Friday 13 November 2015

The Story of the Christmas Cracker - A Brief History



Invented by Thomas Smith in the mid-1800s, the Christmas cracker has become an integral part of British tradition and celebration which still continues today.

London confectioner Tom Smith fell in love with Parisian bon-bons, sold in their small twist of paper, and decided to bring the idea back to London. Tom soon realised that his bon-bons were selling mostly at Christmas and his idea began to develop. First he added a small love poem inside the paper twist and then, inspired by the comforting crackle of his fireplace, he introduced that “snap” we all know and love today.

After the trade jumped at Tom’s novelty, he began refining his product further, removing the sweets and adding a surprise gift in it’s place. (Although, probably not a mini screwdriver!)

When an Eastern manufacturer heard of Tom’s design and delivered a large consignment to Britain just in time for Christmas, Tom took his chance. As this company offered just one design, Tom and his staff worked tirelessly to produce a further 8 designs and distributed them throughout the country.

The rest, as they say, is history...

Fast forward to 2015 and you'll find our exclusively designed make-your-own cracker kits! We hope that Tom would be proud to know that we're carrying on the tradition, adding our own special crafty twist.



Friday 31 July 2015

Crafts for a Baby Shower or a Handmade New Baby Gift



Are you organising a Baby Shower or have you been invited to one? Our cute Baby Shower craft area contains all you need to create beautiful handmade decorations and gifts for the new arrival.

Our range of paper mache rocking horses to decorate includes the Jumbo Paper Mache Rocking Horse; which at 62cm by 48cm is sure to make an impact!

Perhaps you could make some cute polka dot bunting, to decorate baby's room with? A decopatched 'BABY GIRL' or 'BABY BOY' perhaps? Or even a cute memory box?

Shop our Baby Shower Crafts: http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/adults-crafts/baby-shower-crafts.html

Tuesday 21 July 2015

Paper Mache Letters to Decorate - Word Art Crafts


Word art using decorated letters has never been more on trend than it is now. Pinterest and home decor sites are filled with funky words, designed to jazz up your home and events. Our extensive selection of paper mache lettersnumbers and symbols has everything you need to get started on your own project.

How about a hand decorated Mr & Mrs for a newlywed couple? An initial or name to embellish a child's bedroom? A simple 'Eat' or 'Drink' to add some craft to your kitchen? Or even a number to celebrate a birthday or anniversary? We have three sizes of paper mache letters, numbers and symbols for you to choose from.



Monday 29 June 2015

Flag Crafts for Kids - 4th of July Craft Idea

Our plain paper flags can be adapted to suit any theme or budget. Create pirate flags, sports supporter flags, a country's flag (4th of July is coming up!) or even a pretty decoration for a sandcastle this Summer!

Both felt tip pens and colouring pencils work on these flags making them perfect for a 'mess-free' craft. You could add other supplies to embellish your flags, just remember not to use anything too heavy...

http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/kids-crafts/kids-crafts-by-activity/flag-decorating-crafts.html

Friday 26 June 2015

Pinwheel and Windmill Crafts for Kids Summer Holidays


Pinwheels are ideal for kids Summer craft sessions. From quality fabric designs to paper pinwheels that are perfect for craft sessions on a budget.

Our popular flower shaped fabric windmills can be decorated with fabric paints or even felt pens (as long they aren't left in the rain). Our paper windmills are perfect for a beach themed craft session and can be coloured in with crayons, pencils or pens.

You could even accessorise your pinwheels with lightweight jewels such as our Gel Gem Stickers!

Thursday 18 June 2015

Colourful Board Boxes for Gifts and Crafts


We've got new lower prices across our range of colourful board boxes...

Use them for your gift wrapping, tied with a simple bow. Fill them with tissue paper for use as boxes for your homemade delights. You could even use them as a table centre for birthdays, Christmas and other gatherings too.

We love the star shaped stacking boxes, perfect for a space themed gift or party!

http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/craft-supplies/boxes/board-boxes.html

Wednesday 17 June 2015

Leis for Tropical Parties and Summer Events



Summer is on it's way! Brighten up your party with a tropical lei...
Our popular party leis are a brilliant way to add some colour to your event, your guests can even take them home as party favours! A fantastic variety of colours and designs to suit any event.

Perfect accompaniment to sealife partiespirate parties and of course tropical luau parties!

Monday 15 June 2015

Miniature Terracotta Pots for Summer Wedding Favours



Looking for a funky party favour idea for your Summer wedding or event? Our popular Terracotta Plant Pots are now available in 5 NEW SIZES! Great to use as table favours, simply filled with wrapped sweets or even confetti for that big moment!

Ranging from a micro 1cm tall to our new 14cm tall pot, there's now 12 sizes to choose from: http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/adults-crafts/floristry-accessories/flower-pots.html

Friday 12 June 2015

Robin Tops UK Poll for First National Bird - Bird Crafts


Our cute little friend, the robin, has topped a poll of more than 200,000 people to choose the UK's first national bird. David Lindo who organised the poll (also known as The Urban Birder) has now said he plans to speak to the government to ask for the winner to be officially recognised as Britain's national bird!

Celebrate the robin's new status as our (non-official) national bird with some funky bird themed crafts from 'The Bird Box' adult's craft area. Why not create a bird feeder or bird box to encourage these beautiful creatures into your garden? Or channel nature into your crafts with our new Nature's Gallery papercraft supplies?

http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/adults-crafts/bird-box.html

(Source: Robin tops poll to find UK's 'national bird'- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33090043)

Thursday 11 June 2015

Sunflower Kraft Cracker Making Idea for Summer Weddings & Events


Sunflower crackers are a lovely way to brighten up your Wedding tables this Summer. It's a fun way to give wedding favours, fun table games or even to fill with confetti to shower the bride and groom with!

Take a look at our Sunflower cracker area for all the supplies needed to make the designs above. Or explore our adult's Wedding crafts area for things to make for an upcoming big day!

http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/christmas/christmas-cracker-making/sunflower-crackers.html

NEW Cupcake Bakery Party Range for Kids


'Cupcake Bakery' is a fun and funky new addition to our range of children's themed party suppliesPerfect for kids cupcake making parties but also lovely as a cute theme for a birthday party! We love the paper cupcake bags, ideal for taking home your party bakes.

http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/party-supplies/parties-by-theme/cupcake-party-supplies.html

Crown & Tiara Making Crafts for Kids

Make your kids the King (or Queen) of the crafty castle with our crown & tiara crafts.
Our mess-free colour in crowns are perfect for kids craft parties or school groups. Colour in and use as they are, or embellish with self adhesive jewels and other craft supplies. Our own brand craft kits & blanks are designed exclusively for us, so you won't find them anywhere else!

http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/kids-crafts/kids-crafts-by-activity/crown-making.html

Ugly Bug Parties for Kids - 'Come On, Let's Crawl to the Ugly Bug Ball...'




'Come On, Let's Crawl to the Ugly Bug Ball...'
As the 1963 Disney song proves, an Ugly Bug party has always been in fashion! 
Our colourful Ugly Bug party supplies for kids, feature a wide range of bugs and creepy crawlies. Perfect as an unusual garden party theme or as a party theme for those kids who prefer digging in the mud to garden flowers!

http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/party-supplies/parties-by-theme/ugly-bug-party-supplies.html

Tuesday 9 June 2015

Mess-Free Craft Activity Packs for Long Summer Journeys...

Summer is a time of sunshine and family fun. It's also the time of long car journeys, aeroplane trips and (unfortunately) a few rainy days...

Our mess-free activity sets are perfect for occupying the kids on a long journey or a rainy day. These A4, flat packed sets are available in a fantastic range of themes and will provide hours of entertainment for just £1.92! They're also perfect as ready-made party bags, just pick your theme!

Each 
themed activity set varies slightly but a typical set includes a card 3D model to make, an A5 activity book, a sheet of re-peelable stickers, a jigsaw and colouring pencils. All with no need for scissors or glue! (Please check individual products for pack contents.)

http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/kids-crafts/kids-crafts-by-activity/3d-no-glue-activities.html

Friday 13 March 2015

Make Your Own Bunting with Our Craft Kits & Supplies




NEW IN - Bunting Making Kits and Supplies

The sun is shining and the first scent of a barbeque is floating on the breeze...
If you're making the most of the weather by having a garden party, why not string up the bunting and add some colour to your garden? The newest additions to our Bunting Making area give a beautiful mix-and-match vintage feel to your decor. If you're not feeling crafty, we have a selection of ready to use bunting and banners in our party area for you to browse instead!

Explore our gorgeous coordinating range of designs. Use one design or mix and match to create beautiful bunting: http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/adults-crafts/bunting-design.html

Thursday 12 March 2015

Funky Easter Bonnet Ideas for the Easter Parade

http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/easter/ears-bonnets.html
Easter is the perfect time to get creative with the kids, especially if there's an Easter bonnet to make!

The term 'Easter Bonnet' often conjures up images of old-fashioned dreary hats, but with our funky bonnets and ideas you're sure to stand out from the crowd!

Give our Easter Bunny bonnet idea a try, or perhaps a cute Spring Chick or a sunflower creation instead?

See all Easter Bonnet making: https://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/easter/kids-easter-crafts/easter-bonnet-making.html

Friday 27 February 2015

Mother's Day Crafts for Kids and Adults



Mother's Day falls on Sunday 15th March this year and is fast approaching, especially if you want to make Mum a handmade card or gift!

Grown-up crafters can explore our Flower Garden craft area, filled with pretty rose and flower themed craft supplies. Whilst our Mother's Day craft area for kids includes popular projects to make for Mum.

Adults: http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/adults-crafts/flower-garden.html

Kids: http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/kids-crafts/crafts-by-occasion/mothers-day-crafts.html

Tuesday 17 February 2015

Two Part Plastic Eggs for Easter Egg Hunts



Our hugely popular range of two part plastic eggs has grown even bigger for Easter, with some funky new designs and some old favourites too!

New jumbo golden eggs that are 10cm tall! Perfect for the star prize or to fill with treats as a gift for Easter. Also available in silver. 

Our unusual two-part carrot shapes, perfect for Easter Bunny themed egg hunts. These are really popular so get them quick before they go!

View all egg hunt supplies: https://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/easter/egg-hunt-supplies.html

Monday 26 January 2015

St Patrick's Day Party Supplies - Tuesday 17th March

Celebrate St Patrick's Day with our range of shamrock themed party supplies. From Rainbow Shamrock tableware to NEW shamrock design bowler hats. Get involved and explore our range of St Patricks partyware!

http://www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk/party-supplies/parties-by-theme/st-patricks-day-supplies.html

Thursday 8 January 2015

Love Heart Themed Crafts for Valentine's Day 2015


February 14th sees our lives covered in flowers and hearts for Valentine's Day. Whether you're crafting with the kids or having some quality grown-up craft time, you'll find your perfect craft with us.

From heart shaped paper mache and romantic decopatch papers, to heart shaped paper chains and mess-free stickers; there's a craft for everyone this Valentine's Day at the littlecraftybugs company! If you're having a Valentine's event, don't forget to take a look at our heart themed party supplies.

Don't forget Mum! Mother's Day falls on 15th March in 2015, so get prepared and give Mum a handmade gift this year!

Wednesday 7 January 2015

Chinese New Year Crafts for 2015 - Year of the Goat



From Chinese lanterns to colour-in Chinese dragon masks; here at the littlecraftybugs company our range of Chinese New Year crafts features something for everyone. Crafting is a brilliant way for both kids and adults to learn about another culture.

Our colour-in Chinese symbol bookmarks are minimal mess and are great for learning about other languages. We love the design your own Chinese dragon fans shown above.