Be Amazed at A Maze of Memories (A Maze of Memories)

Member Name: Meggysmum

Product:	A Maze of Memories
Date:	03/07/09 (89 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great place to craft and buy--unbelievable variety.

Disadvantages: None

As anyone who has read some of my previous reviews will know I am a keen Scrapbooker and spend much of my free time on this craft ( when I am not on Dooyoo!). There are lots of online craft suppliers but there are few craft shops that you are able to visit. I am very lucky to have an absolute gem almost on my doorstep so I thought I would tell everyone about it and there maybe some crafters amongst you that would be able to pay it a visit--you would not regret it (although your bank balance might!)

A Maze of Memories is set just outside Long Crendon on the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border. It is in a unit on Woodway farm. This means that the parking is easy and free and you can watch sheep in the fields out of the window whilst waiting for creative inspiration!

The craft centre has been recently extended and consists of a large workroom and an extensive shop.

-----The Workroom-----
The craft room has plenty of space and accomodates up to about 20 people at a time. It is always wise to phone and book a "crop" space (scrapbookers term for actually crafting) as sometimes they can be very busy. It costs £1 per hour to use the craft room and its equipment. There are lots of punches, inks, die-cutting machines with lots of designs and many other crafting tools available for use which are all covered by your £1. You will have to provide your own glue and paper, card etc. There is a Cricut with a large cartridge library available which incurs an extra charge but I never use this as I have my own so I am not sure what the rate is. The owner is always adding extra items for crafters to use so if you are looking for something particular always ask as if it is not available she may well consider it for addition to the equipment.

When using the craftroom there is always tea, coffee and squash available free of charge and if you are lucky there may be chocolate biscuits in the barrell--- you may be unlucky if you go after me! There is a fridge and a microwave that you can use, most people take their lunch with them and stay the whole day!

The atmosphere is very social and I have found everyone seems happy to chat. It is always a great inspiration to look at other peoples work and very flattering if someone decides to "scraplift" (copy!) an idea from your work. If you need inspiration for a title or an embellishment just say and someone will help!


-----The Shop-----

My husband has often commented that he should just pay his wages into the A Maze of memories bank account as I just cannot resist buying something gorgeous when I am there!

The shop is a treasure trove to both scrapbookers and card-makers. I cannot think of anything that I have ever needed that they don't sell.

They stock over 500 colours of 12x12 inch cardstock. Mainly Bazzil, plain and textured but also some cheaper brands. They are all available as single sheets and then there are some multipacks too.

Punches of numerous sizes by all the main manufacturers like EK Success and Woodware.

Cosmic Shimmer embossing powders and inks.

Clear stamps by lots of designers including Hero Arts and Dovecraft.

Cricut Machines and cartridges-- some are stocked and usually you can order anything else for delivery within a few days.

Patterned paper of every colour and style imaginable, they deal with many manufacturers so will always have plenty of new designs to tempt you including Basic Grey and SEI. It doesn't matter what style you are looking for you will usually find something that will excite you!

There is also a wide selection of albums in different sizes, tools and equipment. To finish any design you can then get buttons, ribbons, brads, adhesives, tags...........(I could be here all day listing these!)

The owner tries hard to have all the latest lines available and also actively sources British products as they are slightly cheaper beacuse of the current US dollar rate and the import taxes.

-----The Classes----

The craft centre also offers classes in many scrapbooking and card-making techniques. The class list is on the website but beginners classes can usually be done whenever the craft centre is open. I have found the classes brilliant at teaching me new things and also getting to know people. My favourites have definately been mosaic pages as they look so effective but are quite simple once you know how!

----The Staff-----

When you enjoy a hobby you want to deal with people who are as passionate about it as you are. This is where A Maze of Memories really excels and why it just gets busier all the time even in this economic climate (it is actually possible to be a thrifty scrapper--I just haven't learnt how!).

Christina is the owner. She opened the centre about three years ago when she realised that there was nowhere locally offering a similar facility. By profession Christina is a nurse but has been heavily involved in training for a long time. This comes over brilliantly in her classes as she is great at making everybody feel welcome and ensures they understand what she is teaching. She is a friendly outgoing person who loves scrapbooking and is very creative. She will always help her customers in choosing papers or needing ideas for layouts or just making them tea! She will also alwsy try and source a product if she does not already keep it.

Suzanne and Carolyn are also both crafters that work with Christina on differen days. Once again they are both charming ladies who will do anything to help.

Rachel has been Christinas Saturday girl since she developed an interest in Scrapbooking whilst trying it out as her skill for her Duke of Edinburgh award. A quiet girl who has a fantastic eye for colour and design.

Sarah is Christinas daughter and has also started working at the weekends. She is a lovely girl who has obviously got crafting in her blood!

Unfortunately the craft centre is not open everyday! A list of their opening times, classes and even a walkthrough is available via their website

http://www.amazeofmemories.co.uk/

If you are around the area and love crafting do try and pay them a visit--I guarantee you will stay longer than you think and leave poorer!

Tell them Dawn sent you x

Summary: A crafters paradise