Apologies for the distinct blogging gap – it’s safe to say June has been a busy month and it’s not even over yet!
We’ve had the Exclusively Housewares Show – where it was great meet some new people and showcase some new ideas – product brainstorming and research, product presentations, preparation for Autumn Fair (I know – we haven’t had summer yet!) wedding anniversaries, afternoon tea parties, gigs, Father’s Day Sunday roast, drinks with friends… Not all work-related, I hasten to add (in case you were wondering exactly what we do at Neat Ideas) although afternoon tea sounds like something we should explore further as a work-related activity…
Anyhow, between us we’ve had a play with a couple of new Neat Ideas coming through – ‘Crafty Cutters’ and ‘Personalise Serving Tray’ – and quite pleased we are with the results :)
Laura – our trusty Sales Administrator – took home the Crafty Cutters which are perfect for making professional-style sweet and savoury canapes for those stay-at-home parties where you want to look a bit like you do this kind of thing, all the time. And let’s be honest, most of us do, even if we don’t!
Laura was determined to make something distinctly better than my attempt at mayonnaise cupcakes. Here’s how she got on with the help of her daughter.
‘I took the set of crafty cutters home to test – as I had to ruin a set of packaging to take some measurements on Friday – and thought I would give them a go.
My daughter loved them. We made gingerbread men and then used the cutters on the left-over dough. They were fantastic and she got the hang of them straight away! She loved doing the different shapes and using the plunger. Please ignore my rubbish icing..’
Although not strictly one to judge, I think Laura’s been a bit hard on herself and the icing is just fine. Plus, it’s another great use for the Crafty Cutters – mini cookie cutters – and just goes to show, they’re not just for grown-ups.
On the other side of town, I had a play with ‘Personalise Serving Tray’ which gives you the opportunity to add your own images to a great quality wooden tray (natural or white finish) and make it uniquely yours. It’s the perfect thing for parties at home, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries as you can make it fit your colour scheme in a crafty-sort-of-way or add a personal touch with photos.
I decided to stay away from the photo option – far too straight forward – and get crafty instead. So, I took the booklet of printed paper that my Mom bought me for Christmas (I knew I’d find a use for it) some scissors and glue, and set to work.
Well, I have to say, it was far easier than I thought! Less than 45 minutes later I’d personalised not one but three serving trays. I even strayed from the printed paper and ventured into a bit of collage with some kitchenware magazines. Here are the results…
These serving trays are definitely a great platform to showcase your arty skills and you end up with a present for yourself – or someone else – when you’re done. Brilliant!
So that’s it for the Crafty Corner at Neat Ideas for today. I just hope June calms down a bit although – looking at the calendar – it’s unlikely with a wedding this Saturday, house-removals from Belgium the following weekend, a gig and a christening the weekend after and oh – what’s this – a holiday! I think I can just about handle that ;)
