Essentials Corner (20th May 2026)

Added: 2026-05-21

[00:00:01]You're love.

[00:00:58]Hey. Hey.

[00:01:27]Hey.

[00:01:29]Young love.

[00:02:15]Hello everybody and a very warm welcome to Crafters TV. Here we are back again.

[00:02:20]What a fun last hour that was. Uh, and we're back for another fun hour here on Essentials Corner, and I'm pleased to say the corner is back together again.

[00:02:28]Yay.

[00:02:30]Thank you, Jamie. Um, yeah, the corner is back. So, we've got the sofa back, we've got the armchair back, we've moved the set back to where it was um because they basically moved things around for the Hobby Maker Show um last week, but it's back to as it was now, which means we can do Essentials Corner. Yay.

[00:02:47]This is a show born out of another show because if you remember Essentials Corner used to be a feature within Beautiful Beginnings. Um, and it did so well for itself. We always said, you know, Essentials Corner, isn't it? Ain't it brilliant that Essentials Corner? Uh, so good. Um, deserves its own show. So, that's what happened. I'm like a proud parent. I think that was another one of our ideas, Johnny, wasn't it? Essentials Corner. I'm sure it was. We did it in one show and then it just so happened that you loved it so much that we carried on doing it and now it's got its own show. Um, so basically this show works by you guys throwing in loads of questions. The essentials corner today is all about tools. So over the course of the first sort of 45 minutes or so, we're going to be looking at the essential craft room tools which you might need. We're going to give you the opportunity to pick those deals up and also we need your questions please. Uh Jan is on standby on this show. She is going to be compiling the list and normally it's a little bit slow to get going but once the questions start coming in then um you know we get a load. So the sooner you get your question in the better. We'll be heading to Essentials Corner about4 to 5 and we'll be going through all those questions. Tool related today would be marvelous to time with the show. But anything you've got any questions with glues, any questions with pens, any questions with card stock, if you're stuck on a project, if you want to talk about waterc coloring, if you want to talk about alcohol markers, if you want to talk about um construction, whatever it might be, if you're stuck, please get in touch. If you want to ask any personal questions, feel free to do so.

[00:04:09]I mean, not too personal obviously, but if you want to ask Debbie about her weekend, if you want to uh ask me about what I'm doing next week, whatever you like really. Uh, but we need, I would say, minimum of 10 questions really, uh, to make it worth our while. So, please fire those in. Jan will keep me updated as to how many we get as we go. And, um, just to say, Friday Night Live is here on Friday, funny enough, um, 6 o'clock.

[00:04:33]We need some more Friday Night Faves for that show. So, if you've made any projects recently you'd like to send in studio@cfters companion.co.uk, um, send your pictures in and if yours does feature on Friday Night Live, then you will win some bonus points for your Club Inspired account. Questions, please. I'll say hello in just a few moments time, but let's say the most important hello to the lovely lady over the other side of the studio. Here she is for your delight and delectation for the final time today. It is the one and only Barnsley Bombshell. Cardi D off of Tik Tok. Here she is. Uh Cardi D off of the TV. It is the wonderful Debbie Robinson. How art thou Debbie?

[00:05:13]>> I'm all right. Been a bit lonely in that last me and Jamie just rattling around on his own. Everybody disappeared and left us.

[00:05:21]>> No, actually just catching up on couple of little parcels. Go on. So, I'm gonna say it's a big big thank yous to two special people.

[00:05:30]>> Yes.

[00:05:30]>> Oh, Kelly, >> that is unbelievable.

[00:05:34]>> It just looks like a It did make me cry.

[00:05:37]I tried to record it about two or three times. I had to wait until I composed myself. You've just captured Millie so well. I have read your beautiful card as well, which was just gorgeous. And then a lovely big thank you to the gorgeous Deb Sneery as well who's been having a really difficult time of late >> and she should have been at the US Crafters but for reasons she couldn't make it but she sent this over which is our lovely little memory album and I'm absolutely touched um that she sent it all the way from America ready for us to put all our photos into the beautiful album and I absolutely love it. I think you've chosen some really gorgeous papers for me there Deb. Um, and also I want to say is a big big huge lot of love to you lovely lady. Uh, thank you very much because um, yeah, she's having a really difficult time at the minute.

[00:06:26]So, thank you so much. And Kelly, thank you, darling, because that's going in a frame when I get home. Beautiful.

[00:06:32]>> Um, I I did say thank you to you the other day, Deb, and I know I think you were watching on the second show. I just said thank you again. But I also got um a beautiful little album here which I will fill in down the line. I know it's going to be awesome. Um, just to say also, Kelly, if you are watching, um, obviously you did the picture, um, of Molly Collie, which we talked about the other day, and I don't know if this is the same, if she's watching, she'll tell us. I never realized we had the Colorista pencils on yesterday. The picture that she did of Molly Collie, all done with Colorista pencils.

[00:06:59]>> Tells you they're artist quality. Yeah.

[00:07:01]People think Colorista, we call it entry level. They think it's just like a, you know, um, like what you'd buy from, you know, your eye street.

[00:07:10]>> They buy spectrum.

[00:07:11]>> Yeah. Yeah, what can you expect apart from good quality pencils um at very very affordable prices? But yeah, uh beautiful, aren't they? They're absolutely gorgeous. I just I absolutely love it. I can't wait to get in a frame.

[00:07:22]It's got a pride of place in the room.

[00:07:24]>> Um we'll get on to some tools with Debbie in just a second. I'll say a few hellos, questions, please. Like I say, uh Jan is on the socials. Uh Trudy Bickham, hello. Hello also to Angela Vote and Allison Mason, the cake lady.

[00:07:36]She says hello again, everyone. Hello.

[00:07:38]Steven Ferguson, hello. Jen Shank, hello. Barbara Janowski says, "Good morning again. Still raining here in Houston, Texas. I don't know what it's doing out there today. I've not been outside. I think it's kind of meh that sort of weather." Uh, hi all says Carolyn. Great hump day. I'm trying to be more productive today. The list.

[00:07:55]Gardening, housework, crafters TV, break repeat.

[00:08:00]I mean, there's one good thing in that list, isn't there? Uh, crafters TV.

[00:08:05]Amanda says, "Artonoon art anon." Uh Rhonda is in saying hello all my lovely crafty friends from Oak Park, Chicago.

[00:08:11]Hello Chicago. Hello Chicago. Um Little Bear says, "Hi Ben and crafty friends. I got another delivery today. Lots of lovely goodies." And you guys never fail to disappoint. Um never never you never disappoint. Never fail to disappoint.

[00:08:24]You never disappoint. Uh because already we have two questions in inside seven minutes. Thank you. Eight more to find in the next 38. Hi Debbie says, "Amanda Hubard and Ben, we missed you last week.

[00:08:36]met the lovely Amanda at Craft Beams UK.

[00:08:38]Lots of people saying how much they missed you, Debbie.

[00:08:40]>> A thank you. I missed you all, too.

[00:08:42]Genuinely missed you all, too. It was just the way that the dates fell and um I were absolutely beyond guttered. I'm not going to lie. Uh but I had I had had that date in for the longest time. So, um but hopefully hopefully the next Craftaganza in the UK, I will be definitely there.

[00:09:01]>> Yep, certainly. And uh we'll be very excited about that. Uh first up in this essentials corner um tool kit special uh is the essentials tool kit which is our weekly deal. £7.99 for this one if you're platinum and in the UK £11.99 if you're in the US and you're platinum.

[00:09:17]This is the tool kit that we launched back along on birthday and it is brilliant as Debbie is about to show you here. Lots of essential tools in it.

[00:09:25]Great if you are someone who is perhaps um you know going here there and everywhere and you want to have all the essential tools to hand. This is the kit that you want to go for. It's portable.

[00:09:33]Um, it's brilliant for the fact, and I remember when we first launched this, one of the main reasons people shop for it is that it has in it the big pokey tool, but it's got lots of other tools in there besides that you'll want to get your hands on. If you're just starting out in craft, I would say, Debbie, this is pretty much got everything that you need to uh get started to be crafting quickly in your craft room and indeed on the go.

[00:09:56]>> Absolutely. It's a steal of a deal. I can't believe the price of this. Half price. Is that what it is, Johnny?

[00:10:03]for essential tools to make crafting life easier for you. Um, you've got yourself healing mats and yes, it is a little mini one, but what a great one to take away with you when you're out and about. I don't know how we've got um >> don't know how yours won't come with uh flakes all over it. Gilding >> flakes. Gilding flakes for some strange reason. Uh but your self-healing mat um is perfect for your craft knife that has got your safety feature uh top on there.

[00:10:29]So you've got your like your ladies that you just click into place. What I love and I will this is a true story. Leanne reached out to me and talked she asked me about and we'll talk about this in a second >> about why I like something that little bit chunkier in my hand and it's just because of the dexterity sometimes that I get where I have um a flare up of the uh pins and needles in there carpal tunnel um arthritis just anything and it helps me um and I said I said to her having a bigger grip means that I can hold it a little bit better and she's thought of everything with the design so there's like a really lovely comfortable where you put in the pressure of your finger onto your craft knife. And I'll just grab a piece of um paper or card stock, should I say. And what I love about a self-healing mat, Ben, is it's exactly what it says on the tin. It selfheals.

[00:11:19]It's absolutely phenomenal. Um I love that the fact that you've got like your markings on here, so if you wanted to do something at a particular angle, uh you've got all of that. But it's the comfort for me. It's the um ease of ease of use and literally having the right tools for the job to be able to um and then honestly every time I do that I think I've really dug in there. How does that bounce back?

[00:11:44]>> Yeah.

[00:11:44]>> Magic is what it is. So there's no marks on there but you've got that lovely angle. Cleanly cut even with me when my uh problems stop. And this does unscrew.

[00:11:54]I will just say the top there. This unscrews that so you can put another blade into there. Uh because that's basically literally a reusable tool that you can use over and over again. And then you just put that lid back on. Fits on perfectly. So that's yourself healing mat with your metal ruler and the uh craft knife. And the metal ruler with a craft knife is a must. It's a mustave.

[00:12:15]Um for me, this was a bit of a game changer. As you all know, um Sheila's lovely husband, sorry, I keep calling her husband. shield if you want of marriage you off again. Partner partner um made me a thicker um poke tool to use just because again dexterity. Um and this is why Leanne asked to see it. She wanted to see why and what I needed it for. I love the fact that it's got this long um paint um pointy bit there as well. I love the fact that it's got the little security cap on the top so you don't go around stabbing yourself. Don't throw it away. Keep it where it is. Uh but it means it's easier and comfortable to hold in the hand. My favorite I don't like tweezers. I've said it many a time.

[00:12:55]Tweezers I have a lovehate relationship with. I don't with a reverse pair. It's love love all the way for me because I I use to just grab something >> that it grabs hold of and then you can hold it into place. That just means again super easy. And that also has a little protective um over the top. And then the little precision snips. Really super sharp precision snips. Comfortable in the hand, ergonomical to hold. And again, another little safety feature on there. All of that for that price, I think, is a phenomenal deal.

[00:13:27]>> I would be buying this. I'd have like because, you know, I travel, so I'd have one for the car. I'd have one down at a hobby maker ready to go at that price.

[00:13:35]Literally, that is a superb price for essential tools that we all need in our lives to make crafting easier. That is a steal of a deal.

[00:13:45]>> Um, thank you for all the comments coming through. Um, Kellyo Sullivan says, "Debbie, I'm so glad you like it and it was a pleasure to do Millie and yes, Ben done with Colorista pencils just now." Uh, just Debbie Fisher for her. So, yeah, Colorista pencils. So, as we showed you yesterday, cuz I showed you the picture of Molly that Cali did, shows you the quality. So, if you're thinking if that deal is still there in the US that we had yesterday, snap it up. 48 pencils, I think it was for 950 platinum. Cray cray cray Z. Uh, hi to Carol Burn. Big with a bird says, "Hello to the smartl looking Ben and the gorgeous looking Debbie. I'm loving the hair." Oh, well, thank you so much.

[00:14:22]Thank you for saying you love. What's that?

[00:14:24]>> Excuse me.

[00:14:24]>> Oh, she's loving your hair.

[00:14:25]>> Me.

[00:14:26]>> Ah, >> me.

[00:14:27]>> Is it uh new or just styled?

[00:14:29]>> Just styled.

[00:14:30]>> Yeah, it's not new. Did you think it were new? No, it's just styled. I've just curled it. I like a little curl now and again. Um I've gone proper full-on curls with this one. Yeah. So, just just nice, isn't it, to have a little change.

[00:14:42]>> Very twirly and curly.

[00:14:43]>> It is. I had a little bit of a mix over the weekend. And I had a twirly one on the Friday and a straight one on the Saturday.

[00:14:49]>> Well, how do you curl it? You put socks in it like my Daisy does.

[00:14:52]>> No. No. Oh, actually, I've got a little wand that she could have if she wants it.

[00:14:57]>> A wand.

[00:14:57]>> You know those those non heatless, what do we call them? Heatless curlers. Got one of them. She could have if she wants cuz I don't use them.

[00:15:03]>> She wouldn't say no.

[00:15:04]>> She wouldn't say no. I'll get it out for her. I'll get it out for her. Thanks.

[00:15:08]>> Um, hello to Jane Adams who's joined us in Las Vegas. Crafty Stacy Lou says, "Hello, CTV and the amazing Ben and the stunning Debbie. Love from me and Cooper man." Um, Stacy Lou missed you.

[00:15:21]>> Oh, I know. I missed her. She told me afterwards. She sent me a message and I'm like, "Can't believe you were going there, not telling me." So, but yes, I'm glad you had a lovely time. I still need Cooperman cuddles is what I need.

[00:15:34]>> Yeah, I really do.

[00:15:35]>> Um, yeah, Cooperman cuddles. I mean, we all had lots of cuddles, didn't we? But um I think next time we should um bring pets to Craftaganza as well.

[00:15:44]>> Yeah.

[00:15:45]>> Well, of course there is, you know, fairy popping. What was she called?

[00:15:48]>> Harry Poppins.

[00:15:49]>> Harry Poppins could uh bit of a business.

[00:15:53]>> She could run like the dog crash, couldn't she? Whilst everyone crafts.

[00:15:56]>> She could do the dog craftaganza.

[00:15:59]>> Petaganza.

[00:16:00]>> Exactly. That's how good >> dogs.

[00:16:05]I like that one.

[00:16:06]>> We'll put it to the team. Uh Miss T.

[00:16:08]Georgia Pete says, "Hi, I have the essentials toolkit. I use it almost all the time, especially when creating with the template library, and I love it."

[00:16:15]Thank you, Melie Kellogg is in. Here I am, says Fred. Coffee and biscuits for all. And Susan Hope joins us from a not so sunny Wales. Kelly O Sullivan, by the way, has just bought another one of the tool kits. Thank you, Kelly. Great gifts as well. You know, if you're looking to um give someone a gift who loves their craft. We have four questions so far.

[00:16:34]Thank you. Four questions for Essentials Corner. We are ahead of the game already. Keep them coming in. Any questions, tool questions, craft questions, personal questions, get them in and we'll have a nice chit chat in about half an hour's time. Now, as well as doing brilliant tool kits, we are also worldrenowned here um for our scissors. Now, what I would say to you is before Debbie gets into telling you all around them, my mother is one of the hardest people to impress, right? She's a she's a bit of a stickler for detail.

[00:17:01]Um she, you know, takes a lot to be impressed. She has the nine inch scissors because she's got a great son.

[00:17:07]That's me. That is um because she was I told you the story before she came over.

[00:17:12]We're using the scissors. And she was like, "Well, scissors are scissors. You know, how can these scissors be better than any other scissors?" I put them in her hand. She tried them. She is now a CC scissors convert. Um and she absolutely loves them. So, if my mom loves them, you're going to love them, too. $11.51 is your platinum price on these, which is a great price. $17.99 if you're platinum. in the US. 9 in ones.

[00:17:33]First of all, Debbie, and as I say, until you've got these in your hand, you won't realize just how bad the scissors you've got at home, cuz these are like next level scissors, aren't they?

[00:17:43]>> They are incredible scissors. I would shout from the rooftops about how good these scissors are. Um, and there is a place for each set of scissors in your craft room. The large ones being for those larger cuts, those larger clean cuts. Uh for me personally, having the measurements up to the 3 inch mark already on there means that I can do precision cutting at certain lengths. Do you know like when you're on your boxes and things like that? Um or for me when I do my cut and book fold, you know me because I don't book book folding. But I do cut and um folding and cut. So cut and fold the cold and sometimes you require like measurements. Oh my god, these have been a game changer in that.

[00:18:24]Um it is also the quality of them. So now these are really sharp. So you would not be putting your finger going like this down there in a second. What I'm just opening them up for is to tell you that they are they they've got the coating on them that stops them from allowing you know adhesives to stick to them and then not come off.

[00:18:42]>> This it just literally a clean cloth wipes them off. Just be careful when you are doing it. They are very sharp scissors. These >> you can hear the quality of them. you do that with a pair of scissors at home, you won't hear that quality. Um, and they are really, really amazing scissors. And like I said, there's sometimes where you need like a longer cut, do you know, not a shorter cut. Um, and they really do cut beautifully with that. Now then, I always get this the wrong way around. Titanium.

[00:19:12]>> Mhm.

[00:19:12]>> It is titanium, isn't it?

[00:19:14]>> I always try and remember. Is it titanium? I keep saying steel.

[00:19:18]>> It's a blade.

[00:19:19]>> No, it's Japanese stainless steel.

[00:19:21]I said that's where I said I get them both mixed up. So, Japanese stainless steel.

[00:19:27]>> Yeah.

[00:19:28]>> Beautiful. You can hear it. You can absolutely hear the quality of those scissors. Scissors that are not just used for craft. I tell this story all the time. My daughter is very particular because she deals with fabrics. She's very particular about scissors only being used for fabric >> until she used these and she were like, "Mom, I ain't got my fabric scissors with me." And I were like, "Well, do you want to use mine?" She went, "No, no, no, no. You use them for paper. They'll be blunt." I went, "Try them."

[00:19:56]>> She tried them and she went, "I need some."

[00:19:58]>> Yeah.

[00:19:58]>> And so I got some and she's got a pair, well, she's got two pairs actually now of these scissors because they cut fabric beautifully. Card stock. You can mix between the two. I know what all the people in there now shouting at the screen telling me. Oh, you don't use, but you can. What I'm saying is you can.

[00:20:15]Um, they're absolutely good quality scissors, fantastic price as well. Um, and definitely having multiples of them because don't just use them for craft.

[00:20:23]>> As you may or may not be aware, I have them in every single room of the house, >> including the bedroom.

[00:20:29]>> Including the bedroom >> and the car.

[00:20:32]>> And the car. He caught me. He caught me with them in the car, didn't you? He said, "What you doing with scissors, car?" I said, "You never know when you need scissors."

[00:20:38]>> Yeah, >> you need scissors. And I've got plenty of scissors and I am using the best scissors in the business.

[00:20:45]>> That's what these are. Try them at the price that they're on today if you've never tried them and then thank me for it later.

[00:20:53]>> Uh, and you know what? G Marie's just ordered the big scissors. Really looking forward to using them. Keep the scissors that you've got currently and then try those alongside the big scissors and you'll see the difference. Like they cut so beautifully. Evening boy. Hello.

[00:21:07]Hello to Fay Smith. Hello to Beth. He says, "Hello to Ben and Debbie. So sad not to meet you at Craftaganza. I hope you like the music from Green Group as much as we did. Ben was good fun." Uh says Elizabeth. Yeah, we had a bit of a um uh David Essex sing along and Bucks Fizz. We did as well, didn't we?

[00:21:27]>> I love a bit of David Essics.

[00:21:28]>> I didn't know how much of a fan you were of David.

[00:21:30]>> Yeah, I like David Essics. Yeah, I've followed him. Well, many, many, many.

[00:21:34]>> Have you seen him in concert?

[00:21:35]>> No. David Essics is one that passed me by >> seen some others, >> but I've always been a big fan. It's very, very easy.

[00:21:43]>> That's what my mom always says. Yeah.

[00:21:45]I've told you this before as well. Mom likes him because she she go I said, "What is it about David Essics is, you know, he's not he's he's an all right singer, is he not the best singer in the world?" He said, "Oh, oh, Ben, >> he's got a twinkle."

[00:21:55]>> He has. He's got a little twinkle in his eye. He appeared in East Enders for a little while as well, >> didn't he?

[00:22:01]>> Why did they get rid of him?

[00:22:03]>> There were a bit of bad though in there.

[00:22:04]So, but I loved what I love watching him. He's got lovely dick tones as well, aren't he?

[00:22:11]>> Yeah, he's one of these, isn't he? He does a bit of singing, doesn't he? A bit of acting, but he does some stage stuff, of course, as well because he was in um Vita, wasn't he? I think initially.

[00:22:19]Yeah.

[00:22:20]>> Yeah.

[00:22:20]>> Oh, David. Um Kendall Sarafin says, "I've got all the scissors. I love them." And Jane says, "Hey, Ben and Debbie. Did you hear about the burglary at the detergent factory?"

[00:22:32]No, I didn't hear about the burglary in the detergent factory yet, Jane.

[00:22:35]>> No, apparently the thief made a clean getaway. A >> yes, Jane. Um, >> oh dear.

[00:22:43]>> Allison Mar says, "I've just been cutting out paper out a paper sewing pattern using the large CC scissors, and they are amazing." And thank you guys. I mean, this is going to be a bumper session uh in about 20 minutes time.

[00:22:54]Seven questions already. Now, we do 9 in scissors. We also do 6 in scissors.

[00:23:01]Price on the screen here for these £9.35 platinum. If you're in the US, $14.39.

[00:23:06]When when might we have the 6 in scissors as opposed to the 9 in ones? Do you need both?

[00:23:12]>> Absolutely need both because sometimes when you're moving down into like certain projects and I think I did I I can't remember. I did some filming recently. In fact, you'll probably see it soon when there's a new launch coming out where I talk about scissors in that filming. Um because um when you want to use sometimes that that's just too big for those more intricate like I I was going around some curves. I was going to say if I said alphabet you probably know what I mean large. Um but so I needed to switch scissors and I switched down to the 6 in ones. Same quality, same good grip. Um same uh blade in there. You can hear the quality with the snip. They also make exceedingly good hair scissors >> for trimming fringes. Ah, >> I trim my fringe regularly because this is the only part of my hair that grows very fast considering everywhere else.

[00:24:02]So, they make really good hair scissors as well. Um, and I know you hairdressers out there will be screaming at me the screen again saying, "Debby, Debbie, no, you got no seriously brilliant scissors." Um, but there is a different time and a different place in your craft when you'll need to move down to the smaller size, which make it a bit easier to maneuver around. So, yes. Yes. And the next one, >> what are those? Are they the four and a half inch snips, Debbie?

[00:24:28]>> The snips, as we all call them, the little snippy scissors.

[00:24:31]>> Yeah.

[00:24:31]>> When you want to go into really smaller uh projects, when you need to get into those tiny areas, in those little bits, those these are the ones to use. If you've done craft and you saw what we were making, you'll totally understand why you needed a pair of snips because um to release things as well easily and for those small smaller cuts, but again, same quality, same ergonomical shape with that um that um comfort grip. I absolutely love mine. I cannot live without them. I love all three and I would be lost without all three. And they're the best scissors that I've ever used in craft.

[00:25:08]>> Yeah. And um those little snips like Debbie says you will have used those no doubt at Craftagua. Use them at our class. And of course the little snips are great for the small pips aren't they getting those bits and pieces out. 575 if you're in the UK and you're platinum.

[00:25:23]Um so jump in and grab those skis. Um hi to everyone who is messaging in. Thank you for all the lovely comments. Uh Little Bear says, "I've seen Doman Meatloaf and Dr. Hook in concert but not all at the same time." Uh, best concerts you've ever been to. Go in the comments, best concert. Uh, hi to Crafty Angie.

[00:25:43]And Stephanie Theodore says, and this is in the words of Debbie Fischer. I love those scissors because >> they just work, but I still keep separate ones for sewing. I think I'm using the original pair that I bought.

[00:25:55]Um, hello also to Trudy Bickham who says the snips are my absolute favorite. Now, here's the thing. You're thinking we've covered off all the scissors here because we've done the 9 in, we've done the 6 in, done the 4 and 1/2 in nips.

[00:26:06]Ha. But did you know we've also got fringe scissors? And let me just tell you the price you're about to see here is bonkers. What deal is that? Another 10% come off that $5.75.

[00:26:19]Um when There you go. There's a US price. When are we using fringe scissors and >> when you want a bit of fun in your life with fringe? When you want to create fringe when with any of your card stock, any of your papers. Um it makes great. I mean I love the fringe scissors. Um, the fact that you've got the four blades there straight away is just gives you that instant fringe.

[00:26:39]>> Love it. I mean, these are good fun.

[00:26:42]They're a lot of fun, these, Ben. An absolute brilliant price as well today.

[00:26:47]Look at that. To create that fun fringe.

[00:26:50]Just love them. Again, another set of scissors that you might think, do I really need? But always good to have when you want to add that little fun detail to your projects. Um, so definitely grab those. That is a crazy deal both here in the UK and at the US.

[00:27:06]Um, so yes, definitely get your fringe scissors uh for those fun cuts cuz I love them.

[00:27:12]>> Oh, look at that. Super.

[00:27:13]>> You know what? They're going to go lovely in, you know, like we've got we're releasing the dresses tomorrow and that to fringe a dress up >> like um Hawaiian skirts and that.

[00:27:21]>> Yeah. Get like a little, you know, like little >> hula hula skirt. Skirt. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, also good for like cutting um like to make your stammans and stuff like that, I guess. Isn't it?

[00:27:30]>> Stammans is a brilliant one. Absolutely brilliant one. I I love that idea. But lots of fun with it as well because you can create your flowers and your petals and things like that with those as well.

[00:27:40]As well as your grass, as well as your fringed um Oh, cupcake. That nice cupcake holder fringe that just there's just lots of things that you can do with them.

[00:27:48]They're a fun pair of scissors, but they're still functional and a great price. Um, on the subject of best concerts, Hillary said, "Mine is either Fleetwood Mack at the Newcastle Arena."

[00:27:57]Wow. Or Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at Alexandra Palace. It's difficult because I've been to hundreds of gigs. Uh, >> it is difficult when you've been to a lot of gigs. It's very hard to choose something.

[00:28:08]>> Elton John Powderum Castle Ex when it was Elton and his piano for two and a half hours. That was it. I think that's my favorite gig ever. He was unbelievable. He did not stop singing for two and a half hours. Unreal. What a performer. What a showman. Favorite gig?

[00:28:24]There's too many. Favorite one last year was five cuz they were back.

[00:28:29]>> Five Bad Boys with the power to rock you.

[00:28:31]>> Bad Boys with the Power to Rock You were just brilliant. I love me West Life. I won't lie. I can't wait. I've got two this year. One on the eve of my birthday. So, I'm super excited about that. Um, but there's just too many.

[00:28:44]Shaniah Twe and Dara Ross. Um, I've been to Live Eight. I've been to um literally seen the amazing people. George Michael, there's been so many amazing people that I've seen over the years. Girl, and as dafted as it is, all the cheesy pot books fizz of course I've seen hundreds of times. Girls Allow, Bananaama, all my boy bands. I I could go on and on and on. It's too hard to choose.

[00:29:11]>> And I can't. And I'm not.

[00:29:13]>> One of my other favorites just because I'll tell you what. I've changed your mind. I've changed your mind. Can I change my mind?

[00:29:18]>> You picked one of you.

[00:29:19]>> Hands down the best best person I've ever seen live. The best Selen Dion.

[00:29:24]>> Oh, >> cried. I cried. I cried like a baby.

[00:29:28]>> I want me own. My daughter's bought it me. Cried like a baby. She was magnificent.

[00:29:33]>> I love her.

[00:29:34]>> I've got no more words to say. She's just, if you've seen her, you you'll totally understand what I mean.

[00:29:40]>> One of my favorite gigs I went to because um it was a childhood hero of mine. And again, I used my uh kind of uh sway of being a local radio presenter to get in and do a little backstage thing with him afterwards. Plymouth Pavilions circa 2003.

[00:29:56]Shaking Stevens.

[00:29:57]>> Ah, >> saw him live and then got invited back to his dressing room afterwards.

[00:30:02]>> Oh, amazing.

[00:30:03]>> Yeah. Yeah.

[00:30:03]>> Amazing. I love Shaky.

[00:30:05]>> Me and Shaky. He was brilliant cuz he must have been um >> he must have been 50 old at the time, but he was still he was still shaking.

[00:30:12]He still can waggle them. He can shake those little lips. He can.

[00:30:15]>> Yeah. Love him.

[00:30:16]>> And his double denim.

[00:30:18]>> Yeah, double denim. Oh, you got to love shaking.

[00:30:21]>> I believe you went into a green room with Shaky Stevens.

[00:30:23]>> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

[00:30:25]>> There's a sh There's a joke there, but I'm not going to do it because I'll get told off. Um but yeah, he was brilliant.

[00:30:30]What a performer. Um good old Michael Barrett. There you go. There's one for a pub quiz. That's his real name. Um I saw David Essex in the early 80s, says Susan Hope. His eyes were really, really blue.

[00:30:41]Mesmerizing.

[00:30:42]>> He has he has got extremely beautiful eyes.

[00:30:46]>> Completely get you on that one.

[00:30:48]>> Uh Tina Turner at the O2 Arena for me says Calio Sullivan. Tina Turner. She was >> Tina's a good one.

[00:30:54]>> Yeah.

[00:30:54]>> T I'm not going to lie. I bet Tina was I bet she was amazing.

[00:30:59]>> Um Crafty Stacy Lou One Direction with her niece.

[00:31:03]>> Oh wow. Well, yeah. I I won't lie.

[00:31:06]Another one of my top three Harry Styles.

[00:31:08]>> Oh really?

[00:31:10]genuinely with Debs and Joe. It was one of the best best gigs. It was amazing.

[00:31:16]>> And Jen Shanks says her best Aerosmith was my favorite concert back in the day.

[00:31:20]Now it's Stick Figure and Jack Johnson.

[00:31:24]>> Stick Figure.

[00:31:25]>> I've never heard of St. I know Jack Johnson. Is there Jack Johnson? Stick Figure.

[00:31:29]>> Yeah, neither have I. Um, keep those coming. Favorite gigs. We would love to hear from Yao. We've got nine questions now. Nine questions, which is brilliant.

[00:31:38]Thank you. keep them coming in. H now a little bit earlier on I talked you around this next item. Did a quick demo with it as well because you know I'm that kind of gay. Uh it is the Crafters Companion circle cutter and 12in magnetic cutting mat. This is only available in the US. So apologies UK friends, but it is fantastic as Debbie will show. You get the mat, you've got magnets, you've got rulers, and the perfect partner to go with this is your circle cutter. It's $42.39 if you're a platinum member. And of course, I always think, you know, you can use your guillotines and um trimmers, can't you, to create um you know, rectangles, squares, mats, and layers, all that kind of stuff. But circles are so hard to um create, you know, very hard to do freehand. If you've got nesting dies, then absolutely fine. But what this allows you to do is create um circles in lots of different sizes, cutting through lots of different materials as well. And it's a s It looks complicated, Debbie, doesn't it? But it's super simple. Well, this is bend proof. It's very easy to go. Is it from three and a half up to 12? I think.

[00:32:39]>> Well, Ben, if you remember, you taught me how to use it.

[00:32:41]>> Oh, yes, I did.

[00:32:42]>> Yeah, you taught me how to use it cuz we got it. So, we hadn't seen it. I'd heard about it. I got excited about it. Never got my hands on it until I got up here.

[00:32:49]And Ben, I said to Ben, "Ben, I don't know how it works."

[00:32:51]>> And you came in, showed me, and I'm like, >> "Easy."

[00:32:55]>> It's brilliant, isn't it?

[00:32:56]>> Easy. Absolutely blooming love it. Cuts from a three and a half inch right up to a 12 in. I mean, that is sensational.

[00:33:02]And if you did watch the show with Leanne when she launched it, she showed you all the different fun ways that you could use this as well and how to create your frames because don't just think of it as a solid. Think of it as the way that you could cut frames out in it as well. Um with your uh magnet and I mean when I say power powerful magnetic base it is with your magnets. Then you've got your uh safety catch at the bottom which you just lift. Um you literally just um take off. Um and then when you get that desired, you know, whichever size you want to create, uh let's go in and um in fact, let's just do that. Let's get that. We'll sit that there. I wonder if I've got another piece of piece of card stock.

[00:33:41]>> Oh, she's going to do a little demo.

[00:33:43]>> Go on then.

[00:33:44]>> Here we go.

[00:33:44]>> Have I got enough time?

[00:33:45]>> Yeah.

[00:33:46]>> Yeah.

[00:33:48]>> We've got nine questions so far.

[00:33:51]Hey, that I like that. Nine questions.

[00:33:54]Hey, up the good ones.

[00:33:55]>> Me, too.

[00:33:56]>> I would say now then I might have to change this in a little bit. Um, so to um to unlock you just literally turn the top part that unlocks the um blade. Um and then you've got this bit that and I'm just thinking how strong were you when you tightened this up?

[00:34:10]>> Oh, sorry about that.

[00:34:10]>> Load in heaven. And then you've got all of the uh measurements whether you measure in inches or whether you measure in centimeters. We forget to talk about centimeters. Um, so let's go to a 20, in fact, 18 and a half cm circle. So, tighten that up. You're then going to lock the um blade into place.

[00:34:35]>> Mhm.

[00:34:35]>> And then pop that down. And then just move you out of the way for a second.

[00:34:42]And if you find that the magnets, you just move them. It is that that simple.

[00:34:46]And you're literally just going to take that round. Oh, that were close.

[00:34:50]>> Just >> just but to hold it into place to cut those circles out. And I mean, seriously, absolutely phenomenal to do that. I love the idea of a circle cutter. I was so excited when I heard about it. Um, now it's a mustaf tool in the craft room um to create those without the use of a nesting die. And if you think about nesting dies, nesting dies only go up to a certain >> certain size. Yeah. You've now got the ability to go from a three and a half right up to a 12.

[00:35:22]Absolutely amazing. Um, so yes, simple, easy to use. Um, and uh, uhoh, what have I done with the safety thing?

[00:35:30]>> Whoops. I need to find that because I've just placed I've just chucked the I've lost the I've lost the um, safety for the Yes.

[00:35:38]>> What are you like?

[00:35:38]>> What am I like? Oops. I'll go and find it. I promise. I bet I've knocked it on floor.

[00:35:43]>> Whilst you're having a look, I can read a few more concerts out here. 10 questions now. This is marvelous. Uh, with 10 minutes to spare. Um, I've been to four concerts, One Direction, Little Mix. Lionel Richie in 1975, says Crafty Stacy.

[00:35:58]>> 75. Who's been to see 1975?

[00:35:59]>> Stacy Lou.

[00:36:00]>> Oh, Stacy.

[00:36:01]>> Um, >> I'd have gone we had known. I love Matts. Oh my god, I love some of their songs are just amazing.

[00:36:07]>> Current concert for G Marie, Lady Gaga's Mayhem Ball a few months ago at MSG.

[00:36:13]Amazing.

[00:36:14]Madison Square Gardens. Best concert for Fay Smith, the Eagles.

[00:36:19]I tell you, I'd love to have seen um I love the music so much. D Straits love them.

[00:36:26]>> Hatner.

[00:36:27]Um just said, "I bet Hillary's Hillary, have you seen D Straits?" Uh Carly says, "Hi everyone. Just a quick hello before I start driving." Hello. And Carolyn says, "Fleetwood Mac with opener Chris Cross." Christopher Cross, not Chris Cross. Going to make you jump. We're going to go jump >> Christopher Cross as in >> Jump Jump. I love Christopher.

[00:36:47]>> What was the song he sang? Um, uh, Ride Like the Wind and also um Oh, the theme tune to one of a Dudley Moore movie. Oh, >> Christopher Cross. Oh, it's going to really annoy me.

[00:37:10]>> Arthur's theme. Yes, >> that was it. And the movie was called Arthur. Uh, yeah, Dudley Moore, 1981. 11 questions. Oh, I forgot. Elton John back in the day when he wore all the fantastic costumes and it was on Halloween, says Jane Adams. My that would have been amazing.

[00:37:24]>> I bet that were fabulous.

[00:37:26]>> And Alex says, "I had a friend who worked in a nightclub. I saw David Essex so many times. Also, Lulu. Very good. A Jack Jones.

[00:37:35]>> That was a very long time ago. My mom was the one drooling." Jack Jones. Was he like a kuner?

[00:37:41]>> Jack Jones? I don't I thought that were a I thought that were a new person.

[00:37:45]>> No, that's Jax Jones.

[00:37:47]>> Oh, >> yeah. Old American crew. I thought he was. Um, Carol D says, "Good morning, Crafters. I went to the MTV Music Awards way back in the 80s in excess. Robert Palmer, Monkeys, Pet Shop Boys, Whitney Houston, all performing live.

[00:38:06]>> It was fun.

[00:38:09]Whitney.

[00:38:09]>> Wow.

[00:38:10]>> Oh, wow.

[00:38:11]>> Um, Melie Kellogg seen Alice Cooper. I bet that was legendary. The Stones and the Eagles to name a few. Um, hello Wendy Barker. And Hillary says, "I haven't seen Draits. Not my sort of thing, but my brother saw them." Um, Mark Notflu of course he's still um he's still doing bits and pieces, I think, isn't he? Mark Not >> alive.

[00:38:34]>> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I one of the I said this um because last year was um the 40th anniversary, wasn't it, of um Live Aid and they they they put all of the um concert back up on BBCi Player. I spent an evening just watching it alling because I was too young to really see it first time around. I think I was only like five or six.

[00:38:54]Unbelievable some of the sets and obviously Drait's there. So good. So good.

[00:38:59]>> Status Corp opening it up.

[00:39:00]>> Yeah. And Phil Collins of course.

[00:39:02]>> Yeah.

[00:39:03]>> Doing both of them.

[00:39:04]>> Both. Yeah, that how how amazing is that >> to do both?

[00:39:09]>> I know. But then what I loved is I can't remember now. I'd have to rewatch it back again, but then you had like um some of the artists would then stay on stage like Eric Clapton I think was then playing with like D straight and then Phil Collins stayed on and was drumming with one like there's all these like different collabs going on.

[00:39:23]>> Golf did was magnificent. It was so it was groundbreaking. He'll forever be he will be forever remembered for live a >> and the way he uh asked people lovingly for money.

[00:39:35]>> Oh, I'll never forget that as long as I live.

[00:39:38]>> I think it was like TV mid-after afternoon and he might have dropped a few naughty words in there.

[00:39:42]>> He did.

[00:39:42]>> Yeah.

[00:39:42]>> But he's passionate. He's a passionate Irish man. So, we'll leave it there.

[00:39:47]>> Um doesn't like Mondays. No. Little Bear says, "Ben, I listen to your choice of music on the radio channel this morning." Very good. Thank you. I don't I sadly I don't choose the music. I have to admit that. But the music we play on the station is very good. Uh '7s, ' 80s, 90s, naughties and um up to date stuff as well. Uh best concerts for me were Arasia, says Maria Lewis. The Village People.

[00:40:08]>> Oh wow.

[00:40:09]>> And Prince, that must have been amazing.

[00:40:12]>> Prince.

[00:40:13]>> And Amanda Hubbet says, "I forgot to say that I saw Genesis at Hatfield House. Uh the queuing was horrendous and people abandoned their cars on the A1 and ended up walking to the concert." Um, it was mad and the very best. And I've just heard Johnny say that Charlotte Bruce has just won this game.

[00:40:29]>> Genesis.

[00:40:30]>> No.

[00:40:31]>> Oh, >> 1967 Elvis Presley.

[00:40:34]>> Wow.

[00:40:35]>> Charlotte, you win that game.

[00:40:37]>> That must have been.

[00:40:38]>> Can you imagine?

[00:40:40]>> To say that you've seen the king of rock and roll, >> Charlotte. Where was it? Please, we need to know uh before we go. How was he? Uh, I was so excited when I won the circle cutter, says Pat. magnetic cut in my in my bag from Leanne in Texas. I'm excited because it goes up to 12 inches. It does. And if you need something else that cuts, we have got, by the way, 11 questions. Now, we have got the guillotine. This is brilliant. And Debbie, I think I speak for the likes of Sheila and I know when um Jack was here and Helen all marveling at our guillotine because it's um a bit of a one in a million this because it's a guillotine, but not just a guillotine.

[00:41:16]>> No. And it's the best out there. It is the best out there because of Leanne's stickling detail. She's a sticker for detail and what she wanted to do was make it more than just a guillotine which is why you've got the incorporated scoreboard into there. But what you've got is the easy grip handle. I've had many a guillotine in the past where the handles are fiddly. The handles fall off. This is in there. It's in there.

[00:41:38]It's It's a really nice wide one to grab hold of. Um and then you've got the Arden stainless steel blade as well.

[00:41:51]It's one day. One day, one day I'll learn. I'm live. One day I'll learn. One day I'm going to get into trouble. Yeah, you're right, Johnny. I'm going to get into trouble. You're all right.

[00:41:59]>> It's okay. You've got your finger guard on there. It's self It's It literally self cuts. Selfsharpens itself each time. You've got your metric and your imperial. In layman's terms, it's literally centimeters and inches. You've got your scoring tool in there, the non-slip rubber feet, extendable measuring ruler is the word it's called.

[00:42:19]I call it a leg. You pull the leg out or the arm out, whatever you want to do.

[00:42:22]But then it takes it up right up to that 13 in, which is 33 cm. Now, be warned.

[00:42:29]Yes, >> this is a blade. This is not, >> I repeat, not >> a little V cut trimmer. This is a blade made with precision. I'm telling you, this is super sharp. It's the best thing out there and I would not be without mine. What a great price to get hold of that. If you've never if honestly if out of all the tools, >> that would be the way I would go first.

[00:42:52]Yeah, >> that would be the big one that I would go. I'll get that one out the way. The smaller one. Yes, absolutely. Great for smaller work. But I use this probably 99% of the time I craft. I use it all the time. It's a well-loved mine and I honestly cannot recommend it enough.

[00:43:10]>> Um, I saw Donnie Osmond in the early 70s in Madison Square Garden, says Trudy.

[00:43:16]And Sparkly Sue, who's at craft, says, "Memorable concert in the 70s. Mom took me to see the Rolling Stones and Freddy and the Dreamers.

[00:43:24]You were made for me. Everybody tells me so." Um, she asked the first aid man for some cotton wool for her ears because it was so noisy. Um, and I remember exactly where I was when Live Aid started, says Hillary. I was in Dixon's on Northland Street with a raging hangover. It was the day after my husband's 18th. Ooh, we were ill.

[00:43:47]>> Um, and Jane says, "My mom loved seeing Elvis at the Internal Hotel in Las Vegas. She got to see him several times."

[00:43:57]>> Wow. Wow. I'm really glad we started that conversation because that is incredible um to read all of those. Um, we're gonna have a short break. We've got, as I say, 11 questions so far. Feel free to add yours. We'll get through as many as we can in just a few moments time. Oh, and also just to um remind you whilst you are all here, make sure you come back, please, at 6 tonight because it's just me and you this evening for Crafts Under the Hammer. Deals will go live about 5 or 10 minutes before the show. Um, and they'll come off straight after the show. Uh, there are 12 deals, I believe, this evening with up to 70% off. What will they be? Well, you'll have to be with me at 6 to see uh whilst I get over to Essentials Corner with the questions. Uh oh, 12 questions. Now, let's show you this little video that Sara recorded at Craftaganza. It premiered at Craftaganza and it's her take on why we do what we do.

[00:44:57]Most people have no idea of my why. my why for why I started Crafters Companion all those years ago. And honestly, it was this. It was the customers. Because people who craft, it's not a hobby for them. It's not even a passion. It's their life. And it means so much to them in their life. And when you see the happiness that it brings and so many people found crafting maybe in a difficult time in their lives, they'd lost a loved one perhaps and this really became their salvation. And I speak to so many amazing customers and they tell me just what it means to them. And whether it is the mental well-being, for a lot of people, crafting is their therapy. It brings communities together.

[00:45:41]It brings people together. And you can see the outpouring of love that goes into every single piece that people make. And it's when I get to do things like this and spend time with our customers that it makes me just remember about that why. And you know what?

[00:45:58]Business is really tough, especially at the moment. Business is really, really challenging. And when I come and spend time with my customers like this, it just reminds me why. Why it's so important, why it means so much to these people and how much joyiness the actual art of crafting can bring. I feel incredibly lucky. I feel incredibly privileged to have the most unbeliev customers the world who have supported me in the business through thick and thin over the last two decades. And to be able to see what I give back to them and what it brings to their life is the most special thing in the world.

[00:46:45]Welcome back everybody. There you go. a few little um videos and a a big thank you from Sara for what was a fantastic event. Um hopefully you enjoyed it whether you came to the UK or the US. I know there's plenty of talk going on. I just Sara's just you know what she's like. Um she's going big. She's saying we're going to be doing I think one on every continent or something. I don't know. We're renting out piano fairies and all sorts at the minute. So just just cruise ships just take it all with a pinch of salt. I would imagine with the success of it we probably will do it again next year. uh where when how don't know but uh you know what Sara is like is all I will say right uh oh sounded like John please then right um we have got a selection of questions um I don't know if she has Allison the first question has Debbie seen the picture that I did of the team have I have you seen that yet >> have I seen what >> so Debbie uh Allison did a um you know the our family story >> yes >> she did a family >> portrait if you like of all of us >> oh no I've seen it.

[00:47:49]>> No, I've not seen it. I was I think Green Room earlier. Where were we in Green Room?

[00:47:53]>> I don't know. I thought it was >> I shall I shall go and have a look after this show. I shall go and have a look, Allison. And I'm sure it's fabulous.

[00:48:00]>> Um Oh, question. Now, this one came in yesterday from Reed's way. Um and I don't know if I don't think we answered it, did we? Sheila was here. Um glue on mirror card.

[00:48:10]>> Yes.

[00:48:10]>> How to save it if you get glue on there?

[00:48:12]Is there a way of getting it off? That was the question, I think.

[00:48:14]>> Well, do you know the little rubber um the eraser? you know the I call it that little magic eraser >> um that is in the is it the foam pad kit the adhesive kit >> that's a really good one now the problem with and it depends on the glue you've used I don't know if she'll answer the same thing there but it depends on the glue you've used because you wouldn't use allpurpose onto a mirror card because if that splurges out and you try to wipe it away or let it dry it lifts because it's solvent based It lifts the color of the glitter card or the the mirror card. So, a tacky glue is okay.

[00:48:53]Use the tacky glue. You have to let it set. It has to set. But if you have had a little bit of glue come out, wait until it's dried and then use that little magic eraser. It's like a little um glue eraser. I call it the goubbins eraser because it just takes off all those. And you can potentially save it.

[00:49:11]It depends on how much is there >> is what I'm going to say. I've saved a few pieces. There are times when I've just put too much glue on. I've been too heavy-handed and I've just thought, you know what, it's a bit of card. Start again. So, little magic eraser is what you need.

[00:49:26]>> Uh Stacy Lee, the gifts for Debbie, were they passed on? A little worried with it being glass. Are they in the green room as well or have they not found their way through yet?

[00:49:34]>> No. What's >> they've not found their way through yet?

[00:49:37]>> Not again. I shall go and have a look, Stacy. I promise I'll go and have a look. There was only two in there. Two for Deb, two for me. So, I'll go and have a little look and see if I can find them.

[00:49:47]>> Um, Kendall Sarafhin has a very good question. So, you know the um colored glue sticks that we did.

[00:49:52]>> Yes.

[00:49:53]>> What are the different things that you could use those for? Says Kendall. I mean, obviously for sticking, right?

[00:49:58]>> No.

[00:49:58]>> No.

[00:49:59]>> Oh, no. The colored sticking.

[00:50:00]>> Well, you're not using them for like >> Oh, no.

[00:50:02]>> What happens if you wanted them to match up you with your papers though?

[00:50:04]>> You could if you've got a matching paper.

[00:50:08]>> That's what I was going with there.

[00:50:09]>> You gave you a look there.

[00:50:10]>> Yeah. That's what I was hoping she was going to say. and then go on to go or you can use it as embellishments >> only because only because you're right Ben you are right I'll give you that you are right but personally myself >> I wouldn't be using it for that that color glue I use for embellishments I think it looks really lovely as like your because you can create your own sized embellishments as well and then you can add things into them like glitter and all that kind of stuff to to really go to town but Ben is right I will give him his juice if If you've got a paper that matches that color, then yes, of course, you can use it onto there. But personally, myself, I use it for embellishments and other things.

[00:50:52]>> Steven Ferguson, I recognize that name.

[00:50:55]What is the difference between shading and blending?

[00:50:59]>> Oh, that's a good question. I like that one. Stephen, excuse me. So, blending is when you're blending some colors together. Excuse me. I would have a tickle. That's because I went, "Oh, that's a good question. Excuse me. So blended. I do. Yeah. I do a little tickle. I've literally It's Do you know when you take that? Do you know sometimes when you take a bit of bit of air into the back of your throat? Do >> you want to grab one and I'll feel fine.

[00:51:23]It's fine. I should be okay. It should be okay. So, Stephen, blending is when you're blending colors together, right?

[00:51:28]>> Okay. So, >> um you can like blend um so I I'll talk pencils first. Pencils you can blend colors together and then you can use your your solutions and things like that where you can blend them even more. Um, but you can also add dimension and shading to that with the pen to create that shading. So, it's a good question.

[00:51:48]Blending first, but the darker shades to to add the shade, make it pop that little bit more. So, that's the only difference. Blending is where you can blend colors together and so you can take it from like a lighter medium to a dark, but of course using the dark then creates shading. So, it's almost like a natural process together that works together. Um, so yes, that that's the difference between the two. But shading is a really good question because shading gives depth and dimension.

[00:52:15]That's why you need the darker colors where you can enhance that shading and and create the depth that it needs when you're using it for your coloring projects. Whether that be with an alcohol pen or whether that be with a a water colored medium or whether that be with your wax based pencils, you can create all of that together. It's almost like a natural thing where it you go from blending something together to then adding shading into that to add that um extra bit to it.

[00:52:41]>> Thank you. Little bear says, "Aqua markers, can you scribble on the glass mat and then pick up with the brush to apply to your card?"

[00:52:49]>> Absolutely. Absolutely. And I know a lot of demonstrators in the past and still um do that where they don't feel confident enough to take the color directly onto the cardstock because you do have to be quick. We won't make no bones about it. If you're taking a wet medium onto some dry card stock, it dries pretty quick.

[00:53:09]>> Okay? So, you need to be fast with that.

[00:53:12]So, that's why we would say have your damp brush ready to go that when you put it down, you're then able to uh emulsify that effect. So, what a lot of people do is that they put it onto the glass mat because it doesn't dry and then you can pick it up and color that way. So, there's no right or wrong way. It's I think it's more of a confidence thing and a more of what is right for you. And I'll be honest, I do both. So for me, I I I'm I'm I'm okay to take it directly on, but I know I have to work quick.

[00:53:41]>> Okay.

[00:53:42]>> If you don't work quick, pop it onto the glass mat, pick it up, and color that way.

[00:53:46]>> Uh how long have we got? Eight minutes.

[00:53:48]Uh Kelly O' Sullivan question. I've just bought the hot fix rhinestone tool. What are all the different heads for? Oh, all the different um um so I'm assuming Kelly that you've got the uh gems, the hot fix gems um that are specifically they've got adhesive specifically for heat.

[00:54:06]>> Um so that's why you've got the different tools in there for the different sizes. So if you've got the whole lot, you'll see that you've got some um uh do they call it faceted? Is that the right word? Faceted. Yeah.

[00:54:17]Yeah. Where it's it's like curved and there shaped. So that's why you've got different eds for those for those different shapes and different sizes.

[00:54:24]Um, and that's why you why you do need those different eds in there. And then you've got the flat one as well. So, yeah.

[00:54:31]>> Thank you. Uh, Kelly. Um, Susan says, "I know I'm stu. You're not stupid." Susan Hope, "I know I'm stupid, but how do you use the scissors with inches on?" That is not a silly question, is it?

[00:54:44]>> With the scissors in >> inches on, how do you use them?

[00:54:46]>> So, so if you are cutting something at an inch, >> Yeah. You line your card stock up and you put it to the one inch marking on the scissors. Snip one inch cut.

[00:54:56]>> You don't have to measure it. Guaranteed it's a one inch cut. So, same with the two. Same with the three. So, if you want a 3in cut, but you don't want to measure it, you take your card stock up to the 3 in and snip. And you will have a 3in measurement perfectly done, perfectly cut by using those measurements on the side of your scissors.

[00:55:17]>> Oh, some great questions. Uh Stacy Lee says, "When you use your mini and the die has embossing detail, what can you add so it embosses?"

[00:55:25]>> A shim, >> a paper shim, a card stock shim.

[00:55:29]>> Nothing too heavy, Stacy. And the reason I'm saying that is is if you were to try and put two or three sheets in on top of the folder, oh, you'll feel the difference. You'll feel the resist. You You will really struggle. You'll feel like you're really churning. The danger there is is that you could do some damage. So, I would just try it with a shim of >> perhaps start with a lower GSM, like 120 gsm, >> um, and work up if you think it needs to just add that little bit of an extra detail. So, I put my myself personally with my machine at home, I put a 300 gsm only, one sheet in between the dye cut and the card stock. So, it's literally sitting on the top so that it pushes into it. Because, of course, you can't use a rubber embossing mat in there.

[00:56:13]It's a manual. It's not a It's not a It's not electronic. It's manual. So, just be careful. Be mindful. Start with a low GSM. See if it works. Increase it.

[00:56:21]Don't go any higher than 300.

[00:56:23]>> Uh Tracy wants to know, are the small snips that we showed, so the CC snips, are they the same but different to the snips that are in the essential tool kit? Are there any >> slightly bigger? The ones in the the ones in the um >> essentials tool kit >> essential tools kits are just slightly bigger. I do mean slightly. Um, and of course you'll see the difference with the steel that they were made from. So the Japanese uh steel on the precision snips. Perfect. Yeah. It isn't the same in the um the same in the in the um kit.

[00:56:55]>> Right.

[00:56:55]>> Yeah.

[00:56:56]>> Katherine says, "Good afternoon to Ben and Debbie. I'm doing rosettes with the ladies at craft club on Friday. Have you got any tips for holding paper strips straight whilst scoring as some have dexterity problems?"

[00:57:09]>> Oo. So you mean the strips that you put on and then you score?

[00:57:14]>> Oh, now then because it is difficult because you've got to you've got to anchor your hand onto the board. So I would probably start from >> depending on if they're like left or right-handed >> because you know when your board goes from left to right, don't you scoring, >> it's very hard to hold the sheet. So for me personally, I would just start at the other side of the scoreboard, >> right? and then just do the measurements that way because you can put your hand onto there to hold it into place >> because it is a bit tricky. Um, if that if that fails then I would take over and do it for them. Just see how they go on with that. But just try it from the other other angle.

[00:57:53]>> Um, I have the circle cutter, says Kelly, but I couldn't get the mat. Uh, what other mat could I use with it?

[00:58:01]>> Oh, uh, self-healing mat.

[00:58:03]>> Oh, right.

[00:58:04]>> Self-healing mat would be okay. Mhm.

[00:58:05]>> Glass mat. Wait a minute. Would the glass mat >> because obviously you haven't got that magnetic >> Well, you'd use your magnets to hold it down, wouldn't you?

[00:58:14]>> No, but I mean sticking the >> Oh, to stick the circle. Yes, the circle cutter because that's what holds it into place. I mean, you could try >> um to hold it and move it around, but just do it in stages. But yeah, I I see what you mean. So, what have we got? Let me think. The thing is, you wouldn't be able to use a magnetic shim from your um because that would hold the magnet down, but it would cut the magnet.

[00:58:38]>> Could you do it on your selfhealing cutting mat? Because it' be less likely to slip on there cuz it Yeah. Try try it with the Try it with a selfhealing cutting mat. So, I'm assuming, Kelly, that you didn't you only got the cutter, but you didn't get the magnetic mat with it.

[00:58:54]>> We do have any in stock, Ronnie?

[00:58:57]>> Not in the UK, I don't think. Do we >> UK? Just keep your eye open just to see if it comes back into stock. Yeah.

[00:59:03]>> Um, and a quick one here because I know we got to go in a sec. Can you use the letter press letters to hot foil with?

[00:59:09]Says Karen.

[00:59:10]>> Letter press letters to hot foil. Oo, >> I don't think.

[00:59:16]>> Wait a minute.

[00:59:18]No.

[00:59:19]>> No.

[00:59:20]>> No. Because you'll end up you'll end up sticking it to the letters, won't you?

[00:59:25]>> Let me think. I'm trying to think in my head. I'm trying to get the letters in my head cuz they you put the ink on, it pushes into the system, run through the machine, it imprints into there. If you're using a foil, hot foil, the hot foil is going to stick to the letter.

[00:59:43]>> I need to try that one out. Who's that?

[00:59:45]Who's asked that question?

[00:59:46]>> Karen, >> have I got another innovation station coming up soon?

[00:59:49]>> I don't know. Johnny says we might have.

[00:59:51]>> Yeah, I need to check that one out. And let me do it. Don't you do it just in case cuz I have it in my head. I'm thinking that it's going to stick to the letter is what I'm thinking because you have to put it onto it has to be the rate the bit that pushes in. And so I think it would stick onto the letter, >> right?

[01:00:08]>> Not the card stock. But I need to check that one and I will test it for you.

[01:00:12]>> Okay.

[01:00:12]>> Yeah.

[01:00:13]>> Uh we're done pretty much. Uh we're out of time anyway. So thank you so much for all the questions. When are you next back Debbie? You back tomorrow?

[01:00:20]>> I'm back tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow.

[01:00:22]tomorrow with the gorgeous Brent. Um, I'll be joining him at 2:00, although we are doing a bit of previous filming, but we've got a brand new launch of >> I'm going to have to find the best dress. I am going to have to find the best dress to impress.

[01:00:35]>> Dress to impress. Uh, because we've got the launch of the wardrobe and dresses and all the accessories uh that come with it as well, which I've been so excited because I absolutely love that set. And I know you guys that did join us for Craftanza will know why I love it because that's what I do on my glasses.

[01:00:54]>> Well, thank you to Debbie. Uh she'll see you tomorrow. Thank you to you guys for watching. I will be back in an hour's time. We're going to make a bit of noise and we're going to bring some deals down low on Crafts Under the Hammer. Until then, thanks for watching. Bye for now.

[01:01:21]Hey,