet available in the UK or never will be! Over time and through experience of regularly ordering supplies from lots of different US craft stores, we found that the majority mark up on the manufacturers recommended sale price of the product, charge a fortune to deliver to the UK and almost none provide accurate tracking direct to your door. UK crafters deserve a one stop big craft shop that offers brand new products delivered right to your door with no hidden costs… welcome to the Big Craft Store!"

When you order, it's shipped from the Big Craft Store facility in the USA direct to your UK delivery address for a low flat rate. Before you checkout, applicable UK VAT and customs import duties are calculated and prepaid to save you the hassle of having to collect your order from your local post office or having to unexpectedly pay any unforeseen fees at your door.

As the BigCraftStore.co.uk is a US based company, order totals are given in USD and a currency conversion to GBP is conveniently displayed as a pounds sterling price guide. This is good news for UK crafters as the very latest sought after US products, such as Bo Bunny, Tim Holtz, We R Memory Keepers, Martha Stewart, Sizzix, Graphic 45, K & Co, Prima, DCWV, My Mind's Eye, Spellbinders, Copic and lots lots more are available all under one roof.

New products are added each week allowing you to keep up to date with the newest trends from the States. The site also carries other international brands such as Kaisercraft and La Blanche and some of your favorite UK brands allowing you to conveniently shop for all your craft supplies at one Big Craft Store.

As a special treat and to mark the launch, the Big Craft Store is offering Crafttelly fans an exclusive opportunity to receive £5 discount off your order when your product total reaches £30 ($46.50) or more. This promotion runs for one week from Wednesday September 28th until Wednesday October 5th. To receive this special offer simply enter the following promo code during checkout: BIGLAUNCH

Signup to our mailing list, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for all the latest news, reviews, promotions, bestsellers and new product additions.

www.BigCraftStore.co.uk

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]]> Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:57:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=64 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=64 Create And Craft host, Nigel May, has confirmed that he will be appearing as a special guest at the Craft Extravaganza event being held at Inspirations in Preston, by Cardcraft Plus Limited, between Monday 26th September and Sunday 2nd October.

The event has been organised by Create And Craft favourite, Hunkydory’s Anne-Marie Maguire, and promises to be an absolute corker with Nigel making a special appearance on Thursday 29th September. Speaking to CraftTelly.com he said “I am thrilled to have been invited to the Craft Extravaganza by Anne-Marie and the Hunkydory team. I love their product as it’s famed for its quality, craftability and versatility and the whole event looks set to be absolutely incredible. The great thing for me is that lots of other Create And Craft faves are due to appear over the seven days as well. Crafter’s Companion’ Sara Davies will be there as will Kim Sutton, Melanie Heaton, Sheena Douglass and a certain TV craft presenter called Leonie Pujol…I hear she’s pretty good! And there are going to be free goodie bags with lots of purchases too. How cool is that! I hope to see loads of my crafty friends there for a good natter and a crafty chinwag!” For more details head to http://www.cardcraftplus.co.uk/acatalog/index.html

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]]> Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:10:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=63 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=63 Origin Publishing has today announced that Craftseller, its new make and sell craft title, will be published monthly following strong sales of its debut issue.

UK newsstand sales and subscriptions for magazine, which launched with its first issue in May of this year, have exceeded expectations, and the title will now follow a monthly publishing model with an extra, 13th, issue going on sale in September.

Craftseller introduces readers to new crafts and provides expert advice on how they can make money from their hobby. Each issue of the magazine will be packed with ideas and projects, all of which can be made to sell, as well as features that will explain how to price and package craft makes, sell work online and donate makes to a good cause.

Anna Davenport, Publisher of Craftseller, commented: “Jam-packed with inspiration for people looking to make cash from their hobby, Craftseller has proved so popular that we’re delighted to now bring readers their favourite new magazine on a monthly basis.”

Issue two of Craftseller hits the newsstand today priced £4.99. The new issue will show readers how to create beaded jewellery, knit tea cosies and make £150 from just a £15 spend. The October issue also comes with two free gifts, a 28-page Halloween themed project mini-mag and a full sized pattern for a child’s Halloween costume.

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]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:30:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=62 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=62 Creative Crafts Show is now at Manchester’s brand new venue - EventCity - at The Trafford Centre, 1st-3rd September, 10am-5pm. And to welcome you they have introduced new things to see and do including FREE Papercraft Taster Sessions with Stephanie Weightman and Knitting-Know-How supported by www.rkmwools.co.uk where you can exchange handy hints and tasty tips with local knitters plus Beading Bonanza - exciting brand new bead workshops providing something special for everyone!

Create and Crafts Nigel May will be making an special appearance on September 1st.

There is Free Car Parking and a Half Price Catalogue Voucher, FREE competition to win craft vouchers to spend at the show and if you buy 6 tickets you get a 7th absolutely free. Book Here

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]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:31:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=61 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=61 Create and Craft with Ideal World is holding a special Craft Day with Double Discount for members of its successful Craft Club. Since 2005, members have enjoyed 10% discount on craft purchases; beginning at 9pm on Tuesday, July 19th, and lasting for 24 hours, this discount will rise to a substantial 20% on members’ craft purchases from Ideal World or Create and Craft (exclusions apply). Tune in for a 24-hour feast of craft – and join now to take full advantage of this preferential discount rate, while it lasts.

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]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:12:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=60 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=60 The cream of British broadcasting was honoured last night as Freesat announced the winners of its annual Awards for 2011, with QVC and Create and Craft among those scooping the accolades.

The very best in channels and services available on the subscription-free satellite TV service were recognised at the ceremony - now in its third year - showcasing the breadth and depth of choice and quality in programming on offer.

Comedian Russell Kane compered the event to a 250 strong VIP audience in Soho, and announced the winning channels:

• Best Entertainment Channel of the Year: ITV1
• News Channel of the Year: Al Jazeera English
• News Events Coverage of the Year: Al Jazeera English for ‘Arab Awakening’
• Best Digital Radio Channel: Absolute Radio
• Best Children’s Channel: CBBC
• Best Specialist Music Channel: Flava
• Best Shopping Channel: QVC
• Best Children’s Programming Initiative: CBBC for ‘Live’n’Deadly
• Audience Impact Award: E4 for Misfits
• Best Themed Channel: Vintage TV
• Best Small Entertainment Channel of the Year: CBS Reality
• Freesat Viewers’ Choice TV Channel of the Year: Create and Craft
• Freesat Viewers’ Choice Radio Channel of the Year: Planet Rock

"QVC stood out for its combined offer of great shopping and high quality entertainment. The channel has successfully created a whole brand lifestyle around its programming, with standout special events such as Red Carpet Day, linking to the Oscars."

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]]> Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:41:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=58 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=58

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]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:01:00 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=57 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=57 Coming Soon ... The My Craft Studio Club.

Calling all My Craft Studio fans - the countdown is on for the launch of a very exciting club!

A community experience that will give you everything you need in one dedicated location.

More news to follow so watch this space for more information soon!

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]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 19:24:59 +0000 Graham http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=55 http://www.crafttelly.com/index.php?categoryid=1&p2_articleid=55 Create and Craft TV, the successful craft arm of Ideal Shopping Direct, today announces the appointment of renowned craft expert, Dawn Bibby.

Dawn joins the presenting team, straight from competitor QVC. The appointment is a huge coup for Ideal Shopping considering her status and following amongst dedicated crafters. The award winning crafter is widely credited with converting thousands of viewers to the love of craft and she will now bring her wealth of knowledge to viewers of Create and Craft TV.

Says Dawn, “I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to join a channel that is so focused on craft and is as passionate as I am about the industry I love. I thrive on sharing my inspirations and creativity. Create and Craft will give me a more focused opportunity to do just that. I am looking forward to my first on-air date with Create and Craft on 31st May.”

The appointment is the latest development in a string of successes for the award-winning craft channel, which recently extended its live hours on Sky, Freesat and Freeview and saw year on year sales grow by 75% in 2010.

Tony Sheridan, Managing Director of Create and Craft TV comments: “We are thrilled to welcome Dawn to the Create and Craft team and feel she will be a wonderful asset to our business. With her expert knowledge, passion for craft and huge popularity, we have every confidence that she will become a firm favourite with our viewers in no time.”

“It is an exciting time for us as we have recently extended our hours on television and we are busy expanding our product range to include knitting, stitch and sew and other crafts, such as art, jewellery-making and crafts for children.”

He added: “As more and more people start crafting, we will be keeping up with trends and making our shows and products fresh and exciting; a well-known new face like Dawn will clearly add to this fabulous mix.”

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]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 19:37:00 +0000 Graham