The Craft Pack Company

News

2011-10-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

We are now stocking the wonderful Dolls House and Miniatures Scene Magazine. Click HERE we have a limited number remaining so grab your copy now, it isn't widely available yet so you will be one of the first to get it!
This months edition is No 210 and has a French Influence.

Features of the latest edition can be seen here:

We also have a more limited number of copies of The Dolls House Magazine too available each month. Why not get it sent with an order and save on postage?! Remember, we have a prize draw each month which means you are in with a chance to win a great kit simply by placing an order too!

2011-09-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

At long last I am able to update the news page and let you all know what has been going on behind the scenes here at Craft Pack.

We have been incredibly busy over the past few weeks having received a commission from Dolls House & Miniatures Scene Magazine for 2000 Teddy Bear Kits that will be given as a gift to all subscribers in the November addition! This was no mean feat given that I have a salaried job on top of Craft Pack and Lorraine Miniatures. All of the components in every single kit is hand cut and packed. We had a very short time frame to complete the order, I am happy to say we delivered 7 days ahead of schedule!

The idea for this little kit came about in 2005 after I visited a garden centre where an elderly lady was selling beautifully hand made teddy bears. Amongst those she had for sale was a 1 inch tall pipe cleaner teddy. I bought it and asked her how she made it and she kindly sat and showed me. I told her I would like to make it into a kit and she laughed saying it was only a bit of fun! Well that bit of fun became one of my most popular little kits on Lorraine Miniatures where I have sold it since 2007. It is now part of the Craft Pack portfolio of kits too. So if you are not a subscriber to DHMS then you can get your little pipe cleaner teddy kit here at Craft Pack or at Lorraine Miniatures. I am also offering one as part of this months prize draw. See below.

As a result of all the work involved in fulfilling the commission for DHMS, getting orders out to customers as swiftly as always, designing and making new kits and going to my salaried job it's been all go, with little time for anything else.....sleep....what is that?! No really, keeping the news page up to date has had to wait I am afraid. Otherwise business has carried on as usual! I apologise to our loyal readers and customers for the wait.

From 1st September to 1st october 2011 we will be having a new sale of some old favourites and some of our new kits. We re-launched the ever popular grab bags in July and these flew off the shelves, so we have listed some more. We have also listed a huge range of new craft materials and we are awaiting a delivery of yet more new stock. On top of which we have designed, produced, launched and sourced dozens of new kits. So in all, since taking over Craft Pack in November 2010 we have vastly expanded the range of products available and will continue to do so.

In addition to the sale each customers name during the month of September 2011 will be entered into our prize draw for a chance to win our teddy bear kit or one of our Christmas kits below. The winners name will be announced on or around the 1st October.

Here is just a snippet of some of the new kits available at Craft Pack:

The Silk & Embroidered Lace Christening Gown, Poke Bonnet & Slippers - Click Here

Pink Lady Soap Box Kit - Click Here

Child's Pretty Summer Dress, Mop Cap & Jacket Kit - Click Here

Managed to Update at last!

2011-06-25T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hello,
I'm Lorraine Cooper, the new owner of The Craft Pack Company. I took over from my dear friend Emma in October 2010. This is the first chance I have had to update the blog. As you can see I have totally revamped it with my own style.

I will be busy again it seems over the next few days now I have got around to working on the blog and letting followers know what is happening at Craft Pack and inviting my followers at Lorraine Miniatures (my other web sites blog) to follow me here too.
We have added over 400 products to Craft Pack since taking over last year and have lots and lots more to add too as new stock is arriving daily and new kits are also being produced and added! We have added lots of new craft materials, new kits and some new project packs.
Here is a selection of some of the new kits we have added in the past few weeks.

Lavender Ladies Memory Trunk

Pretty Pink Bath Toiletires Display

Window Box Kit

Chocolate Shop Project Disc

Angie Scarr Leaf Veiner

Angie Scarr Ginger Bread Mould

Dana Burton Project Discs

Dozens of beautiful knitting patterns and knitting kits, 1 ply wool and knitting needles for miniatures work also added from deigners all over the world.

Jane Harrop Project Packs such as the little puppet theatre kit shown here

Fabric Lace and Trim Packs along with lots of new trims, laces, embelishments and craft materials of all kinds.
Why not come and have a look at all our new products and take advantage of some brilliant sales going on over the nex few weeks as we have a bit of a clear out of some old favourites and to promote some new kits.

New Kit Range

2010-03-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to tell you that The Craft Pack Company are the exclusive UK stockist for Syreeta Edwards Kits. We are the only place in the UK that you can buy these from, another fantastic exclusive agreement to offer our customers the best selection of kits. Syreetas kits are very delicate and make the most adorable miniatures for your nursery, boutique and perfume shop.

You can view this range of kits HERE

Free Online Project Downloads

2010-03-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

I have just added a new free Vintage Christmas Project Download to the main website today. All downloads are provided on PDF files, if you are not sure how to open/use these, please try the free projects. We currently have three to try, Vintage Christmas, Bag Making and Ladies perfume set. ou dont have to make any other purchase to claim these gifts, with virtual products there is never a postage charge, so these are cost free, totally catch free, no other purchase needed, just download and enjoy on us. Please feel free to download and use the files for personal use. Many more to come, so watch this space

New Kits, Downloads & Free Project Added Today

2010-03-12T06:52:00.000-08:00

I have just added some new kits, some new project downloads and a free bag making sheet for you to try, all the news can be found HERE and the latest new products can be found HERE Please try the free project, I will be adding more very soon and will post details when I do.

I love the new bridal kits as pictured below, I have put these straight in my Mill Cottage.

These pretty new bridal kits match perfectly as you can see, a nice way to fill your boutique. The tray kit can also be placed in your dolls house on the dressing table( this is where I have mine)

New Kits Added Today

2010-02-25T05:01:00.000-08:00

I have just finished listing nine new kits on The Craft Pack Company website, from bridal to baby, there are some nice new projects to tempt you. If you would like to take a look at the newst products click HERE

February Maker Profile: Kay Burton

2010-02-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

Your website mentions that your career has always centered around you being artistic in some way, were you artistic and creative as a child, did you always know you would work in this way?

Yes, as a child I was always painting and drawing and in my teenage years when I wasn’t drawing, I spent all my spare time designing and making clothes for myself; both dressmaking and knitting.

Why did you decide to channel your creative talents into dolls house and miniatures hobby?

In August 2003 whilst having a boating holiday on the River Thames, that we decided to moor up and visit Windsor Castle. It was here that I saw Queen Mary’s Dolls House, all in 1/12th scale, designed by Sir Edwin Luytens in 1924. I was absolutely blown away by the detail and craftsmanship and in particular the paintings, I immediately wanted to try my hand at painting in miniature and I couldn’t wait to get home and start painting and investigate more about miniature craftsmen and indeed the possible demand. To my delight I discovered the miniature industry was thriving with very many talented people engaged in such a fascinating art form.

How long on average does it take to create a miniature painting?

This really does depend on the subject. If I paint a very tiny picture of a flower say, it may be take me about 15 minutes to paint, plus making the frame. If I’m working on a fairly large reproduction of a great master I can be working on it on and off for days, coming back to it as I see things in it that need altering…..maybe 12 -14 hours in total.When I take on commissions, I try and get them painted within about 3-4 weeks; I don’t enjoy work piling up too much for me, as it kills my creativity. When I have a commission to do it takes me a while to sink into the job in hand, I have to be in the mood to paint it, or it can all go horribly wrong and I have to start again.

Do the paintings always work out first time?

No, if I am under pressure or not in the mood to paint, I sometimes go all wrong and I have to start completely from scratch. It doesn’t happen that often though. If I am painting a commissioned portrait for someone, I occasionally have to make adjustments to please the customer, this, I think, is because I am working from a photo and am not seeing the person in real life.

What are your favourite sort of paintings to create and why?

I like painting cats, purely because I’m a cat lover, but I do enjoy the challenges involved in recreating an old master (particularly a portrait) in miniature. It is fascinating to examine the different brush, form and colour techniques that have been employed over the years during the numerous art movements.

Your website also mentions that you have a keen interest in historical buildings, does this influence your miniature work ?

I just love all things historical and really enjoy visiting buildings when I can. I love to see art that is contemporary with the castle or house I am visiting.I’m not sure that it influences my miniature work greatly, but I suppose my interest helps me to advise customers of the sort of art they should be hanging in there dolls house. If example, have recently painted quite a large painting that was to be hung in a miniature 15th century Scottish castle, in the painting the customer wanted the castle and its occupants depicted in some way and I with my knowledge I was able to create a scene for her.

Apart form the beautiful miniature paintings that you create, what else do you sell from your website?

I like to keep a broad range of paintings in stock to cover all time periods and to appeal to all tastes.
As a cost effective alternative, I produce some high quality framed prints of my paintings along side a really cheap alternative and for the DIY enthusiast, some sheets of themed prints in different sizes/scales and handmade picture frames. The frames I quite often make to order, made to the size the customer requests. Also individual miniature poster prints in three scales 1/12, 1/24, 1/48 for the more modern house setting.
Victorian and Edwardian framed miniature photographs. A small range of Art studio accessories
As a trained textile designer, I’m quite keen to apply my knowledge into the soft furnishing side of things. I’m hoping to produce a huge designer collection of luxury silk cushions and cushion kits and hopefully some coordinating fabrics. Hopefully this area will grow in time, but I’m finding it quite exciting to work on textiles again.
What do you like most about working for yourself and the dolls house hobby?

To be able to work when I choose and the challenges that working in miniature brings. Every day is different, and I have lots of ideas, it is just finding time to put it all into practice.

You can buy the stunning luxury silk cushion kits that Kay creates directly from http://www.kayburton.co.uk/ or http://www.thecraftpackcompany.co.uk/ Please visit the Kay Burton website for further interesting reading, DIY items, prints, special miniature paintings and much more.

Sneak Preview....

2010-02-08T02:29:00.001-08:00

I have some beautiful new miniature dolls house toiletries kits coming soon. This little range of gorgeous kits could be the perfect addition to your miniature bridal shop, bathroom scene, ladies bedroom and perfume shop. Here is a sneak preview, one of the beautiful designs that will be arriving in stock soon. I’m sure you can think of lots of places you could add this adorable miniature ladies toiletries tray to. I will post details as soon as these are available to purchase.

New Paper Minis Kits Just In

2010-02-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

Click here for paperminis kits

New Paper Minis Kits- In stock today I am so please dot tell you that we have a whopping 15 new kits added to the website today. These wonderful Paper Minis kits are made by my friend Ann Vanture, Ann has chosen The Craft Pack Company to be the exclusive UK stockist . If you have not already tried these kits, you may like to browse through the now crammed section, with everything from boutique kits to toys, household kits and much more. If you have tired them already, you know how good they are, and with 15 new designs there is sure to be something you will like.

Alway selling out fast, its hard to keep up with the demand for these brilliant kits. Visit the craft pack co website ( link opposite or above ) and look under kits- paper minis kits for the full range that we have in stock. If you are looking for a valentines day themed project, there are some brilliant new kits that could be perfect, as pictured here. I love this valentines day kit, I have taken one for me to complete one evening for my Mill Cottage dolls house.

Spanish Miniatures Show

2010-02-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

I am so pleased that my new friend Syreeta has told me the great news about her coming miniatures fair this summer. I wish her lots of luck for a busy and well supported show.

Feria De Miniaturas
June 19th and 29th in Andalucia
Spain.
Hotel Villa Flamenca C/ Andalucia 1

2010-02-02T04:41:00.000-08:00

I am so pleased to announce that I am now stocking a pretty range of luxury silk cushions by the British artist Kay Burton. Kay works in miniatures and produces some brilliant miniature paintings as well as these special cushion kits. The cushion kits are for sale on the Craft Pack Company website :

Lily Bouquet Cushion
Kit £4.95

One Miniature Fine Silk Cushion Kit

Plain Rose Pink Back

Finished cushion measuring approx: 3.5 x 3.5cm - 1 3/8 x 1 3/8"
You can view Kay Burtons Website and her other work here ;www.kayburton.co.uk

New Tray Kit

2010-02-02T04:33:00.000-08:00

I’m sitting in the office this week sorting out some of the last few big jobs I have to do, ( before half term) and then it should make things run pretty smoothly over the weeks holiday. I tend to move my working time from during the day to every evening , this usually gives me enough time to keep on top of things at The Craft Pack Company.

I must admit I enjoyed designing some new kits last wee. My personal favourite was the Morning Tray as pictured above. I got so carried away with it, my whole morning vanished, but I do love it, the original sample is sitting here ion my desk. I cant take credit for the adorable mahogany tray, this is a design from McQueenie Miniatures, they make the most wonderful wooden kits , we stock most of the designs but you can view their full range here www.mcqueenie-miniatures.co.uk

The morning tray kit is on the main website www.thecraftpackcompany.co.uk under the new products section costing £5.00

New Summer Dress Kit

2010-02-02T04:23:00.000-08:00

It still seems like a long time away until summer, but at least your miniatures can have a sunny scene!

Set the summer scene with this attractive three piece miniature dolls house summer wardrobe set. This kit has reusable patterns to make the pretty cotton floral summer dress and matching purse. This super kit also includes the braid flowers and instructions to create the wonderful miniature straw sun hat.

Kit comes complete with fabric, miniature straw braid, flowers, white braid, tiny button for bag front, full instructions, re usable patterns and a colour pack photo.

Visit www.thecraftpackcompany.co.uk and look under the new products section

New December AIM Issue Out Now

2009-12-11T04:17:00.001-08:00

The new December issue of the free AIM magazine is out now, please visit the website to get all the latest from the AIM team

New Link

2009-12-10T03:56:00.001-08:00

On the AIM website where you can find a monthly miniature magazine download that you can read at home with no cost to you, the website has lots of other information that you may also like:

http://www.artisansinminiature.com/

Being Mom

2009-12-10T01:13:00.001-08:00

Well today I am finishing up in the office getting ready for my little girl to finish school for Christmas. I'm sure there are moms and dads, grandmothers, grandpa's and so on all over the world getting ready to have their little people home over Christmas. Anna is 4 years old now, I cant Begin to tell you how excited she is about Santa coming. It is a real treat to see her getting so excited by all the magic,I think it reminds me a lot of when I was little.

Can you remember being Young when the last few days before Christmas seemed to drag and all you wanted was for it to be Christmas day, or when you used to stay awake at night just hoping for a glimpse of the elusive Santa Clause. Magical days that I now have a Chance to re live a little with my daughter, I feel so blessed.

Little Anna breaks up form school tomorrow afternoon, then its a special trip straight down to our local sea front ice cream shop. This is a great place, it is decorated inside like an American rock and roll cafe, the girls dance, they serve huge ice creams, hot dogs and the best coffee. How much ice cream can a little girl eat? More than me I can tell you!

After this weekend I will be getting our home a bit more organised for the holiday season, lots to tidy , sort and de clutter( who doesn't need to de clutter - right?) But for today I must get some little jobs done in the office- dreaming of a tidy house!

Beautiful Boutique Range

2009-12-10T01:09:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of a boutique counter scene made up using the beautiful boutique downloads

New Instant Downloads Online

2009-12-10T01:04:00.000-08:00

After weeks and weeks of work the new project downloads section of the website is now ready. This allows you to select and purchase a download from a selection available, at no shipping cost and a lesser price than pre packed kits.

The really great thing about them is that you can use them for your own personal craft as many times as you like, you can buy only one sheet of boutique box patters and print out hundreds! It works out at very good value for money and when ordering only downloads, the postage is free as it comes right to your email account!

Here is a link to the full download section currently available
http://www.thecraftpackcompany.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=60

The is more information on the website news page here:
http://www.thecraftpackcompany.co.uk/index.php?main_page=page&id=2

Another Link To Share

2009-12-10T01:01:00.000-08:00

I have just had an email from a lady who would like me to pass on her link. The website is full of information and things to look at, give it a try if you have time to browse through the MINI SHOP

http://www.minishop.com/

New Sugar & Spice Project Disc

2009-11-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

Available at

www.thecraftpackcompany.co.uk

Sugar & Spice £8.50 ( print at home disc)

New Project Disc- Sugar & Spice

2009-11-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to announce the arrival of a brand new print at home project disc to the main website. This new disc is called "sugar & spice" the perfect starting point for a miniature bakery or cake shop. I have included a whole extra sheet of print outs on the disc that you don't see in the product photo. There are three sheets of bags, cake boxes, flan boxes etc, all ready for you to print as many as you need, here is a link to the main website and the disc section with the rest of the print at home discs.

http://www.thecraftpackcompany.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_44&sort=20a&page=1

Happy Miniature Crafting, Emma

Dolls House Fair in November

2009-10-08T07:01:00.001-07:00

I am pleased to confirm that I will be attending the dolls house fair at Pudsey, Leeds on Saturday November 7th 2009. This brilliant fair is run by Doreen jeffries, my husband and I are both so pleased to be returning for another fantastic day. this is really one of my favourite days of the whole year, I love the people, the stands the hall and of course Doreen and Bob.

Its well worth a visit if you are near by to see some of the quality stands that will be showing on the day. I always look forward to a visit to my next door stand to see my friend Vicky from Secrets, she makes the most adorable ladies items and dressed beds, I have several pieces in my won Mill Cottage.

You can get more information about Leeds show at:
http://www.doreenjeffriesdollshousefairs.co.uk/

Please Show Your Support

2009-10-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

I have an email form a customer who's niece Sarah is doing a 70 MILE sponsored cycle ride from the BBC at Caversham to MoD Headquarters London in aid of Help for Heroes. Any help either by sponsorship or just forwarding their link to anyone you think might help would be much appreciated - Anne

If you can support this worth while cause, please visit the following link:
http://www.justgiving.com/BBCM2MODCycle/

Thank you :)

New link To Share

2009-09-29T04:50:00.000-07:00

I know you will love this link, through the hard work of my good friend Barbara, well worth a visit, thank you Barbara.

http://printies.homestead.com/index4.html

New Miniatures link

2009-09-29T04:12:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to include a new link to a miniatures website, Jan's minis is in the UK, Jan's minis offer all sorts of mini treats including some pretty miniature knitted items, a nice site including some free projects to have a look at

http://jansminis.co.uk/

Holiday Days

2009-08-03T08:07:00.001-07:00

Well little Anna are taking some time off and as of yesterday the office doors are closed. I am so looking forward to some special family days out during the summer holidays here in the UK. Do you ever really get enough quality time with your kids? Looking forward to trying over the coming days that’s for sure.
So looking forward to many days of feeding ducks, nice walks and maybe a trip to the funfair! Fingers crossed we get some nice weather! Back on August 12th.

2009-07-29T12:40:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to my favourite place this week, these adorable houses are made by such a nice guy called "Rod Buckingham" from Teapot Cottages. The one of a kind houses that he makes are stunning, its well worth a look for inspiration and to see some really great miniature dolls houses. I love Rods work, so many love and hours go into these little cottages, a thumbs up from me

http://www.folksy.com/shops/teapotcottages

Welcome to our New Blog Page

2009-07-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, you have either been directed to or stumbled upon the blog page for the Craft Pack Company. I hope to use this space to share with you some of my favourite miniatures, miniature sites, friends and co workers alike. As well as bringing you news and maybe some reviews on some of our new kits as well. So given time, I hope that you will enjoy this page and find out something interesting, a link to a new resource and find inspiration through friendship and sharing though our shared hobby and love, miniatures!

So happy crafting where ever you are in the world, Regards,Emma