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!

---

---

Other Items used:

Lili of the Valley stamp set

Stamps By Me Geometric Stitched dies

Sentiment Stamps from Craft Stash

Stamps By Me Gossip Alcohol Markers – find out more the the video below:

---

---

---

---

---

---

Thank you so much to Elaine Mellor for sharing this wonderfully wintery Xmas card! Keep up to date with all Elaine’s makes via her Instagram.

---

Familiarise yourself with the faces behind the tape!

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 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.

---

Explore our Stix2 full product range NOW

---

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.

www.ukindustrialtapes.co.uk

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?

Trick-or-treating has British Celtic roots!

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!

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

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.

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.

All you need to do to plan your Inkc trip:

Step 1) Purchase your ticket via the Country View Crafts website and check out their travel information.

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 27^th 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!

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!

---

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 27^th October and close at 5pm on Sunday 29^th 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.

A personal message from our Stix2 Directors

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: 

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ruth-welch6 

Josh van Leader’s story

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. 

JVL web site:   https://joshuavanleader.com/

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.

Matty & Ruth

And the JVL team

Don’t get caught in a craft web this Halloween. Instead have a web-stastic time creating magical designs with Stix2!

---

Construct creepy creations this October with our Halloween Card Bundle!

---

Treat yourself to our Halloween Card Bundle, haul together your haunting craft supplies and follow Elaine’s wonderful witchy guide!

Materials you will need:

• 7″ x 7″ Blank White Card
• Stix2 Halloween Card Bundle
• Tape Runner
• Foam Daubers – currently on SALE!
• Low Tack Stencil Tape
• None Stick Craft Sheet
• White Card
• Ultra Fine Tippled Bottles
• 3D PVA Glue
• Silicone Glue
• Cobweb Stencil from Stamps By Me
• Cute Witch Stamp Set by Lili of the Valley
• HIMI oil pencils available via amazon
• Bat by CraftStash
• Ranger Ink Distress Oxide Green ink Pad by Tim Holtz from CraftStash

The Devils in the Die Cut Details!

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 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!

Our Christmas Card Bundle is ideal for those wishing to create a bespoke Christmas Card this Festive Season.

---

---

To help inspire your designs, the craft-tastic Elaine Mellor has kindly created an easy ‘How to’ guide using our Stix2 Christmas Card Bundle!

Materials you will need:

• Stix2 Christmas Card Bundle
• PVA Glue
• Ultra Fine Tip Glue Applicator
• 6 x 6 White Card & Envelope
• Permanent Tape Runner
• ‘Joy’ Word Die from Stamps by Me
• Sequins

---

How to craft a Festive Shaker Christmas Card

Step 1: Cut a piece of the Snow White Pearlescent Card measuring 5 x 5 inches and a piece of the Clear Project Acetate 6 x 6.

Step 5: Die cut the word ‘Joy’ from the Post Box Red card and glue to the front of the card using 3D PVA.

  Add some ribbon and the card is finished.

Handcraft your Seasonal Cards and help make Christmas that little bit more magical!

The Christmas buzz has begun!

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.

To recreate the Wreath Card design you will need;

White Biodegradable Glitter

Glue pen

5″ x 7″ White Card & Envelope

Red Tinted Card – or try add some shimmer with our Pearlescent range

Fine Tip Applicator

Craft Foam Pad Circles – measuring 10mm x 2mm, they sit perfectly within the baubles of this stamp!

Tape Runner

‘Bare Necessities’ Transfer Foils – our Pick & Mix or Celebration Foils work just as well!

Purchase The Bauble Wreath Stamp set via the Stamp Addicts website:

https://www.stampaddicts.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=110&product_id=945

Wedding planning can bring stress, especially when not wishing to compromise your vision when it comes to budget. It can be quite daunting planning your perfect day. Take the stress out of planning without comprising your vision by handcrafting your own Stationery and Décor!

Handmade Wedding Stationary

It’s the first peak into what to expect from your upcoming day and usually sets the tone for your fabulous nuptials.

Invitations and Save the Dates have become a must-have trend, why not help build the excitement for your nuptials by designing your own homemade notice cards and adding as much personality as possible?

The possibilities are endless when creating your own!

The Sitx2 Card and Envelope range provides the perfect blank canvas for any design. We have a wide range of sizes available in packs of 6, in both ivory and white.

Handcrafted Stationery and Wedding Décor are certainly on the rise!

Crafting is well known as a excellent way to wind down and relax so, goes hand in hand with the pressures of that occur when planning your big day. Crafting invites, place cards and décor can help build on the thrill and allow you to have full creative control over your wedding! – you can add or change your mind as much as you want without breaking the bank or blazoning with a Wedding Planner.

Research is the first step when getting organised, Pinterest, Instagram and Blogs provide endless rabbit holes to delve into. Save all your likes and ideas and then you can source craft supplies and DIY alternatives to get your wedding creations off to a flying start.

Couples that Craft together stay together!

Handmade designs not only add magic to your special day but also exude love, patience, and thoughtfulness. Crafting your centrepieces with your other half can be a romantic and bonding experience.

Craft just the two of your or if you prefer rallies the troops! Incorporate crafting parties with your Hen’s, at Bridal Parties, or break the ice with the new in-laws! Endless fun and excitement can be built from collectively creating those final touches for the big day!

Your personally curated pieces then become stunning keepsakes with additional sentimental value that you can cherish forever!

Wedding Guest Cards

Bespoke Wedding cards are the perfect way to make the newlyweds feel special and nothing quite says ‘once in a lifetime’ like a handcrafted card.

The possibilities are endless when designing your own card, use vibrant coloured cards or spray paint to match the quirkiness of the couple. Alternativity try lace or ribbon and incorporate flower or church bell diet cuts for a timeless creation. Add glamour with glitters or create a rustic feel with paper raffias.

Familiarise yourself with the faces behind the tape!

What is your experience for working in your role?

I have been with the company for just under 3 years now and I am thoroughly enjoying my role as Sales Order Processor. I predominantly look after our Export side of the business as well as working along side the Purchasing department.

Prior to UK Industrial Tapes I worked within the hospitality industry, gaining an Honours degree and Travel and Tourism Management. I have always worked within customer service and feel this is my forte. Due to my previous work experience I feel this liaises into being adaptable to all situations whether that be customer service or scheduling training for our team.

What do you like about working in your role?

My role is very varied and each day is different, I enjoy that no day is the same. The industry we work is very diverse and changes each day which I thrive in, I continue to build my skills and knowledge by assisting other departments, I like to dip my toe into everything.

I appreciate how diverse our company is and we work well with challenges I love to see the customer journey from point of sale to the customer receiving goods within a timely manner and of great product standard.

I’m a little bit of a perfectionist so I love it when customers are happy with the service and goods they receive.

What is your background?

I originate from Throckley, Newcastle which is ideal and as I only 5 minutes away from our HQ. It is so nice that the company is local and so are most of my colleagues, we’re like one big family.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

When I am not at work I enjoy spending time at the beach with my boyfriend when the weather permits, if not I’ll be at home with my 4 cats (crazy cat lady)

You will usually see me on a weekend with a bottle of Prosecco, my favourite tipple 😉

---

Explore our Stix2 full product range NOW

---

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.

www.ukindustrialtapes.co.uk

Familiarise yourself with the faces behind the tape!

What is your experience for working in your role?

I have always been office based since starting as an Office Junior to Office Manager in my last job. I started here to work in SOP / Marketing / Stix2 but when the Purchasing guy left I was asked to take over his role which I had no experience in but took up the challenge. 17 years later I am still here and I have enjoyed watching the company grow over the last 17 years.

What do you like about working in your role?

I enjoy my job as although I do the same jobs each day I always have many other things to do which, makes it varied and interesting and we have a great team and many laughs.

What is your background?

I am originally from Blyth and now live in the beautiful bay of Newbiggin by the Sea.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?

I enjoy meeting new people whilst out walking with my dog , visiting new places with my hubby and of course my dog. we completed the NC 500 last year and it was fab. We are going back to the lake district this year to explore.

Days out with family and friends for a nice meal.

Reading in the garden when the sun is shining with a nice glass of wine.

---

Explore our STIX2 full product range NOW

---

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.

www.ukindustrialtapes.co.uk

Father’s Day is on Sunday 18th June in the UK this year. Time to celebrate all those father figures we hold dear!

Transfer Foils

Transfer Foils are a mess-free way to add some sparkle and shine to any Father’s Day craft!

Sold in packs of 10 and easy to use, our transfer foils can be applied with adhesives to any creative project.

Buy our All Silver or Gold pack and create your own No.1 Dad trophy.

Use our Vintage Tones or Celebration pack to create a stylish photo frame.

We have a vast collection of colours available, so its easy  to find a personalised colour pallet that matches your papa!

Personal Craft Projects

Father’s Day is a great time to recognise your loved ones’ hobbies and interests. Cars, Fishing, Football or Crafting- whatever the special man in your life is interested in, why not make this the focus on a Father’s Day card?

Set a little time aside to chat with your poppa to discover what sort of design would represent him best. Save time in the creative process by stocking up on easy and reliable Stix2 adhesives.

The best part about handcrafting a card is capturing your heart and imagination in a well thought-out design. No one wants to be faffing about with fiddly adhesives, tapes or glues.

Use the right Adhesive

Stix2 3D Hobby and Craft Glue Can be used to stick paper, card, craft foam, fabric and many more craft materials.
The Acid Free Glue dries clear and will not wrinkle your paper, perfect for all card making and scrapbooking.

Stix2 Ultra Clear Tape is ideal for use with Glitters, Beads, Ribbons, Foils, Flakes and more.

Stix2 2 in 1 Glue Pen has a metal tip to allow control of the glue flow. Perfect to intricate applications.

Handmade Cards made Simple

Send a little extra love with your Father’s Day gift by creating a gift tag with a Die Cut Tag and Ribbon. or creating simple design with textured or coloured card can create fa beutiful no fuss effect for your father.

Inspiration for Father’s Day

Stamps and Stencil are a fast and effective way to treat elevate a Father’s Day Card with ease!

Stamp Addicts are one of the leading providers of stamps and stencils. With something for everyone you’ll no doubt find the perfect match for your pappy!

Wanna take 3D to the next level? Check out CraftWorld and their FREE video tutorials of how to create Swing Cards. Check out there lastest Swing Card Template here.

For more 3D video inspiration checkout Craig Laird’s TikTok which showcases some excellent ‘How To’ card creations with the support of Stix2 hobby and craft products!

And we could hardly mention Craig without a shout out to Crafter’s Companion Easy Father’s Day Ideas

Make sure to check out our wonderful Stix2 Demonstrators and Creations: Michelle Johnson and Elaine Mellor