7 minute read
Editor’s Picks
Editor Alice Bryan has some great products on her wishlist this summer
EDITOR’S PICKS W ith each new season comes the task of sorting through your craft stash; it’s a great way to find out what crafty tools and essential embellishments are missing! And what better reward for cleaning up your craft room and sorting out your stash than treating yourself to a great deal on must-have craft supplies? Read on to discover my top recommendations.
SMALL BUT MIGHTY!
OUR GEMINI MINI BUNDLE 1 Whether you’re new to die cutting or looking for a machine that you can use to craft on the go, the Gemini Mini is a fab choice. This powerful little machine is so easy to use and will wow you with flawless results. What’s more, you’ll also receive an On Your Special Day sentiment die set that can be used for so many occasions. This comes together with a geometric florals mini embossing folder – I love how adding colour to embossed designs with a simple inkpad and brush can really make the design pop. The die set and embossing folder are specially designed for the Gemini Mini so that you can get started crafting straight away! Gemini Mini Manual Die-Cutting
Machine with Die Set and Embossing Folder (540988)
Top Tip “If you’re new to manual die cutting machines, never fear – they’re super simple to use! All you need to do is turn the handle to roll the die through the machine. Be sure to apply an even amount of pressure all the way through to ensure a perfect, crisp finish”
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ADD KANBAN HOLOGRAPHIC CARD TO YOUR COLLECTION
I love to add a bit of sparkle and shine to my makes – that’s why I’ve chosen Kanban’s brilliant silver holographic mirri card. This pack comes with 48 A4 sheets featuring six different designs that you can use for any number of crafty projects. Why not use it with your die cutting machine to create pretty embellishments or use folding techniques to make stunning boxes? Personally, I think these papers are perfect for wedding cards or celebration greetings – but the beauty of this set is that your options are endless! Kanban Silver Holographic
Magic Collection (537855)
A love of nature combined with artistic talent proved a winning formula for Paper & Wood’s Zack McLaughlin ZACK’S WORLD
When Zack McLaughlin joined our crafting family two years ago, he was an instant hit. His wonderful life-like bird sculptures are inspired by his love of nature, and when combined with a friendly, enthusiastic and engaging on-screen manner, he’s become one your top viewing choices. We caught up with him to chat about his journey…
Zack working at home in his London flat
“I think crafting is in my blood” I have been crafting and making ever since I can remember, but it wasn’t until six years ago that I actually realised I could make a living from crafting paper birds; it was all quite organic. I had been working as an illustrator, and I gradually started to phase that out as I increased the number of sculptures that I was making. Business start up Paper & Wood came about quite randomly. I was illustrating a children’s book that included a bird lantern and I just couldn’t get it to look right, so I decided to make one to use as a prop to paint from. It took me ages, and some days were a real struggle… but it was the best feeling once I had completed it. I had a complete sculpture in my hands that I could rotate and see every angle and detail. I was hooked! From here I started to make more and sold them online, and that’s when Paper & Wood was born. All in the detail I get my inspiration from nature. I absolutely love going for long walks with my binoculars and looking at all the little details... I am obsessed! In the same way, I really pay attention to the bird that I am creating as I want to get it as accurate as I can, so every step takes time, including drawing out every feather and then reconstructing it in faithful detail before finally painting and mounting the piece ready to ship. Each bird varies on how long they take to make: a life-size hummingbird takes around 50 hours; a life-size peregrine falcon 170 hours!
A life-size humming bird takes around 50 hours to make
Stand out moments Zack has enjoyed some truly wonderful experiences since setting up Paper & Wood. Along with turning the Jo Malone flagship store on London’s Regent Street into a secret paper garden that won him a RIBA Regent Street Windows People’s Choice award, he has also come to the attention of his life-long hero Sir David Attenborough. “I still can’t quite believe it now,” he says. “I had been commissioned to make a Gouldian finch that was to be presented to Sir David Attenborough! Unfortunately, I didn’t get to meet him in person, but I did get to see photos of him holding the bird that I had made for him. It was quite a surreal moment, but a definite highlight!”
Zack studies every detail of the birds that he makes, and it shows!
Working with our presenters is just one of benefits of being part of our family
The Create and Craft journey I took part in a TV show called The Big Audition where I was auditioning for a guest appearance on Create and Craft TV. I was terrified! I had never done anything like that. I really felt so much pressure and goodness knows what I said or did; it was a complete blur! The judges and everyone involved with the show were wonderful, though, so that helped. New opportunities The Big Audition meant that I got to meet the fabulous judges who all worked at Create and Craft, but unfortunately I didn’t get picked for the guest appearance on their show. Luckily, and very kindly, they flagged me down outside as I was leaving. They gave me a business card and said that they would get me in as they had loads of great ideas for me. They were true to their word, and fast forward a couple of years and here I am!
To begin with, I was very nervous! I had never appeared on Live TV before, and the idea of it filled me with terror; I was so worried that I would say or do something inappropriate. But luckily, I didn’t! It helped that everyone who was working in the studios at Create and Craft TV was simply wonderful; so friendly and complimentary, and it did put me at ease a little. Changing times Luckily, at the start, I didn’t have to present at all, just work away on my birds in the corner and occasionally get asked questions by the ever-so lovely hosts. The first show was a sell out, which was so amazing! I was nervous, but I found the whole experience very exciting, and actually looked forward to the next show!
Now, I love it! I’m thrilled that I get to appear on Create and Craft TV and collaborate with the amazing craft hub to create and sell amazing Paper & Wood kits. The entire team at Create and Craft just feels like one big happy family! Everyone is so warm, friendly and instantly accepting that I felt part of their family right away. From the design team, studio team right through to the hosts I go on the shows with, they are just wonderful people.
