FREE copies...

We are looking for 12 candidates (that old fish ;) - but this time I want to send 12 of you a FREE copy of Creativity Life and get you pouring over it... all in the name of "research" - but we all know that free stuff, is free stuff...

So leave a comment - and I will pick 12 random road test bloggers. Might prove a nice reprieve from the Summer Hols (or am I the only one whose cupboards are now bare, and who has heard "what we doing today" one time too many ;)

...and Scrapbook Apprentice Candidates are STILL NEEDED!

Test Panel... You're Hired!

I forgot to mention the 5 lucky Panelists for Scrapbook Adhesives!!

Louise (need your addy!!), Karen W (Uncle Sam needs your addy!), Paula P (from Surrey), Mandy (from Co Wexford) and Sharon (S.Yorks)

Ladies - contact me and I will spill the beans and introduce you to the confidentiality clause and all the good details. Everything is *if I tell you, I have to kill you..* so step into the delightful world of product development and review!!!

ALSO - VOTE ON THE HOME PRINTING poll... as we have some exciting things to share if we get to 150 voters!!! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Becks xxxx

Product Review: 3L Adhesive Sheets

I had the chance to promote the 2 new sheet sets to retailers at the Trade events during May - and this was a product that scored big.

If you work with vellum, acetate, acrylic or die cut intricate titles (esp. if you work with the lovely Cricut or even a trusty QuicKutz) then these sheets are a MUST HAVE.

Unlike most adhesives, these are crystal clear, and super light weight - which means no bulky and unsightly show throw (which, let's face it, looks a little naff!!)

There are two sizes available (5 sheets of 6x12 RRP £3.99 and 5 sheets of 12x12 RRP £5.84.)

I did get retailers to give me feedback, and they *LOVED* them. It solves the tricky problem of the cool clear trend which is hot this year, and also the age old bane of vellum. What is even cooler is when you team them with the demon Crushed Velvet patterned and plain cardstock by Doodlebug, and even their shiny shimmery Sugar Coated patterned and plain cardstock. Suddenly you have an entire 12x12 that is adhesive backed and you can chomp off just a wee bit at a time, and keep the rest at the ready...

Look out for the green stream-line boxes in stores... as they are well worth a fiver!

Becks xxx

It is official...

You *love* the stickiness of Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L!

I {hear you} on the price... and lucky I am in charge of BIG decisions like that ;) So watch this space...!!! You will also start to see a LOT more product from these sticky supremos... and I am so excited to get my hands on the pink 'support breast cancer' limited editions.

More bloggers agreeing that it is the best little sticky thing this side of sliced bread...

HERE;

Thanks so much for all taking part... :)

There have been babies born in the middle of testing - and as I did not set a date for the review to happen by... anyone having a wee baby is whole heartedly congratulated and forgiven for not getting the road test completed before now... seriously, I can't believe some of you were SO dedicated! Hats off to you... crafting is compulsory ;)

Becks x

Blogging.. {again}

...and still our blog testers are logging on to post comments on the lush Runners by Scrapbook Adhesives... see

HERE; HERE; HERE; HERE; and Pauline HERE and Rebecca HERE

I have just been playing with the Scrapbook Adhesive range and will be expanding the lines available in store (some *fab* new product!!) and also been tweaking the prices to make sure they are UNMISSABLE... so great (aka the best sticky stuff out there) adhesive, priced brilliantly. More details to come - and I will be officially launching everything in May at the Trade Events throughout the country.

Becks x

Test Results...

Some good...
Melanie Says; Jo SAYS; Liz SAYS; Jackie SAYS; Nicola SAYS; Sue SAYS; Anna SAYS (and this is a forum for you to peek at!)

...and then some 'not so good'.
Took my daughter to a regular check up and she had an appointment with the opthamologist and I got told she has astigmatism in both eyes... Not like earth shattering, especially when Kirsty has such an uphill battle with wee Belle - but it is still a little like 'you haven't created the perfect kid...' guilt. I have a son that has the same issue (see - I can hit dud genes twice! I blame it entirely on DH who is Clark Kent...)


Anyways, what is good this week...?!
DO have organised a series of trade events throughout MAY (I think Trade Managers aka Reps send out invites soon) so I have to play with displays and the likes. I do *love* playing with product. We have some new (top secret) stuff which will be sharing with attendees. I like surprises!

One last thing... can you BLOG & FACEBOOK? Is it humanly possible to do both... as I am the world's worst facebooker since I commited to blogging more often. It is definitely a case of 'you can't serve two masters'... and I seriously cannot be the only one who has had to make a choice one way of the other?!!

Becks x

Cropadile Review...!

This is a BIG shout out for anyone NOT related in any shape or form to DO CRAFTS... to rate the cropadile and get published! I am looking for 5 reviewers who already have this handy tool to tell me what they *really* think... get published, and get a free copy of issue 1 :)

Any volunteers?

Becks xx

Blogging...

Some more testers put the 3L runner through its paces...
Sandie SAYS; Paula SAYS; Lori SAYS; Hils SAYS; Tracey SAYS


I actually went to see that SON OF RAMBOW film. It was one of those default films... nothing else grabbed me, and DH liked that it had 'Critics Choice' next to it. To me that is usually an alarm bell which is pseudonym for "this is really obscure..." However, I was pleasantly surprised! We Brits make weird films - but this just references the 80s (so perfect for folks of my age range) and the best bits were the French exchange students (remember those?!!) as well as the clothes, music, food on supermarket shelves and stupid words like 'skill' and 'spaz'.

MORE entertaining, was walking out to see all the youfs sporting pixie boots, pointy shoes, leggings, neon thin belts, thin ties, crazy colours... So the 80s is alive and kickin' after all...

Later, Becks x

*love love love* my job...

Today some deliciously HUGE boxes arrived with samples of product *to die for* (some that I canny show ;) I am one of those weird people who STILL hyperventilate over 'cool stuff' - and I have to say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job. Aside from samples (....and breath) there is the thrill of creating something new and innovative - and gauging what you all will think of it ;)

Anyways, that is why we *love* our blog testers... you give such great feedback, and of course we will look forward to showering you in free goodies. If I enjoy that feeling when it comes to the door, then I know you love it too ;)

More blog test comments...
Julie SAYS; Jo SAYS; Em SAYS

...more Bloggers!

Steph SAYS; Heather SAYS; Lemon SAYS; Andrea SAYS; Hannah SAYS; Lynn SAYS; Caroline SAYS; Lorna SAYS

We also have testers going into issue 1 of Creativity! LIFE (which we are busy beavering away on!) I have to say a MASSIVE thank you to all the comments - as it has given me something to chew on (and a few ideas on how to make this little gadget, as well as everything by Scrapbook Adhesives very very attractive to you...) So wait and see what we have planned...

Becks xx

It's My Opinion... {Honest}

Our host of Blog Testers are now beavering away road testing and reviewing their lush 3L E-Z Runners. If you want their {honest} opinions... then have a little nosey here:

Paula SAYS; Sarah SAYS; Karen SAYS; Katy SAYS; Audrey SAYS; Jay SAYS; Lulu SAYS; Charlotte SAYS; Jenny SAYS

Keep checking back as we add more...

Product Review: BG Magnetic Mat

I have to say that I *adore* my Magnetic Mat from BasicGrey. I pulled it off the stand at the show which it debuted at (only because I then needed to haul it over the Atlantic and pin it up for UK retailers to drool over...)

It took me a few weeks after the show to actually get the chance to PLAY with it for real. It is a pretty heavy duty thick quality meaty mat. Being magnetic sets it apart... as the ruler and little magnetics (which are like hunks of Hercules) hold all my BG papers in place whilst I painstakingly die cut around all those floral bits.

If I was buying it just for being the *right* size for scrapbooking, then it wins my vote. If I was buying it just for being meaty self heal delicious... then it wins my vote as a plain ol cutting mat. The magnetic feature is definitely the icing on the cake. For those who use a scalpel as apposed to a trimmer, then upgrade and you will thank me. The ONLY downside is that the measurements are not metric, and they are not covering the whole mat (the ruler has em... just not the mat. BUT I can live without it... although some of you may want to cry in your pillows at night missing those european imposed centimetres ;)

Product Review: DBG Sugar Coated

I like finding out *secrets* and knowing what is heading our way... and believe me when I tell you that July CHA is going to rock. Who can wait?! I think there is a little sneak peak at SMAC - but that is all I can say ;)

Anyway, I wanted to bring your attention to a much loved accessory in my tool box (and actually it is all over my tool box courtesy of little 'helping hands'...bless ;)

The SUGAR COATED range from Doodlebug was a massive hit when launched last year - but still some crafters have never had the chance to play and get hooked on these little packs of pure blingy-ness. I make no bones that I am not a girly girl - although am gradually being swayed by my 'all handbags and make-up' offspring (who would wear this stuff in her hair and on her lips if she could get past my barrage of security - I learnt after the little 'helping hands' episode!) I therefore need layouts to reflect this inherent desire to dazzle.

I ADORE the minute sizing - and the fact that for around £12.99 I can collect a range of glitter that will cover all colour bases. I have the Sugar Coated cardstock - and this stuff is leeeeethal. Both in an addictive usage type way, as well as the amount of shimmer I manage to share (it is like a glitter bomb just exploded.) This is the ultimate glitter deal. I love the softness of twinkling H2Os - but heck, this is more glutenous and so full on, that you cannot help but this of Nigella dipping into her fridge last thing at night, and opting for this glorious indulgent glitter over the leaner version...

BUT you just wait until the CRUSHED VELVET hits town... now there is more to talk about!

Later, Becks x

Hurry!

If you have not emailed me your address and blog address then HURRY!
If we are missing any tester's info - we will start working our way down our stand-by list (...so who knows, you could still have a chance if you have emailed details!)

Cydders, Kim, Hils, Liberty, Relly Annett-Baker, Lori Laing, Lisa Hausmann, Glee-Scrap, Dawn Inskip, Valonda Leichty, Lemon, Julie Corfield, Emma Whyley, Katy Hedger, Gertie, KellyLee, Lynner, ScrapJackie, Stacey Casagrande, Charlotte, Pauline Kerr, Bex, Karen wright, Paula Brown, Julie Newman, Paula Gowdy, Sue Bone, melanie brady, Tallula H, Suze Thomson, Alison Mathers, Jo Bryan, emma davis, Kim Musgrove, Sue Lewis, Jenny Cocks, Astra, Kendra, KerryMT, Lesley, Nikki Smith, Michelle Davies, Vicky Ince, Heather Melton, Lorna Ellis, Sarah Whittington, Shirley Hopkinson, Alan, Munchkim, Hannah Westwood, Maria Thomas, angel21, Miss Natz, Anna Guest, Sarah Reid, Suzanne Sapsed, Debra Brock, SUZANNE TORR, Andrea Gourley, Kathryn Booth, Polly, 4Richie4Poorer, Liz Lowe, Correna Taylor, Ang Whitehouse, Jo Kill, Chris Rowe, Preeya, Louise Waldron, jakey :), Asha, Clare D, Sandie Da Silva, kay northfield, Kirsty Brown, lil1926, andiescottie, Laura, Vanessa Lucas, Adrian, sugarnellie, lighthousegirl, Peggie Young, Laura Wylie, Gem Meaden , Chriss Norton, Willow Spruce, Kelly X, Susan Dimond, LYRICS, Lashell Darby, Jay Browning, Adam O'Neill, Sarah Palmer, Tracey Jackson, Pam Richardson, Jo Austin, Kath Stewart, C Gatenby, Julie Thornton

100 Blog Road Testers...

Okay... the wait is over...

ARE YOU ONE OF THE TOP 100 BLOG ROAD TESTERS?

If you are listed below please email me your address so I can get your *free product* packaged and parceled up ready to send by the end of the month! Please also email me a link to your blog so I can list/link to all blogged reviews here...

I will also be selecting randomly a few reviewers to be used in issue 1 of Creativity! Life (look in your May issue of Creativity! for a sneaky taster and more details...) If you name is in BOLD then I have your address - and you just need to twiddle your thumbs now...
UPDATED LIST - CLICK HERE

FREE STUFF... make sure you are on the list!

Okay... time is ticking and I still need 100 people to TEST & REVIEW a scrapbook product

*for free*

...if you are on the list below you will need to email me {see side panel} with your full name and address... items will be posted out at the end of March.

Cydders, Kim, Hils, Liberty, Rellyab, Lori, Lisa, Glee-Scrap, Dawn, Valonda L, Lemon, Jazzy1972, Julie Corfield, Ewhyley, Katy, Gertie, KellyLee, Lynner, ScrapJackie, Casa, Charlotte, Julia, Bex, Julie, Karen, Pauline, Julie, Paula, Sue Bone

P.S. Share this with your friends ...they need to know to come here and leave a comment to qualify... at least I always appreciate my friends telling me that they got a RyanAir flight to Rome (rtn) for 2p - as it is the kind, thoughtful thing to do ;)

(Please Note: By agreeing to test & review, you are agreeing to post the review on your blog; let me use a few comments in issue 1 of the new CREATIVITY LIFE magazine - did I not tell you about that yet??? as well as rate out of 5 the product on docrafts.co.uk.)

Product Review: BG Precision File Set

This tiny set of filing fun has been out for a while now... but still folks think they can get by without it *tut tut*. I remember the first time I was on Ideal World I used a foot file *GASP* to get that rough and ready ;) look... HAD I known then what I know now... I would have had a more 'effortless' time.

I have to say that this is one product that I LOVE (and that is in capitals and said very slowly for dramatic effect.)

The Precision File Set from BasicGrey is around £6+ (again it can vary... but that should be a thing of the past soon - good deals all round instead of a postcode lottery ;)

What makes this uber cool is the mix of shaped and curved files - so all those wee letterings, chipboard nooks and crannies, and even the big hulking cardstock papers can get the weathered touch. Distress isn't always necessary - but when you want the white core of something to show through (Lasting Impressions papers are PERFECT for this - along with the Cuttlebug embossing templates...) then these small and neatly formed files are the answer.

Tell me I am wrong... but they are MUCH more expensive in the Jewellery market - same sort of thing but with a hefty price tag (shudder!!)

MY VERDICT: If crannies and crevices get the feathered, hacked or daintily distressed treatment... well its got to be a craft must-have.

Product Review: BG Rub-on Roller

Okay - going to start reviewing some product that I have been able to play with... just because who wants to waste money if it just isn't worth it?! You may be sat on a mountain of cash; but I certainly am not ;)

So this is priced in the UK anywhere from £5.95 - £8+. I hate that for one. WHY will someone have a couple more quid less just because they didn't scour the net for a discount... I think this is where I like the fact that the playing field and pricing will be much fairer in future.

Okay - that is probably my only whine.

I think this tool is really easy to use - no rocket science. It just smoothly rolls the rub-on onto your paper or card without any heavy handed indenting. It is comfortable to hold - sturdy (and not likely to splinter like your fav lollipop stick.) You then 'fix' the rub-on in place by flipping to the flat end and gently swiping the paddle over your rub-on.

I think most folks forget to 'fix' the rub-on and then wonder why it comes up... Either that or they buy those really bad original Heidi Swapp ones that wanted to flake upon a glance (that was not funny!!) LOVED the style - HATED the quality... what a waste of money!

MY VERDICT: Chuck out the sorry excuse of a chopstick and start rub-on rolling in style. It is a posh piece of kit that does a thankless task - but sometimes we are worth a little extra help ;)