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Crafts Beautiful
by scuzz
I started getting Crafts Beautiful on the odd occasion, but opted for a yearly subscription just over a year ago. Usually priced at nearly £4 an issue, you can save a lot though by taking out a subscription. They also offer gifts for those choosing this option. These always look really good and are usually a machine to help you with your ... crafting.
****What's in Crafts Beautiful?****
The magazine is lovely for anyone who's really into their crafting. Unlike many magazines I've seen, this one doesn't just focus on card making. Of course there are pages in there with ideas for handmade cards, but there's also so much more. The magazine features the likes of cross stitch, jewellery making and various sewing ideas, as well as how to make daily household objects that little bit prettier.
One issue featured some adorable little mice you can make. They included the pattern to cut out the material and it's a project I'm just itching to do.
As well as ideas for projects, there's always a letters page, where people write in to show off how they've used their free gifts, or to just show a project they're particularly proud of. Like most magazines, there are benefits to submitting letters, as they reward those printed with a prize, with the star letter getting something crafty to help them on their way to even more creative wonders. What they give away to letter writers alters from month to month.
If you're looking for someone to share your crafting bug with, they offer a pen pal service. I'm not too sure on this, as they publish your address, which I wouldn't feel comfortable doing.
They also have a very extensive directory towards the back, listing lots of crafting stores and websites where you can get stock from.
****Any Competitions?****
Yes! Like most magazines, they offer reader competitions. On top of the letters page, they usually have a double spread page of competitions. They're very easy to enter, you just log on to their website and select the ones you'd like to enter and hit submit to each one. I've not won anything yet, but you never know.....
****Who's Dawn Bibby?****
Dawn is a well known face on the crafting scene. She's a regular on the shopping channel QVC, which is where a lot of readers will know her for. She often trials new products and ideas before showing others how to use them. Dawn always has a page or two in Crafts Beautiful, packed with new ideas to have a go at.
****Subscribing****
Easily done online or over the phone by credit card. Depending on which site you use, will depend on your savings. Their direct website will save you 15% currently, but I went through a few cashback sites and saved a lot more. I went without the free gift to this though. Also by subscribing, you get the "Crafts Extra" magazine every month, which has more ideas in it. By subscribing, you get the magazine, landing on your doorstep before it hits the shops. I've not had any problems at all with magazines being delivered. They've always arrived on time and in good condition.
****Their Website****
The Crafts Beautiful website is easy to find online - just search for the name. (I don't think you can post web links here, which is why I've not provided it). The site itself is very clear to navigate. The homepage outlines the current on sale as well as flagging up the monthly competitions. Many crafters I'm sure will appreciate the free downloads available at the click of a mouse. There's also a forum, newsletter and shop feature - so plenty to keep you busy!
****Worth the money?****
Although a bit pricey at just short of £4 an issue, everything that comes with the magazine is of high quality. The paper it's printed on is strong - not the flimsy cheap stuff - and the free gifts are always lovely. Since buying Crafts Beautiful, I've received free backing papers for card making, card toppers, pop up cards, Fimo clay and most recently, a booklet of Peter Rabbit card toppers. I've always found a use for my gifts and everyone loves the cards I make for them. So as to whether it's worth the money, I would say "yes".
****Where Can I Get It?****
All over the place. Most supermarkets and news agents will sell this magazine, along with places like WH Smith and of course online.
****Overall****
This is a great magazine for anyone who's been bitten by the crafting bug. I definitely think it's the best one available at the moment, unless of course, you're only interested in one specific craft - cards, jewellery or whatever - then I would probably suggest getting a specialised magazine.
Review also on ciao
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