Monday 28 January 2013

Midnight test results !

Yep thats right , its midnight and we are still testing the machine. We have now squashed BOTTLE CAPS with perfect results !

FISKARS TEXTURE PLATES on to embossing foil : Excellent results !

More to come .

Gordon

What makes the machine so different ?

I thought it only fair to give you a little bit more info on what makes this machine so different in the way it operates .

Here is why : The machine only requires a total of two plates to every task plus one embossing folder , that really is it , no extras to purchase unless you are interested in working with fabric.

This is the first machine where the actual rollers move up and down to adjust for what is inside the machine , thats the secret to all of this new technology . If this wasnt the case you would need a series of plates and shims to perform all of the tasks.

You can actually alter the pressure to whatever you think is right in this machine at the flick of a switch .
There you have it for now , a great idea , simple technology that really does work in a very strong robust machine .

If you do get the chance make the effort and come along to our warehouse and we will show you for yourself and you can have a play ! Free tea and coffee if you come along , just ask us for one , no problem .

If i look tired please forgive me , i think we will be up half the night playing with our new toy , its that good ! It reminds me of the first time about 10 years ago when the first Spellbinders Wizard machine was launched , this machine has the same importance to us .

Gordon

The A4 Machine has arrived : FIRST TEST RESULTS !

We waited in anticipation at the warehouse today from 8am this morning . Finally in the afternoon the machine arrived   and we got stuck in to putting it through its paces :

Dies : All thin metal dies up to A4 : Excellent results !

Dies : Sizzix thick dies : Excellent results !

Sizzix strip dies : Excellent results !

Embossing folders : up to A4 : Excellent results : various makes  !

Embossing stencils : Plastic or Brass : Excellent results !

Charms and coins on to embossing foil ( up to thickness of a 10p coin :Excellent results !

Wire mesh : Excellent results on to embossing foil and mirror card !

Lace material : Excellent results on to embossing foil !

Dried Seaweed ( Honest ! ) : Excellent results on to foil and mirror card !

Thin plastic stencils embossed on to even thin white paper : Excellent results !

We have also manages to cut Spellbinder dies through up to three sheets of card at once !

This machine is exceeding our expectations in every sense and we are finding we can do a lot of things that our No More Shims mat can do for the other machines.

To do all of the above , all we have used are the two plates with the machine and the embossing mat , there is nothing else required !

We have more tests to conduct tomorrow but so far so good . Try the above in your Grand Callibur if you dare , we know what the results will be !

One other thing , you will know how the grand callibur takes the plates through very slowly with many turns of the handle , this is not the case with our machine , it is much quicker and easier to use .

We are being very honest with you and of course we can demonstrate all of the above to prove we can do these things.

I hope you all like the sound of this !

If you would like to help us by spreading the word through other forums and Blogs that would be much appreciated as we are being thrown off for just talking about the machine . Thank you.

Gordon

Friday 25 January 2013

HEAVY SNOW IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Just to let anyone know who was planning to come to the shop Saturday , we have already had over 1 inch of snow in half an hour and it is getting heavier by the minute .

If it keeps up im afraid we will keep the shop  closed as it will be difficult enough for any of us to get there .

If things look any different in the morning i will post here to let everyone know , otherwise you can asume we are closed due to the weather.

How i wish i was still in California ...this weather ! aaaahhhh....lol

Gordon

UPDATE : 8.30AM : SHOP IS CLOSED TODAY ! ..We have had around 5-6 inches of snow overnight and im afraid the roads are really bad and i cant get out of the driveway so i have decided to close the shop for today ( saturday ).

Apologies to any die hards who were planning to come to the shop today ...stay at home and keep crafting instead .

Next week is a big week for us anyway with the arrival of the first of the new A4 machines on monday.

Stay warm , keep safe everyone !

Gordon

Thursday 24 January 2013

NEW DISCUSSION : DIE DESIGNS

We would like to hear from you regards Die designs .

What is missing ?

What would you like to see ?

What sizes do you want ?

What colour would you like your dies to be ?

Lets us have your opinions as we are now in a position to produce our own dies , the first of which are coming very soon all at great prices .

Help us to help you .

Gordon

Tuesday 22 January 2013

COMING SOON : OUR OWN RANGE OF DIES

We for got to mention we also have our very own range of dies and embossing folders coming very soon , all at great prices.

For those of you buying the new A4 machine , you will also benefit from our new DOUBLE POINTS LOYALTY SYSTEM via the new web site , giving you a lifetime of great savings on all products you buy from us in the future online. This will be exclusive to those purchasing our new die cutting system . Thats right , i did say lifetime !

We will continue of course to stock the full range of Spellbinder dies on the new web site , but most other makes will now be phased out as we go along . Dont worry we intend to bring you a very large range of dies all at great new prices .

More details of this new range to be announced very soon along with the name of the new machine .

We have listened and we know what you want , we are now at the stage where we can now begin to do this for you .

It will take time of course to develope the range , but we have already begun .

Gordon

NEW A4 MACHINE IS ON ITS WAY !

We have one of our new A4 Universal die cutting systems now on its way to us in the UK.

We will let you know as soon as it has arrived for all of you who would like to come along to our premises for a preview and to have a go with the machine .

We will also be showing the machine and taking PRE-ORDERS .

This really is something different to what you have seen before incorporating all the things we wanted to see in this type of machine as opposed to what is currently available .

The machine will aslo be seen at the STEVENAGE SHOW in February for all of you attending .

More details to follow .

Gordon

UPDATE : WE ARE LAUNCHING THE NEW MACHINE TO THE TRADE AT THE STITCHES TRADE SHOW IN FEBRUARY . THE NAME AND THE PRICE WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE SHOW AND THEN FOLLOWING THE SHOW WE WILL POST DETAILS HERE AND ON THE NEW WEB SITE .

WE HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED WE WILL HAVE A MACHINE FOR DEMONSTRATION ARRIVING AT THE WAREHOUSE ON MONDAY . FROM TUESDAY ANYONE COMING ALONG CAN SEE AND TRY THE NEW MACHINE FIOR THEMSELVES .

NEW MACHINE COLOURS

As previously stated we now have four colour choices in the all new universal A4 Die cutting system.

The third colour is : Two tone dark and light blue

The fourth colour is : Dark purple and white .

We will shortly be announcing a very special week long preview event where you can come along , see and test the machine for yourself . This will be held initially at our Pleasley warehouse .

Gordon

Web Site Problems

Our current web site is currently experiencing some problems as we wind it down to get ready for the new site .

You can still place orders , but we may have to call you for payment. Alternatively you can phone your orders in on 01623 818910.

The all new web site is being brought forward to go live sometime next week !

Sorry for any inconvenience these problems may cause .

Gordon

UPDATE : WE HAVE MANAGED TO SORT OUT THE GLITCHES ON THE CURRENT SITE SO IT IS WORKING NORMALLY AGAIN .
WE ARE TRYING TO ACTIVATE THE NEW SITE NEXT WEEK !
I WILL KEEP YOU ALL INFORMED.

Monday 21 January 2013

"Best Independant Store - Midlands"

We are just about to return to the UK and we have heard that we have won the above award.

I am incredibly surprised by this news and obviously very pleased to know we have done something right .

As you all know this is going to be a big year for us in many ways as we have much planned .

A HUGE thank you to all of you who voted for us in this category .

Also a great BIG THANK YOU to all the girls in the team for standing by us throughout all that has taken place over the last year .

Another BIG THANKS goes to my wonderful new partner Justin . He has been a huge lift in my new life as we go forward to better things . Im sure you will all come to know him and love him as you did Robert.

The biggest THANK YOU of all has of course to go to one person , ROBERT . If it wasnt for Robert there would be no Once Upon a Stamp . It was all his idea and through his amazing and wonderful creative skills we developed in to something a little different to what people had seen before .

Thank you everyone .

As Rob would say ..

Love and smiles. !

Sunday 20 January 2013

GUESS WHO ?

UK PAPERCRAFT SHOWS : WE WANT YOUR VIEWS !

So who do you think is leaving these negative nameless rude comments , maybe the name of the show gives them away . Leave your thoughts here everyone , have your say .Click on the above link to read the comments .

Gordon

Thursday 17 January 2013

PICS FROM CHA

Hi
Unfortunately we are having a problem posting pics on here .

If you are on Facebook , then go to Nigel Mays ( Nigel fron C&C ) facebook page and have a look at his picture gallery .

You will see pics of myself and Justin at the show on the Scor-Pal stand.

We will shortly have our own place on Facebook and Twitter for those of you interested in this sort of think .

Gordon

12 x 12 MACHINE

Ok , so you know of our wonderful new machine . Towards the end of the year we will also have another machine which will be able to take dies 12 x 12 in size . This is a different sort of machine as it will be larger and much heavier . Although this machine will fold up , being much much heavier i would not regard it as a portable system like the other .

This machine however will be revolutionary in the way it performs , just like the other . Again , it will be simple to use and will not require the use of any more than two plates to perform all tasks for all dies and folders .

The price will be just under £200 when it launches . If you are considering this type of machine then just hold fire until the autumn and once again you will be pleased you did.

12 x 12 NESTED DIES ...Maybe if you want them ...we have already developed them !


We know of all the new things happening in the die cutting world and we know what others are showing and offering to you . No other large machine compares to what we will be bringing you later this year , believe me , if we thought otherwise we would be telling you about other machines you will see offered elsewhere .

You will have a choice , our new portable A4 size machine or the new Larger and heavier machine in the autumn.

Both of our new systems have technology you have not seen before in any other machine and no manufacturer has this in the way these machines will work , there simplicity and there strength is the key .

If anyone has any questions about any other machine on the horizon we will only be too happy to answer them for you .

Our aim is to bring you something different , something almost impossible to break and of course good value for money . We have held back from other systems letting others take the strain and the pain when the problems begin .

Patience ...all coming very soon , we promise !

Gordon

UPDATE : THIS MACHINE WILL NOW BE WITH US BEFORE THE SUMMER ...WELL BY SUMMER I MEAN JULY ...I FORGOT WE DONT GET A SUMMER ANY MORE !

TWO MORE COLOURS ..YOU CHOOSE !

We can now have the new machine in four colours giving you great choice.
Here is how it works :

one colour : handle , folding cutting platform , carry handle on top

second colour : main body of the machine

TELL US WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ..YOUR CHOICE ...ALL WILL BE CONSIDERED !

Gordon

Tuesday 15 January 2013

LAUNCH AND TOUR OF THE UK

We have been told the new machine will be with us in April at the latest . it is our intention to take it on tour of the UK and we will publish lists of where and when we will be nearer the time .

We will be using a well known chain of hotels with conference fascilities around the UK.

This tour will begin some time in April so there will be no need for you to wait for a show and we will make sure we cover all areas as best we can in the UK.

In the evenings there will also be a series of Retailer only events .

If you have a craft retailer near you please let them know .

I hope you like the sound of our roadshow.

Gordon

NAME THE NEW MACHINE !

We had decided to call our two new machines simply THE GODDESS .

Another name we came up with was FLEX as this machine is truely flexible in every sense .

We are not sure what you may think of this name , so we are opening a discussion here on what you think the new machine should be called .

I have explained what the machine does so maybe the name should reflect this , im not sure .

Lets have your suggestions , or if on the other hand you like our suggestion please tell us so .

If someone does come up with an unusual name and we were to use it , we would give them one of the new machines as a gift ...so go on folks get thinking !

Gordon

Monday 14 January 2013

DISCUSSION : A4 DIE SETS ...YOUR THOUGHTS

I have told you what is coming to us very soon now . I would also like to hear your views on A4 dies . What else would you like to see and what do you think about the price of these dies. I can tell you that they are very expensive to produce  . Please let us have your views .
Gordon

LATEST FROM CALIFORNIA

Thank you everyone once again for your input , we are listening to you.

Our new machine is coming within the next three months and is being made specially to our requirements .

It is far better than anything we have seen so far and far ahead of other machines available ....oh and we think it would be very difficult to break.

This machine is going ahead and will do what we say it will .

It will cut all makes of dies inc sizzix up to A4 in size. It will take all A4 embossing folders and any other size below this .

With the addition of another special plate it will cut material .

A4 EMBOSSING FOLDERS ...new multi layer designs ...we have our own designs coming within the next month and the price under £8  !!

This new machine is being specially manufactured for ourselves and we are very confident of just how great it is going to be .

Colour : We have suggested two tone Dark Brown / dark Teal Green complete with swirls on the main body . These colours are popular and we think it will give the machine a wonderful rich vintage type of look . We also have  another colourway as we have two versions of the machine coming . The second colour scheme will be pastel green / pastel pink . This is more of a pretty looking machine . So to sum up , there will be two colour schemes of the new machine .  I know everyone has an opinion on this and we cant please everyone , but at the moment this is our preference .

Price will be around £90 , this is what we are trying to achieve .

The name of the new machine : THE GODDESS !

This machine has everything we have always been looking for and is very tough as it must be , we know all the problems and the pitfalls of other machines as we have been watching carefully what has been happening in the market .

We have lots of other things happening as a result of out trip which has been very fruitful.

Its going to be a busy year for us folks !

Hopefully meeting up with Nigel and Leonie from c&c for a couple of days in Las Vegas . Dont worry , im not a gambler ...lol

Im sure you have all been watching the shows on create an craft and some of  the new spellbinder dies of which there are 60...im afraid retailers dont get them until March .

Gordon

NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA

Hi everyone from chilly California. Thats right its cold over here right now with an arctic blast hitting California . But then again 50 degrees is better that the UK right now i guess.

We have some great news for you all in the UK .

How would you like an A4 size die cutting machine that could take all makes of dies including the big sizzix dies , a true universal machine in every way and for under £90 !

A machine thats well made internally with metal insides instead of plastic , a machine thats hard to break.

A machine with a fold down platform and a carry handle making it totally portable .

The machine only requires two plates plus an embossing mat , nothing else is required .

WE WANT YOUR VIEWS !
WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ?

This is your chance to help us shape the next generation of A4 DIE CUTTING SYSTEMS .

When will this new machine be available ...within the next three months !

Please post your views and comments for us to read .

Thank you

Gordon

Friday 11 January 2013

NEWS FROM CHA SHOW , ANAHEIM , CA

Hi everyone . First of all please keep posting your comments on our discussion Blog posts , much appreciated.

We arrived in California last night after the best flight here we have ever had with Air New Zealand , a wonderful airline i have to say .

We are working on the SCOR-PAL stand at the show for three days demonstrating our No More Shims mat which sells very well over here . We already have a lot of interest from today before the show starts.

For the first time we saw the new Spellbinder dies and 3D Embossing Folders which are sure to be a big hit . Spellbinders are easily the best thing at the show .

We have noticed a few new things , but nothing spectacular to be honest . Looks like most of our money will go on the 60 or so new dies from Spellbinders . I can tell you that there is a possibility we may be bringing Stacey and possibly some others from Spellbinders to the UK to take part in an event later this year . Stacey has stated her interest in doing so . I hope some of you will remember the large events we staged with Spellbinders in Chesterfield , those were great events enjoyed by all.

Spellbinders have also just announced a brand new range of Dies and matching Jewellery items which match up to make the most stunning pieces , another great idea from Stacey and the team. We will be carrying this new range as well as all the dies . All items will feature when the new web site goes live next month . To introduce the new web site we will launch with a great offer on the all new LOYALTY POINTS SCHEME. The points will equate to extra discounts you can spend right away or save up to spend whenever you like . We are sure you will love this new reward scheme .

We have been speaking to others over here about our new business venture ( to be revealed soon ) and we have great interest from some US companies in taking part , exciting times ahead !

Leonie and Nigel are here with Create and Craft TV doing some live broadcasts from the show , no doubt featuring Spellbinders for one .

We will keep you posted of any other news we have from CHA.

Gordon

Tuesday 8 January 2013

HOW DO YOU GET TO THE SHOWS ?

In this discussion i would like to hear how you get to the shows . Do most of you drive there , go by coach or go by train ?

I would like to know from those of you going by train for example and how you get to the venue if the station is for example three miles or so from the venue ?

Would you like a shuttle service for example and would you be prepared to pay a small fee for this service ? Everything costs money im afraid and these things dont come cheap as im finding out.

I know you all want free car parking , dont we always wherever we go and i agree with this.

Thank you again to you all for your input , i can assure you it will make a difference !

Gordon

STAND FITTED SHOWS ..YOUR VIEWS ?

When you attend a show you will notice the more expensive shows have what we call a stand fitted shell scheme with carpets etc . This makes the overall look of the show much nicer , there is no doubt about that . However everything comes at a cost and to have such a show adds hugely increased costs for the exhibitors and also is reflected in entrance fees to the show.

Non stand fitted shows where exhibitors build there own stand and where there are no lovely carpeted floors mean less cost to all and much lower entrance fees.

I would like to now hear what you think of this . We know you all hate the cost of shows like the NEC , but that is a properly laid out fully stand fitted show .

Show venues are very expensive to hire without added costs , but what do you want to see at your shows , im afraid you simply cant have both , its just not possible.

STAND FITTED OR NON STAND FITTED ?

£10 ENTRANCE FEE OR £5 ENTRANCE FEE ?

HELP US TO HELP YOU , YOUR INPUT IS APPRECIATED !

PLEASE TELL OTHERS TO JOIN IN THESE DISCUSSIONS , WE ARE LISTENING VERY CAREFULLY TO ALL YOU ARE TELLING US .

Thank you.

Gordon

Monday 7 January 2013

WHAT ABOUT BEADING ?

Ok then , so how many of you are interested in beading and do you mix this with your papercrafts . Is beading something of great interest and would you like us to stock a range and would you like to see more beading at the shows mixed with papercrafts ?

There are already beading shows in there own right , although i dont believe there are many , would you like more purely beading shows or mixed shows ?

Thank you everyone for taking part in these discussions , we really appreciate your input which is proving to be very interesting .You are helping us to help you as you will soon find out.

Gordon

Sunday 6 January 2013

DIE CUTTING ...YOUR VIEWS

Another discussion for you to get your teeth in to on Die cutting . It is around 10 years now since we brought Spellbinder products to the UK for the first time launching them to everyones surprise ...those were the days . Here we are all those years later and now look at Spellbinders , the range of dies is enormous and growing once again . There are of course many small companies springing up trying to copy what spellbinders have achieved , some good and some bad , very bad indeed.
The dies are getting more expensive all the time , it really is not cheap to produce these dies , i have looked in to this myself. One thing about spellbinder dies is the quality , they cannot b matched on the high quality of there manufacture and they are way ahead on the design front . Many similar dies do not cut or emboss well at all . If you wonder why you see other dies for sale elsewhere and we dont have them this is generally because they are no where as good as spellbinder dies in my opinion and i will not sell dies that give customers problems . However this is your chance to give me your opinion on this matter and i am always open to your views. I am off to CHA in the USA once again to have a look at whats on offer . Help us to help you !
I look forward to your opinions.

Gordon

MIXED CRAFT SHOW OR PURELY PAPER CRAFTS ?

Thank you everyone for taking part in this discussion , please keep your views coming as we are taking careful note of all you tell us .
In this section i would love to hear your views on what type of shows you want to see.
If the show was in a larger venue would you like to see a mix of crafts including things like knitting and stitching , needlework , embroidery , art materials etc etc ?

Let me have your views.

Those of you who knew Robert for instance will remember him as an all round crafter who could mix all crafts together for some extraordinary results , he was never afraid to do so and was always experimenting . Who could have know for instance that you could machine embroider over embossing crystals ...well you can as robert once proved .

There are all sorts of crafters out there and i have noticed the growth again in needle crafts for instance .

Let me have your thoughts , all of your viewpoints will be worthwhile in the end as you will soon find out but thats all i can say for now .

Just remember this folks...GBFE ...thats got you guessing ...lol ...all will be revealed soon !

Gordon

Saturday 5 January 2013

SO WHERE DO YOU WANT TO SEE SHOWS ?

Please leve on this section a list of towns / areas where you would like to see new shows .
Keep it simple , just the names of the towns or areas . We are listening very carefully to everything you tell us .

Thank you

Gordon

Friday 4 January 2013

New Spellbinder Dies : Spring 2013

Just to let you all know that we will be previewing the new range of dies in February on our all new web site .
As Europes premier Spellbinders dealer , we are obliged to honour there request that we refrain from publishing the new images for the moment .This request has been made to all retailers , but not all follow Spellbinders request as we do.

As soon as we are told we can , we will begin to preview the new dies here on the blog before the all new web site goes live with the new loyalty points gathering system.

We are off to the CHA trade show in California next week ...we are working there ..honest ! During this time , the shop and the web will still be working as normal and our wonderful ladies will be looking after things for us until our return.

You will love the new designs of which there are over 50 ! Yes im afraid so another 50 or so great designs coming very shortly.

Please contribute to the last posting regards UK shows , we really need your input . Help us to help you !

Gordon

Tuesday 1 January 2013

UK PAPERCRAFT SHOWS : WE WANT YOUR VIEWS !

HAPPY 2013 TO YOU ALL !

We would like to hear your views on UK Papercraft shows.

We would like to hear which shows you like and why you like them.

What do you want to see from UK shows ?

What is missing ?

What in your opinion would improve UK shows ?

Where in the UK would you likr to see a show and why ?

Tell us your likes and dislikes , make your views and opinions count by posting your comments here .

We need your positive input !

Gordon