Christmas is a time to get together and here at Stix2, we love uniting with fellow craft-lovers to share festive makes, tips and ideas!
This past few weeks have been very busy for our wonderfully talented Stix2 Demonstrators Michelle Johnson and ElaineMellor. They have travelled all over the country to spread some Stix2 Christmas cheer and creativity in the past few weeks and we just had to tell you all about their adventures!
The first event on our Christmas Craft Tour saw Michelle travel to Bedford for a fun filled Sunday at Stamperama! There was an abundance of talent and attendees, who enjoyed taking part in Michelle’s Bauble Wreath Christmas Card Demonstrations.
Some of Michelle’s top products for this project have to be the Stix2 2 in 1 Glue Pen – perfect for precision glue application! The glue dries clean but when first applied is blue. This allows for total accuracy when applying the adhesive – super handy when creating micro baubles!
The Stix2 Pick Up Pencil is also a top pick – ideal for adding tiny details mini designs.
Fancy having a go at creating your own bauble wreath card? – Grab the Stamp Addicts Bauble Stamp and create your own wonderful wreath holiday card!
There was something for everyone who attended October’s Stamperama, with over 20 Exhibitors on hand!
At the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month – we will remember them.
Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War in 1919 to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. The day is also marked by war remembrances in several other non-Commonwealth countries.
Throughout the UK and the Commonwealth, we show our respect by taken a minutes silence and also wearing and laying poppies.
You can donate and buy poppies from The Royal British Legion but also create your own to show your respect.
Last year Michelle Johnson handcrafted this crochet poppy wreath in Maidenhead. What a wonderful creation!
What a truly fantastic project! Getting together to craft your own signs of remembrance is a wonderful way to unity, share stories and support one another.
It also adds is a great way to show your appreciation for all those that have sacrificed so much and show your support on this special day.
Keep a close eye on Michelle’s socials for her latest Remembrance Day collaboration with Craft Coop Bracknell and The Lexicon Bracknell which shall be unveiled on Tuesday 31st October.
Fancy creating your own poppy and remembrance projects?
Create some eerie invites with the help of Stix2 this scary season!
With less than 3 weeks to go until the spookiest night of the year, fear not if you haven’t got your Halloween invitations ready – Stix2 has got you covered!
We’ve a wide range of Card & Envelopes – the perfect base for any spine-chilling invitation you wish to create! Or if your not sure where to start then our Halloween Card Bundle provides some frightfully fab colours, glitter and spray paint to aid in your devilish designs!
Halloween Card Bundle – £6.99 includes:
A4 Clear Project Acetate
A4 Black Coalmine Pearlescent Card
A4 Bottle Green Stardust Paper
A4 Tangerine Tinted Card
A4 Violet Stardust Card
60ml bottle of Black Fabric Spray Paint
8gm tube of Penny Copper Biodegradable Glitter
Elaine has crafted this boo-tastic invite using the Halloween Card bundle – the acetate sheets are ideal for shaker cards and your able to add a little sparkle with glitter, sequins or whatever ghastly additions you like!
Thanks to Elaine Mellor for her boo-tiful handcrafted shaker card!
No matter what your theme, the Stix2 Pearlescent, Tinted & Glitter Card collection offers every creepy colour imaginable!
Handmade trick-or-treat party favours
Of course the biggest treat at Halloween is all the yummy goodies that are shared around! Be it trick-or-treating or party favours, you best make sure your sweetie jar is full before the 31st of October!
However alternative favours are on the rise. Stickers, stationery and little toys are lovely gifts to receive. Or if your like us and want to go the extra mile, then creating something homemade will really wow the ghosts and goblins at your Halloween bash!
Michelle Johnson has designed this Halloween inspired trick box, which goes down a treat at parties!
Using wobblers, Stix2 card and ultra clear tape, Michelle has constructed a show-stopper favour! – It’s bound to get all your party guests and poltergeists talking!
Kraft Halloween Goodie Bags
Add the final touches to your Halloween extravaganza by crafting your own goodie bags. After all, you’ll need something to put all your frightening rewards in, either whilst travelling door-to-door, or to hand out at your monster mash party!
Custom your design to match your outfit or use the same materials as your décor and invites to really add unity to your spook-tacular event planning!
Sunday, October 1st marked the last Crafterama of 2023 and it was filled with lots of festive fun to see us through to next year!
Bosting a vast range of supplies from all sorts of crafting backgrounds, Crafterama, Lincolnshire had something for everyone! Papercrafting, stamps, lighting, felt embroidery, wood work and so much more!
The magnificent Michelle was there showcasing some seasonal Stix2 greeting cards.
Michelle had a great weekend demonstrating her Bauble Wreath Christmas Cards
Using the Bauble Wreath Stamp Set from Stamp Addicts and a variety of Stix2 Transfer Foils and Biodegradable Glitter, Michelle enjoyed creating a mixture of textured baubles.
Stix2 adhesives and tools make Christmas card creating super easy!
The best parts of Crafterama are meeting all the craft lovers, seeing the other stands and all wonderful holiday designs!
And there was certainly a buzz of creativity with so much to see and do! With Let’s Create, Pretty in Paper by B & Pearlywinks and many more all hosting Make & Take events.
It doesn’t matter what your chosen material is, or the level of ability- Crafterama has something to offer for everyone!
Follow Elaine’s super cute, quick and simple ‘How To’ guide, to create a Penguins on Parade Christmas Greeting Card.
Add some Seasonal sentiment by sending a Handmade Christmas Card!
Personalised and homemade festive cards add such a heart-warming touch during the winter months. You don’t have to be an experiences creator to create a Xmas card for a loved on or friend. Putting the time and effort into designing something special with the receiver in mind, can be such a wonderful gift to the beholder.
Elaine proves this with her Penguins on Parade demonstration. Highlighting how gorgeous and effect results can be achieved when you’ve got the right tools – and abit of Stix2 savvy!
Familiarise yourself with the faces behind the tape!
Jordan Whyte
Marketing Assistant
What is your experience for working in your role?
Before joining UK Industrial Tapes & Stix2 Anything, I worked in Web Development for a couple of years and fancied learning more about the marketing side of the web. that’s how I ended up supporting the marketing team here at UK Industrial Tapes.
What do you like about working in your role?
I have been working for UKIT & Stix2 for a little over a year now in my current role as a Marketing Assistant. I love how varied my role is! I’m constantly working on different types of projects from designing social media posts, to creating email campaigns, or putting together sample packs. There’s plenty to be worked on.
I really enjoy the working environment here, as everyone has their own role in growing the business. It’s a very productive company to be part of all whilst maintaining a great office banter.
I also love my knowledge of the industrial sector – it constantly expanding! I previously had very little knowledge of the sector before starting my role.
The work night outs are also class!
What is your background?
I am originally from Inverness in Scotland and moved to Newcastle a couple of months before starting my role. I moved here as wanted a more vibrant social life and things to do and see.
I can confirm the toon has not disappointed!
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
When I’m not at work I’m a part-time gym lad and YouTuber. I also enjoy working on little web projects in my spare time and mixing on DJ decks, while also spending quality time with my mates.
UK Industrial Tapes Ltd are a leading Manufacturer, Converter and Supplier of high-performance Adhesive Tapes and Adhesive products.
With over 25 years’ experience, we have become a major supplier of high performance tapes into an extensive range of markets and applications worldwide.
Priding ourselves on high product quality combined with excellent customer service to offer a reliable, consistent and innovative supply. With our vast range of adhesive tapes and adhesive products, we strive to offer the ultimate solution for all your application requirements.
The Spooky Season is upon us, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! October is the perfect excuse to dust of the cobwebs (or incorporate them) from your craft box and get tinkering to create some trick-or-treat projects in the run up to Halloween!
Many people pick up the crafting bug around this time of year, often sighting homemade Halloween costumes as the kick start to their creative journey. Think back to our own Halloween experience- was there ever a time you DIDN’T include handmade costumes or decorations into your spooky experiences?
Here at Stix2, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite creepy creations from our Demonstration Team to help inspire you and show Halloween is not just for kids- but gosh! It really does make for happy childhood memories!
Trick-or-treating has British Celtic roots!
What many people don’t know is that trick-or-treating can be dated back to pre-Christian roots in Scotland and Ireland. They celebrated the Celtic festival named ‘Samhain’, on 31st October – 1st November – which marked the start of winter.
Later the Catholic Church deemed this occasion to be ‘All Saints Day’, in which spirits of fairies and the dead would visit villagers.
Soon after people began to dress as these sprites and here in lies the roots of one theory of the origins of Halloween!
Halloween goodie bags
Throughout most of our lives we will have experienced the phenomenon of trick-or-treating, knocking door-to-door on neighbours asking for sweeties, whilst showcasing our outfits – it’s arguable the best part of Halloween!
There’s such a sense of community and its fun all for the family! – a wonderful tradition for all and the perfect time to be artistic!
The must have item for your trick-or-treating experience is the goodie bag!
Often overlooked in the run up to Halloween but the sweetie carrier is vital for your scary stroll! – unless you’ve very deep pockets in your costume!
Stix2 Kraft Bags make the perfect carrier for your treats, ready to use or the ideal blank canvas for devilish decorations.
What better way to build on the excitement, than to have your little monsters design their own goodie bags?! They could even make one to match their outfit!
Special thanks for Elaine Mellor for her terrific treat bags
Creative Costumes
The planning that goes into costumes and activities can sometimes be overwhelming, but the best part about this holiday is that handmade ALWAYS leads to best dressed!
You could always buy a premade costume and embellish it?? Our Fabric Spray Paints are fast drying so, they are super handy for any last-minute blood spatters or adding colourful drama to a garment.
Oh! and where would you be without the Stix2 Fabric glue pen this Allhallows Eve!?– the pocket sided repair tool for any last min costume amendments.
And if your really struggling, you can always delve into the back of the wardrobe with some scissors and emerge as a werewolf!
Halloween Decorations
There’s no limits to the fun that can be had with Halloween decorations!
From cobwebbed gardens, skeletons handing in the hall and pumpkins on the porch. The horrifying hallmarks of a haunting Halloween is all in the crafting!
If you’re going for maximum thrills, the Stix2 Adhesive Range is a must stop place to shop! We can think of nothing worse that constructing a haunted house to have it fall apart due to ill sticking tape or poor adhesive.
We currently have a Card & Paper Bundle of sale which works as a great started pack for assembling your scary décor.
Here at Stix2 we pride ourselves on our wide range of hobby and craft supplies and guarantee we are the best match for your manufacturing this monster season!
Special thanks to Michelle Johnson for her wicked decoration designs!
We are SO excited to announce that our fabulous demonstrator Michelle Johnson will once again be heading along to the Inkc Retreat this October!
This craft-packed Christmas event runs for 3 days at the end of October and is the MUST ATTEND craft extravaganza to lead you into the Holiday Season!
The Inkc Retreat is such a delightful event which brings creative types from all sorts of backgrounds together.
There’s something so special when artistic communities unite!
Crafty get-togethers are always so fun and welcoming! You’re bound to have a blast and leave with new friends -and projects, to see you through until the New Year!
At the Inkc Retreat, you will be provided with your own workspace. You can bring your own projects, take part in group demonstrations and be as productive as you like, at your own pace.
There is a craft store on site, lunch as well as refreshments are available, and to top it off a goodie bag will be provide as well!
Step 2) Pack your bag with all your Stix2 adhesive and hobby essentials.
Step 3) Head on down to Milton Keynes for the opening time of 4pm on Friday 27th October.
Step 4) Enjoy a fabulously festive and creative weekend with all the wonderful attendees!
And as a bounce step…
Keep a look out for Michelle who shall be demonstrating some merry Stix2 yuletide makes!
Who are Country View Crafts?
As one of the top ranked craft online outlets, Country View Crafts provide a vast range of hobby and craft supplies that are perfect for paper crafting, scrapbooking, and are a great place to look for the latest products from all the top crafting brands- including Stix2!
They are a family run company based in the UK and are always a pleasure to work with, which is why we keep going back to their wonderful workshops and retreats!
This will be Stix2’s second visit to the Inkc Retreat for 2023!
Back in June Michelle ran a super fun Stix2 Make and Take Away Day at the Country View Crafts store!
Their range of cutting machines, stencils and ink pads helped personalise and design some stunning greetings cards.
Here’s a little look back at our last Country View Crafts encounter:
The Inkc Retreat is based at Kent’s Jill Training and Conference Centre, Milton Keynes MK7 6BX.
Tickets are limited and cost £190.00.
Doors open at 4pm on Friday 27th October and close at 5pm on Sunday 29th of October.
We take part in workshops, demos and craft events up and down the country, keep up to date with our latest events here.
In November 2022 a very close family friend of our Directors, Joshua van Leader, aged 31 years, took his own life after losing a five-year battle with daily constant pain and severe depression.
So, our Directors Matty & Ruth will be running the Great North Run for team JVL, alongside Josh’s Father Mark and Sisters Katie and Emma. Raising money and awareness for the Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
Our Just Giving page for any donation which would be massively appreciated:
Joshua’s story is truly inspiring, he created a range of astonishing pieces of work that covers fine and abstract art, men’s fashion clothing, a range of beautiful and thought-provoking poetry books as well as a book that uses his mythical god images (Physiognomy) aimed at helping others with their mental health.
About Josh van Leader
Joshua lived an incredible life spending his early years playing football at an elite level and then moved into men’s fashion design through the Academy of Art in San Francisco. Joshua’s mental health deteriorated after a chest operation. Over a five-year period, he turned to his art creating some incredible fine/abstract art collections, as well as a series of poetry books aimed at mental health.
After Joshua passed his family and friends established the “Joshua Van Leader” organisation with the key aim of getting his work out into the world so that it can continue to help others in the true spirit and manner in which Joshua lived his life.
The organisation has consolidated all of his work into a re-structured JVL website that contains his story in detail, his work broken down into categories and also a series of blogs written from the family since his death that talk about his work, his life and his mental health.
Be a shining light, long live the magic we have all made we are all in this together.
Please take a look at this amazing website and engage with the JVL story and what the organisation is trying to achieve. There is so much material on this website (books and blogs are a good starting point) that could help other people that you know who are suffering with mental health challenges.
We really appreciate your support and understanding on such a personal message.
Did you know Tim Holtz has recently released his new Halloween Die Cut Collection for SIZZIX!! We highly recommend you check out his website for some ghoulish and ghastly inspiration!
How to construct the ‘Believe in Magic’ Halloween creation:
Step 1: Cut a piece of white card measuring 5 x 5 inches.
Pop your stencil in place onto the white card using some low tack stencil tape.
Pop a small amount of the black fabric paint on the non-stick craft sheet.
Step 2: Using a foam dauber add some of the black fabric paint through part of the stencil in the top left corner.
Once dry, stamp one of the witches, a cauldron and the sentiment onto the stencilled white cardstock.
Step 3: Using the cardstock and paper from the Halloween Bundle create some matt and layers with black being the smallest.
I went up 1/8 of an inch each time.
Adhere to the card blank using the tape runner and a touch of the PVA in the corners.
Step 4: Colour your stamped images. I used HIMI oil pencils to colour mine.
Ink round the edges of the stamped card in a light green colour using a clean foam dauber.
Finally adhere to the front of the card blank, stick your bat on using the silicone glue and your cute Halloween card is complete.
Handcraft your Allhallows Eve cards and make Halloween that little bit more spooky!
Thank you Elaine for this wonderfully witchy depiction!
If you’re a keen crafting socialite like us, you’ll have seen all the fabulous festive treats at craft events throughout the Summer.
Most recently, the marvellous Michelle visited Stamperama and tried out their beautiful Bauble Wreath Stamp Set in her Stix2 Workshop, and it went down a storm!
Stamps are great for crafters of all ages. They provide a precise outline, but also give you so much freedom in creating unique or uniform Christmas images or messages.
Stamp designs are a mess free way to create detailed art, and the Bauble Wreath Set works brilliantly with Stix2 Circle Foam Pads and sparkling Transfer Foils.
Thanks to all that joined Michelle at her Stix2 Christmas Workshop!
We simply had to share some of your favourite finished cards with you that the wonderful Stamperama attendees created.
Create a classic Christmas Card with Stix2 and Stamp Addicts!
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