Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Calling all Bloggers from Little Rock, AR

by

CraftGossip's Fork and Talk Review Night

Thanks to EK Success brands, CraftGossip is hosting its first “Fork and Talk” night in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, the 10th of September, and you can get invited to this exclusive event!

Why you should come?

Meet Denise (our needlework editor), Scarlett (our Quilting editor), Stacie (our Jewelry Making editor) and Anne (our Sewing editor).

Eat free and fabulous lunch at the Trio’s restaurant along with wine (Thanks to EK Success Brands!).

Have fun playing with craft kits from EK Success brands, including Sticko, Jolee’s and others.

Take home a free swag bag containing tons of kits from EK Success Brands to try at home.

Meet other local bloggers.

Have a fun Saturday afternoon!

How can you get an invite?

You must have an active blog.

You must write about the event after you have been to the event on your blog within 7 days. In the blog post, tell the world the whole experience, what you thought of the kits from EK Success brands (the ones that you will get to play with on the night itself and the swag bag that you will take home), meeting other local bloggers and the editors from CraftGossip. We are not looking for a big write up – just a brief summary of the whole night.

You must be able to come to the event by yourself. We are looking for bloggers from Little Rock, Arkansas, but if you are from other areas and are able to be at this event on Saturday, September 10th then you are welcome as well.

Interested? Apply below by filling in your details!


Comments

  1. It seems like the event discriminates against crafters without a blog….not all of us who do crafts have a blog nor are even interested in one…shame on CraftGossip!!

  2. I believe the purpose of this event is to connect bloggers with product so that when they use it they can inform the public about it. You have time to do Facebook so you should have time to write a blog and you don’t have to do it everyday. It’s fun and you can connect with a lot of people who do the same crafts as you do, or connect with other craft people or artists who might get you to try something new or to think outside the box.

  4. Aww, too bad this is the day of my daughter’s birthday and that they don’t have knitting products — I’d love to meet some of you and you’ll just be three hours away form me!

  5. Well, actually, it IS the first Little Rock game for the Razorbacks……but I would easily give up tailgating to go to Trio’s for crafting!!! Priorities….

  7. I hear you Suzanne! All you Razorback fans, the game between New Mexico and Arkansas starts at 6 p.m., so you can do it all. Tailgate, craft at Trio’s, and attend the game! –Scarlett (Quilting Editor, Craft Gossip)

Have you read?

Christmas on a Budget – 7 Christmas Table Decorations You Can Make from Paper to Save Money

Before buying Christmas table decorations, open the paper drawer.

Leftover gift wrap, scrapbook offcuts and plain cardstock can become name cards, little trees and festive table details.

You do not need a cutting machine or a coordinated craft kit. A pair of scissors, a ruler and a little patience will cover most of these projects.

Paper is particularly useful when you want a colour-pop Christmas table on a small budget. Repeat one or two colours across a few simple decorations and the setting starts to feel coordinated.

Pick two or three projects rather than trying to make all seven.

Gather your supplies first

Look for:

  • Cardstock or clean, suitable packaging card.
  • Wrapping-paper scraps.
  • Plain paper.
  • Scissors and a ruler.
  • A pencil and a writing pen.
  • Existing paper glue or double-sided tape.

Card works best for standing decorations. Thin wrapping paper is better for covering a card base.

Make a sample before cutting enough pieces for every guest.

1. Folded name cards

Cut cardstock into rectangles measuring approximately 10 × 8 cm.

Mark the halfway point along the 8 cm sides, then fold to create a standing card with a face approximately 10 × 4 cm.

Write the name before adding embellishments.

A small drawn star or a narrow paper strip is plenty. Check that the name is readable from the guest’s seat.

Saving tip: use the plain side of suitable card and cover unwanted printing only where necessary.

2. Paper napkin bands

Cut paper strips approximately 4 cm wide.

Wrap one around a folded napkin to find the required length, including a small overlap. Secure the ends with tape or glue.

Make the bands loose enough to slide off without tearing.

Use one paper across all settings or repeat a shared colour through different patterns.

Saving tip: gift-wrap offcuts are useful here because the napkin supports the paper.

3. Slot-together paper trees

Draw a symmetrical tree shape with a flat bottom and cut two identical pieces from sturdy cardstock.

On the first tree, cut a slit from the top to the midpoint. On the second, cut from the bottom to the midpoint.

Slide the shapes together at right angles. Adjust the slit width gradually to suit the card thickness.

Test that the tree stands before cutting the rest.

Saving tip: two or three trees can be enough for a small display.

4. A miniature Christmas village

Our paper Christmas town tutorial provides a more detailed project with houses and trees.

Use one colour for a simple village or limit yourself to two coordinating shades.

Allow the glue to dry thoroughly before moving the buildings.

Saving tip: display the village on a sideboard if your dining table needs every centimetre for lunch.

5. Paper angel napkin holders

These paper angel napkin holders make a traditional Christmas detail.

Test the template size with one napkin before preparing a full set. Decorate the card with suitable fabric or paper scraps.

Saving tip: use the same base colour while allowing small differences in the paper covering.

6. Flat paper stars

Draw or trace a simple star onto card.

Cut it out, cover it with paper if needed and add a guest’s name. Place it beside the plate or attach it to a napkin band.

Keep decorative paper away from uncovered food and damp dishes.

Saving tip: a few larger stars are easier to tidy and store than dozens of tiny pieces of confetti.

7. A paper-star wreath

Our paper-star wreath tutorial uses covered card shapes arranged on a ring.

Hang it near the table using a suitable fixing. This gives the dining area a focal point without taking serving space.

Saving tip: use the same paper on the wreath and name cards to connect the room.

Keep all paper decorations away from flames, heat and wet surfaces. Pack dry pieces flat where possible and label the box for next year.

The paper scraps you nearly discarded might be all the Christmas colour your table needs.