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www.craftfocus.com
Issue 53 February/March 2016
www.craftfocus.com
EVEN
BIGGER
ISSUE
CRAFTS FOR
UNDER £15
Capitalise on this sector
of the market
With a 10 page guide to
CHSI Stitches show
HANDMADE
WEDDINGS
Why DIY weddings
are no longer an
inexpensive alternative
SPRING IS AROUND THE CORNER
Discover products for Easter and Mother’s Day
Peacock by
Stand: D38 at CHSI
February/March Issue 53
Managing Editor
Alexandra North
+44 (0)1376 535 611
Deputy Managing Editor
Rosie Orgles
Editor
Julie Bonnar
+44 (0)1376 514 000
[email protected]
contents
Chief Sub Editor
Louise Prance
Sales & Marketing Manager
Michael Richards
+44 (0)1376 535 606
[email protected]
Account Manager
Tracy Voice
+44 (0)1376 535 618
[email protected]
Production Manager
Scott Brothwell
90
Deputy Production Manager
Sarah Young
Senior Graphic Designer
Vicky O’Connor
Graphic Designer
Stephanie Hodder
+44 (0)1376 535 616
[email protected]
17
Production Assistant
Charlotte Potter
Web Development Manager
Stuart Weatherley
regulars
Subscriptions
Kay Tilbury
+44 (0)1376 514 000
editor’s letter
5
An overview of what to expect in this issue
KD Media Publishing Limited
Pantile House, Newlands Drive
Witham, Essex, CM8 2AP, UK
www.craftfocus.com
industry news
7
What’s happening within the craft sector
Front cover image:
Image courtesy of Kuretake UK,
www.kuretake.co.uk
brand spanking new
A look at the latest product launches
ISSN 1758-0900
Craft Focus is solely owned, published and
designed by KD Media Publishing Limited. Whilst
every effort was made to ensure the information
in this magazine was correct at the time of going
to press, the publishers cannot accept legal
responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor
can they accept responsibility of the standing of
advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The
views expressed do not necessarily reflect those
of the publisher. Craft Focus is published six times
a year. Subscription rates for overseas readers
are £75 per annum (incl. p+p), Cheques should be
made out to KD Media Publishing Limited and sent
to Craft Focus, Pantile House, Newlands Drive,
Witham, Essex, CM8 2AP, United Kingdom.
Craft Focus magazine is proud to be
associated with and supporters of:
71
17
project
76
Rediscover analogue photography, and
invent new ways to display craft photos
bookstand
86
The newest craft-related book releases
shows
show news
27
Keep up-to-date with what’s happening
in your industry
back in Birmingham
31
What to look out for when visiting the
CHSI Stitches show
hot products
We reveal the hottest products from
the recent CHA Mega show
61
international acclaimed
Discover what the h+h Cologne fair
has to offer
67
features
all things bright and beautiful
71
The latest products and ranges for Easter and spring
get creative for under £15
81
Encourage crafters into the store with inexpensive
ways to craft
handmade weddings
Why brides prefer to make!
90
sew good
Cash in on the growing sewing sector
95
perfect posies
Floral products for Mother’s Day
103
focus on fabrics
Check out the latest fabric ranges.
111
pantry pastimes
122
Crafting in the kitchen has risen in popularity over the
last few years. We look at what’s trending
craftfocus 3
65
focus on
armful of wonderful designs
65
We catch up with the British designer, Kleshna Handel who’s
behind Beadalon’s most exciting product launch
get creative, get Kuretake
We chat to Kuretake about its mixed media products
106
craft magazines of oz
116
We catch up with Neil Wooding, Director of Manor House
Magazines as he expands the company’s network of retailers
retailing in a digital age
119
We talk to Lauren Guthrie from Guthrie & Ghani to find out
how her business has embraced the digital age
a celebration of cross-stitch
We chat with Roger Hart from Mouseloft as the company
celebrates 20 years in the cross-stitch business
124
gathering
The highlights from Trend Union on the movement of
domestic craft to contemporary process
126
tried and tested - quilt as you go
Distributed by EQS, Julie Bonnar puts June Tailor’s
pre-printing batting distributed through its paces
128
up and coming
130
Julie Bonnar chats to The New Craft House about bringing
back old techniques to modern crafting
business advice
funding your business
Amptil shares some facts about financing that could help
your business
78
strategic networking
108
William Buist from xTEN explains how to build a successful
network with the right partners
from design to development – how to guide
Sara Davies explains how to transform an idea into a
product on the shelf
120
word on web
129
Interactive Intelligence contribute some interesting facts
about why customers abandon their online shopping basket
4 craftfocus
18
Come see us at CHSI Stitches
I’m not sure where the time has gone! With
this issue, I start my fourth year of putting this
magazine together for you. I recently got told that
I’m too passionate about crafting and the industry
but it never fails to amaze me, just when you think
you’ve seen every crafty product there is to see,
something new comes along that’s truly different.
This is how I felt recently judging the CHA Mega
show’s Hot Products Awards. How manufacturers
and designers constantly come up with new
products that consumers want to purchase is
amazing and of course, keeps the craft business flourishing.
We’re looking forward to bringing you many of the latest products over
the next couple of months. We start this time by giving you a glimpse of
what you can expect to find at CHSI Stitches. Do make sure you come
over and say hello to us – we’re on stand J35 and we’d love to hear your
feedback about the magazine.
This issue, we start to think about forthcoming events like spring,
Easter and Mother’s Day and give you some ideas on what you should
be stocking. We also talk about two newer trends – handmade weddings
and crafts in the kitchen – both are picking up in popularity, and we find
out how you can cash in on these.
I think you’ll find the business advice pages really helpful too. Amptil
talk about ideas to fund your business and xTen about making the most
of your chances to network while Sara Davies explains how to get a
product from the design stage to development and on the shelf.
Enjoy what’s inside!
Julie
Julie Bonnar
Editor
Visit us on:
Twitter: @craftfocus
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/craftfocus
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CraftFocus
130
craftfocus 5
Visit us at
STAND Q15
at CHSI
BEACON ADHESIVES INTRODUCES A POWERFUL NEW GLUE
POWER-TAC, the name says it all! Beacon’s creative team has done it again
with a powerful new glue that bonds just about any material imaginable with
impressive strength and permanent results…and without any overpowering odour
or carcinogenic substances.
Power-Tac’s professional formula is a one-part, crystal clear
system that has a fast grab and dries crystal clear while
remaining flexible. Unlike many glues, Power-Tac never
yellows or becomes brittle over time.
Power-Tac bonds a wide range of surfaces including glass,
plastic, wood, leather, tiles, stones, canvas, beads and so
much more. Power-Tac is the perfect glue for both indoor
and outdoor use as it’s waterproof and UV resistant.
Power-Tac is not only an ideal choice for craft and hobby
y
projects, but is also great for home décor, household repairs
and many other applications.
Power-up all your creative projects with this impressive and
innovative new glue, POWER-TAC!
NEXT WORKING DAY
DELIVERY AS STANDARD
WE ARE SELLING THE COMPLETE
RANGE OF BEACON ADHESIVES
A comprehensive range to meet your needs!
T: 020 8953 2143 [email protected] www.creative-distribution.co.uk
Unit 4, Lockwood Industrial Park, Mill Mead Road, London N17 9QP
industry news
industry news
A round up of news from the crafting industry
IN LINE WITH EUROPE
Vilene is changing
its name to
Vlieseline, which
has been the
brand name in
Europe. This
company has
been one of the
top providers of
interlinings, but
is still a family run business. The change of
name happens early February, but there won’t
be any other changes involved – the product,
personnel and the company remain the same.
The new website has been launched as www.vlieseline.com and retailers need to be
aware of this so the transition is a seamless
one. Bursting with project ideas and videos that provide useful
guidance as well as tips and tricks, the site is a vital source of
information and inspiration for everyone with a passion for
sewing and crafting. From dressmaking and tailoring to creative
embroidery and craftwork, Vlieseline has the essential interlining
for every application.
Discover the innovative ranges of sew-in and iron-on
interlinings, volume fleeces, quilting grids and tapes as well as
Bondaweb and Wundaweb. If you don’t know your Decovil from
your Lamifix then it’s time to rediscover what this company offers.
Also on hand to support trade with sales and marketing is
Sharron Belcher, who’s been newly appointed to the Vlieseline
UK Retail Team. For further information visit www.vlieseline.com.
DESIGNER JOINS NATURAL DYED YARNS SPECIALIST
Knit and crochet designer, Sarah Hazell, has joined the team at
natural dyed yarns specialist In The Wool Shed. Sarah will be
designing clothing and homewares using a variety of British yarns
hand-dyed on the Warwickshire farm on which the company is
based. Sarah, well-known author and designer in the knitting
and crochet world will be working alongside In The Wool Shed’s
artist Emma Price, sheep farmer Louise Weetman and designer
Helen Lambell.
Sarah commented, “It’s been a real meeting of minds. Emma’s
use of natural dyes means that I get to work with colours that work
harmoniously together. While there’s an element of unpredictability
when yarns are processed in this way, it just adds to the excitement
for me as a designer. The size of the dye lots means that kits and
designs will always be limited edition, which adds extra value. I was
HENRY GLASS FABRICS
TEAMS UP WITH
THE CRAFT
COTTON COMPANY
Fabric supplier Visage
Textiles – which also
trades as The Craft Cotton
Company – has been appointed as distributor in the UK and Ireland
for Henry Glass Fabrics. The fabric ranges mark the company’s move
to distribute high-quality quilting lines to its growing customer base. For more than 100 years, Henry Glass & Company has been a
leader in developing innovative quilt lines for the home sewing
industry and creates a number of new lines each season designed
by their in-house art department, as well as working exclusively with
famous licensed designers.
Henry Glass cotton prints are available to independent quilt shops
only. Dani Phillips, Managing Director of Visage Textiles said, “This is
one of the most exciting launches we’ve been involved in as these
fabrics are truly outstanding. We wanted to build on the successful
launch of our own quilting collections, and the association with
Henry Glass underlines our commitment to bring exclusive ranges
to our quilt store customers.” If retailers are interested in viewing the
ranges or would like further details,
get in contact below. Customers can
access projects for free through the
website: www.henryglassfabrics.
com. For more information visit the
website www.craftcotton.com.
fascinated to learn that it
takes nearly two and a half
years from a lamb being
born to a skein of yarn being
produced.”
As well as using yarns
produced by In The Wool
Shed’s own flock of Lleyn
sheep, Sarah will work
with other British wools hand-dyed with natural ingredients. The
first design is a bobble hat that will combine the Lleyni Mini Wool
Pots – bite-sized balls of hand-dyed yarn from the resident flock as
well as natural Blue Faced Leicester and Masham. The pattern can
be found at http://sarah-hazell.com/products/colour-block-cabledhat. To find out more visit www.inthewoolshed.com.
craftfocus 7
industry news
A NEW CHAPTER IN EXETER
F&W Media, an international craft media company, with offices
across the US and its headquarters in New York, has relocated
its UK team to Exeter. Founded in Newton Abbot in 1961, F+W
International – part of American company F+W Media – is a specialist
publisher and distributer of art and craft books. The company
also boasts a range of successful art and craft based e-commerce
companies and distributes David & Charles and Dover Publications.
In its 54 years of operation, the company has witnessed significant
changes in the publishing industry. With the rise of eBook sales,
increased use of iPads and Kindles and ecommerce sites such
as Amazon, the company has had to adapt to a rapidly changing
consumer environment. In recent years, the majority of F+W’s
publications have moved to being produced digitally as eBooks.
Some of their current bestsellers include Edward’s Menagerie, a
bestselling crochet toys book and The Quilter’s Bible: The Complete
How-To Guide For Quilters. In addition, F+W Media is now a leading
online craft retailer and owns websites such as sewandso.co.uk and
stitchcraftcreate.co.uk.
Managing Director, James Woollam said: “Our move to Exeter
signifies our progression as a company and illustrates how our
industry has changed. We now produce many more digital products
and videos and, of course, this changes our requirements for office
space. Our new offices accurately reflect the innovative media
business that we have become and we hope that Exeter’s growing
entrepreneurial spirit will give us the opportunity to collaborate with
like-minded digital businesses.”
NEW WAYS TO DO BUSINESS
Wholesale Beads is a
fast-growing specialist
distributor of jewellery
craft products. With a
range of more than 65,000
products available from
manufacturers such as
Beadalon, John Bead,
Miyuki, The Beadsmith,
Griffin and Xuron to name
a few, Wholesale Beads will
be able to supply all of your
jewellery crafting needs.
Most recently added to its range is the Silaba deluxe bead trays that
have been made in the UK, and designed by beaders. The trays offer
some exclusive benefits for serious beaders, and top of the range is the
patented ‘Curve’, which fits snugly against the body when seated.
Wholesale Beads will also be launching its new website, and in order
to help its customers in a difficult economic climate, offering the option
to purchase individual units instead of inner packs. This will allow
retailers to stock a wider range of products but at a lower cost.
To find out more about the products, visit the Wholesale Beads
website: www.wholesale-beads.eu.
8 craftfocus
Deciding to make the move to Exeter, F&W Media contacted Exeter
City Council’s relocation team within Economy and Tourism in
order to find suitable accommodation and assist in the relocation.
Councillor Rosie Denham said, “F&W Media making the move to
Exeter is a real boost to the city and our growing digital business
community. F&W Media is a great example of a company that isn’t
afraid to not only adapt to, but embrace change. We’re pleased to
welcome them to Exeter, support them and see how they evolve
further in the future.”
For more information about F+W International visit the website:
www.fwcommunity.com/uk or for details about relocating a
business to Exeter, visit: www.investinexeter.co.uk.
HELPING
CUSTOMERS
Club Green has a
new catalogue full
of fresh ideas and
new products to
feed your creative
imagination. The
colour co-ordinated
index will help retailers
find their way into a world of innovation and creation. Ribbons,
flowers, gift tags, guest books, confetti, cake boxes, cups, buntings
and garlands, whatever the celebration Club Green has thousands
of products to inspire from big and bold, pastels and neutrals, linen
or lace inspired, the company has the right products to reflect the
latest trends. They offer training, advice and guidance on favour
and bouquet making, and their new website, www.clubgreen.
com, is now up and running with a shop online feature. The
company website is ever evolving with products updated regularly
throughout the year, and retailers can register for account in the
customer area to give you online access to trade prices. Visit the Club Green website to download the catalogue,
www.clubgreen.com.
industry news
CONTEMPORARY CANDLE MAKING KITS
Artisan candle-maker, Northumbrian Candleworks has revealed its
Make Your Own Candle Kit collection, which customers can give as a
gift to make or made and presented to someone special.
Each candle kit comes with different options for the candle tin label
with a choice of a pre-printed or pencil-lined illustration to colour
and customise. Like all of Northumbrian Candleworks’ products, the
kits contain soy wax pellets that are 100 per cent GM free, with no
pesticides or herbicides used at any stage in its cultivation. The soy
beans come from a renewable source and the wax is naturally
bio-degradable, so the new range is also eco-friendly.
These high-quality kits are simple and straightforward to make, with
no need for specialist equipment, and come in six different varieties
and fragrances; Happy Birthday kit with a honeysuckle jasmine
fragrance, Merry Christmas kit fragranced with seasonal spice, and the
Kid’s Pack featuring a strawberries and cream scent. There are also
three generic kits available, with honeysuckle jasmine, mediterranean
fig or mimosa and mandarin fragrance.
Peter Cooke, business owner and head chandler, said, “We’re often
asked about how you hand-make a candle, and so we felt this would
be the perfect time to launch our new Make Your Own Candle Kits
– there’s clearly an appetite for this product and they’ve been well
received by retailers at recent trade shows. People can now enjoy the
experience of creating artisan candles using the same techniques
that we do in our workshop in Hexham; not only can people enjoy
the fragrance of the finished article, they can enjoy the sense of
satisfaction in their own handiwork too.”
The kits are a great addition to any retailer’s stock shelves and are
beautifully packaged and presented in brown paper bags, and a great
way for customers to explore candle making. The kits retail at £15.99
with a trade price of £6.67 per unit. There’s also an attractive PoS unit
specifically built to house this range, and can display 36 kits. A full
stand of 36 costs £295 plus VAT complete and will give retailers the
potential for sales to a total value of £575.64 at standard RRP. The
company plans to expand the collection in the future to include large
candle tins, as well as their ever-popular candles in glass. For more
details visit the website www.northumbriancandleworks.co.uk/trade.
RECYCLED STYLING
Keeping up with the current trend for all things retro, Morplan
stocks a huge choice of display props, shop-fittings, tailors
dummies and more made from natural, recycled or reused
materials. Within this range, there are crates, shelving units, trays
and counters in a lovely, worn driftwood finish (Cargo), tables,
shelves and gondolas in rough, whitewashed or natural finishes
(Heritage) plus jewellery stands in wood or
raffia, tickets in brown Kraft card and sale
material in a gorgeous ’50s style gingham
design. With more than 5,000 products
from stock and free delivery on orders
more than £85 ex VAT (exceptions apply) it’s
worth taking a look at what the
company has to offer. To view these collections
visit www.morplan.com.
10 craftfocus
WITHOUT LIMITATIONS
Imagine DIY is one of the UK’s main DIY wedding stationery
suppliers and has recently announced the launch of an exciting
new look website. The new look is fun, fresh and bright, and
doesn’t have the limitations that the old website did. With lots of
newly enhanced functionality, Imagine DIY has a live online stock
check and something the company has wanted to provide for
years. Now retailers can see in an instant if the items are available
and when they will be delivered. In addition to this, the company is
working on an exciting new blog that they hope will be an excellent
resource for brides and the wedding and craft industry. For more
information visit the website www.imaginediy.co.uk.
FOCUSCRAFT
of Shrewsbury
Wholesale cash & carry DIRECT
No minimum order requirements
Free UK Over Night Delivery
Quantity Discounts applied for order’s collected or delivered.
Order by Web shop, Telephone, Fax, or Email
www.focuscraft.co.uk
t. 01743 465 788 f. 01743 465 799
[email protected]
industry news
KNITTING COMPETITION
There’s still time to show off your knitting skills in The Knitted Feast
competition. Going out for dinner may be quite ordinary, but the
people behind the Knitting & Stitching shows are creating a dining
experience with a difference, with an entirely knitted banquet.
Show organiser Upper Street Events has teamed up with designer
Susie Johns and Search Press to offer four knitting patterns to get
you started. The patterns include an apple, an apple core, a pear
and a carrot, but crafters are also encouraged to knit or crochet any
food items they like, with ideas ranging from a bunch of bananas to
a knitted cheese board, chicken legs to knitted sprouts. They’re also
keen to get plates or wine glasses with knitted covers – maybe even a
knitted banqueting chair.
All items need to be made to life-size to ensure that the feast looks
as realistic as possible, and knitters can enter numerous times.
The Knitted Feast entries will be displayed on a banqueting table at
the Spring Knitting & Stitching show in London’s Olympia between 3rd
- 6th March, and the winners announced at the show.
Jonathan Burton, Portfolio Director for the Knitting & Stitching
Shows said: “The Spring Knitting & Stitch show is one of our most
innovative shows and our visitors are always expecting to see
something a little out of the ordinary. Last year, we asked knitters to
create a piece for our knitted farm competition, which had an amazing
reception amongst visitors. So the pressure was really on to top that.
One of the real joys of the show is allowing visitors to display their own
work and our knitted banquet provides a fun opportunity to do this.
We hope to raise a few smiles.” If you think you’ve got what it takes to knit or crochet something
that looks good enough to eat, enter the competition before the 19th
February by visiting www.theknittingandstitchingshow/com/spring.
REALISE YOUR CRAFT DREAM
For a long time getting your paper craft designs into the market
has been an expensive drawn-out process. Traditional print runs
meant an investment in large amounts of stock, which most small
companies and budding designers couldn’t afford until now. Blank
Page Media has opened up the market in short run print and design
where smaller businesses can have their own brand/designs in print
and ready to sell for little outlay. The company is offering a brand
new service, which includes help with product design, packaging,
point of sale, show and exhibition stand graphics, digital and online
graphic design for websites and social media, plus an extensive film
and editing knowledge base to get you started on YouTube.
Having own-branded stock means retailers don’t have to outlay
for large amounts of stock that could sit on the shelves for ages.
Design exclusivity is also a huge bonus and draw for customers
looking for something different. “There has always been a hunger
for a more artisan approach in the UK craft industry and we can
help budding designers realise their dreams of producing their own
designs at a cost that isn’t out of this world. Blank Page Media has
more than 50 years combined experience in the design and craft
markets having worked with leading UK craft brands and household
craft names. We’re keen to help small business and designers to
build their brand dreams in 2016,” comments Sheila Roberts. For
more information visit the Blank Page Media website
www.blankpagemedia.co.uk.
craftfocus 13
industry news
OPTIONAL PACKAGING
For many
years, Cleartec
Packaging has
been supplying
the craft industry
with a variety
of packaging
tubes. Last year
saw the parent
company, Mocap
acquire Beckett
Packaging, which
was an excellent
addition to the
packaging range.
Some of the
new products available included multi boxes, which can be finished
with foam inserts; telescopic tubes that are ideal for packaging
craft tools with differing lengths; cylinder-paks which are perfect for
storing plans, stationery or canvases; snap-paks designed for multiple
packing, and can be supplied with perforated plastic labels; and insert
boxes – an excellent system for storing or displaying multiple items.
All these products are available in a wide range of standard colours,
as well as being stocked in transparent polypropylene. Add these
to the stocked range of Cleartec tubes and there’s plenty of choice
for buyers. Bespoke lengths and colours are available for larger
quantities. Contact the sales team for further information or visit
either of the websites; www.cleartecpackaging.co.uk or
www.beckettplastics.co.uk.
SPEEDY DISTRIBUTION
Grafix, producer of creative plastic films and paper craft supplies
for all your art and craft needs is expanding its distribution in the
UK with a new centralised warehouse for quicker shipping and
cost savings, as well as adding a dedicated sales team. Catch up
with the company at the upcoming CHSI Stitches show or for more
information email: [email protected].
14 craftfocus
SPOILT FOR SEWING PATTERNS
Hantex has recently been appointed UK distributor for Meg
Nielsen sewing patterns. Sewers will already be familiar with this
independent sewing pattern brand and the patterns already have a
good following with designs for women. Most recently, Meg Neilsen
has also launched a wonderful range of patterns for children too. If
you’d like to stock Megan Nielsen sewing patterns, visit the Hantex
website: www.hantex.co.uk.
BUILDING A POWERFUL TEAM
Powertex is looking for people to join its team at various levels,
depending on the commitment they are able to give, the most
important things you’ll need is a passion for creating and an open
mind. The company is in the process of building a vibrant team of
people, trained by Tracey Evans in their Warwickshire studio. The
company is happy to speak to independent craft retailers, and
those who don’t have a physical shop as well as individuals; there
are places for everyone.
If you’re interested in exploring this opportunity further, please apply
by sending an email telling Powertex about yourself, why you think
Powertex is for you, and your previous experience, or come along
for a chat at CHSI Stitches stand E10. For more information visit:
www.powertex.co.uk.
brand spanking new
brand spanking new
An exclusive round up of the newest product offerings
Purse perfection
U-handbag has
a new range of
bag and purse
making kits.
This collection
features five
purses and/or
bag designs for
wholesale.
All the kit
designs are
modern, stylish
and contain
everything that’s
needed. The kits are packed in their Brighton premises and
include the following designs: Simply Smart Shopper, Simply
Smart Clutch, Easy Peasy Purse, Sugar Loaf Pouch and the Sunny
Specs Case Purse.
Double trouble
Kurecolour is a
premium range of dualtipped alcohol-based
markers featuring a fine
tip for detailing as well
a flexible brush tip. It’s
quick drying making
it a firm favourite with
all sorts of artists,
cartoonist, graphic
designers, illustrators
and urban crafters.
The pens are made in
Japan, and available
individually or in sets of 12 and 135 colours,
there’s always going to be the right shade.
Check out the image on our front cover to
see what can be done using these pens.
U-Handbag
T: +44 (0)1273 748 944
E: [email protected]
W: www.u-handbag.com
Kuretake
T: +44 (0)1527 592 952
W: www.kuretake.co.uk
Fabric dream
Dream Catchers
is a beautiful
new collection
designed by
Lucia Crovatto
for Studio e
Collections and
is perfect for
spring projects.
The fabric
features lovely patterns of feathers, arrows, huts, flowers and
butterflies with pink, cream or mint pastel backgrounds, and would
create a calm and sophisticated designs. Evoking children's tales
this original, non-gender specific collection would be fantastic for a
child's quilt, nursery decoration or carrier bag. The collection has 13
SKUs including two 24in panels, five patterns in three colour ways,
and is 100 per cent cotton. Available in 44in/45in width and can be
pre-ordered, with delivery in March 2016.
Get connected
Artistic Wire Crimp Tube Connectors make it easy to join 12, 14 and
16-gauge wire without solder or messy wrapping. Large format crimp
tubes make clean cold connections on round wire. Use the tooth
in the back jaw of the tool to join two ends of either 12 or 14-gauge
wire, and the standard crimper tool for 16-gauge wire. The crimper
pierces the crimp tube into the wire to secure the connection.
Beadalon
T: +1 610 466 6000
W: www.beadalon.com
Studio e Collections are distributed by EQS
T: +44 (0)116 271 0033
W: www.eqsuk.com
craftfocus 17
brand spanking new
Barrel of fun
The well-known pink
barrel has changed
to a white/pink barrel
and pink butterflies.
The new Sewline glue
pen is a convenient
archival quality solid
glue stick. The penlike dispenser and
a small amount will
hold fabrics in place for sewing making pins obsolete. The coloured
glue dries clear, there’s no thick residue, and it’s water soluble and
safe for most fabrics. There’s no more fiddling with pins and trying
to sew round them, simply run the glue pen along the fabric edge,
hold the pieces together and you’ve a temporary bond. It goes on
coloured but dries clear – it washes out and won’t gum up your
needle. Refill cartridges are sold separately.
EQS
T: +44 (0)116 271 0033
W: www.eqsuk.com
Creatively cute
The new A5+
creative paper
packs from
Craft Creations
are great value
at £2.49 for 24
sheets. This
range features
many of the
company’s most
popular 12in x
12in patterns
scaled down to
fit a 155mm x
215mm sheet,
perfect for covering a wide range of card blanks including our A5 and
6in × 6in sizes. They’re also great for using with paper punches or
die-cutting machines, or cutting into panels for matting and layering.
They’re available in mixed and single design packs.
Craft Creations
T: + 44 (0)1992 781 900
W: www.craftcreations.com
18 craftfocus
Spring collections
Jones Crafts
is the UK
distributor for
BoBunny kicks
off a new year
with brand new
products. It has
released new
stencils, dies
and collections
to its already
extensive
product range.
The Beautiful
Secret Garden (shown here) will be a delight
for all your projects as well as BoBunny’s Secret Garden collection
that’s a crafter’s must-have. It features soft florals and deep purples,
just the thing to satisfy your springtime needs.
Jones Crafts
T: +44 (0)1159 781 263
W: www.jonesnottm.co.uk
Crafting with children
GMC is launching a
selection of books packed
with ideas and inspiration
for crafting at home with
children. Whether planning
a Frozen-themed party or
looking for activities to
occupy an aspiring knight,
the new booklets The
Princess Craft Book and
The Knight Craft Book,
from popular children’s
bloggers Little Button
Diaries, will provide hours
of entertainment and both retail
at £6.99.
GMC Distribution
T: +44 (0)1273 488 005
W: www.gmcdistribution.com
ADVERTISING FEATURE
UP TO 65% OFF WITH GLUE DOTS
Make sure you don’t miss out on these fantastic deals. Glue Dots International is supporting
the launch of their new Stitch® Glue Squares with some outstanding offers.
There’s up to 65% off
the normal RRP of these
eye-catching displays,
so there’s never been a
better time to buy.
These attractive floor
standing and counter
top displays each hold a
range of the company’s
best-selling hand-held
dispensers in a choice
of adhesive formulas
including: Stitch
Squares, Permanent, Removable and Mini.
Stitch® Glue Squares features a brand new adhesive
pattern, with a super strength formula that delivers
more sticking power than traditional tape runners.
Highly versatile adhesives and ideal for a wide range
of crafting and DIY projects, Glue Dots are easy-touse, mess-free and require no dry time. They are
also non-toxic and acid free and can be used on a
wide range of surfaces including: paper, card, wood,
plastic, metal and foam.
They couldn’t be easier to use - simply, press
OFF RRP!
the dispenser gently onto your material and pull
towards you to apply.
65%
For orders and new account
opportunities please contact:
West Design Products - 01303 297 888
www.westdesignproducts.co.uk
60%
OFF RRP!
They couldn’t be easier
to use - simply, press the
dispenser gently onto your
material and pull towards
you to apply.
Meet our new baby...
See the brand NEW Buttonbag Baby range at
SPRING FAIR - HALL 5 - STAND H64
2016 promises to be an exciting year for Buttonbag
and we have some important news.
Buttonbag will now handle all distribution and
deliveries from our London HQ and our new dedicated
warehouse. We would like to take this opportunity to
thank Asobi for the distribution collaboration over the
last 12 months, which has seen the Buttonbag brand
continue its significant development.
For more information email Sara and Sarah
[email protected]
w w w. b u t t o n b a g . c o . u k
brand spanking new
Harmonious high street
High Street is the latest
design from Peter
Underhill. Peter has chosen
three quite different shops
for this scene with more
designs to come later. This
cross-stitch kit brings back
memories of times when
shops like these were commonplace, and tells a story.
“Floralie is the florist selling plants and flowers for all occasions
with the window display and flowers spilling out onto the pavement,
making this little shop very inviting, and above the shop is the
accountants, Cox and Co. Jarvis and Son is a good old-fashioned
gentlemen’s outfitters where men can go to be measured for a
suit, and you know that everything is going to be of good quality,
while Watt’s is a lighting emporium where you can see through the
windows and glass door that they sell everything from standard
lamps to pretty shades and wall lights.” There’s so much detail in this
design that you could spend hours admiring it. The design measures
30.5cm x 21.5cm (12” x 8 1/2”) and retails for £48.99. Dreamy imagery
Enchanted Dreams Luxury
Card Collection is the latest
collection from Hunkydory
Crafts. This collection bursts
with new and original images
showcasing a variety of
fabulous animals in the most
bold and beautiful colours.
Designed to meet popular
demand, this spell-bounding
collection is a fantasy lover’s dream and it has all been brought
together with spectacular rich gold textured foiling. Alongside the
collection is a stunning A4 speciality paper pad and sumptuous
Fantasia foiled acetate amongst others.
Heritage Crafts
T: +44 (0)1889 575 256
W: www.hcrafts.com
British yarn collaboration
Redhound for Dogs
has a new jumper
knitting kit for dogs
that comprises
of British yarns.
The company
has teamed up
with the West
Yorkshire Spinners
to incorporate the
Bluefaced Leicester
DK prints, which give
these jumpers and
coats a wonderful
texture and depth of colour.
Each kit comes packaged in the company’s signature brown box
with paw print window, and contains all that the knitter needs to get
the project done, wool, patterns, knitting and sewing needle. Two
colours are available with four sizes for Tiny Toy, Dashing Dachshund,
Terrific Terrier and Wonderful Whippet plus a snood and glove kit
for the lady who walks the dog. The kit will retail from £27.99 with a
wholesale prices starting from £12.50.
Prince of the jungle
RIOLIS has released this stunning
new design, aptly titled Owner of
the Jungle, featuring a majestic
leopard prowling his territory.
The designer has captured
the light perfectly as it breaks
through the canopy of leaves,
and plays across the leopard’s
fur and the jungle floor. This is
a counted cross-stitch kit, with
14 count Zweigart aida, in a
rich khaki colour, and Anchor
stranded cottons. All RIOLIS kits feature colour printed charts and
easy to follow instructions in five languages, and are available from
SoloCrafts. This design measures 30cm x 40cm when finished, and
retails at £59.99.
RIOLIS distributed by SoloCrafts
T: +44 (0)161 464 7313
W: www.solocrafts.com
Hunkydory Crafts
T: +44 (0)1772 272 575
W: www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk
Redhound for Dogs
T: +44 (0)1622 297 100
W: www.redhoundfordogs.com
craftfocus 21
brand spanking new
Retro-inspired
Design Works
Crafts has
launched a new
series of quirky
designs, which
feature retro
style images
paired with
uplifting
sentiments. There are four
in the range so far with more to follow including ‘Not all that wander
are lost', and ‘Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful'. Both
these messages are sure to resonate with customers, and the images
accompanying them make these attractive additions to any home.
Each kit comes with 14-count oatmeal Aida fabric, 100 per cent cotton
embroidery threads, a needle, clear chart and full instructions. Each
design measures 20cm x 30cm and retails for £23.99.
Design Works is distributed by SoloCrafts
T: +44 (0)161 464 7313
Multi-coloured knits
The trend for variegated
yarns has been a
massive hit this year,
with Cygnet yarns',
Kiddies Couture DK
Prints flying high with
knitters and crocheters.
The Kiddies Couture
DK Prints is a hugely
popular self-striping
yarn with a beautiful
softness of handle, and perfect against delicate skin. This season
they’ve introduced three fresh colours to the range – Neon Stripe,
Rainbow Stripe and Lolly Stripe. This hardwearing, 75 per cent
acrylic and 25 per cent polyamide mixture yarn is ideal for babies
and toddlers with bright and subtle shades for exquisite banding of
colour ways for all occasions.
Pop up perfection
Stampendous
is following on
from the huge
success of the
Fran’s Pop-Up
die set which
they launched
back in early 2015
with a new stamp
set called POP’ccessories. The set contains the tools for creating
a huge range of pop-up designs. The set contains pieces that will
make a simple pop-up card but also make a pop-up box and stand
for inside the card, which will be great for everything from children’s
party favours to wedding place cards. A favourite will be the ability
to make your own wobbler cards – so much fun in just one packet!
Retailing for under £20, it’s a great addition to any card maker’s stash.
Creative Colour
Dytek liquid colour
dye is a stunning
new range from
Colourcraft C &
A. Manufactured
in Sheffield, the
dyes are used cold,
straight from the
bottle making them
ideal for batik work
and countless other applications. The fixative is also applied cold
straight from the bottle. The dyes come in 21 vibrant, permanent,
lightfast colours that can be used on cotton, calico, linen, viscose,
flax, hemp, silk and paper. To accompany this range, there’s a new
book, Dytek Liquid Colour Dye Basics by Chris Gray, which would
make a perfect introduction to using this easy system.
Woodware Craft Collection
T: +44 (0)1756 700 024
W: www.woodware.co.uk
Colourcraft C & A Limited
T: +44 (0) 1142 421 431
W: www.colourcraft-ltd.com
22 craftfocus
Cygnet Yarns
T: +44 (0)1274 743 374
W: www.cygnetyarns.co.uk
www.houseofalistair.com
~ Luxury haberdashery made using Liberty prints ~
~ Designed and created in London ~
~ Bespoke orders welcome ~
See us at Craft Hobby & Stitch 2016
Birmingham NEC - Stand BS27
brand spanking new
Happy ever after
Amy Sinibaldi’s love
for books, not only
for the stories but
wonderful words
and faraway places,
was the inspiration
for Paperie, a limited
edition collection
from Art Gallery
Fabrics. The art within,
the covers and the
gorgeous end papers
are the essence of this
collection, which was
written on fabric with
romantic shades of
pink, subtle greys and a hint of royal blue.
Cool projects for children
Create your own,
original accessories
with The Makery’s
step-by-step craft
kits from Wild &
Wolf. The Bath
based company
has recently
introduced
children’s craft
kits to inspire little
ones to get stitching, sewing and making. The Make-away style boxes
include everything needed to complete the items and kits include
a friendship bracelet kit, a bunny purse and cuckoo clock, to name
a few. All kits come with fully illustrated step-by-step patterns and
instructions. Alongside the kits, The Makery also offers craft supplies
from beautiful buttons to fantastic ribbons and twine.
Art Gallery Fabrics is distributed in the UK by Hantex
T: +44 (0)1754 820 800
W: www.hantex.co.uk
Wild & Wolf
T: +44 (0)125 789 909
W: www.wildandwolf.comm
Tick tock
Needcraft has
come up with
great new
product, which
will be launched
at the CHSI
Stitches show.
The Creative
Clock making kit
allows crafters to
make innovative
clocks using your
own fabric or
wallpaper as a background so that it can be matched with room
schemes. Needcraft also offer the option to print your own design
or photograph onto a piece of fabric to fit the clock. Available to
purchase as easy-to-stock trade packs, or as a special manufacturer
or workshop pack – these clock kits have been tailored to suit any
type of retailer, manufacturer or teaching business.
Dream machine
Gemini is the brand
new electric, cutting
and embossing
machine from
Crafter’s Companion.
The machine is
fast, quiet, and lightweight, and has a high-pressure system that
delivers fantastic results from intricate dies and folders – all at the
push of a button. It also has an extra wide-opening and oversized
platforms to provide edge-to-edge cutting of A4 and US letter size
materials such as thick paper stock, vinyl, and foil, making it perfect
for scrapbooking, card making, paper and fabric embellishments,
and table décor. Crafters will be able to use other brands of thin
metal dies and embossing folders with it, and it features built-in
handholds for easy use. The machine comes with clear and black
cutting platforms, metal cutting plate, magnetic and plastic shim,
rubber embossing mat and three embossing folders, as well as
14-piece cutting die set, instructional DVD and user guide. The
Gemini machine launches at the Stitches trade show.
Crafter’s Companion
T: +44 (0)1388 660 930
W: www.crafterscompaniontrade.co.uk
Needcraft
T: +44 (0)1992 700 311
W: www.needcraft.co.uk
craftfocus 25
The Scottish Hobby & Craft Trade Show
11th & 12th September 2016
The Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road
Edinburgh
Introducing to the exhibition with TV craft expert
Clare Charwill giving workshop classes
For more information please contact
Yvonne on 07770 870093 or by Email
[email protected]
shows, news and events
We update you on what’s happening in the next couple of months
with a round up of the shows
A FLYING START FOR SPRING FAIR
DIARY DATES
Spring Fair
When: 7th - 11th February, 2016
Where: NEC, Birmingham
Who: i2i Events Group
W: www.springfair.com
Hobby-X Johannesburg
When: 3rd - 6th March 2016
Where: Ticketpro Dome, Northgate, Johannesburg,
South Africa
Who: Expo Trends
W: www.hobby-x.co.za
SpringFair KreavaK
When: 28th - 29th February, 2016
Where: Expo Houten, Ultrecht, The Netherlands
Who: ASWS
W: www.asws.nl
AEF Pro Paris
When: 28th - 29th February and 1st March, 2016
Where: Grande Halle de la Villette, Paris, France
Who: Côté Salons
W: www.aefproparis.com
SCOTTISH TRADE SHOW UPDATE
The Perth Trade
Show is relocating to
Edinburgh, and also
changing its name
to The Scottish Hobby
& Craft Trade Show,
the show will be held
at the Marriott Hotel,
Glasgow Road between
11th and 12th September, 2016. The show also intends to
bring an extensive range of workshops, as well as many
of the show’s regular exhibitors. Any company wishing to
exhibit should get in contact with the organiser Yvonne
Jackson, email: [email protected] or
tel: +44 (0)7770 870 093.
Spring Fair, organised by i2i Events
Group, will get this
year’s trading off to
a flying start with
300,000 new product
launches from new
design talent and
innovative companies. The show
opens its doors on 7th
February at the NEC
with 3,000 of the best British and International suppliers – many of which are
new for 2016. Organisers say that 44 per cent of visitors don’t attend any other
trade event, and 75 per cent of all visitors place orders with suppliers as a result
of attending – making it a great event ever to kick of the season.
The introduction of last year’s ‘Wish List’ offers visitors a 24/7, all year-round
product sourcing platform. The powerful search and select mechanism also
provides great insight into trends as the hottest products rise through the ranks
and make it onto more users’ wish lists. Monitoring trends has also confirmed
that licensing is still big news across all major categories. Changes to the 2016
show floor will encourage footfall to the Atrium side of the show, as well as an
express entrance to help channel visitors to Halls 6, 7, 8 and 20 as soon as the
show opens. Linking walkways between Halls 4 and 8 and Halls 5 and 9 will
further improve the flow of visitors around the show and help them make the
most of the crossover buying opportunities. Further information can be found
at www.springfair.com.
DUTCH CREATIVITY
Spring Fair KreavaK is one of the
most colourful tradeshows that
comes to the beautiful location of
Expo Houten. This show is strictly
trade and hosts all kinds of textile
and paper hobbies as well as
beading, knitting and patchwork
and quilting. Visitors come from the Netherland and Belgium looking for new
products and new inspirations for shops and online businesses, but now this
show is attracting an audience from further afield. Exhibitors from all over
Europe have already joined the exhibitor’s list, and the show continues to grow
with a series of workshops and demonstrations. The Expo Houten in Utrecht
is located in the centre of the Netherlands and can be easily reached by road
and rail. Visitors can download entrance cards and park for free at the show, by
using the website www.asws.nl.
craftfocus 27
VISIT PARIS
EXPERIENCE SOUTH AFRICA’S FAVOURITE CRAFT AND
HOBBY EXHIBITION
Hobby-X was launched in South Africa in 1998 and attracts tens of
thousands of visitors to every show. Visitors come from all over South
Africa and other parts of the region but the show is also attracting people
from further afield from the USA, UK and Europe. Hobby-X promotes an
innovative marketing approach that targets both trade and consumers,
and organisers hope to build brand awareness and brand loyalty ultimately
resulting in increased demand for their products within the retail stores.
The exhibition is filled with demonstrations, make and takes, workshops,
showcases and a wide spectrum of crafts including baking, paper crafting,
DIY home décor, sewing, knitting, art and more.
Other Hobby-X shows are held in the major centres of South Africa
including Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Midrand and Bloemfontein. For
more information visit the website: www.hobby-x.co.za.
AEF Pro Paris takes place between 28th February and 1st
March. This trade show is dedicated to professionals in the
textile and craft market in Paris’ famous Grande Halle de
la Villette exhibition centre. During the three days, French
and international wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers,
publishing companies, and designers will present yarns,
threads, haberdashery, fabrics, books, and products from
complementary sectors such as scrapbooking, beads, home
decoration items, and packaging.
The show was created six years ago, and is a growing business
event in France. Last year, AEF Pro Paris welcomed 95 exhibitors
and more than 6,500 visitors from France and 13 European
countries. The show offers visitors an opportunity to meet both
French and International exhibitors, make new professional and
artistic contacts, as well as discover first-class designers offering
original products and check out the market’s latest trends and
materials. For more information visit: www.aefproparis.com.
CONSUMER CALENDAR
Want to get your products to more customers?
We list the best UK-based consumer craft shows in the
forthcoming months:
S
CONSUMER SHOW NEW
Desire Jewellery and
Silversmithing Fair
26th - 28th February 2016
Chelsea Old Town Hall,
King’s Road, London
This stunning mixed media
jewellery and silversmithing
event allows visitors to see
an exciting range from both
emerging British talent
and established designer
makers. Exhibitors include
jewellers working in all sorts
of precious metals as well as
incorporating felt, gemstones, sea-glass, buttons, pearls, glass, enamelwork
and beads. Many of the makers are happy to speak about remodelling
old jewellery to give it a more contemporary feel. Admission is £6 and
opening times are from 10am - 6pm (Friday), and 10am - 5pm (Saturday and
Sunday). For further information, visit www.desirefair.com.
28 craftfocus
Craft 4 Crafters, www.craft4crafters.co.uk
4th - 6th Feb: Exeter
Craft in Focus, www.craftinfocus.com:
26th - 28th Feb: Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair,
Chelsea
8th- 10th Apr: Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair,
Canterbury
ETES Ltd, www.knitandstitchit-org.uk
26th - 27th Feb: Make It and Knit & Stitch It, Farnborough Grosvenor Shows, patchwork & quilting
(www.grosvenorshows.co.uk):
19th - 21st Feb: Spring Quilt Festival, Edinburgh
4th - 6th Mar: Spring Quilt Festival, Duxford
10th - 12th Mar: Stitch & Craft, Malvern
1st - 3rd Apr: Spring Quilt Festival, Exeter
ICHF shows (www.ichfevents.co.uk):
4th - 6th Feb: Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts, Manchester
3th - 6th Mar: Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts, Glasgow
3th - 6th Mar: The Quilting Show, Glasgow
17th - 20th Mar: Sewing for Pleasure, Fashion & Embroidery
and Hobbycrafts, NEC
18th - 20th Mar: Cake International, NEC, Birmingham
Sincerely Yours, papercraft shows
(www.sincerely-yours-shows.info):
14th Feb: Cowbridge
20th - 21st Feb: Leigh
3rd Apr: Ellesmere
17th Apr: Taunton
24th Apr: Maidstone
Upper Street Events (www.upperstreetevents.net):
16th - 20th Mar: Country Living Spring Fair, Business Design
Centre, London
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Celebrate
in style
Whatever the occasion is,
Hunkydory Crafts has it covered.
See the whole year through with the
beautiful Special Celebrations and
Heartfelt Occasions Luxury Card collections.
Special Celebrations and Heartfelt Occasions luxury card collections are
the perfect kits to cover every special and memorable occasion throughout the year! With beautiful and unbeatable Hunkydory original imagery
throughout, and with the most sincere sentiments and truly stunning
colour palette, these collections will become every crafter’s go-to stash!
With every milestone covered, from one-off occasions such as passing
your driving test, weddings and surprise engagements to yearly celebrations such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Easter, there’s always room
for an extra special handmade card.
The Special Celebrations and Heartfelt Occasions luxury card collections bring everything together wonderfully. With perfect die-cuts,
beautiful and elegant foiling that the company is famous for, you’ll be
able to send the perfect heartfelt message of sympathy or create a special
memento to celebrate those long awaited bundles of joy!
Add the perfect finishing touch to all your handmade creations with
the accompanying beautiful co-ordinated printed inserts. What’s more,
there’s also a brand new Little Book of Occasions and Celebrations that
complements each of these collections. With 144 pages of 150gsm paper,
30
and six each of 24 designs, crafters can make an incredible amount of
toppers, and their own bespoke decoupage creations.
Special Celebrations and Heartfelt Occasions had a hugely successful
world launch on Create & Craft TV and Create & Craft USA in January,
and the retail launch in early February is sure be just as popular with
crafters. These collections can be bought with a buy one get one free deal
of £29.99 RRP, or simply stock individual topper sets from just £2.99.
The collections are available for retail from 9th February.
HUNKYDORY CRAFTS
T: +44 (0)1772 272 575 E: [email protected]
W: www.trade.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk
show preview
back to Birmingham
10 reasons why retailers should visit CHSI Stitches
For some, February is a month of romance, for
those of us in the craft industry, new products,
new ideas and networking have become
synonymous with this time of year for the last 41
years, thanks to CHSI Stitches.
ICHF Events’ flagship event and Europe’s
leading trade show for the art, craft, needlecraft,
fabric and hobby industry, CHSI Stitches first
opened its doors in 1976, moving to its home
at the NEC, Birmingham in 1986. The show has
expanded since its early days to now host more
than 200 international exhibitors and welcome
over 8,000 retail buyers from across the globe.
The 2016 CHSI Stitches is bigger and stronger
than ever with stand space selling in record time
and many companies expanding exhibition
areas to showcase new brands. We’ve selected
10 of the best bits (in no particular order) to help
you navigate this year’s show.
1
Retailer Prize Draw
There’s still time to pre-register. All trade visitors
registering in advance of the show are entered
into a prize draw held each day of the show to
win £1000 to spend on supplies with exhibitors at
or after the show.
FACT FILE
Exhibitors come from Europe, USA, New Zealand and South Africa
It’s Europe’s number one trade show for the art, craft, needlecraft,
fabric and hobby industry
CHSI Stitches
21st – 23rd February, 2016
Opening Times: Sunday: 9am – 5pm,
Monday and Tuesday: 9.30am – 4pm
Hall 12, NEC, Birmingham
T: +44(0)1425 272 711, E: [email protected], W: www.chsi.co.uk
craftfocus 31
OFFER PRICE
£14.00
WLYWHJR
_IHSSZ
SPECIAL OFFER
BUY 5 PACKS
RECEIVE 1
PACK FREE
OFFER PRICE
£14.00
WLYRPSV
_RNIHN
SPECIAL OFFER
BUY 5KG
RECEIVE 1KG
BAG FREE
www.bronteglen.co.uk
Apply for a trade account on our website
All prices are +VAT and P&P @ £6.50
FREE delivery on all orders over £100 +VAT
;LS! c,THPS!ZHSLZ'IYVU[LNSLUJV\R
Bronte Glen Ltd, Elite Buildings, Starkie Street, Keighley BD21 1PH
The London Bead Co.
www.londonbeadco.co.uk
Miyuki Delica & Seed Beads •
Swarovski Crystal Elements •
Jewellery Findings •
Japanese Silk Ribbons •
Hanah Hand Dyed “Bias-Cut” Silk Ribbons •
Distributors of The Caron Collection,
Threadworx and Thread Gatherer
range of threads and ribbons
339 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ
0207 267 9403 | [email protected]
back to Birmingham
2
Bright Sparks Pavilion
With 24 of the brightest new designers and creative craft
entrepreneurs launching their products from the Bright Sparks
Pavilion, these are often to the trade for the very first time. Stop
a while to find wax stamp seals, pom-poms, weaving kits, needle
felting, vintage motifs and jumpers for dogs to name just a few.
Introduced in 2008, it has enabled start-up businesses in the
craft industry a dedicated platform to launch their products to an
audience of more than 7,000 buyers.
“We’re very proud of
supporting fledgling designers
and businesses in the Bright
Sparks Pavilion at the show
and know that we’ve helped
many companies grow their
businesses over the years.
In 2016, we have a really
interesting mix of companies
exhibiting in this area making
it a must-visit part of the show
for all visitors,”
says Adam Elkins, ICHF Events
Sales Manager.
Bright Sparks Pavilion
companies include:
Erika Peto, owner of Flo-Jo, will be
showcasing her Knicker Making kit alongside
a new range of sewing kits in the area. She
says, “We’re excited to be launching our
new range of sewing kits and specialist
haberdashery at the show. Our Knicker
Making kit is known for combining gorgeous
fabrics with clear design and foolproof
instructions. New products include an eye
mask kit, stretch knicker kit and apron kit,
which are aimed at the adult beginner sewer
or those wanting to get back into making.”
Redhound For Dogs, launched by Debbie
Humphreys, moved into craft products with
the introduction of its Knitted Dog Jumper
kits in 2013, and dog coat sewing patterns
followed. The award-winning business was
invited to join notonthehighstreet.com and
since then the business has grown supplying
many well-known retailers. The range
includes items that are perfect for beginners
such as Festive Fun Collar and Dog Bow
Tie kits.
First time exhibitor, Vanessa Bee Designs
will launch new ranges at the show. Owner
Robert Adams says, “We’ve developed new
products for knitters including a purpose
designed knitting bag in new colours for
spring. We also have a brand new range of
smaller accessory bags, including a knitting
needle holder, crochet hook holder and a
wool holder.”
• A Little Shop
• Cashmered
• Ernst Friehoff
• Felted and Stitched
• Flo Jo Boutique
• Hawthorn Handmade
• Honey Doo Crafts
• House of Alistair
• Juko Designs
• Melt Wax Seals
• Multipom
• Redhound for Dogs
• Sew La Di Da
• Sew Me Something
• Suki’s Imports
• That’s Crafty
• The New Craft House
• Vanessa Bee Designs
• Handcrafted By Me
www.meltwaxseals.co.uk
Trade suppliers of over 250
exclusive seal designs and
wax journal accessories
Plus Travel Journals, Cufflinks and Gifts
0121 705 8679
[email protected]
www.meltwaxseals.co.uk
Presents a One-Stop Shop for all your Quilling needs
A one-stop shop for all your Quilling products
Quilling Handbooks (Beginners, Advanced and Children)
A Comprehensive range of Quilling kits for all ages and abilities,
to create pictures, cards, gift boxes and mobiles.
New
Cygnet Aran Tweeds
For patterns visit:
www.cygnetyarns.com/
our-yarns/knitting-patterns-5
A wide range of Quilling papers
Quilling tools
The Quilling Workboard
Quilling Class Packs
A range of accessories including card and gift box
blanks and handmade papers
Come and see our complete range at C.H.S.I
Birmingham, stand no. Q10
For more details contact
Tel: 01274 743374 Email: [email protected]
www.pasttimesquilling.com
www.cygnetyarns.com
113a Broadway, Duffield, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 4BW
Tel No. +44(0)1332 840582 email: [email protected]
7YVTV[L`V\YI\ZPULZZ
Visit us on Stand A38 at Stitches 2016
Sock Yarn Specialist
or call us now
Knitting Boards
and Looms
www.viridianyarn.com | [email protected]
tel: 0117 300 5244
;OL*VYUPZO1\[L)HN*VTWHU`
Tel - 01209 843831
Email - [email protected]
Web - www.cornishjutebag.com
show preview
More events for the Stitches CHSI show
3
4
5
6
7
Creativity on the catwalk
The popular Catwalk show brings new yarns, colours,
designs and fashion fabrics to life in choreographed runway
sets. Showcasing their latest products on the catwalk is
world renowned pattern brands Simplicity Creative Group
and McCall’s Pattern Company, yarn companies Lion Brand
and Stylecraft, ITS Textile Traders, fabric hardener Powertex,
market leader for interlinings Freudenberg Vilene Retail,
Canadian bead and crystal company John Bead, as well as
long-established thread company Gütermann, newcomers
Sew-La-Di-Da Vintage and the original craft wire, strand and
cable manufacturers, Beadalon.
Trends Area
At the entrance to the show, the trends area
is a good first stop to locate new and exciting
innovations to the industry for the forthcoming year.
You can find a new product from each exhibitor here
like a condensed version of the whole show – well
worth lingering over.
Itch to Stitch
This is a popular education area for anyone wanting
to start stocking or expand needlecraft ranges.
Located at the heart of the needlework area and
surrounded by stitching suppliers from around the
world, this is a must for needlework advice from the
experts.
Here’s what’s on offer at this year’s show:
• Reinforcing your brand through blogging with Rosie and
Hannah from The New Craft House.
Yarnia display
Making its debut at Stitches this year is the
incredible life-sized display based on the famous
Narnia series of books by C.S. Lewis. Something
a little different for the 2016 show, ‘Yarnia’ is
unveiled for the first time in the UK. Commissioned
by Readicut, 21 well-known characters from the
epic tale by C.S. Lewis have been created using a
variety of fabrics and techniques including crochet,
appliqué, felt and hand knitting.
Seminars
The Seminars are free to attend and offer a
wealth of opportunity, advice and information
crucial for on-going business growth within
a challenging economy. Topics for inclusion
include harnessing social media, strategic
planning for small businesses, blogging, filming
craft videos, working with the media and more.
No booking necessary for these, just arrive early
for a good seat.
• Looking for inspiration for design with Arne and Carlos for
Coats Crafts UK.
• How to build a social media plan for success with Warren
Knight, Award-winning Digital Marketing and Business Growth
Speaker.
• Yarn Day: Make it work for you with Samantha Dean and Sarah
Neal from Let’s Knit magazine, plus guest speaker Erika Knight.
• Filming DIY craft videos with Sara Naumann, International
Designer, Teacher and Creative Artist.
• Strategic planning for solopreneurs with Sara Naumann,
International Designer, Teacher and Creative Artist.
• Sew Saturday: Make it work for you with Lorraine Luximon and
Hannah Suttling from Sew Magazine, plus guest speakers May
Martin, Stuart Hillard and Lauren Guthrie.
• Supercharge your memory in business with Jake O’Gorman,
The Business Memory Coach.
• How to get published in magazines with Sara Naumann,
International Designer, Teacher and Creative Artist.
craftfocus 41
back to Birmingham
Read on for more information about the Craft Hobby + Stitch Stitches show
8
Workshop schedule
CHSI Stitches offers more than 100 hours of free
workshops giving retailers hands-on experience
and skills with new products throughout the event.
The workshops are delivered by a host of crafting
professionals and top industry names, and is a
great place to learn more about how new products
work and ask questions to pass on information to
your customers. Bookings can be made in advance
online or on the day where spaces allow, so there’s
no excuse not to top up your skills.
Here’s what’s on offer at this year’s show:
• Inspirations with Helen Pritchett, Kuretake UK
• Learn to crochet Edward’s Menagerie animals with Kerry
Lord, Toft
• Bangle bracelet weaver tool demonstration by Kleshna Handel,
Beadalon
• Decopatch workshop with Sam Bell, ExaClair
• Proggy take rug making to a new dimension with Hayley Smith,
Craft Yourself Silly
• Welcome to the world of DMC Crochet with Cara Ackerman, DMC
Creative World
• Introduction to Zenbroidery with Elena Costella, SoloCrafts and
Design Works Crafts
• Creating appliqués the easy way with Karen Mackie, Stix2
• Unique up-cycling ideas with Jenni Taylor, Korbond
• FlitterGlu techniques with Kay Halliwell-Sutton, IndigoBlu
• Art Journaling with Kate Crane, Decoart
• Clock making kit demonstration with Sam Sterken, Needcraft
• Decovil – A very versatile interlining with Kim Thittichai and
Laura Strutt, Freudenberg Vilene Retail
• Cold Connection cuff bracelet with Wyatt White, Beadalon and
Artistic Wire
• Embellished wool appliqué with Herma de Ruiter, WonderFil
Specialty Threads
• Mixed Media and Textiles with heat with Michelle Johnson, Stix2
• Global Chic bracelet with Fernando DaSilva, John Bead
• PaperArtsy pandemonium with Leandra Franich, PaperArtsy
• Lampshade making demonstration with Sam Sterken, Needcraft
• Incognito, using media fluid, acrylics, mediums and new stamp
releases with Andy Skinner, Decoart
• Lantern making demonstration with Sam Sterken, Needcraft
For further information about the seminars, workshops and demonstration, visit the CHSI website: www.chsi.co.uk and click on features
44 craftfocus
at
Visit us
Stitch
Hobby & 8
Stand L1
show preview
EXHIBITOR AND PRODUCT PROFILES
9
This event showcases more than 200 exhibitors
from around the world giving you the chance to
see what’s new to the market, find new products
and spot the trends. All under one roof and
covering every corner of the creative craft industry,
it’s best to plan ahead and decide which stands
you want to prioritise.
GMC Distribution
Stand: C01
At this year’s show, GMC Distribution’s
stand will be bigger and better than
ever before. As well as a huge number
of craft books on display including
new titles by Nicky Epstein, Kaffe
Fassett and Tanya Whelan and the
popular How to and Take a… series,
expect to see the bestselling Zen
Colouring and Millie Marotta books
and a selection of wooden kits for
children. There are also additions to
the range of £5.99 craft booklets, for
which there is a spinner available to
order at the show.
Bothy Threads
Stand: A01
Using the work of several
artists with a variety of
styles, Bothy Threads
produce a wide range of
cross stitch and tapestry
kits, and will be celebrating
its 20th anniversary this
year. The company has
been adding 81 new
kits to entice customers
including working with
Moira Blackburn on more
traditional samplers.
Bothy Threads has also
developed three children’s kits. The Magical Fairy Tale range has
caught the imagination with silhouettes work on hand-dyed Aida
and there are lots of new additions to choose from. The company
has also added to the Thelwell, Gorjuss and other collections
including more William Morris tapestries.
Club Green
Stand: P22
Established in
1982, Club Green
has a fantastic
mix of products
to make your
customer’s
celebrations
truly handmade
including a
wonderful
selection of items
for the current
DIY wedding
trend. Products on offer include a wonderful selection of laser-cut
invitations and other paper crafts as well as ribbons, flowers, gift tags,
guest books, confetti, cake boxes, cups, buntings, garlands, trimmings
and organza, net on a roll, chair ties and pearl garlands to diamante
and candles. In addition, the company also has an assortment of
items for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Christmas and Halloween, as well as
for special occasions including parities and baby showers.
Redhound for Dogs
Stand: BS28
Redhound for Dogs was
established in 2010. Feeling
frustrated by the lack of well
fitting coats and jumpers
available for Bruno, her
shivering whippet, Debbie
decided it was time to
design and make some
herself! With many years experience making wedding dresses, and a
passion for sewing and knitting, this challenge was taken on with much
enthusiasm. As the owner of a small shop in Devon at the time, she
had the perfect place to test the market, and discovering that there
was one, the shop was sold and the online business launched and
introduced the Sew It Yourself Dog Coat pattern.
craftfocus 47
back to Birmingham
Cygnet Yarns
Solocrafts
Stand: J26
Cygnet Yarns is working with new and current designers on its
pop art-inspired stand. The company will showcase first-hand its
latest innovative yarns and fresh colour combinations for the new
season in a series of creative designs and complementary pattern
collections. They will also be highlighting the contemporary, Fairisle effect baby yarn that’s perfect for the new trends for 2016. The
signature super chunky yarn Seriously Chunky, is now available in
solids, prints and mixes and will be flying the flag this year to catch
the buyer’s imagination when it comes to creativity in crafting.
Stand: A29
SoloCrafts will
be attending
this year’s CHSI
show along with
representatives
from RIOLIS
and Luca-S. The
stand will feature the best and newest needlecraft designs from these
companies and their other partners, Design Works Crafts, Janlynn and
Anette Eriksson. The team is excited to be launching Zenbroidery from
Design Works, a brand new embroidery concept, which can be seen on
the Solocrafts’ stand and at the daily workshops. There’ll also be some
beaded embroidery designs on show from Abris Art, which will be
coming to the UK very soon.
Needcraft
Stand: A40
Well known for its popular lampshade, lantern and waste paper
basket-making kits, as well as customisable lamp-bases and
picture frames, Needcraft returns to the show. All products are
available in accessible formats such as workshop, wholesale trade
and manufacturing packs. This year, Needcraft is introducing new,
groundbreaking creative clock kits. Sam Sterken will be hosting
presentations on making lampshades, bins, lanterns and clocks,
across the show. Visit the stand where the company’s friendly
team will give you a warm welcome and demonstrate how easy it
is to stock and make its best-selling kits.
Woodware Craft Collections
Stand: H48
Woodware, a British-owned family business is both a manufacturer and
distributor of craft materials focusing on papercrafts with a particular
interest in cardmaking and mixed media. Francoise Read and Jane Gill
will be at the show with their latest release of stamps for Woodware,
surrounded by samples and sharing inspiration.
The company will also have new stamps and dies from Stampendous
complete with some great new die ideas for engineering cards.
Woodware carry a wide range of award-winning tools and consumables
to satisfy your customer’s papercrafting needs and will have a series of
ongoing on stand demonstrations as well make and takes.
50 craftfocus
Bothy Threads...
Bothy Threads Ltd
Unit 2b Lakeland Business Park
Cockermouth CA13 0QT
Tel: 01900 828844
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.bothythreads.com
...the home of Happy Stitching
show preview
Hantex
Stand: M15
Established more than
20 years ago, Hantex is
a UK-based distributor
of products for knitting,
sewing and fabric
crafts. The company
specialises in supplying
independent retailers
with innovative and
quality products for
creativity. This year, the
company will dedicate
a portion of its stand to
showcasing the new Art
Gallery Fabrics Denim
Studio collection with
a selection of models,
garments and finished items.
Viridian
Stand: J31
Viridian is the UK
representative for the
following knitting and
yarn brands: Opal Sock
and Sweater Yarn, Susan
Crawford Books, Clover and
Knit Pro knitting needles
and accessories. The
company is also the UK
distributor for Eucalan – the
no rinse washing liquid –
and KB Authentic Knitting
Boards and sock looms.
The new Sweet and Spicy
3 sock yarn from Opal is a 4-ply sock yarn made from 75 percent
superwash wool and 25 per cent polyamide, machine washable
and comes in 100g (425m) balls and will be available from mid
February. Also coming out soon from this brand is Popcorn
and Blossom.
Creative Beadcraft
Deflecto
Stand: H16
Deflecto is a global industry leader with more 50 years
manufacturing experience in office products, point of sale, signage
and literature display. Based in South Wales, Deflecto Europe
has built on its history of creatively translating solutions across
industries in its new line of products marketed to the art, craft
and education. The company works with customers and industry
experts to capture a big picture perspective of this new market
and hence have developed innovative products that match
customer needs. One of the products developed is the Caddy
Organiser System, which it will be exhibiting. It’s an ideal storage
product to help you keep focused on the project and not the
clutter. With its integrated handle and locking system, it allows for
multiple units to connect together for on-the-go storage.
Stand: G24
Established in 1920, and
still a family-run company
supplying trade and retail
customers, the company is
a major importer of quality
beads and findings, sourcing
items from all over the world
at very competitive prices.
They offer more than 7,500
products and is an authorised
retailer for Swarovski and the
main UK distributor for Preciosa Ornela.
Products include a huge selection of
Czech beads such as crystal bicones,
fire-polished beads and pearls as well as
more specialist beads such as superduos
and CzechMates. It also stocks seed
beads from Preciosa Ornela, Matubo, Miyuki and Toho. A variety of
packaging options are available with many products on retail ready
strings, packs or in hanging tubes as well as bulk, floor stands and
wall panels.
Creative Beadcraft also supply Starter Selections in retail ready
packs, strings and hanging tubes. These are popular with both new
shops and businesses expanding its existing ranges.
craftfocus 53
back to Birmingham
DMC Creative
Stand: F16
DMC Creative World motto is “Helping the world create in today’s
modern world.”
And the company celebrates its 270th anniversary. There aren’t
many companies around today who were in business long before
the first electric motor had been invented and there was no such
thing as a telephone. To celebrate its 270th birthday DMC will be
showcasing the latest innovations with quality new threads and
yarns, brilliant new colours, inspirational patterns, superb new kits
and much more.
Creative
Product
Distribution
Stand: Q15
Creative Products
Distribution
continually adds
new products to its
assortment offering
retailers an extensive range of craft essentials. The company stock
and acts as the supplier for both UK and US craft companies including
Beacon Adhesives, Odif Sprays, Cuttlelola Dots Pen and Modular
Origami Kits. Beacon Adhesives has been innovators with glue since the ’20s,
providing sticking solutions for the trickiest materials. The company’s
products are firm favourites with crafters and designers all over the
word. Whether it’s glue that will stick fabric or gemstones, glass and
metal, one for decoupage, felt, mosaic or a glue that glitters or is for
making masks, Beacon has the right glue for the job.
Felted and Stitched
Beadalon
Stand: D30
Beadalon is the only company in the industry that makes its own wire,
strand, and cable for bead stringing, jewellery making and crafts. This
manufacturing difference gives the company the ability to design and
produce exciting new wire products in-house and come up with fresh
and innovative products that your customer’s will want to buy. Turn to
page 65 to learn about the new bracelet/bangle weaving tool designed
by British jewellery designer, Kleshna Handel.
54 craftfocus
Stand: BS10
Felted and
Stitched is a New
Zealand-based
fibre arts business
that specialises
in designing
and producing
original hand
stitching and
needle felting
kits for all skill
levels as well
as supplies for
crafters wishing to create
their own fibre works of art.
Although new to the UK
market, the company has
been trading successfully
in New Zealand for nearly
five years. The stitching
kits cover a variety of
traditional techniques and
include hand dyed threads, silk fabric pieces and wool/viscose felt
pieces that come in consistent and repeatable colourways. The
owners are experienced crafters and tutors in hand stitching and
felting with new products always under development.
show preview
Juko Designs
Stand: BS17
Juko Designs
make a range of
contemporary and
colourful weaving
kits that introduce
children and adults
to the creative and
therapeutic pleasures
of weaving in an
affordable and simple
fashion. The range
includes card weaving
kits to make woven
bracelets, fabric, wall hangings and bags as well as a stick weaving kit
which can be used to make bracelets, flowers, or coiled mats. Each kit
includes a card loom ready warped up with a plastic needle or weaving
sticks, comprehensive photo instructions and enough signature
colourful yarn to complete a project. The kits retail between £9.99
and £14.99. They come packaged in clear hanging bags to allow the
customer to easily see the contents and the colour and texture of
the yarns.
Gilliangladrag
Stand: E06
Gilliangladrag is releasing three new crochet corsage kits including
the Jose Nosegay Crochet Corsage Kit for the show. Each kit will
come with everything you need, including a colourful crochet
hook, and retails for £11.95. The company will also be launching
new drop spindle spinning kits and other embroidery kits, plus
new felting kits to complement its already colourful and enticing
kit range.
Butterick, Kwik
Sew, McCall’s
and Vogue
Patterns
Stand: L16
Zandra Rhodes has
long been an admirer
of home sewing, so she
is the perfect choice to
join the roster of Vogue
Patterns International
Designers. “It’s
something I’ve always
wanted to do and I
love the idea of people
hovering over a pattern
book and choosing
what to make,”
comments Zandra.
Also new to the Designer range is Australian Nicola Finetti.
Finetti is excited about broadening his audience with his
collection for Vogue Patterns. He says, “I’m interested to
see how people will take the design and interpret the essential
characteristics of my aesthetics.”
Fantastic Ribbons
Stand: F17
Fantastic Ribbons
is launching a
range of exclusive
collections that are
retail ready in a tray
so are perfect for
stores and small
independents. The
collections reflect
the growing trends
in themed coloured
textiles and shades
including ranges
suitable for spring.
At the show, the
company will be
offering a special
pack that contains
24 rolls for £22.95. In addition, Fantastic Ribbons will showcase its
latest range of trendy and classic bias binding at great import prices.
craftfocus 57
back to Birmingham
The Craft Cotton Co
Bothy Threads
Stand: A01
Bothy Threads has
teamed up with Moira
Blackburn to bring you
her fabulous range of
cross-stitch kits. Inspired
by traditional samplers,
the designs are worked
in muted colours on an
aged-looking fabric to
bring authentic charm
to a modern vintage
decor. There are a
variety of sizes and
prices, and they’re all
on 14 and 16 hpi Aida
and come with presorted stranded cottons,
needle, comprehensive
instructions and stitch
diagrams.
Korbond
Stand: D24
Korbond Group is celebrating 60 years of successfully meeting the
ever-changing needs of such an innovative craft and retail industries.
The business has grown rapidly since it first began in Australia in
1956. The collection of sewing accessories and clothes care products
are renowned for their quality and value for money. To coincide with
the 60th anniversary, there’s a special guest attending the show and
hosting themed product presentations. Check on Twiiter @korbonduk
to reveal who this is. These demonstrations will help retailers capitalise
from the growing craft market and communicate the up-cycling trend
to customers purchasing in store. To book a place on the daily product
presentations, visit the organiser’s website.
Stand: H36
Heritage is an
exciting new range
of premium quilt
wadding product
that’s been
manufactured
exclusively for
The Craft Cotton
Company by Bosal
USA. Made to the
highest standards, it
comes in a range of
handy pre-cut sizes
from cot through to queen and on the roll. The mid-weight wadding
feels luxurious and soft and is suitable for hand or machine quilting. It’s
pre-shrunk for ease of use and is perfect for your customer’s next craft
or quilt project.
Bertie’s Bows
Stand: Q07
Bertie’s Bows has a wide
selection of stunning ribbon
to suit all needs. Whether
you are looking for burlaps or
jutes, vintage prints or floral
designs, natural colours or
vibrant colourways, laces
or clever cut-outs. Bertie’s
Bows designs ribbons
with UK preferences in
mind, following and setting
the latest trends.
10
Show offers
An extensive number of exhibitors
will be offering one time discounts
valid only during the show. Get a
catalogue at the entrance to find out
the best deals during the show.
DATE FOR NEXT YEAR’S DIARY
Stitches, Craft, Hobby & Stitch International
19th - 21st February, 2017
NEC, Birmingham
58 craftfocus
Get inspired, be creative, Get Hoooked....
+0@^P[OV\YMHTV\ZAWHNL[[P[ZOPY[`HYU
PUZ[Y\J[PVUZHUKHMMVYKHISLZL[ZMVY
RUP[[PUNHUKJYVJOL[
www.hoooked.nl
[email protected]
show news
hot products
We reveal the hottest products from the recent CHA Mega show
The Hot Product Awards is an annual event of the Craft & Hobby
Association Mega Show that recognises exhibitors for their outstanding
product innovations for the forthcoming year. The finalists were
selected by a jury of industry professionals, and representatives from
the media and winners chosen from more than 80 products submitted
to the New Product Showcase for the event.
There was a record number of new products submitted this year,
and the judges selected the top nominees based on the following
factors:
OWhat makes the product one-of-a-kind
OHow it will improve the crafter’s overall experience
OThe interest it generates in crafting for non-crafters
CHA 2016 Hot Product finalists (in alphabetical order) were:
BEAD AND
JEWELLERY
OBangle Bracelet
Weaver Tool by
Kleshna for Beadalon
OErgo Texture
Hammer by
ImpressArt
Oiloom by Wooky
Entertainment
CAKE AND FOOD
DECORATING
OThree-tier Stand (patentpending) by Deflecto
OPenBlade, Craft Knife by
PenBlade Inc
OTattered Lace Cake, Lace
Blooms Poppy Die by
Tattered Lace
FABRIC AND NEEDLECRAFTS
O8in Table Top Offset Scissors by Fiskars
OBoye 4 in 1 Crochet Tool by Simplicity Creative Group
OPenBlade Craft and Hobby Knife by PenBlade Inc
craftfocus 61
hot products
CHILDREN’S CRAFTS
OButtoonies by Craft Yourself Silly
OKat & Duke by Happenchance
ORibb-its by LC Design Company
FLORAL CRAFT
OBow Genuis by Berwick Offray
OPenBlade, Craft and Hobby Knife by PenBlade Inc
OScented Gluesticks by Adhesive Technologies
GENERAL CRAFTS
Bow Genius by Berwick Offray
ORibb-its by LC Design Company
OTassel Makers by Clover Needlecraft
O
PAPER CRAFTS
OMini Misti and Mega Misti by My Sweet Petunia Inc
OSilhouette Mint by Silhouette America
OTODO by Craft Retail
PAINT AND ART
OArtFoamies by Balzer Designs
OCraypen by FPC Corporation
OUbermatte by Design Matter
Color Tool Inc
62 craftfocus
The Hot Products Award represents a glimpse of the thousands of
new products that were launched or on display at the show. Next
year’s CHA Mega show takes place between 19th - 23rd January 2017
at Phoenix Convention Centre. For more information and to find out
more details about the winners, visit the shows website:
www.craftandhobby.org.
e - crafts.co.uk
Suppliers of Card Making, Scrapbooking, Craft and Bridal Supplies
Suppliers of
Craft and Bridal Supplies
Card Making
Scrapbooking
Card Embellishments
Floral Products
[email protected] | 01384 230000
Low minimum order quantity
& FREE UK DELIVERY
For your personal quote,
email: [email protected]
Suited For Point of Sale,
Makes Up to 5 Bracelets Per Kit
Ideal For: Party Bags, Gifts, Workshop Activities
www.jeweltailor.com
EBOR FABRICS
Require a Sales Representative
for Southern England and the West Country
We are a leading supplier of craft fabrics
with an established customer base
looking to recruit an experienced
sales person to cover the above area.
O.T.E £40,000 per annum plus
company car and business expenses.
PLEASE EMAIL OR WRITE WITH C.V. TO:
Ebor Fabrics Ltd.
Embsay Mill. Embsay. Skipton. BD23 6QF
focus on
armful of
wonderful designs
Julie Bonnar catches up with Kleshna Handel, the British designer behind
Beadalon’s latest and most exciting product launch to date
Tell us how the collaboration with you
and Beadalon came about?
As a jewellery designer and manufacturer
of many years, I’ve always used Beadalon
products in my work as they are such
44 pin holders. It also adapts to make three
different wrist sizes from sparrow size to
eagle. The other useful thing about it is that
you can use so lots of different materials
to weave your bangles on it, from cut up
eco-friendly plastic shoppers and old tights
to wire (of course) and silk and lace, leather
cords and almost anything.
at the CHA Mega show in Anaheim in the
USA where I’m delighted to say it won The
Product of the Year award and also I will
be with Beadalon at CSI Stitches show in
Birmingham in February. I’m really excited to
show people how easy it is to use the tool and
what wonderful results you can get. It really is
so versatile.
How long did it take to design?
It was a year in development to make sure
that we had the correct sizes and the right
gauge wraps, as well as the means of holding
them in place, while still affording a little
flexibility. I have to also say that Beadalon
were a dream to work with!
good quality, and the company provides
an excellent service too. When I started
developing the bangle weaver, I used their
wires in its development to make the first
bangles I wove, so it occurred to me that they
may be interested in collaborating with me.
Explain more about this innovative
bracelet making tool?
Like all good tools, it’s simple to use and
comprises an aluminum base, 22 pins and
What makes it different from other
tools on the market?
To my knowledge, there’s no other bangle
bracelet-weaving tool on the market. It’s well
made from steel and metal, therefore unlike
plastic tools it’s more robust and is easy-touse, built-to-last and flexible in the materials
that you can use with it, so I would say it has
a multiplicity of uses. There’s so many ways to
embellish to customise the simple designs.
Where will retailers be able to see this
product for the first time?
Retailers have just seen it for the first time
WINNER OF HOT
PRODUCT AWARD
2016 AT CHA
MEGA SHOW
For more information about Beadalon
products, visit: www.beadalon.com and to find
about more about Kleshna Handel Jewellery,
visit her website: www.kleshna.com.
craftfocus 65
show review
internationally acclaimed
Discover what the International Trade Fair for Creative Handicraft & Hobby has to offer this year
The International Trade Fair for Creative
Handicraft & Hobby confirmed its role as
the world’s largest trading platform in the
industry. Last year, it attracted 14,800 visitors
from 74 countries, and this year, the number
of registrations continues to increase with
355 exhibitors from 39 countries. The fair
is dedicated to knitting, crochet, sewing,
embroidery and handicrafts, and looks
forward to being the biggest information
and order platform of its kind worldwide.
It appeals to trade visitors with its latest
collections and trends from the fabric, wool,
yarn, haberdashery, accessories, sewing,
embroidery and knitting machines as well
as from the hobby and handicraft supplies
sectors. The fair also puts on a well-organised
series of workshops that can be put into
practice as customer loyalty tools.
This year, h+h Cologne
will open the south
entrance for the visitors
as well as using the west
entrance to hall 2, and
making hall 3 accessible
directly through
Entrance South.
Line up of events
The my lovely
livingroom event
space was successfully
launched back in
2014, and this time
it’s been extended to
accommodate the latest trends from the
artisan’s workbench and the hobbyist sector,
and will have a new location in the Passage.
This year, my lovely livingroom focuses on
jewellery and accessories.
This area is divided into the inspirational
areas of the Talk Sofa, Workshop and World
of Living. In collaboration with a number of
exhibitors, a large number of trending living
accessories will be showcased in the World of
Living area along with a selection of current
books and magazines that invite visitors to
linger and read in this beautiful environment.
On the Talk Sofa, well-known authors
and creative experts within the industry
will discuss topics such as living worlds,
individual fabric design, up-cycling, and share
insider tips for a trendy home. The creative
workshops will pick up on topical trends that
retailers can use in their shops.
What’s trending
The DIY boom continues to grow steadily.
Creativity and developing one’s own
individual style of design are more on-trend
than ever, particularly in the world of home
interiors. The passion for new and fresh
concepts, the combination of different
materials and techniques is what makes each
interior and decorative element stand out.
Still on the upswing is sewing, growing more
popular especially among the younger
audience. Hand knitting yarns and fabrics
combine to make up three quarters of the
market and are the main drivers of growth in
recent years says the Initiative Handarbeit. Material mix and new techniques
O Textile jewellery is en vogue with an
emphasis on lightweight pieces of jewellery
made from thread, rope, wool and string. Etsy
award-winner Bonnie Rüppell, who has made
a name for herself as the designer Beata Te
will be showing how.
O Vegan’s leather meets clutch is MyMaki’s
motto. It will demonstrate how to create an
evening handbag for every occasion from a
smart folding technique that can be made to
match a favourite outfit using acrylic paint.
O Those who prefer sewing can make a wallet
with two compartments with the seamstress
craftfocus 67
Steffi Falk (Berliner Stück). The method is
explained step-by-step and includes cutting
the material to inserting a press-stud.
O Learn how to make a quick hat to impress
customers with an extravagant fascinator. The
hat is decorated with felt, imitation leather
and light, spring floristry.
O Gabriele Kister-Schuler (Klöppelkiste)
demonstrates how to make professional
wire jewellery in Viking technology enabling
visitors to create uniform, flexible and smooth
chains, which stand out with a wide variety
of different threading techniques, pearls
and colours.
68 craftfocus
Crocheting using a broomstick
and Furoshiki
Tap into specialised knowledge on old
and new handicraft techniques, innovative
materials and new tools in the workshops
that allow participants to try and test new
products out including crocheting using a
broomstick, which results in effective, airy
patterns using fine yarns. This is a technique
which is suitable for refined accessories
such as scarves and muffs. Those who are
interested can get an introduction into
Brügger crocheting, which is a charming,
traditional technique for crocheting lace and
can at the same time learn how to implement
the lace on fashionable models. Tunisian
crocheting is also on the agenda with new
patterns in the material mix for using smooth
and fluffy yarns for making fashionable
scarves. Also learn how to use stabliser for
sewing projects such as a basket with the help
of a new material called Vlieseline Style-Vil.
Take on the art of Furoshiki to produce a
trendy drawstring bag. Other workshops
include designer and blogger Jolijou showing
how to design a reversible shopping bag
using simple materials. Plus, Anke Müller
demonstrates how to elevate Mister Fox and
Hubertus the Stag to new heights as a cuddly
cushion in the Anke Müller workshop. All of
the workshop offered are being put together
in collaboration with the Bit publishing
company and the exhibitors.
Trend show
The big trend fashion show put on by
members of Initiative Handarbeit (Handicraft
Initiative), as well as numerous spectacular
special activities with artists and various
institutions will also be highlights of the
fair bringing together an overview of
what’s available for the industry in the
forthcoming year. C
h+h cologne When: 18th - 20th March, 2016
Where: Cologne Exhibition Centre
Who: Koelnmesse GmbH
W: www.hh-cologne.com
Opening times:
Fri - Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm
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Mosaic Kits and MDF blanks
Our kits are a great and fun
introduction to the art of Mosaic
in an easy to follow kit form.
Each kit contains:
• the board
• paint
• glue
• glass mosaic tiles
• any embellishments needed
• and easy to follow instructions
The imaginative kits are appealing to
both children and adults alike and are
aimed at ages 5 to 105! With over 40
designs to choose from there really is
something for everyone!
Kits retail at £14.99
Visit the Craft Magic website at
www.craft-magic.co.uk to see the
Mosaic Kit range and the wide range
of MDF blanks offered.
Please enquire about a trade account.
ϬϭϰϮϰϳϱϱϱϵϵͮǁŚŽĞƐĂůĞΛĐƌĂŌͲŵĂŐŝĐ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ
UNIT 8 CONQUEROR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE | MOORHURST ROAD
ST LEONARDS ON SEA | EAST SUSSEX | TN38 9NA
Here’s the latest products and ranges for the spring and Easter
WHIMSICAL PATTERN
Nature Walk is the latest
collection from Tamara
Kate for Michael Miller
Fabrics. This beautiful
range has been created
using butterflies, flowers
and plant designs
that will bring natural beauty to your
customer’s craft projects with its
uplifting summer meadow theme. There are two
distinct collections – Cloud features golden yellow, grey and pink
tones while Mineral features greens and sunshine yellow and
turquoise tones.
Tamara spent her youth in the Caribbean, which plays a large
part in her design aesthetic, and is inspired by nature, colour and
pattern. As a teen, she was passionate about watercolour, pen
and ink drawing and as a young adult she studied textiles, graphic
design and art history. Today, these influence her storytelling
through design to create work that is fresh, youthful with a touch
of whimsy.
EQS
T: +44 (0)116 271 0033
W: www.eqsuk.com
GORGEOUS GAUZE
Double Gauze is the new trend and it’s just
arrived in the UK. Customers will fall in love
with this versatile fabric as it’s recognised
for its soft texture, muted colours and a
softly wrinkled appearance. It’s constructed
from two gauze layers and it’s this pairing
of layers that gives it a heftier weight than
regular quilting cotton. Gauze can be
incorporated into quilts, pieced together in any patchwork pattern,
used as a quilting binding and perfect for making babies blankets
and making garments like soft summer blouses and dresses. Sarah
Jane completes her Sommer Collection for Michael Miller with eight
beautiful double gauze additions with two extra simple designs created
– Shadow Garden Print and the famous Mini Printed Gingham – to
complete the range.
Studio e Collections are distributed by EQS
T: +44 (0)116 271 0033
W: www.eqsuk.com
THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?
Heritage Crafts has a wonderful
new design from Karen Carter,
which is the first design from her
Birds of a Feather collection. The
Happy Hens cross-stitch design
measures 20cm x 11cm when
finished, and retails at £19.50.
The kit contains Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted on to
numbered cards, plus a needle, and clear charts and instructions. Heritage Crafts
T: +44 (0)1889 575 256
W: www.hcrafts.com
DÉCOR REFRESHMENTS
An inexpensive and effective way
for your customers to refresh
home décor is to make wonderful
lampshades. Needcraft has a
super range of lampshade-making
kits allowing crafters to make
professional flame retardant lampshades with any fabric or
wallpaper. The company offers a service to print your designs/
photographs onto textile to make one-of-a-kind designs.
Needcraft also stock wired and tested quality beech wooden lamp
bases which can be varnished, waxed or painted.
Needcraft
T: +44 (0)1992 700 311
MEADOW SWEET
Janlynn has created this stunning new design,
entitled Meadow’s Edge, which heralds the coming
of springtime with three little birds enjoying the
sunshine from their perch on an old cart wheel.
In the background, you can see lush green fields
stretching into the distance, and there are cheerful
meadow flowers in the foreground.
The design is stitched on 14-count white Aida
fabric with 100 per cent cotton embroidery threads
– the pack also includes the chart, a needle and clear instructions. The
finished design measures 28cm x 35.5cm and retails at £39.99.
Janlynn is distributed by SoloCrafts
T: +44 (0)161 464 7313
craftfocus 71
easter and spring
LIBERTY SPECIALIST
Alice Caroline has
designed a stunning
and bold centrepiece for spring
tables putting
together a colourful
combination of a
beautiful table runner
in fresh and modern
Liberty fabrics
coupled with lovely
lanterns and napkins. The Hubert table runner is a lovely kit that
gives simple instructions and stunning fabrics to make this table
covering. The napkins have been made from delightful fabrics to
coordinate perfectly. Full easy-to-follow instructions are included.
The lantern project uses fabric scraps and is really simple to make
with no sewing involved.
Alice Caroline is a Liberty Art Fabrics specialist and selects
fabrics from the main Liberty Art Fabric collections to combine
designs and colours to form her own one-of-a-kind brand. These
are then packaged together to give a wonderful choice of colours
for sewing projects. There are more than 450 different Liberty
fabrics to choose from and the selection is ever growing.
Alice Caroline
T: +44 (0)1386 725 000
W: www.alicecaroline.co.uk
THREE IS NOT A CROWD!
RIOLIS has come up with
three new colourful
cross-stitch kits to
celebrate spring. The
Farm collection consists
of a lamb, piglet and
cow. Each kit includes
the woolen/acrylic threads, Safil and
white, and Zweigart 10 Aida fabric.
These cute and amusing designs
will appeal to both novices and
experienced embroiderers. When
finished, they measure 20cm x 20cm.
The designs can be framed separately or all together.
RIOLIS distributed by Solocrafts
T: +44 (0)161 464 7313
72 craftfocus
THEMED EMBELLISHMENTS
The Dress It Up range of button
packs by Jesse James & Company
offer crafters a wonderful array of
3D button embellishments. The
buttons come in themed, seasonal,
shaped packs of buttons to add
that personal touch including
Cotton Tails (shank bunny rabbit
and tulip buttons) as shown here.
Hantex
T: +44 (0)1754 820 800
W: www.hantex.co.uk
WITH CHILDREN IN MIND
Fabric designer Susy Bleasby is renowned for
her whimsical textile doodles for baby bedding,
quilting and clothing. In partnership with
The Hamil Group of NYC, Susybee fabrics are
available to the home sewer. Each collection
of cute children’s cotton prints currently
includes character-based quilts and fabric craft
kits. One of the latest collections is the little cute
character Lal the lamb which features cute and cuddly sheep, flowers
and bumblebees in a meadow landscape.
Susybee Fabrics are distributed by EQS
T: +44 (0)116 271 0033
W: www.eqsuk.com
PICTURES IN PIECES
Craft Magic is the designer and
manufacturer of an exciting range of
mosaic kits. The easy-to-follow kits
are a fun way to introduce crafters to
the art of Mosaic. Each kit contains
the board, paint, glue, glass mosaic
tiles, and other embellishments and concise instructions. The
kits will appeal to children and adults and with more than 40
designs in the range there really is something to inspire creativity
in everyone. Designs include this spring lamb, cheeky bird design
and cupcake. Each kit retails at £14.99 and make ideal gifts. Visit
the Craft Magic website to see the whole mosaic kit range and the
wide range of MDF blanks on offer.
Craft Magic
T: +44 (0)1424 755 599
W: www.craft-magic.co.uk
TRADE-WIRES.CO.UK
Unit 3, Zone A
Chelmsford Road Industrial Estate,
Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1HD
Tel: 01371 238 013
MINDFULNESS HOBBY
Arts Encaustic say that
everyone can alter the
way they are creative.
One craft activity that
encourages this, is
encaustic art which
challenges old and
trusted approaches to
exploring a myriad of
possibilities. Melting
wax with heated tools is
an ancient process but
it’s also a fascinating
modern way to break
old habits and embrace
new ways of working.
Encaustic art allows the
mind to be stimulated
by a mix of colour, interesting and unexpected forms, and the
excitement grows with gently wax colours as they mix together on
white card. Wax is very forgiving and can be reworked to create
new results again and again. Artworks can be elaborated with
graphical input using the low heat stylus for drawing and shading,
blending and brushing, and is suitable for everyone. For more
information about the technique, visit Arts Encaustic website.
Arts Encaustic
T: +44 (0)1239 831 401
W: www.encaustic.com
COUNTING YOUR CHICKENS
If you’re planning an Easter display in your
shop, what could be better than a knitted
Chicken? Sue Stratford’s fun and quirky kits
include a range of toy animal knits using
carefully chosen yarns. Included in the
collection are two chickens, a mini chicken
who’s approximately 14cm from beak to tail.
All the kits are well priced between £8.99
and £16.99 and come packaged in an
attractive brown Kraft card boxes, which can
easily create an attractive display.
With no minimum order, it’s a great opportunity to stock a small
range of knitting kits. To see the full selection of knitting kits visit
the website.
Sue Stratford
T: +44 (0)1908 586 244
W: www.suestratford.co.uk
74 craftfocus
DECOUPAGE AT LARGE
Hunkydory Crafts has gone large to meet the
growing demand for decoupage papercraft.
Step into springtime is a detailed jumbo-sized
designer decoupage collection with separate
sheets for base layers and elements, along
with stunning accent foil, that enables you to
make the most eye-catching dimensional projects. From classic cottages
to fresh new floral blooms, this large decoupage collection brings you
everything you need to make your projects bigger and better. Available
as either a complete Designer Decoupage Collection or individual
decoupage sets, it also has a range of beautifully coordinating items.
Hunkydory Crafts
T: +44 (0)1772 272 575
W: www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk
EMBRACE SPRING WITH COLOUR
West Design has released its new
promotional spring brochure that
includes Stephens seasonal card packs,
perfect for making the final flourish to
any masterpiece across the season or
Let the spring colours flow with
Faber-Castell’s Gelatos that blend with
ease with or without water.
West Design
T: +44 (0)1303 297 888
W: www.westdesignproducts.co.uk
PROJECT INSPIRATION
PlastiKote Fast Dry Enamel is great
for crafts and can be used on most
surfaces. Available in a wide range
of colours, the paint is touch-dry
within half an hour, and thoroughly
dry in 24 hours. PlastiKote Fast Dry
Enamel spray paint retails at £3.99
for a 100ml can.
TIN CAN PLANTERS
Why not pretty up shop-bought tête-à-têtes with a spray painted
tin can? Just take some clean, empty tin cans, spray with the Fast
Dry Enamel colour of your choice and, when dry, plant up the têteà-têtes.
PlastiKote
T: +44 (0)844 736 2235
W: www.plastikote.com
WWW.NUTSCENE.COM
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An exciting and unique
range of products.
Request a catalogue [email protected] 01307 468589
Kingsmuir, FORFAR, Angus DD8 2RG
on the line
Using a Polaroid camera has become the
height of fashion. Rediscover analogue
photography, and invent new ways to display
your craft photos
Step 1
Garden twine or old-fashioned parcel string with
wooden clothespins is a brilliant way to display your
cache of Polaroid photographs, and can be personalised
to suit any style.
Pin the twine firmly to the wall (picture hooks,
thumbtacks, drawing pins or nails will all work). Make
loops at each end of the twine and push the pins through
them, or wrap the twine around the nail and then push
them into the wall.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
76 craftfocus
Keep the twine tight and straight for a retro
drying-in-the-darkroom feel, or allow it to
drape loosely like summer bunting, if you
prefer. Then simply clip your pictures in place.
To pretty up your photo line, swap the twine
for some vintage lace or ribbon, and for an
extra injection of colour, you could paint the
wooden pegs or buy brightly coloured ones.
You could even abandon the pegs entirely,
and go for the more urban, industrial-looking
bulldog clip or that office essential, the humble
paperclip. If you’re after a more punky-look,
safety pins spiked through the top of your
picture and then fastened on to the string will
look suitably edgy.
You can also ring the changes by the way you pin your
images to the string. Nice and neatly, with the pictures
the same distance away from one another, will bring
a sense of order, but there’s nothing wrong with a little
chaos and a more haphazard arrangement. Hang the
photos by their corners for a more askew look, or mix
things up even more by arranging different sizes and
shapes for a bit of devil-may-care flair.
Step 5
There’s nothing to stop you annotating your photos,
too. Keep it plain and simple, or add an air of mystery
with an intriguingly odd caption. Polaroid has been
a favourite way for many creative people to take
photographs, and is one of the most trusted and
recognisable brands.
Thanks to Mitchell Beazley and distributed by Octopus Books for
the reproduction of this project idea. Polaroid is an inspirational
book to inspire crafters with lots of techniques, tips and tricks.
Learn how to get to grips with the basic skills,
creative projects and simple but effective DIY
effects that can be created with this type
of photography from collage making and
photo-booths to framing, exposure, filters
and project ideas. Polaroid’s How to take
instant Photos (ISBN: 978-1-78472-084-1) is
available from Octopus Books,
www.octopusbooks.co.uk and retails
for £12.99.
funding your business
Trevor Nelson, Vice President, Amplifi Capital highlights
facts about financing that you may not be aware of. From
a range of different sources, and provides some insightful
business suggestions that could help your business
SHOPPING METHODS
The latest figures from interactive Media in
Retail Group (IMRG) show that 45 per cent of
online sales were made via smartphones and
tablets in Q3 2015. This figure is up from 42
per cent in Q1/2 and is chiefly accredited to
the launch of the iPhone 6.
Traffic to retail websites on mobile devices
reached 63 per cent, however, checkout
abandonment on mobile devices is still
higher than the traditional desktop/laptop.
Whilst ensuring your website is userfriendly and up-to-date, one way you may
not yet have considered to reach your
customers is via an app. Gone are the days
when it takes two months and costs £10k to
set up your own app. Providers can have you
set up in a day, with costs starting from as
low as £40 per month.
The benefits of an app:
• To drive sales and keep customers happy
with in-app deals and coupons
• Drive repeat business with a loyalty scheme
• Send unlimited custom notifications to
promote your products and services
• Link your app to your social media sites and
your regular updates and offers.
Card processing fees
If you have a retail presence, you should
by now have seen some information about
reduced card processing fees, albeit getting
some clear information on what those
reductions should be is not necessarily that
easy. We suggest that you have a look at
some price comparison sites. It is also worth
checking what the authorisation fees and
PCI charges are.
78 craftfocus
"Official figures from
the Office of National
Statistics show that
small businesses are
showing the highest
survival rates since
records began back in
2000, with 41 per cent
of businesses set up
in 2009 still trading in
2014."
POSITIVE NEWS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
An independent report by BDRC Continental
confirms that small businesses are reporting
a range of positive indicators about their
business in terms of profitability, credit
balances and expectations for the future:
• 8 in 10 SMEs reported a profit
• 3 in 10 SMEs received injections of personal
funds
• The economic climate is no longer a barrier,
with regulation and legislation being seen as
a greater barrier
• 62 per cent of those applying for first time
finance were successful, with overdrafts being
the most popular form of finance
• 60 per cent of SMEs planning to apply
for finance were confident their bank
would say yes.
Shopper behaviour
The Local Data Company has provided some
age-related information on how shoppers
are undertaking their research and shopping.
It’s worth considering what your average
shopper demographic is, and how these
trends could influence the way you market to
your customers.
business advice
CONCLUSIONS
It’s apparent that the UK economy remains in
a relatively healthy position with:
• Strong labour demand
• Rising wages
• Negligible inflation
• Low interest rates
That aside, it’s equally clear that shoppers
still lack the confidence in their future
finances and that shopper sentiment
doesn’t always follow economic data
accurately and promptly.
Other observations show that shopper
behaviour is changing and that this is having
a knock-on effect on the mix of ‘clicks’ and
‘bricks’, particularly in certain sectors.
You may wonder if it’s a good time to
expand your business, or develop your
marketing efforts to increase your customer
base, rather than relying upon local footfall.
Only you will know the answer.
If you’re looking for finance, the first port
of call for the majority of businesses is their
bank. We’re probably all aware of the drawn
out process of applying for funding through
banks – writing a business plan with future
projections, meeting the local manager,
credit process through to an unnamed
decision-maker and when you do get an
answer, which can take three to six months,
it’s not necessarily the one you’re looking for.
Here are some pointers if you’re looking
elsewhere for finance:
• Would you be happy to provide an equity
stake of your business?
• Arrangement or set up fees – are these
charged and how are they taken?
• Early redemption fees – if you do repay the
loan early, do you get a refund of the interest
and are you charged for
repaying early?
• What will you have to pay
back? What is the loan and
interest you’ll have to repay
in total?
• What is the loan period? Is this
fixed, or based on your future
card takings?
• Will you have to provide
security?
• How quickly can you get a
decision and, most importantly,
when can the funds be credited
to your bank account? C
Amplifi Capital provide short-term
unsecured lending to limited companies
registered in the UK, ranging from £3,500
to £100,000, with repayment periods up
to 12 months, and specifically look at the
business cash flow and what the business
can afford to repay. The company doesn’t
charge any arrangement fees, or early
redemption fees.
These are some of the reasons we will
provide finance, it is not exhaustive and
indeed we will look at FCA regulated
loans for virtually any reason such as
taking advantage of seasonal discounts,
unforeseen urgent payments, business
expansion or refurbishment, HMRC
payments, cash flow gaps and marketing
campaigns. For more information, see the
website: www.amplifi-capital.co.uk or T:
+44 (0)333 207 9959 to speak to their UK
based team.
craftfocus 79
Craft & Jewellery Making Kits
Dianne is a member of the ICE Resin® Design team for 2016
Not only we do offer a wide range of jewellery kits, Dianne is an experienced tutor that
is available to travel to craft shops and Bead shops to teach.
PRODUCT DEMONSTRATOR • PRODUCT DESIGNER • MEMBER OF CHA UK
Dianne has written a number of magazine articles, can design kits and tutorials
for your own company, please visit us at CHSI - Stand K10 for more details.
www.dizzydi.co.uk
01708 742581 | [email protected]
crafts £15
get creative for under
£15
Encourage crafters into the store with inexpensive ways to craft
WOODLAND WONDERS
The In The Woods range
of counted cross-stitch
kits from Mouseloft retail
at just £2.29 each make
them ideal impulse
purchases. Each kit
contains everything
needed to stitch the
design including
clear instructions.
The range comprises
of lovely designs
including Tiny Mouse, Ferdinand Fox, Cyril Squirrel, Chirpy Bird
and Rosie Rabbit. A point of sale display is available free of charge
with 48 kits. Mouseloft
T: +44 (0)1477 533 566
W: www.mouseloft.co.uk
PRETTY POTS
RIOLIS has launched two new
cross-stitch planter designs,
making a total of four in the
range now. These fun and
quirky kits are stitched onto
plastic canvas, following a
colour chart and using the
wool and acrylic threads.
In each kit, there are two
copies of the design to
stitch, which can then be cut
around and fixed to either side of
the wooden dowel, also included in
the pack. These bright colourful accessories will
brighten up a flowerpot, and can make a wonderful gift.
The finished pieces measure 6.5cm x 5.5cm, and retail at
£10.99 each.
RIOLIS is distributed by SoloCrafts
T: +44 (0)161 464 7313
GLAM IN A CLAM
Minaudière clutch
frames from
U-Handbag are
perfect for using
up scraps, and are
super quick and
simple to make
and produce
stunning results.
Crafters can make
the most glamorous box clutches using small amounts of their
favourite fabrics at a small cost. These are ideal for parties, and other
special occasions like weddings. Best of all, you can make them in
under an hour and there’s no sewing required.
U-Handbag
T: +44 (0)1273 748 944
W: www.u-handbag.com
craftfocus 81
get creative for under £15
MASTER PLASTER
Powertex provides quality 3D
artwork materials suitable for artists
and crafters from beginners to
experts to give form and structure
to various materials, such as fabric
and cardboard. Create fantastic
textured mixed media artwork by
combining Powertex products.
The coloured bisters crystals are a
range of seven subtly tinted
non-toxic patinas and cost
£4.50. The crystals can be
dissolved in warm water
and painted or sprayed over
a piece of work at various
stages of completion to
give incredible results. At
a retail price of £11, a 500g
bottle of Powertex universal
medium opens up a world
of possibilities, allowing any natural fibers to be shaped and
draped to create weatherproof sculptures. The non-toxic, waterbased and environmentally friendly product is safe and easy to
use by everyone. Create stunning sculptures with Mala plaster
from the Masai Collection and decorate for the home or garden.
These beautiful molds are made in Spain, retail at £9, and make
incredible works of art possible for all abilities.
SHRINK ME
Shrink pieces of
artwork it with
Grafix Shrink Film
– just design, cut
out and bake to
shrink creations to
half their original
size that will also
become nine
times thicker. Use
your favourite
permanent markers
or paint pens to
create all sorts of
designs.
Draw with ease
using coloured
pencils onto Grafix
Super Sanded Shrink Film, and print photos, clip art and text on
Inkjet Shrink film. These products are great for making jewellery, embellishments,
paper crafts, magnets, key chains, tag art and more which adults
and kids will equally like. Grafix Shrink Film is offered in 8.5in x
11in sheets in packs of six and 50 complete with easy to follow
instructions. Available in clear, white, black, sanded, Inkjet clear,
Inkjet white and six bright colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue
and purple.
Powertex UK
T: +44 (0)1527 328 514
W: www.powertex.co.uk
Grafix Arts
T: +001 2165 819 050
W: www.grafixarts.com
PICTURE STORIES
Hunkydory Crafts has recently launched four new Little Books. Retailing at £9.99 each, and with retailers ablee
to pass on a money-saving three-for-two offer, it’s no wonder that each new release of these popular little
books becomes every crafter’s must-have. With 144 pages of 150gsm paper and six of each of the wonderful
designs, crafters can enjoy making their very own bespoke decoupage projects, or mount with Mirri Card to
make toppers.
The Little Book of Babies has brilliant and bright designs, as well as the traditional baby pink and baby blue
ue
coloured images providing a wealth of crafting opportunities for new arrivals, and little people’s birthdays.
Bursting with heartfelt imagery, The Little Book of Love (shown here) works wonderfully for Valentine’s Day,
engagements and weddings, but is also perfect to show someone how much they’re loved. The Little Book of
Patchwork Forest comes as a follow up to the hugely successful Return to Patchwork Forest Collection, and
has all the favourite forest friends so you can make cute crafting masterpieces. The final new release is The
Little Book of Golden Oldies (shown here), which is bound to bring a laugh, with each page featuring fun handdrawn imagery of grannies and granddads enjoying their golden years, and having lots of fun.
Hunkydorycrafts
T: +44 (0)1772 272 561
W: trade.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk
82 craftfocus
UNIVERSAL MEDIUM
Painting, Mixed Media, Sculptures, Decoration, Jewelery
Welcome to a world of possibilities
CHSI 2016 STAND E10
If you are interested in becoming a
stockist or tutor get in touch
[email protected]
www.powertex.co.uk
01527 328514
CUTTING TOOLS MADE IN JAPAN
WE ARE LOOKING
FOR DISTRIBUTORS.
Tel: 020 8204 1422
Fax: 020 8905 0776
www.olfatools.co.uk
crafts £15
LEADING LIGHT
Well-known for its bestselling
range of lampshade kits,
Needcraft has a range of
beautiful lantern-making
kits, which allow crafters to
produce innovative lanterns
from their own fabrics or
papers. Lit with battery
powered tea lights, these
products will enhance any
table at all types of social
gathering. They’ve also proven
to be very popular as fundraising items for school PTAs that have
taken advantage of the low price and parents’ willingness to buy
lanterns made by their children.
Equally desirable as retail and workshop products, the company
has a series of lantern trade packs enabling easy stocking for a
minimal investment or available in packs of three, from £4.16 + VAT,
making them an inexpensive way to start crafting.
Needcraft
T: +44 (0)1992 700 311
EASY ON THE POCKET
At just £5.99 each, GMC’s range of craft booklets is fantastic value for
money. New additions for the spring cover a range of craft subjects,
from cross-stitch and crochet projects to making miniature food and
pop-up design and paper mechanics. Each booklet offers a minimum
of 11 projects, all of which are fully illustrated, with concise instructions
for all the techniques that are required. These handy booklets are sure
to inspire crafters across the spectrum and make an easy purchase.
GMC Distribution
T: +44 (0)1273 488 005
BASKET MAKING
Clover has come up with
some wonderful frames to
help crafters take on the
latest weaving trends. Using
left over scraps of fabric,
yarn and raffia, crafters can
make a series of colour
coordinating baskets. The
frames are simple to use –
simply wind your chosen
material around the frame.
There are two frames per
pack. The frames come
in three different shapes:
round, oval and square,
and also in three sizes:
small and large and the
round frame in x-large.
Clover products are
distributed by EQS
T: +44 (0)116 271 0033
W: www.eqsuk.com
WEARABLE ART
Add a personal touch to any fabric
product with Custom by Me from
DMC Creative World. Customisation
is a fun, quick and relaxing hobby,
which rewards crafters with one-of-akind designs.
Custom by Me uses innovative magic
sheet products that are easy to use.
They’re adhesive, so simply place
the design onto your chosen fabric,
stitch and wash the sheet away. DMC
Creative’s new A5 format kits contain
everything you need to get started
including trendy designs, magic sheet,
threads, needle and packaging with
clear instructions. Custom by Me! kits
retail at £6.75 and packs of the magic
sheets can be sold separately at £5.50.
DMC Creative
T: +44 (0)116 275 4000
W: www.dmccreative.co.uk
craftfocus 85
bookstand
Make additional sales by stocking craft books
alongside other associated product lines. We
review the latest books to hit the shelves
CHILDREN’S INTERESTS
FASHION REBEL OUTFIT MAKER
By Louise Scott-Smith and
Georgia Vaux
Price: £8.95 RRP
ISBN: 978 0 500 650455
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Fashion Rebel Outfit Maker is the
perfect book for aspiring fashion
designers aged eight and above.
It’s more than just a book, and
has 100-page tracing-paper
sketchbook that’s accompanied
by ten double-sided cards with every garment
and accessory you can think of. Children can place the cards behind
the mannequins already on the tracing paper, and draw over the
outlines to create a number of outfit combinations, which can then be
personalised with jewellery and patterns.
We say: “This is a great hands-on book for young girls who
love fashion and drawing.”
THE CAMERA BOOK
By John Davis
Price: £9.99 RRP
ISBN: 978-0-7112-3644-8
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
The Camera Book is full of fun and
informative projects to demonstrate
the do’s and don’ts to help children
take amazing pictures. The book
explains how to set up the shot
and how to create wonderful
effects. There are lots of camera
tricks they can learn to do, such
as making a friend disappear in a
bucket and photograph a spooky face.
We say: “Author John Davis has been teaching at the American College
in London and has recently set up a children’s photography website,
www.little1sphotography.co.uk.”
86 craftfocus
book reviews
DRAWING AND DESIGN
PATCHWORK & QUILTING
CREATIVE SKETCHING WORKSHOP
By Pete Scully
Price: £12.99 RRP
ISBN: 978-1-84543-629-2
Publisher: Apple Press,
imprint of Quart Publishing
THE GENTLE ART OF
QUILT-MAKING
By Jane Brocket
Price: £14.99 RRP
ISBN: 9781910904299
Publisher: Pavilion
Drawing has become a key trend
crafting activity. This book will
certainly shake up your sketch
life with a series of workshop exercises from
urban sketchers including Pete Scully, James Hobbs, Melanie Reim
and Shiko Nakaza. Creative Sketching Workshop is full of tips,
inspiration and exercises for sketching on the move. Whether you’re
drawing crowds, trains or airports, this book helps you draw the
right perspective.
Originally in hard-back, this best
selling book is now available in
paperback. This book shows how
to create wonderful quilts, but
with minimum fuss. Jane Brocket
brings together 15 quilts in a
practical collection. Quilt designs
include a Russian Shawl quilt inspired by Russian folk art, and
a Floral Frocks quilt inspired by summer dresses and flower gardens.
There’s a practical section that covers all you need to know to get you
started from chain piecing right through to taking care of your quilt.
We say: “This book features more than 200 images to help improve
your sketching abilities, and includes portraits and wonderful
street sketches.”
We say: “This book is full of contemporary photography that will make
stitchers want to try their hand at making these gorgeous quilts.”
NEVER QUIT DRAWING
By Laura Simms
Illustrated by Kerby Rosanes
Price: £12.99 RRP
ISBN: 978-1-63106-116-5
Publisher: Race Point,
imprint of Quart Publishing
Never Quit Drawing features
the artwork of Kerby Rosanes,
and provides budding artists
with a constant flow of
inspiration and creativity.
This book is a call to action
from author Laura Simms to
encourage artists to pick up a pencil, keep practising daily, never give
up and take drawing to the next level.
We say: “Laura Simms is a career coach, and has helped more than
60 websites, podcast and universities with career advice bringing a
purpose-driven approach to life, work and play situations.”
craftfocus 87
bookstand
BEADING
WOMAN’S WEEKLY GUIDE
TO BEADING
By Jean Power
Price: £10.99 RRP
ISBN: 9781782213940
Publisher: Search Press
This book is perfect for jewellery
makers who want to build up
their skills at home. Designed
for beginners, and those who want to improve their beading
ability, it’s a workshop in a book. Woman’s Weekly Guide to Beading
features a series of guest designers sharing their favourite bead
patterns from quick projects that don’t require many materials to
a clinic for beaders section where author Jean Power helps solve
beading dilemmas. The book will be featured in the special Woman’s
Weekly craft issues, and on www.womansweekly.com.
We say: “This book is full of detailed how-to photography that
makes following the patterns easy. It’s also annotated so it’s simple
to see what you’re looking at, which is sometimes hard with beading
diagrams.”
GENERAL CRAFTING
LONDON STITCH AND KNIT
A Craft Lover’s Guide to London’s
Fabric, Knitting and
Haberdashery Shops
By Leigh Metcalf
Price: £16.95 RRP
ISBN: 978 1 910433 52 2
Publisher: Black Dog Publishing
The pull of London is the same for
crafters too, and this book is a gorgeous guide
to all the crafty shops in the capital. It includes everything from central
London’s ribbon emporium V V Rouleaux to the iconic department
store, Liberty, and everything in between. Leigh Metcalf gives readers
a virtual tour and has scoured the city for the best haberdashers,
workshop, knit and fabric stores.
We say: “You needn’t get lost with this book – London Stitch and Knit
features illustrated hand-drawn maps by designer Ryn Frank for easily
navigate the capital’s streets.”
CROCHET
RUBY & CUSTARD’S CROCHET
By Millie Marston
Price: £10.99 RRP
ISBN: 978 1 78503 055 0
Publisher: Ebury Press,
part of the Penguin Random
House group
Keen crocheters will recognise
the wonderful British crochet
brand Ruby & Custard, which
was launched by Millie Marston back
in 2012. Crochet is one of the key trends crafters have adopted to
relax, de-stress and unwind. This book is perfect for beginners, and
contains clear step-by-step photography and instructions to teach you
all the essential stitches. There are 30 superb and stylish patterns, and
projects that include beanie hats, gloves and scarves, as well as fun
items for children such as toys and babies’ blankets.
We say: “This book encourages crocheters to customise projects with
favourite wools and different colours, and will become a real go-to
guide for the craft.”
88 craftfocus
Book contacts
Apple Press, www.applepress.co.uk
Black Dog Publishing, www.blackdogonline.com
Ebury Press, www.eburypublishing.co.uk
Frances Lincoln, www.franceslincoln.com
Pavilion, www.pavilionbooks.com
Search Press, www.searchpress.com
Thames & Hudson, www.thamesandhudson.co.uk
PAPERCRAFT & SCRAPBOOKING SHOWS
PAPERCRAFT SHOWS
Thetford, Norfolk - Sunday 31st January 2016
Cowbridge, South Wales - Sunday 14th February
Leigh, Manchester - Sat & Sun 2oth & 21st Feb
Ellesmere Port, Liverpool - Sunday 3rd april
Taunton, Somerset - Sunday 17th april
Maidstone, Kent - Sunday 24th april
Newark, Nottinghamshire - Sunday 8th may
Plymouth, Devon - Sunday 15th may
Corby, Northamptonshire - Sunday 22nd may
Edinburgh, Scotland - Sunday 5th June
Portsmouth, Hampshire - Sunday 12th june
If you are interested in exhibiting at any of our shows, please
contact Graham on 01634 686823
SINCERELY YOURS, UNIT 11, ROCHESTER AIRPORT IND EST, LAKER ROAD,
ROCHESTER, KENT ME1 3QX T: 01634 686 823
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
www.sincerely-yours-shows.co.uk
handmade wedding
Why DIY weddings are no longer just an inexpensive alternative and why brides prefer to make!
Julie Bonnar chats with author Marianne Mercer of My
Handmade Wedding about her ideas for creative weddings:
Q
Why do you think couples are deciding to make for their wedding,
and what made you decide to take this route?
Weddings have become a huge commercial event in recent years,
and can cost many thousands of pounds. The recent recession has
taken people back to basics and the need to spend less and make
more. People have got more creative because they want something
other than the standard wedding template that comes with a
registered venue.
A do-it-yourself wedding means you can make the day exactly how
you imagined it, and not how somebody else did. It can be really
relaxed and personal to both the bride and groom and you can do it
more cheaply. There’s also a huge sense of achievement attached to
it for all of those people that get involved. I initially wanted to save
costs, but our wedding ended up having a
wonderful homemade feel and was more personal to us as a
couple. I enjoy crafting and seeing the experience and results
were incredibly rewarding.
What aare the benefits of having a handmade wedding?
You can hire a ‘blank canvas’ venue that’s far less expensive than a
readyready-made wedding venue and create the look you want. It’s lots
of fun, especially when you get family and friends involved. The hall
that we hired was of great significance to me as I went to play school
there, and made the day more personal with a crafted quirky edge.
Q
What so
sorts of products would you recommend retailers stock?
Packs o
of single coloured crepe and tissue paper are a must, plus
floristry wire and tape for the flowers and pompoms. Lots of paper
craft embellishments for the invites and specialty papers, and fabrics
and threads for the bunting. Soy waxes, waxed wicks and oils for the
candles, as well as really good quality tools such as sharp scissors,
sewing needles and cake decorating cutters.
Q
Once yyou’ve committed to a DIY wedding – what’s the first thing you
need tto decide?
You’ll n
need to make a decision on what you’re going to make,
and what you’re going to buy, borrow or hire. Decide roughly on
quantities you’ll need as you might not have time for everything you
want to make, for example, 300 metres of bunting is much cheaper to
make but do you or your helpers have time to make it?
Q
What p
projects would you say are the easiest to pull off?
To be honest, most projects in my book are simple enough. I’d
90 craftfocus
recommend the pompoms, they’ve a huge impact on any room as
they are wonderful space fillers that can be created in any colour, and
with a few tweaks of the petal tips they can also create very different
effects. The confetti requires no effort at all, the veil and candles are
also really simple if you have the right equipment to hand. diy weddings
TAKING STOCK
MY HANDMADE WEDDING
By Marianne Mercer
Price: £12.99 RRP
ISBN: 9781782211587
Publisher: Search Press,
www.searchpress.com
My Handmade Wedding is a
practical guide to planning
and personalising the big
day. It contains more than 20
tried-and-tested projects
ranging from stationery
designs, candle favours,
wedding cakes, ring pillows
and veils to lanterns, bunting and paper flowers. Full of beautiful
wedding photographs, it shows the reader exactly how the
projects work in a real wedding setting.
Whether a bride and groom are planning an entire handmade
wedding, or just a few ideas to personalise it, this book shows
how to personalise the big day, covering organisation and money
saving tips.
LASER CUT INVITATION
Imagine DIY’s range of gorgeous blank laser cut wedding stationery
takes all the stress out of doing it yourself. Their range enables even the
busiest or uncreative of brides to produce beautiful and sophisticated
invitations with the minimum amount of fuss or effort. You can create
a striking invitation by simply printing your own choice of wording on
to the coordinating panels. Alternatively, you can add embellishments
from the wide range available on Imagine DIY’s website.
Each blank laser cut invitation has been designed and cut with care,
offering a sense of luxury, style and sophistication. They’re also
available with a range of co-ordinating inserts and envelopes.
Imagine Doing It Yourself
T: +44 (0)1437 929 317
W: www.imaginediy.co.uk
TRAPPINGS OF A GOOD WEDDING
Club Green has an extensive
range of bridal products
suitable for creating
the perfect handmade
weddings including a
stunning collection of
parasols, flowers, cake
boxes, chair covers and ties,
as well as buntings, ribbons
and ring cushions. Shown
here is soft tactile peonies,
which will create a vintage
feel to your celebration, and
transform any occasion. The
clip on the back makes them extremely versatile to add to napkin
rings, bouquets and chairbacks. They come in a good range of
colours and measure 11cm in diameter.
Club Green
T: +44(0)1483 281 313
W: www.clubgreen.com
STYLISH SENTIMENT
The handmade trend for wedding invitations is still growing, with
brides enjoying taking charge of the creative process. Woodware has an
extensive range of stamps that are suitable for weddings of all types. A
recent release includes wording suitable for civil partnerships, as well
as a new wedding cake designs
and some celebration bubbles.
T: +44 (0)1756 700 024
SHABBY CHIC
Needcraft has added to its product mix ornate, shabby chic picture
frames. These are available in four attractive styles and made from
resin, which is incredibly lightweight. Suitable for framing table
plans and photos – these frames are fully paintable and can be
used with the latest chalk paints and customised to any colour for
any event or room scheme. They can be hung or stuck directly to
walls, with photographs or decoupage
inside them. The frames are available for
sale by style or in a special introduction
pack with one of each style.
Needcraft
T: +44 (0)1992 700 311
craftfocus 91
handmade wedding
RUSTIC LOVE
For the makers, creators, celebrators and decorators, the Lucky
Dip collection from Kasiercraft offers a range of products for the
modern crafter. Whatever the special event, this range is the ideal
foundation for many handmade projects. The DIY rustic wedding
ideas are so simple to create and add a personal crafty touch to
the special day. Combine chalkboard, burlap and native naturals
to re-create this effortless look.
CRYSTAL ADORNMENT
Due to the recent
popularity of the
magnetic brooches,
Michaels’ Bridal Fabrics
has recently added
several more designs
to the sparkly range.
There’s still a good
demand for crystal
motifs for belt pieces,
and the company has
seen a requirement
for the large top of the
range items. They’ve
also added some new plain fabrics, which include a Mikado satin, and
a polyester georgette, and the new Italian Jaquard fabrics, which were
big sellers at the recent Harrogate Bridal Fair. Kaisercraft is distributed by Jones Crafts
T: +44 (0)1159 781 263
W: www.jonesnott.co.uk
Michaels’ Bridal Fabrics
T: +44 44 (0)1322 380 480
W: www.michaelsbridalfabrics.co.uk
EVERLASTING BOUQUET
Artificial flowers are a great way to decorate wedding tables,
venues and make bridal bouquets and boutonnieres. M Courts
has a wonderful range of flowers that are both pretty and unusual.
Made from paper and fabric, these versatile flowers can be
arranged to suit your needs. Make brooch bouquets using the
company’s diamanté brooch, buttons and add lace and feathers to
wedding cakes to make them individual and original. The flowers
can also be complemented with our range of diamante trims and
lace edgings.
M Courts
T: +44 (0)20 8884 0999
W: www.mcourts-haberdashery.co.uk
WAYS FOR CRAFTERS
TO PERSONALISE THE
BIG DAY
Flowers – bouquet,
buttonholes and corsages
Cake
Personalised stamps
Edible flower centrepieces
Invitations
Church programmes
Favours
Table numbers and signs
Photography
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Image from Club Green www.clubgreen.com
92 craftfocus
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The Bridal Roadshow Droitwich, UK - 28th-29th February 2016
London Bridal Show, UK - 6th-8th March 2016
Textile Forum London, UK - 9th-10th March 2016
The Bridal Roadshow Harrogate, UK - 13th-14th March 2016
WEBSTER’S PAGES
BO BUNNY
CANDY BOX CRAFTS
IMPRESSION OBSESSION
CREATIVE WORLD OF CRAFTS
STRETCH MAGIC
PETALOO
[email protected]
www.michaelsbridalfabrics.co.uk
Club Green has a fantastic mix of
products to make your customer’s
celebrations truly handmade including
a wonderful selection of items for the
current DIY wedding trend. In addition,
the company also has an assortment
of items for Valentine’s Day, Easter,
Christmas and Halloween, as well as
for special occasions including parties,
and baby showers. From big and bold,
pastels and neutrals, there are innovative
products for everyone including ribbons,
gift tags, cake boxes, buntings, garlands,
trimmings and more.
www.clubgreen.com
Tel: +44 (0)1483 281313
Handcrafted By Me offer a range of high quality wooden
based craft kits including everything you will need to create
beautiful personal gifts for your family and loved ones. New
for 2016 we now stock a range of basics kits for the Spring,
covering ideas for Mothers Day and Easter. The possibilities
are endless and are suitable for beginners to the experienced
crafter, all you have to add is a touch of imagination!
r/o 31 Commercial Road
Edmonton, London N18 1TP
Tel: 0208 884 0999
Fax: 0208 884 4666
Website: www.mcourts.co.uk
Wholesale Haberdashery Suppliers
To shops, stalls, schools, colleges, carnival bands, dress & curtain
makers, theatres, designers etc.
See our huge range including
Beads, Trimmings, Lace, Buttons, Ribbon,
Sequins, Diamantes, Motifs, Zips, Cords, Thread, Masks, Feathers,
Flowers, Bridal, Lingerie Accessories, Craft, Haberdashery,
and much, much more.
www.handcraftedbyme.eu
t: 01275 875964 | e: [email protected]
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR CRAFTY CREATIONS.
OASIS® Home & Hobby is a online shop with a wide range of products that enable you
to create wonderful home, garden, hobby and craft decorations and projects.
FLORAL
FOAM
RIBBONS
& WIRE
PACKING
& TOOLS
DECORATION &
PRESENTATION
A large variety of Dry and
Wet Foam for artificial and
fresh flowers, Coloured
foam, Foam shapes and
Styropor foam.
Ribbon and Wires in a
large range of colours and
textures from Twine, Mesh to
Wool felt, you can use for a
professional finish.
Tapes and Glues,
Multi-purpose scissors,
Pruners, Cutters. Organza,
Jute Mesh, Clear and
Coloured Films.
Candle holders, Diamanté
and Pearls, Gel Beads and
Crystals, Decorative Pins
and Stones.
GET 15% DISCOUNT USING CODE CHSI16
CONTAINERS
From Fish-bowls, Baskets,
Tinware, Wooden Crates to
Glassware and Acrylic.
sewing
sew good
Soft crafting has become a popular hobby
once more with a new generation taking up
a needle and thread. So make sure you have
the latest products for this growing sector
SEWING PATTERNS
The age dynamics is slowly changing on who’s making clothes.
It’s no longer considered a hobby for a mature generation, and
with the invention of PDF sewing patterns, online sew-alongs and
bloggers talking about it – the sewing industry is booming.
WEAR WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL FABULOUS
Teaming up with Vogue Patterns is something Zandra Rhodes says
she’s been interested in doing for a long time. She has a simple
design philosophy, “I design what I like”.
And while the clothes may be edgy, they’re also ageless. Her
advice to those who’re unsure of how to wear her designs is,
“Stand in front of a mirror, put up different fabrics and pick what
you love. If black and white is what you feel, then fabulous.
If not, find something else. That’s the beauty of making your
own clothes,” she says. Rhodes also wants to make one thing
crystal clear to those considering her patterns, “You don’t have to
have pink hair to feel good in these clothes!”
Vogue Patterns are distributed by Butterick
T: +44 (0)2392 489 778
W: www.butterick-vogue.co.uk
POPULAR INDIE DESIGNS
Colette Patterns continue to be
among the most popular range
of dressmaking patterns that
Hantex distribute. The latest
pattern is the Phoebe dress,
which is a modern A-line sheath
dress with a customisable style
featuring a lined bodice with
princess seams, and angled
waist darts to create a flattering shape. There’s two
options; a double-breasted bodice and a clean classic dress, both
finished with a centred zip.
Colette Patterns are distributed by Hantex
T: +44 (0)1754 820 800
W: www.hantex.co.uk
HANDMADE WARDROBE
Sew Me Something
say its range of
sewing patterns
is unlike anything
else currently in
the independent
sewing pattern
market. Jules
Fallon, owner of
Sew Me Something,
has 30 years of
experience in the
fashion industry,
lecturing and
retail. After asking
customers wanted they wanted from a domestic sewing patterns, Jules
developed a range of patterns that are easy to understand, illustrated
instruction booklets and packaging that not only looks good but is
practical too. The range of stylish patterns comes on strong pattern
paper and they’re practical, fashionable and adaptable to create
garments that your customers will want to wear. Jules is happy to come
out and teach workshops. For more information about stocking Sew
Me Something patterns contact her below.
Sew Me Something
T: +44 (0)1789 330 588
W: www.sewmesomething.co.uk
craftfocus 95
sew good
SEWING NOTIONS
Sewing notions are products that make your customer’s sewing
easier and more professional. We highlight the latest additions.
SOFT TO THE TOUCH
Introduced initially as a
wonderful bobbin thread,
Soft Touch has quickly gained
popularity as a great piecing
thread and is wonderful when
used in hand and machine
appliqué. It’s also a great
heirloom thread and can be
used for lace making, binding
quilts and fine embroidery. There are currently 28 wonderful colours
with a new modular display unit to showcase the threads.
EQS
T: +44 (0)116 271 0033
W: www.eqsuk.com
THREAD HAPPY
Presencia stock a superb selection
of threads for stitchers including a
100 per cent Egyptian cotton sewing
thread that’s available in 500m
and in 125g cones, which sells well
alongside the 60/3 600m quilting thread.
This thread is slightly waxed and comes in 40 and 50 weights.
40-weight is designed for long-arm quilting, decorative stitching
and topstitching where the stitches are on show while 50-weight is
ideal for general construction, piecing and appliqué. The company
do a great dispenser to showcase the 180 colours in your store.
Presencia
T: +44 (0)1634 711 228
W: www.fincathreads.co.uk
TOUGH TEMPLATES
The Easy Dresden tool designed by Darlene
Zimmerman creates Dresden plates, grandmother’s
fans, cones and tumblers with ease. Cut multiple sizes
and a variety of designs up to 8in. These are suitable
for beginners and experts and a free pattern and full
instructions are included.
EQS
T: +44 (0)116 271 0033
W: www.eqsuk.com
96 craftfocus
PROFESSIONAL FINISH
Customers can create invisible hems
that are soft and perfectly smooth
with Perfect Hem from Vlieseline.
It’s suitable for hems on blouses, dresses, skirts, trousers, jackets, coats
and stretch fabrics, and will also complement the new wave of luxury
interlinings that take dressmaking and tailoring to a different league,
providing sewers with a superb and professional finish.
Perfect Hem is cleverly constructed, very light and soft interlining
with an in-built blind hem so all you need to do is insert it into the hem
and press with iron and hey presto, job done. It’s washable up to 30°C,
dry cleanable and currently available in black and white in packs of 3m.
Vlieseline
T: +44 (0)1706 754 777
W: www.vlieseline.com
MAKE YOUR MARK
ColorBox by Clearsnap has
introduced an erasable
fabric inkpad for use with
traditional and creative
embroidery techniques, as
well as mixed media work.
The erasable inkpad retails
for around £7. Woodware
has eight colours to choose
from. Crafters Inks are also
available in the cats-eyes size.
T: +44 (0)1756 700 024
NELLIE’S EMBROIDERY THREADS
Nellie Snellen embroidery threads
are available in six different
packs. Each pack contains 20m x
25m spools in colours including
brights, pastels, metallics and
variety selections. The threads are
wonderful to work with and have a
beautiful sheen to them, and will add
dimension and colour to any stitching project. There’s also a range
of stitching templates and dies to compliment the threads.
Crafts Too
T: +44 (0)1252 330 024
W: www.crafts-too.co.uk
sew good
QUILT IN NEXT TO NO TIME
Jaybird Quilts’ rulers are designed to use alongside their quilt patterns. The Sidekick and Hex N More rulers can
work together or alone, and the shapes and sizes cut from each ruler make unusual and interesting designs. They’re
quick and easy to rotary cut, and customers will love being able to make dramatic quilts in half the time. Each
Jaybird Quilts pattern comes in a mini version, making them ideal for use in kits or at workshops.
Hantex
T: +44 (0)1754 820 800
W: www.hantex.co.uk
SEWING KNOW-HOW
Those who sew are always looking to improve their skills and
knowledge. Stocking books and magazines is great way to
encourage your customers to buy other products in store that
they need to make the projects within.
EXPERT ADVICE
GMC’s latest sewing book
releases include Simple Tailoring
and Alterations (£14.99), from
acclaimed Royal Opera House
costumier and expert tailor J
François-Campbell, which is a
detailed and comprehensive book
that guides the reader skillfully through 10 tailoring
techniques from replacing buttons to changing a garment’s shape.
At a lower price point, Practical Sew & Mend (£9.99) is ideal for
complete beginners looking to alter that special thrift store find or
revive their wardrobe and save money at the same time.
GMC Distribution
T: +44 (0)1273 488 005
INSPIRATIONAL PUBLICATIONS
Manor House Magazines
currently imports 18 craft
titles covering a wide range
of crafts including stitchery,
dressmaking, patchwork and
quilting, hand and machine
embroidery. Classic Inspirations
is currently the best seller and
is a beautiful magazine for
those who love to embroider.
It contains original projects for all skill levels with full-sized
patterns. Other magazines that will interest sewers include:
Embroidery & Cross Stitch, Machine Embroidery & Textile Art and
Australian’s leading dressmaking title, Australian Stitches. For
more information about stocking these craft titles from Australia,
contact Manor House Magazines below.
Manor House Magazines Ltd
T: +44 (0)1672 514 288
W: www.manorhousemagazines.co.uk
KITS – ALL SEWN UP
Kits are a wonderful way to introduce your customer’s new crafts.
They contain everything that’s needed to complete the project,
come beautifully packaged, and are good value for money for
those starting out.
SHOP IN STYLE
DMC Creative’s Embroidered Shopper
Bag features eye-catching packaging that
makes a fabulous gift. The pretty floral
bow adds dimension and sparkle to this
stylish shopper bag using DMC threads
and simple embroidery stitches. Each kit
introduces a different technique and all
the components and clear instructions
are included. The shopper retails at £35.
DAPPER DOGS
Following on from the success of Redhound
for Dogs sewing kits, there’s now a Red Spot
Bow Tie kit that’s suitable all year round.
Crafters can make this for their dog for
special occasions or just looking dapper in
the park. Each kit contains clear instructions,
pattern, fabric, and Velcro. It can be sewn on
a machine or carefully by hand. The Dog Collar kit is now available in
a new colourway – red Gingham. Both retail at £12.95 (wholesale price
£5.50), and make great gifts for budding young sewers and dog lovers.
DMC Creative World
T: +44 (0)116 275 4000
E:[email protected]
Redhound for Dogs
T: +44 (0)1622 297100
W: www.redhoundfordogs.com
98 craftfocus
www.applicraft.co.uk
textile foils by the metre
A4 & A5 textile foils
textile foil craft packs
mini textile foil packs
Quality foils for transfer on to textiles, acrylic,
wood, paper, glass and more...
appliglue
craft packs
textile foils
craquelure
decoupage
ȴQLVK
Visit applicraft.co.uk for inspiration and ideas
great results from quality products
applicraft
Use with foil glue, appliglue, double sided tape,
and glue dots amongst others
next issue…
Don’t miss the April/May 2016
edition of Craft Focus
MADE FOR MEN
Inspiring men to take up crafts
Grown-ups only
Ideas to encourage adults to craft
Summer sensations
Celebrate the arrival of summer with
the newest products
Seal of approval
Discover stamps and stencils
A STITCH IN TIME
What’s hot in needlecraft
STUFFED ANIMALS AND OTHER
HOMEMADE TOYS
Toy making and what’s trending
Craft Focus is packed full
of the newest product
launches, industry news
and business advice from
leading experts in the fields
of retail, e-commerce and
business management.
April/May 2016 (issue 54)
Editorial deadline: 4th March, 2016
Advertising deadline: 11th March, 2016
Published: 31st March, 2016
100 craftfocus
DON’T FORGET TO PICK
UP YOUR COPY….
mother’s day
perfect posies
Floral products for Mother’s Day celebrations
Shimmer and shine
Every card maker
will be inspired by
Hunkydory Crafts’ new
A Touch of Shimmer
collection that features
beautiful watercolour
original designs, as well
as the award winning Adorable Scorable cardstock. This collection has
been given an extra touch of luxury with all the cardstock featuring a
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Accentuated by silver foiling, this collection also has plenty of coSVHMREXMRKMXIQWEPP[MXLXLIWEQIWTEVOPMRK½RMWL8LMWVERKIMWWYVIXS
FIGSQIE½VQJEZSYVMXI[MXL]SYVGYWXSQIVW4VMGIWWXEVXJVSQ
Hunkydory Crafts
T: +44 (0)1772 272 575
W: trade.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk
Time for tea?
8IEVSWIWEVIFIEYXMJYPIPIKERXERHEQYGLPSZIH¾S[IV3RISJ
XLIPEXIWXHIWMKRWJVSQ6-30-7TVIQMYQGSPPIGXMSRJIEXYVIWEFYRGL
of gorgeous carmine pink tea roses and has been designed for
embroiderers. The design is rich in different techniques including
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colours of Anchor stranded cotton threads, beige 14-count Aida
Zweigart fabric, needle, detailed instructions and the coloured
chart. The accessories are presented in a special gift packaging
making them the ideal gift for those who love to stitch.
Heavenly scent
These easy-to-make
melt and pour
heart soaps use the
new Zenicolor 5
colouring system.
The technique is
simple and effective;
just add the colour
and fragrance to
the soap base and
pour into a mould. The Soap Kitchen is the exclusive UK distributor
of this colouring system and has a wide range of soap bases, kits,
starter packs, moulds and decorations for your customers to
create their own soaps at home. Zenicolor 5 has a downloadable
app making colour mixing easy. Register as a trade customer on the
website or contact the sales team if you’re interested in stocking.
RIOLIS distributed by Solocrafts
T: +44 (0)161 464 7313
The Soap Kitchen
T: +44 (0)1237 420 872
W: www.thesoapkitchen.co.uk
craftfocus 103
perfect posies
Czech mates
Creative Beadcraft’s range of CzechMates continues to grow fast and
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with more to come. The CzechMates beading system has seven twohole shapes and two four-hole shapes. They’re designed with the
same distance between the holes opening up a host of creative design
opportunities. They’re versatile and can be used to make more complex
and structural designs.
Competitively priced, these beads come in a wide range of beautiful
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WLETIMWXLIQQ\QQGVIWGIRXW[LMGLEVIEZEMPEFPIMRE[MHIVERKI
of colours and proving very popular. The crescent shape lends it to a
variety of designs like this new chrysanthemum bracelet from Nichole
Starman at Starman TrendSetters. The bracelet features the crescents and
two-hole lentils. This pattern is available free on the Creative Beadcraft
website.
Creative Beadcraft
T: +44 (0)1494 778 818
W: www.creativebeadcraft.co.uk
Floral adornments
Mother’s Day is a time to say thank you to our closest and
dearest and there’s no better way to show gratitude than giving a
handmade gift. West Design offers your customers a wide range
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'VIEXI¾S[IVNI[IPPIV]WIXWERH
JYROMXWJVSQ'VIEXMZMX]*SV/MHWMRGPYHMRK¾S[IVFVEGIPIXWERH
crowns – the perfect presents for mums.
West Design
T: +44 (0)1303 297 888
W: www.westdesignproducts.co.uk
104 craftfocus
Lovely portraits
Available from
Heritage Crafts, Rachel
is the most recent
kit addition to the
Elegance range. The
kit contains chart and
instructions, needle,
14-count Aida fabric
and pre-sorted DMC
stranded cotton
on a loaded thread
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HIWMKRQIEWYVIWGQ
\GQMR\õMR
ERHVIXEMPWEX
Heritage Crafts
T: +44 (0)1889 575 256
W: www.hcrafts.com
Historical
Sampler
Company
Ltd
A Wo
rld of be
Knitting Kits
A Walk in the Park
autiful c
ross stitc
Our Home
Historical Sampler Co. Ltd, PO Box
6740, Billericay, Essex, CM11 1ZY
h and ta
pestry d
esigns
01268 711918
[email protected]
www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk
Unique and quirky
knitting kits
in a box
www.suestratford.co.uk
65 High Street Woburn Sands, MK17 8QY
01908 586244 [email protected]
get creative
with Kuretake
Kuretake and Zig have grown into high quality brands for fine art,
illustration, cartoonists, graphic design, papercrafts, scrapbooking and
signage. We talk to Elizabeth Millar, Marketing Executive for Kuretake UK
about its mixed media products
Tell us a bit about Kuretake, and when the
company established itself in the UK?
Established in 1902 in Nara, Japan, the
Kuretake Company began trading and
specialising in Sumi Ink, which is formulated
for Sumi painting and Japanese calligraphy.
The Sumi ink comes in a black liquid
form which is permanent, and achieved
recognition as a manufacturer of good quality
stationery products. Now, its products are
made under Zig brand in Japan.
With success in the stationery market, the
company expanded into the arts and crafts
industry with an extensive range of specialty
markers including fine detailer pens, alcoholbased pens, and watercolor markers which
were suitable for both professional artists
and amateur hobbyists.
Kuretake UK was established in 1986 as
a distributor, and for more than 30 years
has expanded its hugely diverse range of
Japanese’s manufactured Zig branded pens
and markers for the UK and EU market.
As a company, we’ve a strong focus on
education, inspiration, demonstration and
innovation, and have a fantastic team of
individuals who ensure customers get the
most from the product range with a series of
tutorials, exciting and original projects. We’re
very proud that the Zig Memory System Wink
of Luna Brush Pen won the Stationery of
the Year award in 2014 at the Japanese
Stationery Awards.
Tell us about some of the specialist ranges
of pens?
Kuretake offers a wide range of pens that are
available in a selection of colours and tip sizes
which work on a multitude of surfaces from
paper, plastic, glass to metal and wood,
106 craftfocus
The Fabricolor Twin is a dual-tipped textile
marker that’s permanent on fabrics after
ironing. The ink is a water-based pigment,
lightfast and comes in 24 colours plus a
blender. It’s great to hand draw artwork
on T-shirts, and personalise canvas bags
and cushions.
The company also has a mess-free
woodcraft marker, which is perfect for stylish
home décor projects. Kuretake decoupage
glue marker is ideal for customising items
such as desks, mirrors and canvas bags. The
company also offers a decoupage project kit,
which is available in a two designs featuring
decoupage glue and Yuzen Japanese stickers
with either fabric pens or woodcraft pens.
Heritage and values are important to the
company. How does this reflect how you do
business today?
The company prides itself on its Japanesemade high quality markers, and strives
to offer its customers the best value pen
solutions, while contributing to the safety and
environmental impact. Relationships with
customers, whether it’s the end user, small
trader or multinational organisation, are as
important to the company as its product
quality and traditional values.
What are your best selling products?
Our best-selling product is the Wink Of Stella
brush pen. The soft nylon glitter brush tip
lays down thick and thin lines of shimmering
colour that’s ideal for decorative lettering,
drawing, and adding highlights to stamp
art. Unlike some methods of adding glitter,
this pen lets you add sparkle in a clean and
controlled manner, and is gunk-free. The
water-based pigment ink is of archival quality,
company profile
and is filled with beautiful specks of
fine glitter.
Kuretake Zig 2 Way glue pen meets the
needs of the papercrafter. The blue glue dries
clear and when applied wet will create a
permanent bond, or used after it dries clear
will create a temporary bond. It’s acid-free
and xylene-free. Use it to glue photos and
decorative papers for scrapbooking, create
dazzling greeting cards, apply glitter to paper
or plastic, or embellish giftwrap.
Another popular product is Kuretake’s
Clean Color Real Brushes. The water-based
dye comes in 80 vivid colours, which can be
blended like watercolors in a palette when
used with a water brush or tip on tip. US
blogger, Jennifer McGuire recently reviewed
this product and it has now really taken the
US art and crafts market by storm.
Gansai Tambi is another well-liked
product. Each watercolour block comes in an
individual tray that can be removed from
the palette during use. It’s beautifully
packaged and makes for a perfect gift for
artists and crafters.
Other markers include the highly popular
Art & Graphic Twins, Posterman and
Millenniums. Last year saw the release
of new products like the gold and silver Mica
Inks, Varnish Glue and Suito Crafters, to name
a few.
What trends should retailers buy into?
There’s been a real return to traditional skills
like calligraphy, and the company can offer
wooden nib holders and stainless steel nibs,
which can imitate the Japanese drawing and
calligraphy. Kaleidolines is a type of picture
in which lines are joined to create a work
of art. The aim of the concept is to produce
This owl was coloured in using Wink of Stella and Wink of Luna brush pens
beautiful shapes and lines with ease. It can be
used to not only create decorative works, but
also to make cards to allow crafters to express
their creativity. The product range includes
a tutorial booklet with ideas for art and craft,
and starter kits containing the tools that are
recommended for the concept.
There’s also a big emphasis on gold, silver
and copper and glitter. Kuretake Wink of Luna
brush pen helps give decorative projects
an extra burst of glamour. The water-based
pigment ink is of archival quality, perfect for
preserving your precious memories, and
look wonderful on both light and dark
coloured papers.
Quality is key, what makes your product
different from other brands on the market?
The company never sacrifices on product
quality, not even for high demand. The
company produces pens with a one-of-akind pigment. We pride ourselves on colour
matching every colour for each product so
that our customers get the exact colour and
shade they require. The tips used on the
products are also original to the company.
Kuretake has a very impressive Manga
and Cartoonist pen selection of alcohol-dye
pens, fine liners and brushes for outlines.
Innovative manufacturing processes include
more environmentally-friendly materials like
Polypropylene, and the company was the first
to comply with BS 7272. Most of its products
have the AP seal and conform to the ASTM
making them non-toxic.
Kuretake is returning to CHSi Stitches this
year after a long break from exhibiting. Why
has the company decided to exhibit again?
We’re so excited to be returning to the
show after nine years away. It will be part
of us celebrating 30 years in business. The
company will be offering special anniversary
offers on the stand D38, which will be great
opportunity for retailers to refresh stocks.
We’ll have a series of specialist workshops
where they can come and learn techniques,
as well as get expert advice and creative tips
for how to use these markers. C
If you’re interested in becoming a Kuretake
stockisit, E: [email protected] or
T: +44 (0)1527 592 952 or visit the
website: www.kuretake.co.uk
craftfocus 107
strategic networking
William Buist from xTEN explains why building a successful networking
community strenghtens your ability to forge mutually beneficial, integrated
alliances with the right partners
"Networking with a plan in
place is essential to making
a positive first impression,
connecting with the right
cross-industry experts, and
mastering the post-event
follow up."
This is especially true for SMEs, where oneon-one relationships and personal contacts
continue to drive the bulk of word-of-mouth
business. How strong is your network? What
return do you get for your networking effort?
For some SMEs, it’s also important to go
beyond industry contacts and focus on
regional partnerships. For example, tech
firms in the West Midlands, where analysts
are expecting strong growth well into 2016,
will want to build stronger cross-industry
relationships with partners locally to fuel their
expansion.
Here’s our advice on what to do
before, during and after your next
networking event:
Attend the right events
When it comes to high-priced industry
conferences, do a bit of advance work. Talk
to participants from previous years. Ask
whether they feel the conference was worth
the time and financial investment. How
108 craftfocus
many new contacts did they make, and how
beneficial have these proven to be over the
last year?
For local events, such as networking
lunches and happy hours, aim for a balanced
mix of industry-specialised events and
those for the greater business community.
SMEs need to balance industry contacts
with a strong, diverse geographic network
for maximum exposure and relationship
building.
Practice your proposition
Master a one or two-line proposition in
advance that summarises who you are, your
past experience, and what you currently do
(or would like to do) as it relates to potential
contacts you’ll meet at the event.
Remember you don’t ‘help’ people but
‘work’ with them (because 'work with' implies
a fee). It’s good to have something the
clients will want (money, time, happiness)
and something they want to avoid (efforts,
business advice
into what they do, who they know, and how
they could best work with you in future
business endeavours.
One question that can support building a
larger network is ‘Knowing what you know
about me now, who else should I meet?’
Master the follow-up
At the event, jot down a few notes about your
conversation on the back of your contact's
business card.
Within 48 hours, follow up with a short,
personalised email referencing one or
more of these points. If you can make an
introduction for them do so, and follow up on
‘You mentioned I should meet xyz, could you
make an introduction for me?’
Finally, don’t let your newly forged
relationship get stuck online. It’s tempting
to think that once you’ve connected with
someone on LinkedIn your work is done. It’s
just beginning.
A person-to-person meeting is key to
nurturing a new connection. Personal
discussion can lead to faster, more productive
dialogue than online correspondence,
especially if you’re trying to close a new
business deal. C
mistakes, pain) embedded in what you say.
For example “I work with family businesses
to unlock sustainable profits and avoid
costly mistakes.” Practice responses for other typical
icebreaker questions:
O What brings you to this event?
OHow is business?
OAsk questions, listen, and be willing to move
on if it’s the right thing to do.
Identify your networking opportunities
in advance
While there’s value in meeting a wide
variety of people at an event, too many
brief contacts can mean you fail to make a
memorable impression on anyone. Instead,
identify who you want to meet in advance
and make it your mission to speak with
these people.
Ask great questions
The better you get at asking questions, the
better you’ll get at making connections
between the people you’re speaking with and
other contacts already in your network.
Consider why the person you’re speaking
with should care about you, your business,
and this conversation. By asking great
questions, you may even learn something
surprising or unexpected (like a new business
challenge or need) and can tailor your
conversation accordingly.
Aim to walk away from every conversation
having allowed the other person to speak
more than you did. They feel great about the
interaction, and you’ll gain valuable insight
William Buist is a
business strategist,
speaker, and founder
of the exclusive xTEN
Club – an annual
programme of
strategic activities
for small, exclusive
groups of business
owners. xTEN helps
accelerate growth, harness opportunity,
build your business and develop ideas.
William is also author of two books: At
your Fingertips and The Little Book of
Mentoring. For more information, visit:
www.xtenclub.com
or http:/williambuist.com
craftfocus 109
Oceana
Wood Craft
01992 534 444
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www.facebook.com/Oceana Wood Craft
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What’s New?
1000s of product photos
Detailed at-a-glance information on suppliers.
Save your favourite suppliers for future visits
What’s Not New?
The directory is still free to use - no registration.
All listings are thoroughly vetted.
We only list UK-based wholesalers
fabrics
focus on fabrics
We check out the latest fabric ranges to hit the shelves this season
A HOOT OF A FABRIC
The 100 per cent cotton flannel fabric collection called Tree Party
from Riley Blake is a fun and lively collection by Kelly Pannaci.
The range incorporates colourful owl designs gathered together
in tree branches alongside bright floral designs and bunting to
provide wonderful coordinates. The collection will be available
from February.
Riley Blake Designs fabrics are distributed by EQS
T: +44 (0)116 271 0033
W: www.eqsuk.com
À LA FRANÇAISE
Frou Frou is a Paris-based company, which produces a beautiful range
of lawn batiste fabrics, accompanied by an equally attractive and
matching range of buttons, bias tapes, ribbons and trimmings. Hantex
has recently been appointed its UK distributor.
The delicate designs and soft feel fabrics make them perfect for
all types of sewing and craft use. Whether it’s a quilt or a dress, your
customers will love the attention to details and ability to finish a
product with matching trimmings and fastenings.
LUXURIOUS FABRICS
Ambassador Textiles
supplies a wide range
of quality furnishing
fabrics, faux fur, baby
care and craft fabrics to
retail industries as well
as manufacturing. New additions to
its extensive collection of quality faux furs include the
strikingly vibrant London Ocean blue, London Willow; a delicate
green, London pastel blue and London strawberry cream. Pastel
pink has also been added to the longhaired fur collection, which
is perfect for the shabby chic trend in soft furnishings.
The baby care fabric range has been extended to include coral
fleece circles and cuddlesoft stars. These two beautiful soft and
cuddly fabrics are available in white, cream, pastel pink and blue.
Frou Frou products are distributed by Hantex
T: +44 (0)1754 820 800
W: www.hantex.co.uk
Ambassador Textiles
T: +44 (0)161 624 4167
W: www.ambassador-textiles.co.uk
craftfocus 111
focus on fabrics
LIBERTY OF LONDON COLLECTIONS
Alice Caroline has announced the launch of two brand new
Liberty Art Fabrics collections. The Contemporary Classics
collection incorporates classic and popular Liberty prints in
both their original form but also bringing new contemporary
colourways to the designs. Popular prints such as Wildflowers,
Tresco, Queue for the Zoo and Gallymoggers Reynard are
amongst some of the delightful designs that have been released
in new colours.
The Artist collection is another major Liberty collection release,
and includes the creative flare and inspiration from artists around
the world. The collection is a beautiful exploration of the imaginative
mind and skilled hand of the artist featuring florals, abstracts and
textures, which have been colourfully curated in 10 design stories –
The Painter’s Meadow, Fornasetti Forest, Modern Tea Leaves, Polka
Sky, Paper Garden, Melting Elements, The Artist’s Tree, The Modern
Impressionist, Modern Paisley and Polka Impressionist. Alice Caroline
has taken these collections and coupled with selections of fabrics to
form her own one-of-a-kind varieties.
Alice Caroline
T: +44 (0)1386 725 000
W: www.alicecaroline.co.uk
NOTEWORTHY FABRICS
Behrens has two new fabric
lines for this year that are worth
highlighting from Northcott and the
ever-popular Stonehenge collection, created by renown
designer, Linda Ludovico.
Stonehenge Gradations Brights embodies a completely new
and extensive range of basic bright stone textured fabrics with
six new palettes of bright shades including amethyst, hibiscus,
indigo, lagoon, rainforest and sunglow to expand the existing
earth-inspired palettes.
Also from Quilting Treasures – step inside Dan Morris’
enchanting view of the world of a Royal Princess. Words of
wisdom like ‘dream’, ‘believe’ and ‘she was loved by all’ are
included in the fabric designs along with intricate medallions and
be-jewelled crowns to help to make these even more glamorous.
Offered in magical soft colours, the Castle Toile and Star and
Scrolls are beautiful coordinates to this regal collection.
The Behrens Group
T: +44 (0)161 872 1444
W: www.behrens.co.uk
SOFT FURNISHING STYLE
Glover Bros has been supplying the
upholstery and soft furnishing trades since
1899, and sells a huge selection of fabrics,
vinyls and basecloths including calico,
cambric, canvas and hessian. Lydeard linen
union – available in 10 colours – is proving
to be a popular choice. The appeal of this
pre-shrunk 60 per cent cotton, 40 per cent
linen fabric is that it has been woven and
processed in the UK. Lightly brushed on
one side, it can also be printed on, making
it ideal for a multitude of craft projects.
The fabric is 142cm wide, easy to work with and also washable at 30
degrees. Free sample cards are available on request.
BEST BUYS
ITS Textile Traders
will be introducing a
wide range of fabrics
for this spring/summer
and will have a series
of special seasonal buys
available for retailers.
Fabrics will include luxury
furs from £5.50 per metre, denim
print cottons £2.95 per metre, 100 per cent print cotton lawns and
Javanaise viscose from £2.75 per metre, print viscose £1.95 per
metre, digital print chiffons from £1.90 per metre, supersoft furs
from £3.95 per metre and designer brand craft cottons from £2.25
per metre plus as a selection of baby cord, plain and print jersey.
These aren’t re-orderable and will only be available for a
limited time. Contact the company to book a visit from their
sales representative, Sarah Powell and she will visit your shop
to showcase the lovely fabric ranges and discuss any fabric
requirements that you might have.
Glover Bros
T: +44 (0)1823 431 910
W: www.gloverbros.co.uk
ITS Textile Traders
T: +44 (0)1745 562 100
W: www.its-sales.co.uk
112 craftfocus
The Studio Partnership Ltd
Wholesale Distributors of
DECOPATCH, MDF products, letters,
captions and objects
www.behrens.co.uk
AN EXTRA 20% DISCOUNT OFF
all website prices placed in February
and March contact us for more information
UK Distributors for the following suppliers of fine cotton printed
fabrics for the quilt, craft and home décor industries:
www.decopatch.co.uk
tel: 0116 2671143 fax: 0116 2677807
Something for everyone!
Contact: 0161 872 1444 or email: [email protected] for more information
images courtesy of Sylvain Guernot
NOW ALSO AVAILABLE
TO TRADE
Kits, Supply Packs and Tools
lovingly put together by The
Makerss, Needle Felting
Experts and Authors of Making
Needle Felted Animals
01453 298725
[email protected]
www.themakerss.co.uk
Wholesalers of a wide range of furnishing
IDEULFIDX[VXHGHDQGIXUÁHHFHFRWWRQV
SRSOLQVEDE\FDUHDQGFUDIWIDEULFV
• Competitive trade prices
• 4XLFNHIÀFLHQWVHUYLFH
ZZZDPEDVVDGRUWH[WLOHVFRXN
LQIR#DPEDVVDGRUWH[WLOHVFRXN
T: 0161 624 4167
Everything you might need from
Aerosols to Zips
Our own vans deliver throughout the
South West, and beyond by carrier.
www.gloverbros.co.uk
Glover Bros Ltd. Broadgauge Business Park,
Bishops Lydeard, Somerset TA4 3RU
Tel: 01823 431910 Fax: 01823 431920
fabrics
CHILD APPEAL FABRICS FROM
BLADE RILEY
Riley Blake has released fabrics
that are perfect for livening up
your sewing projects for children.
The amusing Giraffe Crossing 2
fabric collection features giraffes,
elephants, and its imaginative
jungle theme and vibrant blenders will delight children of all ages. The
Teddy Bear Picnic fabric range has cute teddy bears picnicking and at
play in an in idyllic park setting. This cheerful collection is perfect for
nurseries and kids’ bedrooms.
PUSHING THE FABRIC BOUNDARIES
Designer Katarina Rocella continues to show her painterly
background with a homage to the Avant Garde art
movement. Avantgarde is a new fabric collection from Art Gallery
Fabrics that links the simplicity of the basic geometrical shapes
with the beauty of simple flowers and handmade stitches to create
a balance that satisfies those who love colour and bold designs.
Art Gallery Fabrics is distributed by Hantex
T: +44 (0)1754 820 800
W: www.hantex.co.uk
Blake Riley is distributed by EQS
T: +44 (0)116 271 0033
W: www.eqsuk.com
MILLIE FLEUR
Bari J was inspired by her grandmother, Millie, to who she was
very close while growing up and who influenced her design sense,
and this collection is overflowing with colour, flowers, and pattern.
The rich warm hues inject life into Bari’s signature florals, and bold
textural and geometric prints. This range of fabrics is just the thing
for all your customer’s soft furnishing, dressmaking and other
sewing projects.
Art Gallery Fabrics is distributed by Hantex
T: +44 (0)1754 820 800
W: www.hantex.co.uk
craftfocus 115
craft magazines of oz
We talk to Neil Wooding, Director of Manor House Magazines as he takes
over the business and looks to expand its network of retailers to sell this
range of increasingly popular Australian craft magazines
Tell us a bit about the business
Previous owners Mike and Alison Bowyer
established the business in 2008. They
acquired the importation and distribution
rights from an existing craft business
established by an expat Australian who had
seen a gap in the market to import and sell
Australian craft magazines.
Having successfully built the business
over eight years, they decided the time was
right to take semi-retirement, and I took over
the company.
How would you describe the range of
magazines available and how many titles
are there?
Manor House Magazines currently imports
18 craft titles covering a wide range of crafts
from patchwork and quilting, hand and
machine embroidery, felting, embellishment,
textiles and textile art as well as stitchery,
dressmaking, scrapbooking, stamping
and papercrafts.
By offering a diverse range of titles, aimed
at both the novice and experienced crafter,
Manor House Magazines has grown and has
something to offer every crafter.
In the next couple of months Manor
House’s offer will increase from 18 to 20
titles, as we branch out in slightly different
116 craftfocus
areas of the craft market with Vintage
Made magazine, which caters for
the growing area of vintage clothing
design and accessories, and Decorative
Painting and Fine Art magazine, which
features original designs from leading
Australian artists, showcasing portraiture,
landscape, still life and abstract art, using
a range of media, including oils, acrylic,
watercolour, pastels, charcoal and mixed
media techniques.
Why import magazines when the UK
magazine market is so developed
across the craft sector?
The UK magazines market sells 600
million magazines a year, turning over
£1 billion, of which the craft magazine
sector accounts for approximately 5.5
million copy sales and around £30
million in revenue.
However, the vast majority of these
sales go through the newsstand such
as your local newsagent, supermarket or
multiple retailers like WHSmith and Martin
McColls for whom magazines are part of their
core offering.
For craft retailers to carry magazines within
their range of products via the normal UK
magazine wholesale network, they would
need to generate a weekly newsbill of
approximately £200 per week and incur
weekly delivery charges, which for many
specialist craft retailers isn’t feasible.
Bypassing the UK magazine wholesale trade
and supplying direct, Manor House Magazines
is able to offer minimum margins to retailers
of 30 per cent versus the traditional newsstand margins of 25 per cent, plus we negate
the requirement to achieve the weekly
magazine sales limit.
Ultimately, by importing our Australian
titles, we’re offering both the UK consumer
ELLING
BEST S
INE
MAGAZ
and retailer something that can’t be found on
the newsstand or direct from UK publishers,
which builds loyalty of purchase both for
ourselves from our consumer sales, and also
for our trade customers.
Why do people continue to buy magazines
– couldn’t they just buy a book on their
favourite subject or look online?
We all know people are passionate about
their hobbies, and will invest not only their
time in making craft projects but also reading
about their favourite subjects. They want
to keep up-to-date with new developments
and new projects, and magazines convey an
authority as publishers invest in sourcing the
best authors, designers and crafters.
A dialogue is opened and consumers are
left wanting more to ensure they’re fully upto-date within their chosen hobby. Magazines
become the trusted voice on which they come
company profile
to
depend. Consumers choose what they want
to make and fully look forward to the next
timely edition to see what their next project
will be.
While books, the internet and social media
have everything a consumer may need,
they still want that trusted medium where
publishers have pulled all the relevant
information, advice and images together
in a timely, tactile, inspiring and immersive
manner.
In a recent research report on the Power of
Magazines, Douglas McCabe, CEO of Enders
Analysis stated, “The most extraordinary
thing about the magazine environment is
that not only is there a relevant audience in
place, but there’s an audience fully-engaged,
engaged in a way that almost no other media
can achieve.”
Are the best selling magazines the same in
Australia as in the UK?
In any magazine sector, there’ll always be
market leaders and some truly world-class
products. Some publishers
choose to sub-license their
market leading products to
local publishers in foreign
markets to produce a local
version of the magazine.
However, where there are
no language barriers and
the topic of the publication
transcends any local issues
and remains relevant, there
are fewer barriers to importing
their titles. This has enabled
Manor House to import directly
from Australian publishers, and
we’re pleased to be able to offer
the title generally acknowledged to be the
‘World’s Best Embroidery Magazine’ – Classic
Inspirations, which is our best selling title on
both our consumer and trade sales.
How does the Australian publishing industry
differ from the UK?
In essence, the Australian domestic magazine
market is a much smaller version of the
UK market – there are approximately 7,000
outlets stocking magazines in Australia vs
around 50,000 retailers in the UK.
I think the important differences are not in
the publishing industry, or even in the craft
industry in terms of techniques, but in the
culture from which the inspiration is drawn.
Australia has a rich and varied geography
and natural environment, and a diverse
culture that stimulates designs that are
familiar yet slightly exotic in their use of
colour and texture.
Textile Fibre Forum and Textiles Down
Under in particular celebrate talent and
individuality in the use of mixed media, and
Embellish fuses fantasy and art in the creation
of gifts and homeware. Our second bestselling title, Homespun, is an award-winning
magazine that combines classic crafting with
a more modern approach to textile crafts.
But traditional designs still take centre-stage
in many of the embroidery, patchwork and
quilting titles.
What does the future hold for Manor
House Magazines?
Part of the attraction of acquiring Manor
House Magazines was the fact that although
the business was growing, to a certain extent,
it remained under the radar of many craft
consumers and craft shops, and had no
social media presence. Having a background
in magazine circulation, distribution,
subscriptions and publishing, I’m looking
forward to driving the business to new heights
on many different fronts, and hope retailers
will join us on our journey and consider our
titles as a supplier/partner for their business.
Why should retailers stock your magazines,
and how do they go about ordering?
We work with a number of craft and sewing
shops across the UK and Europe, and the
main USP for our trade customers is that none
of our titles can be found on the newsstand.
The variety and frequency of our titles will
drive customers back to your retail store,
increasing footfall and sales
of your core products that customers
need to complete the projects from within
our magazines.
Some titles do have longer on-sale periods
– quarterly or biannually – but there are no
time restrictions for sales, and due to the
nature of the content, back issues of newly
discovered magazines are often requested.
To order any of our magazines, retailers can
visit our website or call our sales order line.
If you are a trade customer, state this when
calling, and I will personally follow-up with
every trade customer to help you select
and choose a relevant range of titles for
your business. Additionally, Manor House
is more than happy to discuss partnership
opportunities. C
Manor House Magazines Ltd
T: +44 (0)1672 514 288
W: www.manorhousemagazines.co.uk
craftfocus 117
CR
Ask
INDULGE YOUR PASSION WITH OUR
EXCLUSIVE RANGE OF CRAFT MAGAZINES...
AF
ab
ou
TIN
G
to
ur
RET
AIL
Tra
d
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You will love our extensive range of craft magazines,
order your magazine subscription now!
HAND EMBROIDERY
The world’s most beautiful
embroidery magazine’. Each
issue contains unique projects for
beginners to advanced stitchers,
detailed instructions and full-size,
tear out pattern sheets.
MACHINE EMBROIDERY
For the enthusiast of all forms
of hand-stitching, this publication
brings ten original projects
using a range of styles.
The ultimate guide for anyone who
loves to embellish by machine,
whether by computerised or
free-motion embroidery, using
built-in stitches, an Embellisher
machine or an over-locker.
PATCHWORK, QUILTING
& OTHER PROJECTS
Australia’s top-selling monthly
contemporary craft magazine is
perfect for the all around craft
enthusiast.
SCRAPBOOKING, STAMPING & PAPER CRAFTS
Australia’s top-selling scrapbooking
magazine ensures readers are
informed of the hottest trends,
latest products and innovative
photography advice.
Australia’s top-selling papercraft
magazine provides practical
information, inspirational ideas,
step-by-step instructions, tips and
techniques for keen card, gift and
papercraft artists of all levels.
Inspirational country-style projects
from Australia’s leading craft talents
- including patchwork, appliqué,
stitchery, dolls, quilts, cushions and
bags. Perfect for stitchers of all levels
who love stunning handcraft.
Exciting projects-based magazine
featuring a range of beautiful and
practical projects, with easy-to-follow
instructions, making it perfect for a
newcomer to craft.
PATCHWORK & QUILTING MAGAZINES
Australia’s number one patchwork
magazine featuring a wide range
of traditional and contemporary
projects in every issue, for quilters
of all skill levels.
Showcasing exquisite quilts from
world-renowned quilters, pictured in
beautiful settings, with comprehensive
step-by-step guides to creating your
own quilted masterpiece.
Featuring the latest trends and
techniques in brilliant detail, each
issue contains pattern sheets,
interviews with quilters, reviews
of products and shows, and
educational articles.
Award-winning magazine combining
classic crafting with a more modern
approach to textile crafts. Projects
include sewing, quilting, embroidery,
patchwork, knitting, crochet and
appliqué
TEXTILE ART, KNITTING, EMBELLISHMENT, FELTING & DRESS MAKING
Australia´s leading dressmaking
magazine presents technical
instructions and step-by-step
photographs for fabulous garments.
'HGLFDWHGWR¿EUHV\DUQVDQG
textile arts, featuring needle-felting,
wet felting, embellishing, print
making and lino-printing.
An inspiring collection of ideas
from emerging Australian
designers to knit, crochet, felt,
spin and weave.
This publication fuses fashion,
fantasy and art to create gifts
and homeware.
Each issue features comprehensive,
unique wet and dry felting projects to
suit a wide range of skill levels.
7KH$XVWUDOLDQPDJD]LQHIRU¿EUH
arts showcases talent and
individuality through its in-depth
look at artists and exhibitions.
Manor House Magazines is the sole UK and European importer
and distributor of these fantastic Australian magazines
M A NOR HOU SE M AGAZIN ES
92 Plains Avenue, Maidstone, Kent ME15 7AU | 01672 514 288 | [email protected] | www.manorhousemagazines.co.uk
retailing in a digital age
We catch up with Lauren Guthrie from haberdashery boutique Guthrie &
Ghani to find out how they’ve embraced the digital age within the shop
It’s important that craft vendors embrace
and adapt to digital in order to retain
a competitive edge. Guthrie & Ghani,
an independent haberdashery uses an
innovative technology in-store in order to
remain competitive with much larger retailers,
and since April last year has been using a
Cloud-based point-of-sale software, Vend, to
help run and manage the business. Instead
of having a traditional till, G&G use the Vend
app, run on an iPad instore, to process
transactions, keep accurate checks on
inventory – an obvious necessity for a
haberdashers, owing to the thousands of
items stocked – as well as providing accurate
breakdown and analysis of the business’
activity which is sometimes a luxury only
available to retailers many times their size.
Based on the outskirts of Birmingham, the
Guthrie & Ghani business was born in 2013,
and is the vivacious offspring of sewingfanatic Lauren Guthrie and her husband Ayaz.
Ever the innovators, the boutique acts both
as a modern day fabric emporium as well as a
sewing school. Crafters will recognise Lauren
as one of the finalists from BBC Two’s, The
Great British Sewing Bee.
Can you tell us a little bit about G&G, how
you got started and where your passion
comes from?
Guthrie & Ghani is a fabric emporium
and sewing school in Moseley Village,
Birmingham, set up and managed by
my husband and I. Having started out in
healthcare, I decided to take a career change
into something more creative and for which
I have a passion for. I’ve always loved sewing
and crafting, so a shop and space in which
to teach others was perfect. I established
Guthrie & Ghani with the aim of giving
modern dressmakers, and those looking to
sew the full experience of creating something
beautiful. We provide our customers with the
best fabrics and materials, whilst nurturing
their ongoing inspiration and skill. We’re also
at hand to advise which projects to choose,
how to match up fabrics and to offer any
other textile know-how.
How do you think using an omni-channel
Point-of-Sale (POS) system, like Vend, has
helped grow your business? How did you
come across it?
As our business began to grow we realised
that we needed much more than a basic
inventory and POS system. To begin with,
a lot of the processes were manual and
susceptible to human error, and over time the
accuracy of our inventory log really suffered,
which was becoming a serious hindrance.
Like many craft businesses, we’ve hundreds
of different items in stock, so it can be
extremely difficult to keep on top of it all
manually. My husband decided to look online
for EPOS providers and chose Vend. Vend
takes a lot of pain out of these processes
and gives us visibility of the entire business,
so now we’ve more time to focus on the
important things, like our customers.
How does Vend help you to track
your stock?
Our full inventory is logged with Vend, and the
system automatically updates its virtual stock
level after each sale. We set re-order amounts
for all our products in Vend, so a new order
is triggered automatically when stock is
running low. We also run regular inventory
counts on different categories of stock,
ensuring the system is kept up-to-date and
any discrepancies are accounted for quickly
and easily.
Were there any unexpected benefits to
using Vend?
The software is run on the iPad, so there is
much less clutter in store and no more clunky
tills hogging the counter. The system is also
very intuitive and easy to use, so there is
no mornings wasted training new staff. We’re
now also able to access store insights, such
as analytics and sales reports, at the click
of a button. Over time, these insights have
allowed us to be more strategic in how we
do business.
Do you have any advice for craft vendors
that you wish you’d known?
Do your best to get systems and processes
right in the beginning. Don’t wait until
mistakes happen as it takes a lot longer to
sort and can get quite messy. C
Find Guthrie & Ghani, www.guthrie-ghani.
co.uk and for more information about
Vend, visit the website: www.vendhq.com
craftfocus 119
business tips
From design to
product development
Sara Davies explains how to transform an idea into a product on the shelf
Have you ever wondered how to get a great
idea for a product actually produced and
onto the shelf?Well, I’ve had a fair amount of
experience with this, so let me share a bit of a
step-by-step guide with you.
Prediction
It’s very important to keep abreast of
trends, not only within other craft markets
(specifically, the US and Europe) but also
within the wider marketplace in order to
anticipate a demand for a product. Keep an
eye on what’s happening in the fashion world
(colours, patterns), for styles and looks that
crafters will want to apply to their makes.
Also, don’t forget to examine popular current
ranges and also demand for extensions to
product lines.
Next, brainstorm different ideas. Decide
upon a concept, agree how many SKUs
you want in the range and then sketch out
your plans – however roughly – to show to
a designer. The designer will then work up
the range to the brief. If you're working with
a license you'll need to make sure you're
keeping within the brand guidelines.
Prototype and production
When your designs are ready they’ll need
to be sent over to the manufacturer and
factory and they will advise on whether any
tweaks need to be made to the design for
production purposes.
Upon the factory’s nod of approval, the
packaging will need to be created for the
final design and sent over to the factory. The
factory will then produce pre-production
samples for you to test to make sure the
quality's right and that it works the way that
120 craftfocus
it should. Once these are all checked and
approved, mass production can start.
Product demand
Before the machines grind into action,
you’ll need to forecast how many units
you're likely to initially sell in order to
place an informed production order.
You can do this by reviewing previous
sales data on similar products, as well
as considering various other factors
including where it’s being sold, the time
of year it’s released, the price-point,
whether it’s a seasonal or a core item
and so on.
If a product is being produced in
the UK you only need to allow a short
timeframe for it to be made. However, if
you are getting something produced from
the Far East, you need to allow around three
months from the final sign-off of the tester
sample to it hitting your warehouse. Why is
this? Well, there are lots of factors that could
hold up a shipment - the weather may delay
things, different national holidays need to
be taken into account (for example Chinese
New Year, Christmas shut down etc) and also
delays in port with customs – allow ample
time in order in order to protect against
overpromising and under delivering to
your stockists.
Promotion
Once your order has been placed, you need
to begin informing your customers on what
you have coming out, so that they can preorder it. This will enable you to send orders
out straight away as soon as the product hits
the warehouse.
Planogram
Finally, if the product range you're
bringing out is large you may need to
create a planogram to help your stockists
merchandise the stock in store. This is
normally the case if a whole bay or a promo
panel is dedicated to a range. For instance,
we did this for the Signature Collection
ranges, the Downton Abbey papercrafting
collection, and also for our upcoming Verity
Rose license.
So, if you have an idea for a product, why
not go for it? There will be plenty of people to
help you on your way. Good luck! C
Sara Davies is a Durham-born craft
entrepreneur and the founder of Crafter’s
Companion. For further information, visit
www.crafterscompaniontrade.co.uk
pantry pastimes
Crafting in the kitchen has risen in popularity over the last few years. We look at the sorts of
things that are currently trending
PREMUIM KITS
DMC’s range of premium gift craft kits
are designed to make the craft industry
accessible to the homeware and gift
markets too. All kits are beautifully
packaged allowing anyone the chance
to create something beautiful for
the home.
The patchwork apron kit is one of
the kits available in the collection.
Combining patchwork techniques and
simple stitching, the brightly-coloured
apron makes a colourful addition to
any kitchen with funky cow patterned fabric, patchwork heart and
pocket and the perfect gift for bakers. It retails at £35.
DMC Creative World
T: +44 (0)116 275 4000
TIN CRAFTS
You’ll never look at a baked bean
tin in the same way after reading
the latest book, Take a Tin from
author Jemima Schlee, who
celebrates the humble tin with a
series of cool crafts.
Jemima shows readers how
this household staple can be
transformed into an array of
stylish items from a magnetic pin
board and tiered storage tin to
picture frames and travel games.
The techniques for cutting, painting, piercing and spraying tins
are all explained with clear and concise instructions, and the book
contains all the templates plus a list of equipment required for the
projects. Making up-cycling fun, the book retails at £14.99.
GMC Group
T: +44 (0)1273 488 005
PASTEL PLEASURES
This is another
recycling project to
refresh any kitchen
décor, using Plastikote
spray paints to
transform old cake
tins into coordinating
items. PlastiKote’s
Twist & Spray paints
work on a number
of surfaces from tin,
wood, plastic, metal,
MDF, ceramic, glass,
mirror, canvas to
masonry and concrete.
Twist & Spray Cameo
pink and porcelain
satin have been used
on these cake tins to create a stylish pastel theme.
MELT DOWN
Candy Melts from Wilton
are ideal for sweet
making, molding, dipping,
coating and decorating
treats, cakes and desserts.
The Candy Melts are easy to
melt to a creamy consistency
in the microwave and will
create wonderful edible
moulds, as well as a dip for cake pops, strawberries, pretzels, cookies
and biscuits or a drizzle for desserts. Once liquid, they can be used in a
decorating bag to pipe onto cakes. They’re available in many colours,
certified Kosher, come in 340g (12oz) bags. A caution when using for
those with peanut allergies – they’ve been made on equipment that
also processes nuts. More information and trade prices are available
upon request.
PlastiKote
T: +44 (0)844 736 2235
W: www.plastikote.com
Wilton
T: +44 (0)121 386 3200
W: www.wilton.com
122 craftfocus
The UK’s leading magazine
for the craft industry
C
To advertise here
telephone Tracy Voice
on +44 (0)1376 535 618
www.craftfocus.com
a celebration of
cross-stitch
We talk to Helen Hart from Mouseloft as the company celebrates 20 years in the cross-stitch business
with no focus.
This range of 25 designs was given the
name Stitchlets by one of us, which we
both claim was ours! One thing is certain,
it involved a long car journey,where we
do our best thinking, and a large amount
of brainstorming.
I think the success of the Stitchlets range
is down to the large variety of good designs
combined with high quality materials. Despite
it being a lower cost product, we’ve always
used Zweigart aida and DMC thread in our
kits, together with clear instructions. We’ve
always believed that just because a product is
small and inexpensive, its quality still matters
just as much as for a larger kit.
Tell us how the business started?
I’ve always cross-stitched. In the summer of
1995, my husband, Roger, and I were looking
for a new direction. We wondered whether
there was a way to make a living from my
passion for cross-stitch and brightly coloured
crafts. We co-founded H H Enterprises which
soon became Mouseloft.
We produced about ten designs of varying
sizes, and took these to a local craft fair,
where we experienced a small financial loss
but learned a lot! We realised early on that
we needed to fill existing gaps in the market,
not just produce designs that we liked. We
consulted several local stitching retailers,
and asked what their customers were looking
for. Most gave the same answer – small cross
stitch kits at ‘pocket money prices’ and with
a British flavour in the designs. At the time,
a high proportion of small kits were designed
in the US.
We visited a trade show at the NEC for the
first time in 1995, and realised that this was
124 craftfocus
where we would find our customers, so the
next year we became exhibitors at our first
‘Stitches’ show.
Stitchlets were the original range of crossstitch kits that you produced. How did
these come about and why do you think
they are so successful?
We wanted to present a range of high quality
small cross-stitch kits. We had a number of
design ideas and Roger, being the artistic
one, set about transforming these ideas
into cross-stitch. We chose a design size
which fitted one of the double fold aperture
cards that were available, and produced 25
designs placing four of each into a counter
display box, making a pack of one hundred
kits. We realised how important it was to give
retailers a way to display the kits, as they
were so small. The integrity of a single range
of products tied up in a neat package with a
display incorporated proved a better sales
proposition than a number of individual ideas
How would you describe your current
cross-stitch range?
The original Stitchlets range currently
comprises over 80 designs. These encompass
a huge variety of animals and birds, mythical
characters and modes of transport.
Other ranges offer the same finished size
but with more of a design focus. For example,
we’ve a range of kits for special occasions,
with cards included, covering birthdays,
weddings, new babies, retirement and so on.
‘Biscuit the Cat’ gets up to all sorts of mischief
and isn’t impressed by the value cat food
company profile
for everyone. It’s difficult to pick out individual
best selling designs as it varies between
retailers with their various demographical
and geographical areas. Having said that,
a penguin, a cuddly dog and a panda have
been popular for many years and, in more
recent times, these have been joined by the
scrummy cupcake and an orange camper van.
And of course, meerkats have also stepped
into the limelight recently.
Where can retailers see your cross-stitch
designs?
The quickest way to see our designs is on
our website at www.mouseloft.co.uk. All our
current designs are shown here, along with
retail packs offered in the trade section.
A paper brochure is also available – just
phone or email us, and we’ll pop one in the
post. And, of course, you’ll still find us at
the ‘Stitches’ show on stand A02. Come
and see us in person, and get a glimpse of
all the original sewn samples in all their
glorious colours. C
on offer! The ‘Little Dog’ is possibly better
behaved, although she doesn’t think much
of bath night! The most recent range, ‘In the
Woods’, features Ferdinand the Fox and Cyril
the Squirrel, to name just two.
Many of the kits either have a distict British
or humorous feel to them. Is this delibrate?
Yes, there are distinctive British and
humorous elements to many of our designs
and, yes, it’s intentional.
We wanted to produce kits that people
enjoy stitching, we like to spread a little
happiness with a smiley character. We
always try to express the character of the
subject, be it a cuddly dog or a caravan. Every
subject is capable of suggesting a storyline to
the imagination.
The British feel comes from a desire to
make our kits different – they’re not just
cheap imports from the Far East. They’re
designed and manufactured in the UK
primarily with British stitchers in mind. Of
course, the ‘Images of Britain’ range is a very
obvious celebration of all things British, with
the London Bus, the Beefeater Teddy, the
Red Telephone Box and a nice cup of
afternoon tea. Actually, though, British icons
are fashionable all over the world,
so everyone’s happy.
What do the kits contain?
The kits contain a page of clear instructions,
Zweigart aida, a needle and DMC threads.
There’s also a clear photograph of the finished
design on the front of the packet. Some of our
kits also contain a double fold aperture card
and envelope.
What are your best selling products?
The Stitchlets range has always been our best
seller. This range has grown over the years,
and encompasses such a huge variety of
lovely images that there really is something
Mouseloft
T: +44 (0)1477 533 566
W: www.mouseloft.co.uk
craftfocus 125
gathering
The movement from domestic craft to contemporary
process was an enlightening presentation at the recent CHA
Mega Show from the French-based forecasting company
Trend Union. We share the highlights…
Lidewij Edelkoort is a trend and style
forecaster, and under her company Trend
Union, she collaborates with Philip Fimmano
to produce vital trend information every
year, including colour and fabric, pattern and
lifestyle forecasts, as well as general trends,
exhibitions and seminars, and think tanks.
We live in an unstitched society that’s
suffering from the aftershocks of a severe
economic crisis. This prolonged period
of harder times has made people overly
protective of their assets and openly
egocentric in their ferocious defence, resulting
in a world that’s governed by greed and that
has lost basic manners and human respect.
This is a time for gathering, for bringing
people together again in order to restore
society. Mending the fabric of our lives.
The word ‘gathering’ has a special and
positive meaning associated with a truly
human context, and refers to all the activities
that bring about progress through process.
Gathering refers to the mechanisms of finding,
assembling, collecting or cultivating. One can
gather food to complement the hunt, gather
wild plants in order to domesticate them,
gather flowers into a bouquet, gather printed
pages to bind a book, gather a woven textile
The Thread Wrapping
Machine 170114
(2014) by Anton
Alvarez, courtesy of
the Edelkoort Design
Collection, Paris
126 craftfocus
in order to bundle up a skirt, gather images
to create a mood board and gather groups
of people to debate or celebrate. Whether it
refers to gathering friends, or gathering
a garment, the correlation between material
transformation and social congregation
is fascinating.
It’s now time to layer and gather different
entities and characters into a single fabric
of existence waiting to be embellished and
embroidered; to veil one material with
another in order to endow the shifting and
moving social condition with an iridescent
quality, accepting the nuances of the difficult
journey. It’s time to pick up the pieces and
assemble the scraps of overconsumption; to
compose them into a quilt of substance, using
human creativity to craft a blanket able to
assemble variety within a single vision.
It’s time to design flexible geometric
patterns that can be folded into one fluid
form, structuring the future with mobile
architecture and origami design; to pleat
matter into newer, stricter forms with a
technique that has been fascinating man
since the beginning of time, creating a
classical column of flexible material; to mould
furniture into voluminous shapes, as if they
were fashionable confections made in the
kitchen of a master chef; to wrap materials as
if creating contemporary sculptures, so that
the packaging becomes the expressive outer
skin of the product; to layer and compact
fabrics into club-sandwich constructions,
piling up multiple sheets of materials; to
drape textiles into elegant examples of
cultural forms; to smock matter into spheres
of ornamental opulence, leading to the revival
of a baroque momentum.
All these forms of gathering – including
needlework, cooking and crafting – go back
in time and belong to the collective memory
of our mothers and grandmothers patiently
sliding needle and thread up and down
a fragile textile, meticulously mending an
Lidewij Edelkoort, photo by Thirza Schaap
Philip Fimmano, photo by Marie Tailefer
old pair of socks, serenely quilting by the
fireplace, expertly baking a loaf of bread,
softly knitting some wool yarn into new
forms or lovingly smocking the garment of
a new-born grandchild. At times, mothers
would be exuberant and outgoing, working
on Sunday best clothes and heritage linens,
using embellishment with haberdashery and
pearl buttons and opulent techniques like
shirring and smocking. To fulfil their fantasies,
ribbons could be used for ornamentation and
embroidery could narrate their innermost
thoughts and feelings, communicating to
others their female perspective.
In an incredible reversal of roles, these
historical memories are now feeding our
high-tech industries – driving them to
review the production process with new and
more abundant options, lending a sense of
frivolity to industrial design, feminising the
modernist movement, domesticating the
focus on
Mind Wandering Bloom
(2014) by Caroline Angiulo
Bistro Light (2005) by Ditte Hammerstrøm
Photo by Marie Tailefer
Zieharsofika (2012) – new methods of
upholstery construction from Meike Harde
creation of form.
On the eve of this major revival of
innovative industrial processes, the design
world is suddenly witnessing several young
graduates compelled to invent their own
machines or reform existing engines in
order to manufacture their designs. A
fresh generation of inventor/designers are
interested in the process as much as in the
final product, while viewing the machine as
an ally rather than a constraint.
Bridging the gap between different age
groups and genders, between rich and poor,
and between craft and industry, these options
offer made-to-measure and made-to-taste
solutions for the public at large. In becoming
one, man and machine create a bond that
is a promise for all future developments in
the 21st century. The hand and the engine
gather together to create a new manual for
the design discipline that is waiting to be
explored. C
Philip Fimmano was the Keynote Speaker
at the 75th Annual CHA Mega Conference
and Trade Show back in January in Anaheim,
California, as well as presenting this seminar
at the CHA Mega Show. Find out more
information about Trend Union,
www.edelkoort.com & www.trendtablet.com.
The CHA MEGA Conference and Trade
Show will be moving to Phoenix, Arizona
in 2017, and will be held between 19th - 23rd
January, 2017 at the Phoenix Convention
Center. For more information, contact the
European Sales Director, Andrew Morton
on T: +44 (0)7821 750 500 or email:
[email protected].
craftfocus 127
tried and tested
quilting by numbers
Julie Bonnar puts June Tailor’s pre-printing batting, distributed by EQS, through its paces
“
can add decorative machine stitching or
more advanced quilting techniques to
the blocks.
This product can be made with fabrics
from your customer’s stash but also will
encourage customers to purchase other
fabrics and quilting products while in store.
The Sophisticated Strips design retails
at £9. To enquire about stocking any of the
options, get in contact with EQS. C
Patchwork & quilting products are in high
demand at the moment. This product makes it
simple for all crafters to have a go at a simple
quilt block.
“
THE PRODUCT
The latest Quilt As You Go Pre-Printed Batting
blocks from June Tailor make quilting easy,
and comes with and without fusible backing.
The no fusible option features 80/20 per cent
cotton/polyester fabric and comes in three
different block designs – Sophisticated Strips,
London Labyrinth and Paris on Point.
The 100 per cent polyester batting comes
with a fusible backing making securing the
quilt back even easier. This version is available
in four different designs – Mosaic Magic, Fair
Square, Hopscotch and Rolling Stone
smaller block designs and allow crafters to
sew and quilt individual blocks one at a
time, and then join them together for a
finished quilt.
What makes this product different is that
the batting is pre-printed with each of the
designs and you quilt by numbers, stitching
directly onto the batting.
This will be popular with those new to
quilting as the instructions explain how to
cut the fabric to size. I’m not a quilter but
what I liked about the product is that it’s
supported with online videos for each of
the designs so you can watch and make
at the same time to get the best results.
It took me between three and four hours
to complete so it’s an ideal project for
completing over a weekend or evening.
TIP: It’s important to press and spray all
fabric pieces with a starch spray before
attaching to the batting to avoid creases
and puckering.
June Tailor products are distributed by EQS
T: +44 (0)116 271 0033
W: www.eqsuk.com
W: www.junetailor.com
HOW TO USE IT
Sophisticated Strips is the design that EQS
sent me and it’s the largest of the
non- fusible designs. It works with easy-tohandle strip pieces, has 14 straight seams to
sew and measures 40in x 50in when complete.
London Labyrinth and Paris on Point are
REASONS TO STOCK
With seven designs to choose from, quilters
will want to make them all. The product
comes in retail-ready hang sell pack so
won’t take up valuable space in the shop.
Quilt As You Go Pre-Printed Batting will
appeal to experienced quilters too, as they
In a recent poll, 86 per cent of our readers
told us they would find it beneficial to know
about new products as they come to the
market. Tried & Tested will put the latest
products through their paces. Contact Julie
Bonnar, E: [email protected], if you
have a product to feature.
128 craftfocus
word on the web
basket abandonment
Interactive Intelligence Group share an interesting piece of research about why customers
abandon their online shopping baskets
In the survey examining the buying behaviour
of 1,000 UK consumers, further findings from
the research suggest that:
ONearly three quarters (74 per cent) said they
would abandon their basket if a customer
service representative was too slow in
responding to them.
ONearly a third (30 per cent) of UK consumers
admitted they had halted an online sale from
a vendor that didn’t offer this.
ONine in 10 UK consumers say they have a
preferred method of communication when it
comes to contacting an online vendor.
ONearly half of consumers (48 per cent)
say the top way to commute is via email,
while only 16 per cent say telephone is still
their first choice. Traditional methods of
communication have low popularity with only
16 per in the UK opting for the telephone and
a further 16 per cent choosing in-person as
their preferred choice of communication.
OReal time chat is the desired choice amongst
five per cent, with only two per cent favour
social media and one
per cent instant messaging apps.
“With more online shopping being carried out
every year, the businesses that get customer
engagement right will have an advantage
over its competitors. This will make a huge
difference to sales, particularly at busy
times of the year. One channel fits all does
not work today. Businesses need to ensure
that they can offer the same high standard
of communication across every channel,”
commented Dave Paulding.
Retailers should see basket abandonment
as an opportunity and as another marketing
opportunity and a way to get in touch with
potential customers. Getting in touch can
mean that they complete the purchase if your
communication is compelling enough. C
“Understanding your customer’s
shopping habits is one of the
fundamentals to a successful business.
The research demonstrates how
important it is to ensure that you
understand your customer’s preferences
and offer the right channels for their
engagement. Best-in-class customer
engagement has the potential to
increase sales considerably,” said
Dave Paulding, Regional Director at
Interactive Intelligent.”
With more than 20 years of experience
in the customer engagement market,
Interactive Intelligence understands how
technology can empower both contact
centre staff and the customers they serve.
The company offers the widest array of
business communications and customer
engagement applications running on a
single platform for reduced costs and
maximum operational efficiencies. For
more information visit the website:
www.inin.com.
craftfocus 129
up & coming
bringing old crafts
to a new generation
Julie Bonnar chats to Hannah Silvani and Rosie Scott who run
The New Craft House, and aim to bring back old techniques to modern
and stylish crafting
Why did you decide to change the company
name from The New Craft Society to The
New Craft House recently?
It wasn’t really a decision we wanted to make
but when we registered as a limited company
last year, we were told that ‘Society’ was a
sensitive word, which means we couldn’t
use it unless we actually were a society and
not-for-profit. We love the new name, The
New Craft House – it’s wider and better
encompasses all of the different things we do.
Tell us a bit about yourselves and how the
business/blog started.
We’ve both been friends since secondary
school and were always craft fans – we’d knit
on the school bus together! After university,
we both had a lot of free time and filled it with
lots and lots of crafting, so we decided to set
up a craft blog together.
It was just a way of sharing our projects but
also it was a way of us working on something
together despite living quite far apart.
In our first year, we won the Cosmopolitan
Best Craft Blog award and ended up working
with companies like Liberty and Cath Kidston
running workshops, and our business just
grew from there.
Why is putting older traditional crafts in the
spotlight so important to you?
We both learned traditional crafting
techniques from our grandparents but
recognise that lots of people don’t have the
opportunity to learn these. We try to put
traditional crafts on a digital platform in order
to reach a younger generation, and hopefully
stop the skills dying out. Traditional crafts
provide a connection to previous generations
and that’s really important to us. Most of
all, they’re also great fun and produce
beautiful things.
Tell us a bit about the new products you’re
launching soon?
We’ve now launched our first two kits Knicker Making and an English Paper Piecing
Cushion Kit. Both use a traditional craft like
patchwork and sewing but in a modern
and stylish beginner’s project, which will
encourage people to learn a new skill.
They come packaged in a tube and have
everything you need to complete the project.
We’re really proud of them, and have lots
more kits planned to release soon that will
all use a range of traditional crafts, so watch
this space!
Last year, you took crafting to Bestival,
and also worked with craft brands on
workshops. How does this work, and which
130 craftfocus
company’s have you worked with so far?
We had so much fun at Bestival, and it was
definitely the largest workshop we’ve ever
undertaken. We were at the festival for four
days, running tie-dyeing workshops with
festival-goers. In the end, we had around 500
participants who all made their own T-shirt or
bag. It was mad, but so much fun!
In the past, we’ve also run workshops for Cath
Kidston, Converse and Green Man festival.
Companies can approach us with a brief
and we’ll come up with a workshop around
a particular idea. For example, Cath Kidston
wanted a simple project that would fit with
an Easter theme that would be held in their
flagship store. We love the opportunity that
workshops give us to show people who’ve
never crafted before that they can actually
do it. C
The New Craft House will be exhibiting at
CHSI Stitches on stand: BS06. For more
information visit: www.thecrafthouse.com.

Low-resolution - Craft Focus magazine

Transcription

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