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CRAFTFOCUS
www.craftfocus.com
Issue 49 June/July 2015
www.craftfocus.com
MAGAZINE
pint-sized
crafters
Why children are
savvy consumers
HEAR FROM
THE EXPERTS
Smarter marketing with
e-receipts and how to stay
on top of what to buy
handmade home
Capitalise on DIY
for the home
Win
a bundle of goodies
from Sewline,
courtesy of EQS
(worth £450+)
SHOW REVIEWS
h+h Cologne, London Stationery Show
focus on fashion
Stay on top of what’s
in and what’s not
June/July Issue 49
Managing Editor
Jo Fletcher-Cross
+44 (0)1376 535 611
Deputy Managing Editor
Rosie Orgles
Editor
Julie Bonnar
+44 (0)1376 514 000
editor@craftfocus.com
contents
72
Chief Sub Editor
Tim Nelson
Sales & Marketing Manager
Michael Richards
+44 (0)1376 535 606
michaelr@craftfocus.com
75
Account Manager
Tracy Voice
+44 (0)1376 535 618
tracyv@craftfocus.com
Production Manager
Scott Brothwell
Deputy Production Manager
Sarah Young
Senior Graphic Designer
Vicky O’Connor
Graphic Designers
Alex Bolton, Stephanie Hodder
+44 (0)1376 535 616
artwork@kdmediapublishing.com
regulars
features
Production Assistant
Charlotte Potter
editor’s letter
5
An overview of what to expect in this issue
pint-sized crafters
Why children are savvy craft consumers
45
industry news
7
What’s happening within the craft sector
tooled up!
Discover the latest essential tools for crafting
63
brand spanking new
A look at the latest product launches
handmade home
Capitalise on DIY for the home
69
bookstand
52
The newest craft-related book releases
focus on fashion
Stay on top of what’s in and what’s not
75
project
Create a pretty display for the wall
or shop window with Apple Press
92
splashing out
Paints that appeal to all sorts of crafters
82
95
bling factor
What’s new for jewellery makers
87
competition
Win a bundle of Sewline goodies
from EQS
Web Development Manager
Stuart Weatherley
Subscriptions
Kay Tilbury, Cheri Love
+44 (0)1376 514 000
KD Media Publishing Limited
Pantile House, Newlands Drive
Witham, Essex, CM8 2AP, UK
www.craftfocus.com
Front cover image:
Thanks to Stylecraft, Malabar Yarns
(see page 69)
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:
52
15
shows
show news
Keep up-to-date with what’s happening in
your industry
27
spotlight on h+h Cologne
We share findings and insights from this
international show
32
we heart stationery
The lowdown on the London Stationery Show
37
craftfocus 3
40
focus on
back on track
We talk to Simon Allam from Craft and Stationery, who is
now distributing the Knorr Prandell brand in the UK
40
getting away from it all
We talk to Amy Cooper about their two activity hotels
58
tried & tested
Julie Bonnar puts the latest modular origami kit
through its paces
98
98
business advice
how was your day?
42
Taimur Khan reveals his tips for improved time management
smarter marketing with e-receipts
David Fairhurst discusses the benefits of replacing the
traditional paper document
56
how to master the art of buying
Sara Davies explains some simple tips and tricks for
staying on top of what to buy
60
word on the web
97
Simon Horton explains how to protect your ecommerce business
from online fraud
4 craftfocus
e - crafts.co.uk
Suppliers of Card Making, Scrapbooking, Craft and Bridal Supplies
15
working
ng with the trends
Suppliers of
Craft and Bridal Supplies
Card Making
Scrapbooking
Card Embellishments
Floral Products
sales@e-crafts.co.uk | 01384 230000
I’m exhausted! This issue is packed to the brim
with features to help you spot the trends and
keep ahead of the crafting game. There’s a huge
selection of the newest and most innovative
products to keep customers coming back for
more. And with crafting for the home taking off
in a big way, we’ve put together some
inspirational products for those who love to
make for the home, plus an assortment of
fashion-led crafts too.
Make sure you cash in on how to keep the children occupied over the
forthcoming six-week summer holidays. Crafting is an excellent way to
keep them entertained and we’ve a fabulous selection of products that
kids will love, and including many of which, are pocket money priced.
We’re also delighted to welcome back to the magazine some of the
brands that we haven’t featured for a while, so it’s a really exciting issue.
I turn my hand to origami and have a go at making one of the latest
modular kits.
We also keep abreast with technology. Intelligent Retails explains
the benefits of e-receipts, and Taimar Khan reveals his tips for time
management, while Sara Davies from Crafters Companion reminds us
what’s important when deciding what to stock.
Enjoy what’s inside!
Julie
Julie Bonnar
Editor
Upholstery, Furnishing and Faux
Fur Fabric Wholesaler
76
• Competitive trade prices
• 4XLFNHIÀFLHQWVHUYLFH
www.ambassador-textiles.co.uk
info@ambassador-textiles.co.uk
T: 0161 624 4167
Visit us on:
Twitter: @craftfocus
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/craftfocus
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CraftFocus
NEXT ISSUE
August/ September 2015 (issue 50)
Editorial deadline: 9th July 2015
Advertising deadline: 16th July 2015
Published: 31st July 2015
craftfocus 5
Take inspiration from
our country garden
themed products,
perfect for Spring or
Summer. Choose from
a range of buntings,
pouches, treat bags
and co-ordinating
ÁRZHUVULEERQVFXSV
and saucers, to bring
the outside in to your
venue. The wide
selection of boxes
is perfect for you
to create your own
unique theme.
01483 281313
sales@clubgreen.com
www.clubgreen.com
Introducing the AWARD WINNING new Cuttlelola Dots Pen.
Electric Dots Pen. Each pen comes
mes in a presentation tin with
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ve-distribution.co.uk
Check out www.creative-distribution.co.uk
NEW!
Telephone: 020 8953 2143
214
43
sales@creative-distributio
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ti di t ib ti
sales@creative-distribution.co.uk
Unit 4, Lockwood Industrial Park,
M
Mill Mead
Road, London N17 9QP
Industry news
industry news
We round up news from the crafting industry
WITH MORE THAN 600
NEW PRODUCTS
Morplan has launched its new
catalogue and it’s packed with
new ideas to help you showcase
your products and make sales
soar. This season, you’ll find clothes
rails, hangers, steamers, sale
tickets and carrier bags in some
new eye-popping colours of lime,
pink, fuchsia and orange. There’s
also a range of stunning wooden
jewellery stands, display crates and
merchandisers. Or if you prefer to keep it simple, classic black,
white and grey finishes have been introduced to the mannequin,
garment bag and merchandising ranges plus chrome, which
continues to prove popular in display systems and stands. Morplan’s money-saving Essentials collection has also expanded
to include economy stationery, paper bag and ticketing lines, with
many products reduced in price by up to 70 per cent on last year. Delivery is free on orders more than £85 excluding VAT (exceptions
apply) with a no-quibble 14-day guarantee, allowing you to buy
with confidence. Morplan
T: +44 (0)3304 455 666
E: web.support@morplan.com
W: www.morplan.com
VICTORY PATTERNS TO BE DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK
Victory Patterns
is the creation of
Kristiann Boos,
a designer and
pattern maker
based out of
Toronto, Canada.
After teaching
sewing for a
number of years,
Kristiann decided
to create a line
of patterns that would appeal to modern style sensibilities. In
2011, Victory Patterns launched its first line of PDF patterns and
expanded in 2013 with the release of printed patterns and since
then, this brand has gone from strength to strength.
Now Hantex has been appointed Victory’s distributor in the UK
and EU, so if you’re interested in stocking Victory Patterns sewing
patterns get in contact with them.
Hantex
T: +44 (0)1754 820 800
E: sales@hantex.co.uk
W: www.hantex.co.uk
CENTRE STAGE
Riolis’ new Novelty
range features in this
year’s catalogue and
includes wonderful needlework kits like 1483 that features all
the necessary materials to create the case for decorative cushion
Terra. This home décor kit contains fabric for the back of the
cushion, zipper and enough threads to decorate the cushion
with the fringe.
Riolis is distributed in the UK by Solocrafts
T: +44 (0)161 464 7313
E: sales@solocrafts.com
W: www.solocrafts.com and www.riolis.com
craftfocus 7
industry news
FIRST ELECTRIC DOT PEN
The Cuttlelola Dotspen is the world’s first electric
drawing pen. This revolutionary and
innovative drawing tool emulates the action
of dotting, but at high speed, and is 10
times faster than a traditional pen by hand.
Invented in 2013 by designer Shuochang
Song, this stippling pen has already won
the prestigious Red Dot Award 2015.
The pen cuts apart lines to dots, creating
a completely new way of drawing. It
enables the drawer, illustrator and
artist to create stunning pictures
and works of art in no time at all.
Beginners can quickly master skills in
a short period of time with its simple
operation, making drawing fun and easy.
With rechargeable lithium batteries, you can draw while charging
from a USB port. Its environmental credentials go further, and will replace costly screen
tones, wasteful paper and printing. To see just how effective and fun
the pen is to use, check out the short video on Vimeo on the Craft
Focus website.
Andrew Appleby with the new craft trail
brochure, outside his
Fursbreck Pottery business
ON THE ORKNEY CRAFT TRAIL
The latest edition of Orkney’s craft trail brochure is out and
highlights the workshops, studios and shops of local artisans,
featuring 18 businesses participating in this year’s trail and
covering everything from jewellery, ceramics and artwork to
textiles and traditional Orkney chair making.
Now in its 19th year, the trail was set up by Orkney Crafts
Association (OCA) in a bid to showcase the work of its members
and give visitors the opportunity to see crafts being made first
hand. Andrew Appleby, OCA chair and craft trail participant, said,
“Since its creation in 1996, the craft trail has proved very popular
with visitors. You can’t beat buying crafts at the source, with the
trail giving people the chance to meet our wonderful artisans
face to face and learn more about the thought processes and
skills that go into creating their work.” The brochure is available
to download from the Orkney Designer Crafts website:
www.orkneydesignercrafts.com.
8 craftfocus
Cuttlelola Dotspen is distributed by Creative Product Distribution
T: +44 (0)208 953 2143
E: sales@creative-distribution.co.uk
W: www.creative-distribution.co.uk
STYLECRAFT UNVEILS ITS INTUITIVE WEBSITE
Stylecraft has just launched its new website packed with lots of
new features for knitters and crocheters. Now you can search
the entire Stylecraft pattern library by yarn, project type and
collection, providing a massive archive of favourite designs.
Browsing has never been easier and all images can be enlarged
for a close-up inspection. Find out all the details you need to know about the Stylecraft
yarns including shades available, composition, suggested needle
size, tension and even meterage. The new website is also home
of the free Crochet-a-long designed by Jane Crowfoot. These free
Stylecraft patterns are free of charge whether you are knitting
as a hobby or you run a yarn shop/store. As a retailer you’re
welcome to use these patterns to promote your assortment,
and encouraged to advertise the Stylecraft free patterns on your
website by linking to the Stylecraft-yarns.co.uk free pattern page
directly from your website. Stylecraft T: +44 (0)1535 609 798
E: info@stylecraftltd.co.uk
W: www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk
THE FABRIC CRAFT PEOPLE
Celebrating over 65 years as a family owned business
Craft Cotton Co
www.twitter.com/craftcottonco
www.instagram.com/craftcottonco
www.pinterest.com/craftcotton
www.craftcottonco.blogspot.co.uk
industry news
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO KAFFE FASSETT
Kaffe Fassett, iconic Rowan fabric and knitwear designer, famed
for his use of colour work and fabulous floral patterns, celebrates
his remarkable career of 50 years in the crafts industry. To mark
this occasion an event was held in May at the Gardens of the Rose
to celebrate Kaffe and his wonderful creations.
Kaffe began his career as a painter in his native California,
coming to Britain in the ‘60s. He discovered the joys of knitting
on a trip to the wool mills in Inverness with fashion designer Bill
Gibb, going on to create groundbreaking designs for Gibb’s early
collections and fashion house Missoni. His passion for colour and
pattern subsequently led him to design across a wide range of
media including knitting for Rowan Yarns, quilting with his own
brand of Rowan Fabric collections, needlework, rugmaking,
mosaic as well as painting and textile design – all of which were
featured in this exhibition.
A SERIES SUCCESS
The Twenty to Make was created in response to craft retailers’
concerns that online retailers were impacting hugely on
businesses. Search Press came up with the concept of a £4.99
no-brainer purchase at the retailers’ tills. This handbag-size
book provided a portable instruction for crafters who are on the
go. These A5-sized books are the perfect introductory to a new
craft at a low cost investment. Each project acts as a shopping
list of materials for the retailers to sell.
Some shops display the series together on a stand and place
alongside the relevant materials. There’s also tabletop and floor
standing point of sales available with special deals for retailers.
The series covers a wide range of crafts including knitting,
crochet, sewing, felting, papercraft, quilling, sugarcraft, jewellery
and more, and is expanding all the time.
The small well-honed format allows quick production of a
new title to take advantage of a fast rising trend. Search has
now appointed its own dedicated editor last year to manage
the series. Started in 2007, the series is stocked by
craft retailers and bookshops all over the
UK, US and Australia. It’s available in more
than 12 languages including Russian, Arabic,
Estonian, Czech and Turkish. The series so
far has sold more than one million copies.
To take advantage of the latest Search Press
discount to stock this range turn to page 55.
To stock the Twenty to Make series contact
Search Press
T: + 44 1892 510 850
E: searchpress@searchpress.com
W: www.searchpress.com
10 craftfocus
Bright and Quirky cross stitch kits created from original art work
inspired by the Coastal life. Lovingly designed and manufactured in Cornwall.
A range of kits available from Campervans with personalised number
plates to smaller bookmark, keyring and fridge magnet POS kits.
Contact us now for a new wholesale Kit Catalogue and to hear
about our special introductory package deals for new stockists!
www.emmalouiseartstitch.co.uk
info@emmalouiseartstitch.co.uk | 07922 431 234
Facebook.com/emmalouiseartstitch
industry news
CHARITY AND CRAFT BEGINS AT HOME
The Rowans Hospice Trading is a Hampshire charity dedicated to
improving the lives of people with cancer and other life-limiting
illnesses in the local community. Established in 1994, they’ve helped
more than 7,000 patients and families across Portsmouth and South
East Hampshire.
Their shops, like many charity shops, stock a wide range of goods
from the usual bric-a-brac to clothing, but found that they were getting
more and more craft items donated. It was the brainchild of Anne
Yendell, Director of Operations and Finance – who likes crafting herself
– to open a shop that was dedicated to craft donations. The Up-cycling
and Craft Centre in Cowplain was born, and is, as far as we know, a first
of its kind.
At first glance, shoppers were unsure what to make of the new shop
but as it celebrates its first birthday, it has become a place to visit for
anyone in the local community (and beyond) who loves craft. Julie
Bennett, Shop Manager, runs the shop with 25 volunteers who’ve all
been attracted to lend a hand by their interest in crafting.
To the passer-by, the shop looks like a sweet little craft shop and
when you go inside, staff work hard to sort donations into an Aladdin’s
cave of baskets of buttons, rainbow of ribbons and threads, and
patterns and fabrics. They also make things to sell like cushions and
pincushion dogs. Julie Bennett said, “The Rowans Hospice Trading
Company is always looking for donations, whether from crafters who
are having a clear out or craft businesses who’ve discontinued lines
they no longer need. It’s a great way to recycle and also supports a
worthy cause. Currently we’re looking for donations of dressmaking
fabrics, paper crafting materials and sewing machines.” If you have any
craft supplies to donate please contact Julie Bennett, Shop Manager
from the Up-cycling and Craft Centre in Cowplain on tel: 02392 257 166.
NORTH STAR RISING
While the print media industry has seen tough times since the start of
the recession, Manchester and Brisbane-based magazine publisher
Practical Publishing has diversified, bucking the trend and following
the craft sector into new arenas and bigger successes than ever. Over
the last three years alone, Practical Publishing has launched multiple
new titles, seen turnover grow by 40 per cent and employed 35 per
cent more staff. Among the success stories are new launches such as
Love Sewing and Quilt Now joining Practical Publishing’s other key
brands, such as Simply Cards & Papercraft, Papercraft Essentials, Simply
Homemade and Knit Now – among which Practical holds several
market-leading positions.
MD Danny Bowler says: “The secret to our growth is down to
focusing our attention on key titles and markets and putting the
consumer first. We’ve built a fantastic team who want to produce
the very best products for our customers. Commercially, our ability
to build long-standing industry partnerships has also proven a key
component in our ongoing success.”
Distributing three million magazines and books a year worldwide,
Practical is always on the hunt for new talent, whether that be
editorially or by way of contributing to the company’s reputation for
12 craftfocus
innovative promotions, ideas and international connections.
If you’re interested in working with Practical Publishing, you can get
in touch with them via success@practicalpublishing.co.uk.
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WWW.NUTSCENE.COM
Nutscene are producers and suppliers of high
quality Jute and Cotton twines for the Garden and
craft markets. Our on trend colours are in high
demand! From Hot neon colours to traditional and
natural offerings, if it’s in stock...we have it!
Nutscene also offer a selection of high quality
Raffia, Hessian ribbons and sacking.
An exciting and unique
range of products.
Request a catalogue sales@nutscene.com 01307 468589
Kingsmuir, FORFAR, Angus DD8 2RG
An exclusive round-up of the newest product offerings
Speedy stippling
Create stunning illustrations
with the innovative Cuttlelola
Dotspen. Invented in 2013
by the designer, Shuochang
Song, it cuts apart lines to
dots as you work, creating
a completely new way of
drawing and helping you
design even more beautiful
pictures. This contemporary
drawing tool can be used for
professional comic creation
and other styles of drawing. By emulating the action of dotting, it
works 10 times faster than a traditional pen by hand. Beginners can
quickly master the skills necessary to use the pen, with its simple
operation. It makes drawing fun and easy again. With rechargeable
lithium batteries, it can draw while it’s charging and plugs into a
USB port.
Quilting for the home
This is the latest kit from
Rachel’s of Greenfield.
Shy and sweet, Sue and
Sam have been a quilter’s
favourite for many
years. In this kit, Sue
picks flowers and Sam
catches fish and at the
end of the day, they share
a moment holding hands. The quilt’s finished size
is 13in x 15in. The kit
includes all woolfelt for
appliqué, and all fabrics
are 100 per cent cotton plus batting, embroidery floss, precise
patterns and complete, illustrated instructions. Colours include
rich blue, red, brown, gold, putty, green, and cream. The kit retails
at £22.50.
Distributed by Creative Products Distribution
T: +44 (0)208 953 2143
Hantex
T: +44 (0)1754 820 800
W: www.hantex.co.uk
Window to the heart
Sent with Love is an all-new kit
that introduces three innovative
set-piece cards – the new
multi-aperture card, bookmark
reveal card and twisted scallop
card. This brand new collection
features fresh poetry that’s
perfect for sending that extraspecial message to loved ones,
and is complemented by pretty
pastel shades of blush pink,
cornflower blue and mint green. Suitable for all occasions such as
birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, sympathy and engagements
– the end result is a heartfelt keepsake that will take centre stage on
any mantelpiece. The kit is supported by a series of coordinating
items such as inserts, A6 stamps and a special The Little Book of
Poetry (second edition) which will add the finishing touches to any
handmade card. The collection retails at £24.99 RRP.
Bears and bubbles
Heritage Crafts
is pleased to
announce
the return of
John Clayton’s
Thread Bears. The
design measures
10cm x 9cm (4in x
3½in) and retails at
£11.99. It’s available
as a complete
cross-stitch kit
with 27-count
evenweave or with 14-count aida fabric. The kit contains the
usual quality materials like Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons
sorted on to numbered cards, a needle, and clear charts and
instructions. Bubbles is the first in the new range with more
designs to follow shortly.
Hunkydory Crafts
T: +44 (0)1773 272 575
E: trade@hunkydorycrafts.co.uk
W: trade.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk
Heritage Crafts
T: +44 (0)1889 572 850
E: sales@hcrafts.com
W: www.hcrafts.com
craftfocus 15
brand spanking new
brand spanking new
brand spanking new
Turning Japanese
The new collection
Kimono is a
wonderful range
that features
beautiful
illustrations from
talented British
artist, Marilyn
Robertson.
Marilyn’s distinctive
artwork is popular
around the world,
and this oriental
range consists of
a paper crafting
CD-ROM, four unmounted A6 rubber stamp sets, six 5in x 7in embossing folders and
eight decorative metal dies.
Handy dispenser
New to the Glue Dots
range is a handy desktop
dispenser, which comes
pre-loaded with 300
mini dots. It’s a great
way to keep your Glue
Dots readily available
so they’re ready to use
whenever they’re needed.
If you’re a prolific
crafter, Glue Dots Desktop Dispenser helps you tackle the biggest
of craft projects and work faster. They can be used with all Glue
Dots Refill Rolls and are designed to keep the adhesive roll wound
tightly, preventing it from unravelling. New rolls can easily be
swapped in seconds, allowing you to change adhesives, based on
your project needs.
Launched in a striking magenta finish, this hard-wearing desktop
dispenser looks good on any desk and offers great value for money.
Crafter’s Companion
T: +44 (0)1388 660 930
E: trade@crafterscompanion.co.uk
W: www.crafterscompaniontrade.co.uk
Glue Dots are distirbuted in the UK by West Design Products
T: +44 (0)1303 297 888
E: sales@westdesignproducts.co.uk
W: www.gluedotseurope.com
Art journaler’s favourite
Woodware is now supplying
Dylusions Paint from Ranger
Industries. These fluid acrylic
paints are available in 12
vibrant colours from the
Dylusions palette. They’ve been
developed in mind with those
that like art journaling. The
paints’ properties make them
perfect for card makers too.
They’re very blendable, but
dry quickly to a matte finish.
Journal pages won’t stick together.
The paints are waterproof when dry, but the clean-up process is a
simple with warm water and soap. They come in a wide flat jar to
make it easy to use with a variety of tools, and hard to spill.
Woodware Craft Collection
T: +44 (0)1756 700 024
E: sales@woodware.co.uk
W: www.woodware.co.uk
16 craftfocus
Champagne and flowers
This latest batch of die-cut topper designs from Craft Creations
is packed full of pretty floral images suitable for birthdays,
anniversaries, weddings and more. Each sheet features a selection
of different panels, printed on a top-quality coated card stock and
precision die-cut, ensuring your customers will get great results
every time. Each panel is even given a luxurious foiled border,
giving these toppers an extra special look. Acid and lignin free,
these designs have a retail price of £1.25 per sheet.
Craft Creations
T: + 44 (0)1992 781 909
E: trade@craftcreations.com
W: www.craftcreations.co.uk
•
New Exciting fabric ranges every 6-8 weeks
•
Orders dispatched within 48 hours
•
Competitive Wholesale Prices 100% Cotton
Fabrics from only £2.30 per metre
•
Fabric supplied on 15 metre lapped and
folded Boards
•
No min Order
•
FREE Shipping on orders over £300
•
5% off your first Wholesale Order Quote CF101
Fabric Time, Brand New Wholesale Company
01932 244700 | 01932 506596
www.fabrictime.co.uk
brand spanking new
Cock-a-doodle-doo
Riolis has introduced a mini series of
novelty cross-stitch kits that includes
Rooster and Hen designs. These
lively stitched designs have been
created by combining a mixture of
techniques; cross-stitch, half crossstitch and stitch with a different
amount of threads to make the birds
feathers look textured and add
detail. Warm shades of Anchor
stranded cotton have been used
on beige 14-ct Aida Zweigart fabric.
The size of the finished Rooster
measures 30cm x 40cm, and the
Hen measures 30cm x 30cm. Both
kits include a full-colour chart and
a needle.
Around the world in cross-stitch
Classic Embroidery
has had a
successful series
of Chinese crossstitch designs for
some time – the
most notable of
which is the river
scene Fujian – the
company is now
developing more
from that part of
the world. The first is Chinese Flowers depicting the intertwining
of two plants and their contrasting flowers to produce a surprising
mix. With accent highlights on the flowers and butterfly picked out
in gold thread. The kit is supplied on 14-ct aida with the threads
pre-sorted onto an organiser card. The chart uses colour to make
the details of the backstitch clear.
Riolis is distributed in the UK
by Solocrafts
T: +44 (0)161 464 7313
Classic Embroidery
T: +44 (0)1529 461 056
E: info@classicemb.co.uk
W: www.classicemb.co.uk
Child-like
Pipkits is launching My First
range. Continuing with the
brand’s ethos of luxury children’s
jewellery making kits and using
high quality findings and beads,
My First Jewellery Making kits
feature three friendship necklaces
and three stretch bracelets. By
following the clear instructions,
children can create the designs.
While My First Beading kit makes up to 15 items with the emphasis
on creating your own necklace, stretch bracelet and ring designs.
The kit allows the designer to make, wear and share their creations
with friends and family.
These kits are a great introduction to jewellery making for
children aged five and upwards. Both kits are supplied in cute
keepsake boxes with full colour instructions, no special tools are
required. They’re perfect for keeping the kids entertained.
Super beads
Creative Beadcraft now have
in stock the very popular
Superduo beads from Matubo.
These 5mm x 2.5mm twohole Czech pressed glass
beads have a very uniform
shape and size making them
ideal for multi-row jewellery.
They’re available in 100 colours
including transparent, opaque,
neons and pastels plus a range
of beautiful coatings, with more designs due shortly.
Creative Beadcraft is able to offer extremely competitive prices
for these superduos as they’re sourced direct from Matubo in the
Czech Republic. They’re available loose, retail-ready hang sell
packs and hanging tubes and also as Starter Selections too. Just
in from Matubo is 6/0 and 8/0 pressed glass seed beads with more
two-hole Czech beads expected shortly.
Burhouse Beads
T: +44 (0)1484 485 100
E: sally@burhousebeads.com
W: www.burhousebeads.com
Creative Beadcraft
T: +44 (0)1494 786 924
E: beads@creativebeadcraft.co.uk
W: www.creativebeadcraft.co.uk
18 craftfocus
Knitting Kits
Unique and quirky
knitting kits
in a box
www.suestratford.co.uk
65 High Street Woburn Sands, MK17 8QY
01908 586244 sue@theknittinghut.co.uk
9RMX.EGUYIQERH)WXEXI
2I[4SVXVIEXL6SEH
6IHVYXL'SVR[EPP8655
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brand spanking new
Krasnaya
T: +44 (0)1246 208 482
E: sales@krasnaya.co.uk
W: www.krasnaya.co.uk
Memories of Laurel Burch
Laurel Burch was a self-taught
painter, and saw herself as
a folk artist, telling stories.
“In our fast-paced, changing
world, we need symbols that
are a reminder of the ongoing
world of the spirit,” she said.
On some level her work
was always about bringing
different cultures together,
and about connecting with
the earth and all living things,
ideas that have only increased in relevance over the years.
Laurel sadly passed away in 2007; however, her spirit continues
to brighten the world. EQS will start showcasing the Dogs &
Doggies fabric collection created by Laurel Burch for Clothworks to
retailers at the end of June. For more information please visit www.
laurelburch.com.
EQS
T: +44 (0)116 271 0033
E: sales@eqsuk.com
W: www.eqsuk.com
Sewing for dogs
Redhound for Dogs has
been making dog coats
for five years, and after
the success of their
dog jumper knitting
kits, the company has
decided to launch the
Sew it Yourself Dog Coat
Patterns. The range
currently includes Terrific Terriers, Wonderful Whippets and Lovely
Long Dogs, taking in sizes from small terrier to greyhound. Each
pack contains three separate patterns printed on sturdy paper,
full instruction sheet and a chart explaining how much fabric is
required and fabric suggestions.
Ideal for shops that sell fabric already, but also for those that
don’t, as all the suggested fabrics are easily available. Packaged in
their signature cardboard boxes with beautiful photos to inspire all
keen sewers. Wholesale price is £7.75 each, and retails for £18.50.
Distribution for Dutch Doobadoo
Woodware is pleased to announce
it will be distributing the Dutch
Doobadoo range from Pronty. This
range includes high quality plastic
stencils that are ideal for mixed media
work as well as general card making.
The range lends itself to various styles
of work and can be the main feature
on a card or used as backgrounds. The A5size stencils will retail at around £4.30.
In the Dutch Doobadoo range, there’s
also a collection of laser cut paper shapes.
These products are new to Woodware,
and are fun and easy-to-use and great for
creating interesting cards. Because they’re
made from paper, they’re very easy-tocolour, making them perfect for a variety of
paper crafting projects.
Redhound for Dogs
T: +44(0)7944 780 122
E: debbie@redhoundfordogs.com
W: www.redhoundfordogs.com
T: +44 (0)1756 700 024
The perfect pet
Felta Pets is a
range of felt
simple-to-do
felting kits which
give great results.
Each kit contains
a polystrene
egg to felt onto
making it much
simpler to felt and
less opportunity
to stab fingers.
It’s a good
introductory kit
for felting and
comes in trio and
single version.
Choose from penguin, owl and sheep. These kits retail at £15.
20 craftfocus
brand spanking new
Make a mark with mosaic tiles
Stone By Stone is used by
thousands of crafters and
teachers worldwide. These
colourful tiles look and
feel like real mosaic stones
and can be cut with regular
scissors, they have no sharp
edges and will set with any
PVA glue or colourful grout.
The tiles are non-toxic and
completely safe for children,
and are ideal for plaques, frames and art projects. These one-of-akind products are already well-known around the world for their
special qualities and are sold in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia.
The tiles are manufactured at the company’s factory to ensure the
highest level of safety for its products, and tested to meet the strict
safety standards in Europe and the US.
Follower of fashion
Francesca is the latest fulllength cross-stitch addition
to John Clayton’s Elegance
range. Looking stunning in
her flowing dress, Francesca
is the fourth full-length
Elegance lady measuring
24.5cm x 40.5cm (9½in x
16in). All Elegance designs
are available as complete
cross-stitch kits with
27 count evenweave or
14-count aida fabric and kits
contain Zweigart fabric, DMC
stranded cottons sorted
on to numbered cards, a
needle, and clear charts and
instructions. She retails at £48.75.
Stone By Stone products are distributed in the UK
by Play Learn
T: +44 (0)161 737 5099
E: gershon@play-learn.cok
W: www.play-learn.co.uk
Heritage Crafts
T: +44 (0)1889 572 850
W: www.hcrafts.com
Rag rug making
Rag rug making is such a simple craft to do, and all the family can
join in. All that’s required are some old clothes to cut into strips,
hessian backing cloth and a rug tool. The hessian and rug tool are
part of the latest rag rug kit from Peak Dale Products and come with
a cutting gauge and instructions. The rug tool, hessian and cutting
gauges are also sold separately for more experienced crafters.
Floral fancy
Another new floral novelty from
Riolis, this cross-stitch kit features a
beautiful allium and will be of interest
to those stitchers who want to expand
their collection of floral compositions
from the designer Yuliya Krasavina
and also those who love floral
designs. Designed on flaxen fabric, its
framing size measures 21cm x 30cm
or 24cm x 30cm.
Alliums aren’t often chosen as a subject for artwork, but they’re
definitely worth the attention. The design has been done using
a variety of techniques: cross-stitch, half cross-stitch and stitch
using different amount of threads. The kit includes soft-to-thetouch wool and Safil acrylic threads in 12 colours. Cross-stitching
using a mix of threads creates a voluminous and bright design. All
Riolis cross-stitch kits include a needle and chart and full colour
instructions.
Peak Dale Products
T: +44 (0)129 878 447
E: craft@dircon.co.uk
W: www.peakdaleproducts.co.uk
Riolis is distributed in the UK by Solocrafts
T: +44 (0)161 464 7313
22 craftfocus
Fantastic Ribbons specialise in retail rolls of
ribbon and buttons to the hobby market
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 | orders@londonbeadco.co.uk
brand spanking new
Nuts about neon
First launched at the
Chelsea Flower Show
Centenary where exhibitors
were asked to pick a
decade/theme, Nutscene
chose Punk Rock where
this range of Neon twines
was born. This twine has
a bit of a wow factor and
comes in four fluorescent
zesty colours – pink, orange,
green and yellow. The twine
comes on 120mt spools and a box of tiny 18mt reels retailing at £3
and £18 respectively. It’s available in balls or a stylish vintage tin
retailing at £7.50. The company has been selling to the craft market
for a number of years, and is in awe of the creative ways that
crafters use the twines and raffias. This continually inspires them to
continue creating more innovative products for them to use.
Run rabbit run
Lavinia Stamps’ latest
range of mystical stamps
has proven very popular
with customers and these
have now been released
to wholesale customers.
This collection consists of
a stunning range of handdrawn silhouette hares
and border stamps. This
beautiful imagery lends
itself well to the SceneScapes and are purposely
designed to work with the
stamps, the combination
of both stamps and SceneScapes takes creativity to
another level.
Nutscene
T: +44 (0)1307 468 589
E: sales@nutscene.com
W: www.nutscene.com
Lavinia Stamps
T: +44(0)1824 710 691
E: enquiries@laviniastamps.co.uk
W: www.laviniastamps.co.uk
Get set for sunshine stitches
Emma Louise Art Stitch is continuing
to add spectacular new designs
to her collection of bright crossstitch kits. Inspired by the stunning
Cornish Coast, the kit collection
includes artistic interpretations of
beautiful harbours and wonderful
wordy wall art. Mousehole Harbour
is stitched on 14 count aida and
measures 30.5cm x 25.4cm (12in x 10in)
and The uplifting Dance in the Rain is
completed in bright Anchor thread on 14
count aida and measures 29cm x 27cm
(11.5in x 10.5in). Each kit contains quality
materials Zweigart Aida, Anchor Threads
pre-sorted onto numbered thread cards, needle and clear charts
and instructions. The range also includes bookmark, keyring and
fridge magnet kits.
It’s fabric time
Fabric Time is the
new sister company
of the wholesale
jewellery supplies
company Bead
Time. Fabric Time
specialises in an
extensive range of
fabrics including
crafting cottons, upholstery-weight linens and high-quality
fashion-led dressmaking fabrics.
All fabrics are supplied lapped and folded in easy-to-handle 1015m bolts making it more convenient for the retail shops to display
fabrics than on traditional rolls. The company will be adding
new fabrics every two months from its sources worldwide. They
also stock an incredible range of accessories including handbag
handles, frames, D-rings, hooks, buckles, studs and a host of other
previously hard-to-find components.
Emma Louise Art Stitch
T: +44 (0)7922 431234
E: info@emmalouiseartstitch.co.uk
W: www.emmalouiseartstitch.co.uk
Fabric Time
T: +44(0)1932 244 700
E: wholesale@fabrictime.co.uk
W: www.fabrictime.co.uk
24 craftfocus
SEE OUR CRAFT
CATALOGUE AT
PLAY-LEARN.CO.UK
• STONE BY STONE is an amazing all-natural, non-toxic range of mosaic tiles.
• These tiles are strong, yet super-easy to work with.
• They can be cut with scissors, so there is no need for the usual nippers,
goggles or gloves.
• Once the tiles are cut, there are no sharp edges to worry about.
• $OOSXUSRVH39$ZKLWHJOXHZRUNVMXVWˉQHDQGVSHFLDODGKHVLYHJOXHLVQRW
necessary.
• The tiles have been especially designed to have an authentic look and feel
reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman mosaics.
Contact us on 0161 737 5099 • sales@play-learn.co.uk • www.play-learn.co.uk
Scottish Trade Show
for Craft, Hobby and Needlecrafts
6th & 7th September 2015
The Dewars Centre,
Glover St, Perth PH2 0TH
For more information please contact
Yvonne on 07770 870093 or by Email
y.jackson@tiscali.co.uk
shows and events
shows, news and events
We update you on what’s happening in the next couple of months
with a round up of the shows
Home & Gift
19th - 22nd July
Venue: Harrogate International Centres, Harrogate
W: www.homeandgift.co.uk/register
Have the first pick of
tens of thousands of
new season lines across
a range of product
sectors, including
design-led gifts and
everyday gifts, interiors,
jewellery, fashion
accessories, greetings
and stationery. Home
& Gift will be hosting
The Great Northern
Retail Summit on 20th July, where visitors can gain inspiration from the
experts in the retail market. The Best of British and Eco Trails are also
returning along with the successful networking events. More than 90
per cent of stands have already been sold.
Perth Show
6th - 7th September
Venue: Dewars Conference, Perth
T: +44 (0)131 447 2066
E: y.jackson@tiscali.co.uk
Autumn Fair KreavaK and Art & Paper
Xperience
13th - 14th September
Venue: Expo Houten, Meidoornkade 24, 3992 Ae Houten,
The Netherlands
T: +31 (0)172 575 888
E: asws@asws.nl
W: www.asws.nl
New Fair in The
Netherlands
Autumn Fair KreavaK is
a new show and opens
its doors at a new
venue, Expo Houten,
running alongside the
Art & Paper Xperience.
These two trade shows gives businesses the opportunity to focus
on creative textiles, paper and art under one roof. KreavaK is a most
colourful event and will feature the latest products, including wool,
haberdashery, quilt fabrics, buttons, sewing machines and beads,
while Art & Paper Xperience will cover the fields of art, paper, hobby,
stamps, painting and stationary.
Together these two Dutch fairs aim to bring a whole range of
products for retailers in Benelux. This new location is very easy to
reach and is in the heart of Utrecht in central Netherlands. There is
a number of UK exhibitors already subscribed but it’s also a great
opportunity to see products from European manufacturers
and distributors.
The Perth Trade
show is the only
large-scale trade
show held in
Scotland for the
hobby and crafts
industry. It’s been
running since 1999
and was originally
set up to give local retailers access to wholesale locally. The show grew
and visitors now travel from Ireland and North of England to attend.
The show has a relaxed atmosphere that allows buyers to chat with
exhibitors, see close up new and best-selling products and discover
the latest trends and stock up for Christmas. This is an important time
of the year for many businesses who rely on this festive period for a
significant proportion of its revenue.
craftfocus 27
CONSUMER NEWS
Paperworld China, China International
Stationery and Office Supplies Exhibition
Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai, China
15th- - 17th October
Organiser: Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai), China Chamber of Commerce
and Guangzhou Foreign Trade South China Exhibition
W: www.global.paperworld.messefrankfurt.com
Paperworld China is now in an even better position to accommodate
the industry’s seasonal stocking period for stationery and office
supplies, with a number of quality exhibitors that have already signed
up to participate in the show. Paperworld China will gather buyers
locally and from around the world to source products with October
being the prime sourcing period in Asia. Buyers can begin the hunt
for products in Shanghai, and conclude their buying in Guangzhou or
Hong Kong.
Last year, the show featured the DIY Studio – organised by Paperworld
China and the DIY Industry Promotion Council of Shanghai Creative
Industry Association – to attract high-quality do-it-yourself and
handicraft companies who wanted to display their products in the
zone. More than 20,000 professional visitors passed through this
zone. Ms Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager for Messe Frankfurt
(Shanghai) said, “The DIY market is always expanding with new and
innovative products continuing to inspire consumers, especially in
the emerging market in China. Considering the tremendous success
last year, we’ll join forces again to establish the Creative Pavilion, and
expect to double the exhibition space and exhibitor numbers.” The
Creative Pavilion will offer a greater variety of DIY supplies and hobby
products, as well as crafts and artist supplies. Exhibitors will offer live
demonstrations and interactive workshops for a better understanding
of their products including scrapbooking, patchwork, paper moulds,
glass paints, wood paints, fabric paints and art materials, clay
modelling and embroidery.
Additionally, the very well received Oriental Culture zone will return
for 2015 cooperating with museums and cultural organisations to
highlight traditional arts and workmanship. The enhanced product
groups will include desktop items and related souvenirs with oriental
attributes and will also be extended for the show.
28 craftfocus
Design and Craft Fair featuring MADE
19th - 21st June
Venue: West Dean College, Near Chichester, West Sussex
T: +44 (0)1243 811 301
E: reception@westdean.org.uk
W: www.westdean.org.uk/events
Renowned for its quality teaching in traditional and contemporary
crafts, West Dean’s popular Design and Craft Fair featuring MADE
returns for another year. A series of workshops will run through the
weekend giving visitors a taste for what West Dean has to offer. For
a small additional fee on top of the entry, specialist tutors will be
teaching in the college’s workshops, studios and covered tents.
These workshops will cost £10 so it’s recommended that visitors
book in advance to save disappointment.
More than 1,000 contemporary makers and designers have
been carefully selected to showacse and sell their products in the
Marketplace at the event. Along will be a series of free craft demos
and talks, so there’s plenty to occupy budding crafters.
shows and events
The Handmade Fair
CONSUMER CALENDAR
Hampton Court Palace
W: www.thehandmadefair.com
Want to get your products to more customers? We
list the best UK-based consumer craft shows in the
forthcoming months:
Kirstie Allsopp returns to host
The Handmade Fair. Sponsored
by Hobbycraft and Mollie Makes,
it saw its inaugural launch last
year and is a mix of shopping
and hands-on crafting.The
event aims to bring together
Britain’s best crafting suppliers,
handmade items, artisan foods
and invites craft enthusiasts to
come and join in the action.
Throughout the event different craft exhibitors, as well as Kirstie
and other household names such as Annie Sloane and Fiona Cairns,
will host craft workshops lasting between 30 minutes and one hour,
including jewellery and accessory making, paper crafting, sewing,
knitting, up-cycling and how to craft the perfect handmade wedding.
Tickets are on sale now and the full experience tickets include one
theatre session with Kirstie Allsopp, one workshop, and one Grand
Make – all chosen by the attendee.
Festival of Thrift
ICHF shows (www.ichfevents.co.uk)
28th - 31st Aug: Chilterns Craft & Design Show, Stonor Park, Henleyon-Thames
Trident Exhibitions Creative Crafts shows (www.sccshows.
co.uk):
3rd - 5th Sept: Sandown Park Exhibition Centre, Sandown
Upper Street Events (www.upperstreetevents.net):
6th - 9th Aug: Festival of Quilts, NEC, Birmingham
Sincerely Yours, Papercraft shows
(www.sincerely-yours-shows.info):
27th - 28th Jun: Newark
23rd May: Wrexham
Grosvenor Shows, Patchwork & quilting
(www.grosvenorshows.co.uk):
5th - 6th Jun: Springfield Quilt Show, Spalding
19th- 21st Jun: National Quilt Championships, Sandown
Venue: Lingfield Point, Darlington
www.festivalofthrift.co.uk
The Great British Craft Festival organised by Hunkydory
Crafts (www.greatbritishcraft.co.uk)
8th - 9th Aug: Stoneleigh Park, Midlands
The first festival took place in 2013, making a big impact regionally
and nationally with 27,000 visitors, 17,000 more than expected.
Last year saw the festival grow with 40,000 visitors pouring
through the gates. The team behind last year’s accomplishment
are Festival Director Stella Hall, Co-Curators Wayne and Gerardine
Hemingway and John Orchard.
The festival will include thought-provoking art, interactive
entertainment, workshops, tasty homemade food, great stalls
selling up-cycled, recycled and second-hand goods, activities,
crafting, music and tips and advice.
Stella Hall said, “We’re developing a fantastic programme and
all we can say at this stage is that we’ll be bigger and better than
ever – bursting at
the seams with
famously thrifty
entertainment and
amazing artists.
Thrift is more than
a trend – it’s here to
stay, it’s a culture
and a set of values
to live by.”
Craft in Focus (www.craftinfocus.com)
28th - 31st Aug: Garden Hyde Hall
4th - 6th Sept: Wellington College, Crowthorne
30 craftfocus
Art in Action (www.artinaction.org.uk)
16th - 19th July, Waterperry House, Near Wheatley
The Contemporary Crafts Festival
(http://craftsatboveytracey.co.uk)
5th - 7th June: Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey, Devon
Festival of Thrift (www.festivalofthrift.co.uk)
26th - 27th September: Lingfield Point, Darlington
The Handmade Fair (www.thehandmadefair.com)
18th - 20th September: Hampton Court Palace
Design and Craft Fair featuring MADE
(www.westdean.org.uk/events)
19th - 21st June: West Dean College, Near Chichester, West Sussex
spotlight on h+h
h+h trade fair took place in Cologne at the end of March.
We share findings and insights from this international show
FACTS AND FIGURES
h+h Cologne continues to be the meeting
place for handicrafts and hobbies. This
year the event attracted more than 14,800
visitors from 74 countries with a record level
of international visitors marking a further
chapter in its success story.
With a 68 percent share of international
exhibitors and a 30 percent share of first time
overseas trade visitors, the International
Trade Fair for Creative Handcrafts and
Hobbies confirmed its role as an important
trading platform for the industry.
With an increase in the number of
exhibitors of around 6 per cent and, in total,
379 exhibitors from 43 nations, including 67
new exhibitors (17 percent), h+h Cologne
2015 was fully booked. The event presented
the largest spectrum of products and
techniques in knitting, crocheting, sewing,
embroidery and crafting.
What’s trending
Self-made is in and is set to be an ongoing
trend for the forthcoming years, according to
the outcome of the current DIY trend analysis
of the Future Institute, which the Initiative
Handarbeit presented during the trade fair.
The overall market for craft supplies is a
massive €1.3 billion in 2014 (measured in end
consumer prices). The analysis also revealed
that the sewing sector continues to grow, and
is especially becoming popular among the
target group of young people.
Hand-knitting wools and fabrics make up
three-quarters of the overall market and are
the major growth drivers of the past years,
according to the Initiative Handarbeit.
Fabrics saw a growth from €20 million up
to €450 million - a huge increase. New craft
fans/consumers are increasing, which has
32 craftfocus
been corroborated by the development in the
sewing machines segment.
Do-it-yourself has long since become more
than just a pastime. According to the trend
researchers, it’s an expression of the modern
lifestyle. Hedi Ehlen, Chairman of the Trade
Fair committee of the Initiative Handarbeit
e.V., confirmed this development. She’s
particularly delighted about the growth in the
target group of younger people. “It’s fantastic
that the youngsters are so enthusiastic about
sewing. Some sewing courses for children are
booked out weeks and months in advance.
Handicrafts are no longer just a hype, but
have become a mainstream hobby across the
different sectors of the society. The market
will profit from this, which was clear to see
at the show with the response to the new
products that were launched.”
show review
What Exhibitors had to say
Supporting programme
The free seminar programme proved very
popular among visitors with Warren Knight’s
insights on social media on day one of the
show attracting crowds of retailers.
Visitors also packed the seminar theatre to
see May Martin from the Great British Sewing
Bee, who was sharing her experiences on
driving sewing demand via the media. Days
two and three of the show delivered seminars
on the importance of demonstration days,
intellectual property law, importing, and
utilising the Cloud for business.
The free workshops were also extremely
popular, with hundreds of visitors getting
hands-on with new products from exhibitors.
Louisa Mclean, Marketing Manager for Crafters
Companion, said, “Our on-stand workshops
were packed from early morning to the end of
the show with extra people waiting for spare
seats. We received some positive feedback,
especially on our new Downton Abbey paper
crafting range which we launched at the show
ready for the new TV series in September.”
Stylecraft
Annabelle Hill,Stylecraft’s Marketing and
Sales Director, commented,“Stylecraft has
been steadily growing export sales over the
last couple of years. We took the decision
to exhibit at the h+h show so we could
meet customers old and new but also keep
building on our success. h+h Cologne is a
premier exhibition with visitors from all over
the world and it lived up to our expectations,
allowing us to showcase our products to a
global audience.
“Special DK, Carnival Chunky, Merry-goround DK and Mosaic Chunky were all popular
products at the show. Customers were really
excited to see the Lily Pond Flower Blanket,
which is our first CAL project. We did notice
that a lot of people photographed our special
jumper bunting so we won’t be surprised
if we start to see this idea featuring in shop
windows far and wide.”
Prym
W: www.prym-consumer.com and
www.hantex.co.uk
Hantex will start to distribute in the UK for
Prym, starting with Prym Love, offering shops
both display programs and open stock. The
range comprises co-ordinated pre-packaged
fabrics, in both cottons and knits along with
associated products that enable shops to
sell everything needed for their customers
to produce a range of children’s wearables
from dresses to espadrilles. Hantex is also
undertaking considerable expansion of the
Prym range of notions and haberdashery,
with a view to offering shops products that
meet every sewing need. craftfocus 33
show review
spotlight on h+h
Daylight Company
W: www.daylightcompany.com
Clare Donnelly, Head of Marketing for
Daylight, commented, “h+h visitor’s
response to our latest product range
was extremely positive. We’re constantly
evolving our lamps and accessories to take
advantage of advancing technology and
meet consumer demand, so this show gave
us the perfect opportunity to showcase
how our lamps are designed to provide
functionality and practicality, coupled
with aesthetic and ergonomic design and
quality material. We also demonstrated
the benefits of LED technology, instant
turn on and a useable lifespan 20 times
longer than incandescent bulbs. Plus, the
fact that they’re very small provides many
new design possibilities. Visitors were
particularly interested in our new 2015 LED
product additions - Luminos, Smart Lamp
D20 and the YoYo LED Magnifier.”
Adjustoform Group
W: www.adjustoform.com
Adjustoform, manufacturers and distributors
of dress making models, exhibited at h+h this
year as usual with a third of its stand devoted
to Fashion Futures, a craft felt recycled and
made from plastic bottles. The number
of enquiries was significantly higher than
previous years for both dressmaking models
and felt.
They also showcased two new collections
of dressforms that will be launched later in
the year. The first will be an enhancement
to their eight-part leg forms that allow the
back length to be easily adjusted from a
knob located on the neck of the product.
The collection comes in small and medium
sizes, and will be known as Clio Classic and
Clio Elite – the Elite has a superior stand. The
second collection comprises Deluxe Lady
and Gentleman Valet forms called Romeo
and Juliet. These are covered in a luxury dark
brown poly/cotton fabric with a dark wooden
stand and finial. C
Rico Design
W: www.rico-design.co.uk
h+h was a significant show for Rico Design.
It was the launch pad for its new collections
in knitting, fabric, embroidery and textile
craft. They also participated in the popular
fashion show, previewing some striking
collaborations by leading German and British
fashion designers. Rico made its statement
with bold colours, interesting textures and
trend-driving fibres with its new yarns. With a
significant level of international interest,
Rico proved its brands have globetrotting
market appeal.
Michael Armstrong, UK MD commented,
“The new collection provides an exciting
opportunity as we drive the market forward
with fantastic products that are sure
the excite generating great returns for
our customers.”
DIARY DATES FOR NEXT YEAR
h+h Cologne
18th - 20th March 2016
W: www.hh-cologne.com
craftfocus 35
show review
we heart stationery
Julie Bonnar reports back from the London Stationery Show
suppliers to the Royal Household and House
SJ'SQQSRWXSGSQQIQSVEXIXLIWMKRMRKSJ
the Magna Carta 800 years ago.
8LMW[EWXLIWLS[´W½JXL]IEV[LMGLGSRXMRYIW
to grow year on year. Exhibitors went from
116 to 134 and attracted 20 per cent more
ZMWMXSVWXLERPEWX]IEVMRGPYHMRKVIXEMPIVWJVSQEW
far as New Zealand. Fashion meets function is
XLIWLS[´WQSXXSERHMX´WXLISRP]XVEHIWLS[
dedicated to stationery and writing products.
This year we saw more than 250 brands and
suppliers from around the world taking part.
Stand on ceremony
The show’s annual stationery awards attracted
the highest number of entries to date.
Check out who won on our news page on
our website at www.craftfocus.com
,IRVM(EZMWERMRHITIRHIRXVIXEMPEHZMWSV
GSQQIRXIH±8LMWMWHI½RMXIP]XLIQSWX
exciting year so far for the Stationery Awards.
We’ve seen a great cross-section of
TVSHYGXWERHWYTTPMIVW[LMGLQEOIWXLI[LSPI
judging process very interesting. The reaction
of the judges to the products they saw and
their determination to seek out the suppliers
immediately after judging proves that entering
the awards is an excellent way to get your
product seen.”
8LI[MRRIV´WGIVXM½GEXIW[IVITVMRXIHSR
WLIITWOMRTEVGLQIRXJVSQ;MPPMEQ'S[PI]
Licensing is set to be the next
big thing
Judging by the increase in the number of
PMGIRWIHTVSHYGXWXLIWITVSHYGXWEVIHI½RMXIP]
something to look out for. Stationery is
IRNS]MRKERI[PIEWISJPMJIXLEROWXSMXW
RI[JSYRHJEWLMSRWXEXYWERHXLIEVVMZEPSRXLI
WGIRISJHIWMKRIVWPMOI'EXL/MHWXSR8IH&EOIV
and Orla Kiely with licensed products are set
to take stationery products to the next level.
Among the launches of new licensed ranges
was Kellogg’s Vintage and Tony the Tiger (Mad
7XYJJ6SEPH(ELP4SVXMGS(IWMKRWERH
Disney Frozen4]VEQMH-RXIVREXMSREPERH(/0
Marketing). Other licenses on show included
:
%0SRHSR9RHIVKVSYRH;SSHPERH8VYWX
Vintage Ladybird and Laura Ashley.
Other exhibitors with licensed products
MRGPYHIH&VS[R8VSYX4YFPMWLMRK)\E'PEMV
3XXIV,SYWI4YFPMWLIVW+VSYT5YEHVMPPI
West Design and Wild & Wolf.
(SHS4EHLEWFYMPXYTERIRZMEFPIKPSFEP
VITYXEXMSRJSVMXWMRMQMXEFPIGSPPIGXMSRSJHMEVMIW
calendars and planners that have helped
organise every aspect of the lives of hundreds
of thousands of people over the last 50 years.
8SGIPIFVEXI]IEVWXLIVI´WENYFMPIIIHMXMSR
SJSRISJSYVJEZSYVMXIWXLIMGSRMG(SHS4EH
HMEV][LMGL[EW½VWXTYFPMWLIHMR
(SHS4EH´W1EREKMRK(MVIGXSV6IFIGGE.E]
WEMH±-´QEFWSPYXIP]SZIVXLIQSSRXSFVMRK
back partial production of our products to the
9/EJXIV]IEVWE[E];I´ZI[SVOIH[MXL
Headland on our brochures and newsletters
WMRGIWS[IEPVIEH]LEZIERI\GIPPIRX
and long-lasting relationship with them. Not
SRP]HSXLI]HIPMZIVSRUYEPMX]ERHTVMGI
FYX-ORS[-GERVIP]SRXLIQJSVEJEWX
XYVREVSYRH-X´W[SRHIVJYPXLEX[I´VIEFPIXS
help support the British economy and bring
WSQITVSHYGXMSRFEGOXSXLI9/MRXMQI
for our 50thERRMZIVWEV]-X´WEKVIEXGEYWIJSV
celebration.” For more information about the
GSQTER]´WTVSHYGXWZMWMX(SHS4EH
www.dodopad.com.
FIRM FAVOURITES
,IVI´WNYWXEJI[SJSYVJEZSYVMXI½RHWEX
the show:
*MKLXMRKßXEX
(SHS4EHERRSYRGIHXLEXTVSHYGXMSRSJ
some of its world-famous products were
XSFIFVSYKLXFEGOXSXLI9/NYWXMRXMQI
for celebrations to mark its 50th anniversary.
The company has revealed that a selection
of its hotly anticipated 50th anniversary
IHMXMSRJSVQEXW[MPPFITVMRXIHMRXLI9/
8LIGSQTER]LEWXIEQIHYT[MXL4IRÊRGI
FYWMRIWW,IEHPERH4VMRXIVW,IEHPERHLEW
now won the contract to produce all 2016
ERRMZIVWEV]IHMXMSRSJXLI(SHS4EH*MPSJE\
-X[MPPEPWSTVSHYGIXLIGSQTER]´WRI[.SXXIV
4EHW1YHHPI1EREKIVW(MRRIV4EVX]4PERRIVW
ERH6IQMRHIV4EHW
Colour and
craftfocus 37
we heart stationery
needed to make projects including Cath
Kidston’s beautiful crochet granny square
cushion and knitted stripe scarf. They retail at
£20 and are perfect gifts to give crafters. For
QSVIMRJSVQEXMSRZMWMXXLI5YEHVMPPI4YFPMWLMRK
[IFWMXI[[[UYEHVMPPIGSYO
creativity
Blake is the largest envelope supplier in the
9/ERHMXWLS[GEWIHMXWI\XIRHIHTVIQMYQ
range of stationery products at the show.
&PEOI´W4VIQMYQTVSHYGXVERKIWEVIHIWMKRIH
for working professionals who enjoy using
stylish and high quality paper products. The
GSQTER]LEWVIGSKRMWIHXLEX[MXLTIVGIRX
SJEPPGSQTERMIWMRXLI9/EPPS[MRKETSVXMSR
SJXLIMV[SVOJSVGIXS[SVOJVSQLSQIXLIVI´W
a growing demand for smaller packs of its
VI½RIHTVIQMYQIRZIPSTIERHTETIVVERKIW
(MVIGXSVSJ&PEOI8MQ&VS[RMRKWEMH±;IEVI
launching these small packs due to the demand
from retailers and independent buyers for high
UYEPMX]XMQIPIWWIRZIPSTIERHTETIVTVSHYGXW
that appeal to the end consumer.”
%PM;MPHI,IEHSJ1EVOIXMRKEX&PEOI
GSQQIRXW±)\LMFMXMRKEXXLI0SRHSR
Stationery Show 2015 was an excellent
opportunity for us to showcase our new
products. Most customers know Blake for
IRZIPSTIWLS[IZIV[ILEZITVIQMYQUYEPMX]
QEXGLMRKTETIVWERHMRRSZEXMZI¾I\MFPI
stationery solutions for craft and small
business customers. We’ve a range of original
products within our Blake Creative Colour
ERH'VIEXMZI7IRWIWVERKIWMRGPYHMRKJSV
GVEJXIVWEJYPPVEMRFS[SJGSPSYVWXLILMKLP]
TSTYPEVGS[TVMRXKVEWWERH[SSHIJJIGX
IRZIPSTIWEW[IPPEWSYV'VIEXMZI7LMRI
holographic envelopes. The ranges come in
handy smaller packs for crafting individuals and
small businesses. The popularity and growth
of the crafting movement offers excellent
STTSVXYRMXMIWJSV[LEX&PEOIHSIWFIWX
providing innovative and unique design led
solutions with excellent customer service.”
;MXLELIVMXEKIWTERRMRKXLVIIKIRIVEXMSRW
Blake designs and sells more than two billion
envelopes a year. For further information about
XLIGSQTER]ERHMXWI\XIRWMZITVSHYGXVERKIW
visit www.blake-envelopes.com.
38 craftfocus
Get connected – build and draw
Artline launched a new range of creative pens
for kids called Stix (Build & Draw). These look
like Lego pieces and can connect together with
connectors to make playtime fun. On a more
JYRGXMSREPPIZIPXLI]GSQIMRGSPSYVERHFVYWL
markers as well as drawing pens. The range is
supported by six limited-edition endearing toys
GLEVEGXIVW[LMGLEXXEGLXSXLITIRWXSQEOI
them even more appealing to children. They
GSQIMR[EPPIXWSJJSYVIMKLXERHERHXLI
brush and colouring pens and drawing pens
are sold separately. Artline Stix retails for
IEGL%VXPMRITVSHYGXWEVIHMWXVMFYXIH
MRXLI9/F]7LEGLMLEXE)YVSTI0XH
www.artline-xstamper.com.
For modern makers
5YEHVMPPI[EWJSYRHIHMRERHMWTEVXSJ
XLI+VERX,EVHMI+VSYT8LIGSQTER]LEW
established itself as one of the world’s leading
publishers of illustrated lifestyle books and
stationery. The company showcased its creative
products from modern makers and brands
such as Cath Kidston. We particularly liked
the new Vintage-inspired tin book collections
from Cath Kidston that featured everything
Pro adhesive tapes
*MVWXXMQII\LMFMXSVXSXLIWLS[6IPMEFPI
Source brought its coloured adhesive tapes to
the show. Originally designed for the building
MRHYWXV]XLIGSQTER]UYMGOP]VIEPMWIHXLEXXLI
tapes would be great for the stationery and
craft sectors.
4VS+EJJXETIWMWNYWXSRISJXLIXETIVERKIW
ERHGSQIMRELERH]VIXEMPLERKMRKTEGOMR½ZI
¾YSVIWGIRXERHWXERHEVHGSPSYVW8LIXETI
MWWXVSRKHYVEFPIERHMWEPVIEH][MHIP]YWIH
MRXLIEXVI½PQERHXIPIZMWMSRTVSHYGXMSRW-X
adheres to any clean dry surface and removes
VIWMHYIJVIIERH(-=JERW[MPPPSZIMXJSV
covering and revamping old furniture and
HIGSVEXMRK*SVQSVIMRJSVQEXMSRZMWMX
www.reliablesource.co.uk.
Create your own
The trend to personalise things has never been
bigger and Avery unveiled a new collection
GEPPIH'VIEXI=SYV3[REXXLIWLS[XSLIPT
GVEJXIVWGYWXSQMWIXLIMVTVSNIGXW'VIEXI=SYV
Own is a beautiful range of labels designed to
organise and personalise accessories around
XLILSQIKEVHIRERHSJ½GI-XJIEXYVIWJEFVMG
XVERWJIVWGLEPOFSEVHPEFIPWFVS[R/VEJXGPIEV
show review
parcel and CD labels.
'YWXSQIVWLEZMRKFSYKLX'VIEXI=SYV3[R
labels can then use Avery’s free online design
software to add a touch of quick and simple
individuality. There are 17 stylish labels to
GLSSWIJVSQMREWIPIGXMSRSJXI\XYVIWWLETIW
ERHWMÎW*SVQSVIMRJSVQEXMSREFSYXXLMW
TVSHYGXGSRXEGX%ZIV][[[EZIV]GSYO
Styling handwriting
Whether you’re a returning
customer or new to the Manuscript
FVERHXLIGSQTER]SJJIVWEZEWX
and ever growing array of products
that combine high quality with
competitive pricing. We particularly
liked the fountain pen & case sets
that they’ve introduced in pink
and blue. To check out more of
XLIMVTVSHYGXWZMWMXXLI1ERYWGVMTX
website: www.calligraphy.co.uk.
Let your tape do the talking
%XXLMWWLS[MRETVIZMSYW]IEV[IWE[
&VSXLIVMRXVSHYGIXLI8ETI'VIEXSV[LMGL[I
[IVIPYGO]IRSYKLXSLEZIEWETVMÎMRSRISJ
SYVGSQTIXMXMSRW8LMW]IEVXLIGSQTER]LEW
moved the machine on and now offers ribbon
XETIWJSVXLIQEGLMRI-X´WXLIMHIEPQEGLMRIXS
have in your shop to offer customers a range
of customisable services and add personality to
present wrapping. With more than 200 readyQEHIXIQTPEXIW]SYHSR´XRIIHERI]IJSV
design to get a great looking tape. For more
information visit the Brother website:
www.brother.co.uk/tapecreator.
Eco- and
ergoFriendly
Staedtler’s
stand was full
of arts and
crafts supplies
including the
RI[*-13
brands as well
as all sorts of writing materials aimed at the
GLMPHVIR´WQEVOIXMRGPYHMRKXLIIVKSRSQMG
and eco-friendly Noris colouring pencils.
Read about these in our children’s crafting
feature starting on page 45. For more
information about Staedtler’s product visit the
website: www.staedtler.co.uk.
The show was an opportunity to show its
ever-increasing range of own brand products
such as polymer stamps and quality tools but
also to launch Sakura’s range of Zentangle
TVSHYGXW>IRXERKPIMWXLIPEXIWXLSFF]GVEÎ
XLEX´WW[IITMRKEGVSWW)YVSTIFYXYRPMOIQSWX
GVEÎW;SSH[EVIFIPMIZIMX´WLIVIXSWXE]8LI
TIRWEVIFIEYXMJYPP]TEGOEKIH[MXLI\XIRWMZI
point of sale material to back up this new
TVSHYGX*SVQSVIHIXEMPWZMWMXXLI;SSH[EVI
website: www.woodware.co.uk.
Paint and pencil
.EOEV-RXIVRXMSREP[EWEXXLIWLS[WLS[GEWMRK
XLIPEXIWX'EVER(´%GLITVSHYGXW[LMGL
included the Hobby range. This is geared at
children’s market and consists of colourful
water-resistant pencils and water-soluble
crayons. These have a high pigment
concentration and come in sets of 10 and
15. Another essential product for artists and
crafters is the new range of Jakar poster
TEMRXW8LIWIGSQIMRFEWMGFSPHQIXEPPMG
ERHTIEVPIWGIRXWIXWSJWM\ERHVIXEMPJSV
around £5. Fore more information about Jakar
-RXIVREXMSREPZMWMXXLIGSQTER][IFWMXI
www.jakar.co.uk.
4PERWERHRI[EHHMXMSRWJSV
The organiser has just revealed its plans for a
fresh and distinctive new look for next year.
8LIRI[PSSO[MPPFIQSVIQSHIVRGPIER
ERHWX]PMWLYWMRKEFVMKLXTMROTIRRMFMGSRMR
MXWTVIWIRXEXMSR±;I[ERXIHXLIPSSOSJXLI
WLS[XSFIXXIVVI¾IGXXSHE]´WQEVOIXERHEPWS
be in keeping with the products that are so
creative and inspirational. We’ll be introducing
new colours for different parts of the
QEVOIXMRKGEQTEMKR²GSQQIRXWWLS[HMVIGXSV
Chris Leonard-Morgan.
Nest year’s show will also see the
MRXVSHYGXMSRSJERI[HIHMGEXIHEVIEJSVKMJX
TEGOEKMRKGEPPIH;VET-XKMZMRKKMJXTEGOEKMRK
and wrap suppliers the opportunity to
showcase their products in one place. C
Pleasing Repetition
Woodware is a family
owned business based in
=SVOWLMVIFYXWGSYVIVW
the world for the best
products. The company
MWXLI9/HMWXVMFYXSV
JSV7EOYVETIRW[LMGL
also complements its
extensive offering of
paper craft products.
A Fun solution
West Design products boast
QSVIXLER7/9W[MXL
a mix of their own brands as
[IPPEWGPMIRXWTIGM½GSRIWJVSQ
1EVEFYERH+PYI(SXWXSREQI
just two. The company has just
launched a new children’s craft
range called Fun that offers a
complete retail solution to this
market. For more information
GSRXEGX;IWX(IWMKRW
www.westdesignproducts.co.uk.
DATES FOR NEXT YEAR’S
DIARY
London Stationery Show
26th – 27th April 2016
&YWMRIWW(IWMKR'IRXVI0SRHSR
Organised by LMC Media
T: +44 (0)20 8462 0721
)WXEXMSRIV]WLS[$½VWXIZIRXWGSQ
W: www.stationeryshow.co.uk
craftfocus 39
back on track
We talk to Simon Allam, Managing Director of Craft
and Stationery UK, who has taken over distributing the
Knorr Prandell brand in the UK
Tell us a bit about Knorr Prandell’s
background and how Craft and Stationery
came to be its UK distributor?
Knorr Prandell is more than 100 years old, and
during this period has become a major player
within the European craft industry.
During 2012, the company went through
difficult times with key issues over stock
fulfilment, which was a result of too many
product lines and duplication of products.
This caused the company severe difficulties
in achieving the necessary service expected
from most customers, and resulted in the
company going into administration in 2013.
It was at this time that the Schneider Group
acquired the business.
Craft & Stationery UK was set up in 2009
solely to distribute on behalf of the Schneider
Group that was selling at the time two main
brands - Brunnen stationery and Heyda
craft ranges. Following the acquisition of
Knorr Prandell in 2013, the company was
also delighted to take on this major brand,
to complete a comprehensive portfolio of
quality crafting products.
How has the Knorr Prandell changed over
the recent years and who owns the
brand today?
The Schneider Group has invested heavily in
new computer systems for stock inventory,
providing an efficient automated central
warehouse and distribution centre. Through
its team of experienced product managers,
it’s re-launched the Knorr Prandell and
associated brands ensuring all product
categories and orders will be fulfilled correctly
and on time that’s required for a demanding
craft industry.
This now ensures the right products will be
available in all product categories and orders
will be fulfilled correctly and on time.
How would you describe the product range
to a potential stockist?
Knorr Prandell has just shy of 10,000 products
in its range, including jewellery, basic craft,
cast and moulding, decorations and floristry
as well as textiles, paper and cardboard.
With new trends and fresh ideas being
frequently added to the range, we’re now
40 craftfocus
confident that we can fulfil crafters needs
while offering a consistent service to retailers
and crafters alike.
What are the company’s most successful
product lines?
That’s a difficult question to answer, as our
customer profile is extremely varied and
covers several different product categories.
Feedback from recent exhibitions as well
as our own sales force suggests strong
interest in our Basic range. This includes
wooden boxes, beads, foam, polystyrene,
and papier-mâché
items.
p p
company profile
We’ve recently launched our new on-trend
Knorr Prandell animal crochets sets. This is a
joint collaboration with DMC. The collection
consists of a range of amigurumi animals
including lion, monkey, giraffe, zebra and
hippo characters.
This appealing crochet set has proved
hugely popular, along with our other textile
products like merino wools and fleece. The
quality of our paper and board ranges also
seems to meet customer’s expectations, with
some good volumes being achieved.
Tell us about the role that Craft and
Stationery UK plays and the company’s
distribution processes?
Craft & Stationery UK was set up as the sales
and service arm of the Schneider Group
to ensure all UK customers have a local
contact to help with their enquiries, offer an
efficient sales order fulfilment service and
help promote the new products and trends
available from the Knorr Prandell, Heyda and
Brunnen ranges.
What would you say is the company’s point
of difference?
The Schneider Group has a great reputation
for the high quality of its products and service
given to customers worldwide. The vast range
of products under the Knorr Prandell brand
offers customers the opportunity to purchase
many of their needs from one reliable source
giving continuity of supply at competitive
prices. Products are packaged in various size
configurations, which ensures practical and
affordable purchases for the crafter.
Tell us your latest news?
We are currently working on a new Craft
& Stationery UK website which will allow
trade customers to order all Knorr Prandell,
Heyda and Brunnen products from one
online source, and we are looking forward to
working with new and existing customers. C
“The Schneider Group,
through its team of experienced
product managers, has relaunched the Knorr Prandell
and associated brands ensuring
all product categories and
orders will be fulfilled correctly
and on time that’s required for
a demanding craft industry.”
Knorr Prandell is distributed by Craft and
Stationery UK Ltd
T: +44 (0)1462 659 050
E: sales@craftandstationery.co.uk
W: www.knorrprandell.com
craftfocus 41
How was your day?
Productivity app expert Taimur Khan reveals his tips for small business
entrepreneurs to manage their time effectively
"If there are 24 hours in
every person's day, how
come some people always
seem to be ahead while
other never seem to have
enough time?"
asks Taimur Khan
from Skylight
According to Taimur Khan, it all comes down
to how we use our time. Time wasted can
never be recovered, so it’s important to have
set routines and habits that help maximise
productivity and manage our time effectively.
42 craftfocus
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR GOOD TIME
MANAGEMENT
Organisation
Make a list of your daily tasks in order
of priority and when completed, tick them
off. There are plenty of apps and cloud-based
tools that can help you to do this, so it’s
crucial to find the one that works best
for you.
Always start small and build a routine
that works for you. Notice which activity
consumes the most time, and ask if they’re
relevant. Avoid multi-tasking – you’ll end up
doing nothing that’s very constructive.
1 2 Your goals matter but your vision
matters most
What do you want to achieve in your business
and what will it look like when achieved?
Always ask this question before starting any
activity. Soon you’ll find that you’ll be paying
attention to the right things and propelling
your business forward.
Exercise the power of saying no to anything
that deters you from this course.
3 The power of technology
Incorporate technology into your
business. For example, replace physical
meetings with Skype and long emails with
instant messaging. Productivity apps can
help you manage tasks, organise your
projects and keep all the documents and
emails in one place, and track billable time.
Apps like Skylightit can help you save time
and make life a lot simpler.
business advice
4 Delegation and outsourcing
Look at your list of business goals and
activities, and identify what you won’t be able
to do and what takes up valuable time.
Build these tasks into processes so that when
you delegate it becomes easier to explain and
follow through. Create a process document
and list the activities and actions. This will
help you to identify what skills you need, how
long you’ll need them and at what expense.
5 Be good to yourself
In order to use your time wisely, you
should ensure you take regular breaks and
rest periods. Remember to eat properly, avoid
junk food and get some exercise too. You’ll
find that your business productivity
will improve. "Most of us spend too much time
on what is urgent but not enough
time on what's important"
Stephen R Covery - educator,
businessmand and
keynote speaker
6 Emails
Don’t start your day looking at emails.
Inboxes can be a time trap where you can
lose valuable hours reading, and deciding
how to reply.
Set aside 20- to 30-minute time slots in
your daily schedule for emails. Prioritise the
important ones into folders and flag. When
it’s time to reply to emails you’re focused on
the most important ones. Make sure when
responding that your emails are concise and
get straight to the point of the matter.
7 Don’t procrastinate
The only difference between you and a
millionaire is the way you use your time and
secondly what you focus on. The key is to stay
on track, organise your priorities, and remain
focused on your goals.
Look at your goals and vision, and let them
inspire you to push forward. If you’ve large
tasks or goals to achieve, break them down
into smaller chunks and set aside time to
tackle them one by one.
"By failing to prepare, you are
preparing to fail"
Benjamin Franklin - Statesman,
inventor and diplomat
8 Take action and review
Achievement always comes down to
taking action, changing your mindset and
actually doing the things you’ve written in your
‘to do’ list.
If you feel you’re not getting the results you
want regardless of how hard you push, then it’s
time to pause, reflect, and take a look at what’s
working and what needs to be changed.
Finally, remember that what you focus on
grows. So put that searchlight on your goals
and objectives, and be aware that the ticking
clock has never stopped for anyone. C
Taimur Khan is founder of Skylightit.
Skylight is a cloud based management
and productivity tool for project
collaboration, designed specifically for
freelancers and small businesses. It
allows businesses to turn complex
administrative tasks such as project
management, time billing and invoicing
into a few clicks. For more information
visit: www.skylightit.com
craftfocus 43
Children’s crafting is one of the largest areas of the craft market. Demand is high, but making
the most of these lower profit margin products is essential
Children have become savvy consumers and have more money of their
own to spend than ever before. They know what products are out there,
so you need to make sure your business stands out in this marketplace,
and provide products that the kids want. We do the research and
spotlight what pocket-money crafts are hot this season.
Savvy tips and strategies for selling crafts for children
• Between £5 and £20 is an attractive pocket-money range of price
points.
• Look for products that are good value for money such as kits that
have everything that’s needed in one box including instructions
written with children in mind.
• Packaging should be fun and brightly coloured and appeal to
children (and the adults who buy for them, like grandparents)
• Educational ideas work well especially with adult’s who buy
for children.
• Crafts that have perishables which can be continuously consumed
and replaced offer retailers addition sales.
• Make sure that products are displayed prominently with good
POS and have signs that show the benefits such as essentials for
surviving the summer.
Hot projects
Hot glue guns are fun to
use and Antex Craft has
produced an easy grip
cordless one especially
for children. Used with
coloured and glow-in-thedark glue sticks, children
can pipe shapes onto a
silicon sheet, and once
they’ve cooled, peel them
off to use in all sorts of crafting projects.
The Krazy Meltz kit contains a seven-watt, six-volt cordless
glue gun which requires four AA batteries (not included) plus 10
coloured glue sticks, 10 glow-in-the-dark glue sticks, three general
use glue sticks, two brooch clips, a 2in magnetic strip that can be
cut to size, and a silicon sheet. Although aimed at children, this kit
could also be used to great effect by other members of the family,
giving it an even broader appeal.
The glue creations can be transformed into brooches, fridge
magnets, card making and mobiles or using the fittings supplied,
made into 3D decorations and more.
Antex Electronics
T: +44 (0)1822 613 565
E: deborah@antexcraft.com
W: www.antex.co.uk
Pompom pets
From the award-winning World of Imagination range from Sarah
Hurley, come the Pompom Pets. These kits are fun and easy to
use, and contain everything a child needs to make a pompom
friend. The characters include Mr & Mrs Lovebird, Rainbow
Caterpillar, Penguin, Snowman, Brown Owl and Grey Owl
plus others that can be found on the website. Each has been
adapted from one of Sarah Hurley’s hand drawn illustrations.
The kits have been put together
by hand with all the materials
sourced from within the UK and
packaged in a bag made from
recycled materials.
Sarah Hurley
T: +44 (0)20 8502 3568
E: info@sarahhurley.com
W: www.sarahhurley.com/trade
craftfocus 45
crafts for children
pint-sized crafters
pint-sized crafters
Matryoshka-style
Krasnaya design and produce a series
of craft kits including paint-your-own
Russian nesting dolls. One of its most
popular ranges is Painta Pets with 20
designs. Each kit contains a handturned three-piece wooden nesting
doll that has an animal design drawn
on to it. The kit comes with high
quality components including two
tubs of artist’s acrylic paint, quality
paintbrush, wiggly eyes, and an instruction sheet so that the
designs can be painted and brought to life.
All dolls are hand-turned
in Russia by the experts.
Boys and girls will love
that there’s so many
animals to choose from,
including penguin, dog,
frog, robin, and panda to
name a few. Children will
want to collect the whole
set. Each kit retails at £13.
These have been tested by
children to ensure they’re
achievable and fun. The
range has had a brand new
packaging designed.
Krasnaya
T: +44 (0)1246 208 482
E: sales@krasnaya.co.uk
W: www.krasnaya.co.uk
Cute cross-stitch characters
Peter Underhill is a talented watercolour artist and Little
Darlings is a series of his paintings that have been converted
to cross-stitch designs while keeping the watercolour style.
The latest edition is Safe Haven, showing a somewhat shy
hedgehog venturing out from his hiding place. The design
measures 14.5cm x 15.5cm (5¾in x 6¼in) and retails at £16.99.
n ongoing project for the summer
This kit would be ideal as an
for older children, with
help from an adult. The kit
contains Zweigart fabric,
DMC stranded cotton
sorted onto numbered
cards, along with a needle
and clear charts and
instructions.
Heritage Crafts
T: +44 (0)1889 575 256
W: www.hcrafts.com
46 craftfocus
We heart Prym and creative little tailors
The Prym Love program contains everything you need to
make up the set of garments shown here including patterns,
fabrics and embellishments. The fabric packs contain
coordinated printed cottons and knits, together with a couple
of patterns that can be made from each pack including skirts,
shorts and shirts. The amount of garments that can be produced from each
fabric pack depend on the age and size of the child that it’s
being made for. The packaged coordinating notions then
work with these fabric packs to finish the project. Notions
include items such as wide coloured elastic for waistbands,
coloured snaps and espadrille bases, that have all been
designed to work with the fabric. Every pack has every item
needed for lots of combinations, making creative sewing easy.
All products within the Prym Love range are available in
hang sell packs so that you don’t need to worry about not
having the right items in the right colours. The fabrics used are
high quality, with a high thread count and a lovely feel, and
prints that are a one-of-a-kind.
The Prym Love concept was introduced last year with
five different colour schemes and a wealth of matching
accessories and this trendsetting range guarantees crafters
great results every time. The fabric mix pack has three fabric
sections – two made of pure cotton, one of high-quality
cotton jersey. It offers a fun way to create cute outfits with
little effort, for kids aged three to eight years (sizes 104 to 134).
Children can choose between a pinafore dress with elastic
top, a reversible skirt, two individual skirts, or a combination
of t-shirt and skirt. Created exclusively for Prym, the designs
range from romantic and retro through to classic, with fresh
colour schemes including red/white and pink/yellow to
blue/turquoise and grey/dark blue, along with green and
brown tones.
Hantex
T: +44 (0)1754 820 800
W: www.hantex.co.uk
pint-sized crafters
Quick and entertaining
Rosie Flo has a new beautifully designed product out called
Pop Up Pets that’s selling incredibly well in the UK. Crafted from
quality card, each design can be assembled in seconds. Designs
so far are the pug, dachshund, silver tabby and ginger tom with
five more available from September. These retail at £7.99.
Rosie Flo
T: +44 (0)1225 447 280
T: info@rosieflo.co.uk
W:www.rosieflo.co.uk and
www.pop-up-pet.com Creative bows
Keeping up with children can be really exhausting at the
best of times. Inspire creativity and keep kids busy and
happy for hours with Gilliangladrag’s Wet Felting kit. These
colourfully packaged kits will definitely catch the eye of
young crafters. The kits
contain everything needed
to make felt, and it’s a
really fun activity that
they’ll enjoy.
Available wholesale
now is Bow Delicious; this
kit is a great starter kit for
kids to learn the art of wet
felting. The kit includes
materials to make four bows plus
the clips to make into hair clips
or brooches. It retails at £19.95.
Choose from several different
kits designed especially for little
hands from age five upwards,
with adult supervision.
Gilliangladrag Ltd
T: +44 (0)1306 898 144
E: caroline@gilliangladrag.co.uk W: www.gilliangladrag.co.uk
Pebble painting
Painting pebbles, rocks, stones, stepping stones, walls, garden
ornaments and garden pots for outdoors is a low-cost craft
idea that children will adore.
Country Love Crafts has used DecoArt’s patio paints to create
these samples. Patio paint is permanent, weather-resistant
acrylic paint for outdoor decorating on concrete, wood, stone,
rock and terracotta. It’s formulated for water-resistance and
has excellent adhesion qualities in changing temperatures.
Make your own
Want to have your
own craft kit brand for
children? Then Country
Love Crafts can supply
boxes, mini paint pots,
brushes and paintable
shapes to form a
simple package kit that
retailers can call their
own. These craft kits
are ideal for reaching
new target audiences
including customers
who are looking for gifts,
families wanting home
entertainment ideas,
party bags and even fundraising opportunities.
To make your own kits, just choose from one of Country Love
Crafts’ paintable, unfinished craft shapes (wood, papier-mâché,
pottery, plastic or fabric) and add to it a strip of mini paint pots
filled with colour, and a brush (optional). Finally, select relevant
marketing materials like a label, colour leaflet and decorating
instructions.
Country Love Crafts
T: +44 (0)1235 861 700
E: sales@countrylovecrafts.co.uk
W: www.countrylovecrafts.co.uk
48 craftfocus
pint-sized crafters
Handy colouring pencils
3D character kits
Staedtler has reinvented the colouring pencil with the new
Noris Colour pencils. These have an improved lead strength,
which is such an important benefit for young children, plus a
tactile surface and brilliant intense colour.
Noris Colour comes with impressive eco-credentials. The
original production process guarantees a lower carbon
footprint than standard pencils, and the pencils are made from
wood sourced from certified, sustainably managed forests
but without any compromise on quality. Key features include
the familiar stripy design, to capitalise on the strength of the
Noris school pencil, and they’re also break resistant. The
classic hexagonal shape, non-slip barrel and heavier weight
encourages better grip
and there’s 24 colours to
choose from.
New collections for this
year include a box of 12
single colour pencils, packs
of 12 and 24 assorted
colours that are double
stacked as a space-saving
solution for teachers plus
bumper class packs of 144
and 288 assorted colours.
Origami has become one of the up-and-coming trends and
Creative Products Distribution has a new range of modular
origami kits that contain designs that are perfect to keep the
kids entertained. Each kit is sold with instructions and the
required rectangular paper pieces to create each of the designs.
There are 30 to choose from
m.
from.
Staedtler
T: +44 (0)8456 005 930
E: sales@uk.staedtler.com
W: www.staedtler.co.uk
Creative Products Distribution
T: +44 (0)20 8953 2143
Mermaids and monsters
Following last year’s launch of FIMO kids which consisted of a CE marked range of polymer modelling clays formulated especially
for children, Staedtler is adding a further eight colours to this range.
Softer than FIMO soft and FIMO effect, FIMO kids does not need conditioning and is therefore perfect for beginners and children.
There are now 24 vibrant colours
available in 42g blocks with easy-toopen and re-sealable packaging.
Aimed at beginners, Form & Play is a
collection of starter packs containing
four FIMO kids colour blocks, a
modelling tool and instructions to
create the items shown on the pack,
plus a background scene as a setting
for the completed creations. Each
pack has a skill-level indicator to aid
purchasing decisions and encourage
progression. The new Form & Play
designs for this year are Mermaid and
Monster, bringing the total number in
the range to 12.
Staedtler
T: +44 (0)8456 005 930
E: sales@uk.staedtler.com
W: www.staedtler.co.uk
50 craftfocus
bookstand
Stocking craft books alongside other product
lines is a great way to make additional sales.
We review the latest editions to hit the stands
SEWING
PRETTY ORGANISED
By Jane Hughes
Price: £20 RRP
ISBN: 978-1-84543-584-4
Publisher: Apple Press, imprint
of Quarto
DIY is a hot trend this year, and this
book features 30 easy-to-make
storage solutions to de-clutter the home.
With ideas divided into specific areas of the home, this book has
brilliant projects to sew for the hallway, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom,
children’s rooms, home office, outdoors and even a crafting room. The
book includes bags, cases, holders and baskets, and covers for just
about anything you can imagine.
We say: “Pretty Organised features a project selector which is a great
overview to show customers what’s in the book at a glance. Turn to page
92 to view the project idea from this book.”
52 craftfocus
WILD THINGS: FUNKY LITTLE
CLOTHES TO SEW
By Kirsty Hartley
Price: £20 RRP
ISBN: 978-0-297-87125-5
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson,
distributed by Orion Books
Author Kirsty Hartley is a former fashion
lecturer at Manchester University and
designer of Wild Things, the funky
children’s clothes label. This fun book
includes simple but original clothes to sew for children. Sewers can
make exciting funky clothes for their child’s wardrobe comprising of
cute little dress, skirts, knickers and trousers, as well as a section of
making character-inspired clothes such as a fairytale cape and Mr
Bear dungarees.
We say: “The book’s photography is inspiring and at the back is a series
of templates and pull-out patterns to make all the clothes.”
book reviews
PAPERCRAFTS
PAPER ONLY: 20 WAYS
TO KICK-START YOUR
CREATIVITY
By The Papered Parlour
Price: £16.99 RRP
ISBN: 978-1-908449511
Publisher: Pavilion
Since opening its studio doors in 2009, The Papered Parlour has
welcomed more than 5,000 crafters to its workshops. As artists,
designers, writers and crafters, the journey of creating nearly always
starts with a blank piece of paper. In this book, Parlour founders,
Claire Heafford and Louise Hall explore what can be done just using
paper. Whether you print, cut, sketch or fold your way through the
fundamentals of art and design, Papered Parlour pushes paper to
its limits.
This book includes more than 20 inspiring paper projects and would
encourage customers to buy paper products. It concentrates on five
themed collections, and uses a variety of artistic disciplines including
fine art, print design, typography, fashion and interiors, with each
project teaching the reader a new design skill.
We say: “Paper Only is an ode to celebrating the use of paper, and gives
crafters the carte blanche to explore its possibilities.”
PAPER FLOWERS
By Denise Brown
Price: £12.99 RRP
ISBN: 978-1782491491
Publisher: CICO Books
Creating beautiful flowers from
paper is certainly trending this
summer, and blooms have so many
uses for the crafter. Paper crafting
expert Denise Brown has designed
35 lovely projects using techniques
like simple origami, layered
découpage, papier mâché and quilling.
Denise uses all manner of everyday paper materials, from gift-wrap,
colourful pages from glossy magazines, paper napkins and tissue
papers, to handmade paper, parchment paper and crinkly crepe paper.
Display these flowers in vases, create bouquets and posies to give as
gifts or use them to decorate gift boxes, greetings cards or to create wall
hangings and window displays.
Designs to choose from include springtime catkins, oversized
pompom flowers, delicate daisies, a fern and leaf wreath and water
lilies made from tracing paper and coloured with chalk.
We say: “Whatever your favourite garden flower is, this book has a great
variety with step-by-step projects – everyone will become an expert in
creating the perfect flower.”
SKETCHING
SKETCHING 365
By Katherine Tyrrell
Price: £12.99 RRP
ISBN: 978-1-84543-556-1
Publisher: Apple Press
Sketching 365 is full to the brim with easy-to-follow tips and features
a varied collection of work and inspiration from contemporary artists.
This book is comprehensive and an excellent guide that will appeal to
aspiring artists of all levels.
Providing a different tip for each day of the year, the book is an
effective way for artists to learn new techniques and approaches.
Throughout the book, tips and advice are accompanied by artwork
from a range of exciting contemporary artists, showcasing a wide
variety of different media. The author uses concise, easy-to-follow text
to engage readers and guide them through each different technique,
covering everything from how to hold a pencil to tackling specific
subjects such as how to draw people or landscapes.
We say: “With handy cross-references throughout that help direct
readers toward other relevant tips elsewhere in the book, it’s a great
book to offer customers who want to start drawing.”
craftfocus 53
bookstand
DRAWING
HOW TO MAKE ART
By Mel Elliott
Price: £11.99 RRP
ISBN: 978-1-909396807
Publisher: Portico
This book is ideal for customers who don’t quite know where to
start on a creative path. Mel Elliott is the queen of the cool colouring
book, and this new book from her provides an art class in one easy
place. It’s packed with practical advice, inspiration, projects and
techniques from screen printing, sketching and collage to designing
your own font and splashing around with gouache.
We say: “A great starter book for those who want to begin crafting. It
explains what sorts of materials you’ll need and how to use them.”
ORIGAMI
THE ORIGAMI HOME
By Mark Bolitho
Price: £20 RRP
ISBN: 978-1-909342-4
Publisher: Jacqui Small
Paper crafters and dollhouse
enthusiasts will love this book
of beautiful miniature furniture
projects – all made from paper.
Mark Bolitho has been involved
with origami for more than 30
years, and is presently Chair of
the British Origami Society. Mark celebrates the long tradition
of furniture modelling in paper folding with this original book. It
features some amazing pieces of furniture and explores the use
of patterned and coloured papers, and includes furniture for all
types of rooms, from a welsh dresser for the dining room to a
classic roll-top bath for the bathroom.
Photography by Michael Wicks
We say: “It’s really incredible to look at these pieces of furniture
and know they’re made from paper. The detailed instructions and
illustrations are easy-to-follow so that new crafters to origami can
have a go.”
Book contacts
Apple Press, an imprint of Quarto Publishing Group UK,
www.quarto.com
CICO Books, www.rylandpeters.com
54 craftfocus
Pavilion, www.pavilionbooks.com
Portico, an imprint of Pavillion, www.pavilionbooks.com
Weidenfeld & Nicolson, distributed by Orion Books,
www.orionbooks.co.uk
smarter marketing
with e-receipts
David Fairhurst, Head of Creative Online Marketing at Intelligent Retail,
discusses the benefits of replacing the traditional paper document
more trees are cut down, we’ve fewer trees
available to absorb all the carbon dioxide and
noxious gases produced by farmed animals,
volcanoes, industry and yes, those horrible,
planet-killing cars. Replanting schemes
certainly help, but as trees take time to grow,
the pool of mature trees is getting smaller and
smaller every year.
"World consumption of paper
is growing, having gone up by
as much as 400 per cent in the
past 40 years."
E-receipts
If, like me, you marvel at the amount of
waste that society creates and wonder what
will happen when all the trees have been
chopped down, you’re going to love the
idea of e-receipts. If you’re also tasked with
marketing your craft business, then you’re
going to love them even more.
Top e-commerce retailers such as Argos, as
well as banks and other institutions, have
started to use e-receipts as they offer a whole
I travel to work every day in a big V8 4x4,
count motorsports as an enjoyable pastime
and regard man-made global warming as a
politically expedient myth, driven by the need
of governments to control the oil supply and
gain ever more fuel tax. From this, the casual
observer might surmise that I don’t care
about the planet. Nothing would be further
from the truth.
Many years ago, when I started my first
business, I remember lots of people were
talking about the paperless office. What
a great idea – everything digital, nothing
wasted. Unfortunately here we are in 2015,
still with an insatiable appetite for paper.
56 craftfocus
And every year, we consume vast quantities of
it. The environmentally aware among us will
know that a good percentage of this paper
nowadays is recycled, and the government
has put resources in place
to at least encourage us
all to get into the habit
of separating our easily
recyclable materials. Yet still,
world consumption of paper
is growing, having gone up
by as much as 400 per cent in
the past 40 years.
As the increasing use of
paper means more and
business advice
host of benefits, not just for retailers but also
for customers.
Instead of a paper till receipt, customers
have the option to receive an electronic
version via email and text message. In
addition, all purchase history is stored
alongside warranty information in an easy-toaccess online account.
For the customer, there are further benefits,
with instruction manuals, instructional videos
and recipes, for example, being available
alongside this purchase history.
"You can precisley target
offers to customers based on
previous purchase history and
brand identity."
Benefits to retailers
Marketing lives and dies on customer data,
which is why schemes like Tesco’s Clubcard
and the Nectar card scheme work so well for
retail. Modern electronic marketing relies on
huge amounts of social profiling, purchase
and search history data, while technology’s
getting smarter every day. Did you know that
location tracking and embedded data on your
mobile phone can tell a retailer what you’re
looking at, what interests you?
Something else that e-receipts can
provide you with, as a retailer, is the sort
of behavioural data that more intrusive
technologies employ, without customers
feeling that they’re being spied on. This way,
you can precisely target offers to customers
based on previous purchase history and
brand identity. This type of data can help
you as a retailer to structure your offerings
both in-store and online in a way which will
capture the maximum spend and the best
conversion rates.
A recent Experian benchmark and trend
report highlights the potential financial
benefits for retailers of using e-receipts as a
customer communications channel, where
revenue can show a 600 per cent increase
over traditional ‘spray and pray’ marketing
techniques. This means using them to
communicate timely, targeted marketing
to your customers can give you a major
advantage on your competitors, while cutting
waste and helping your customers manage
their purchases.
Do you want an even bigger incentive
to use e-receipts? Paper costs money and
thermal receipt paper is even more expensive,
and may be potentially damaging to health,
some studies say. Adding this to the reduced
need for rubbish collection at your premises
– at exorbitant business collection rates –
means that savings in these areas can be put
into smarter promotion for your business or
improving your stock levels.
So it seems we’re finally moving away
from the need for paper and more towards
electronic methods of servicing customers
and marketing to those same customers,
using freely available and very reliable data. C
David Fairhurst is Head of Creative Online
Marketing at Intelligent Retail. David
has been involved with search engine
optimisation and web development since
1999 and has spoken at many retail and
SEO conferences including Spring Fair and
SES London.
T: +44 (0)8456 800 126
E: enquiries@intelligentretail.co.uk
W: www.intelligentretail.co.uk
craftfocus 57
getting away from it all
Learn a variety of creative skills in idyllic settings. We talk to Amy Cooper
about their two Activity Hotels
Tell us about the business and when it
all began
It was established in 1978 as a hotel
and conference venue, but as the years
progressed, more and more activities and
facilities were to added to create the fantastic
business it is today.
What do you think makes craft breaks
so popular?
The atmosphere in the craft centres is relaxed
and friendly and, since opening, has been a
considerable source of pleasure for guests.
It’s a great place for the whole family to enjoy
crafting together. We cater for young children
through to grandparents and even greatgrandparents. Everyone is welcome.
Tell us about the craft workshops that
residents can take part in
Our craft centres offer an amazing 17 crafts, all
run by expert tutors.
58 craftfocus
• Pottery
• Porcelain
• Painting
• Candle making
• Enamelling
• Embroidery
• Patchwork
• Fabric painting
• Card making
• Pottery transfers
• Glass painting
• Jewellery making
• Glass engraving
• Picture framing
• Silk painting
• Woodwork
• Hot press printing
• Painting & sketching
Each session is scheduled at least once
during weekdays and usually twice over
weekend breaks. Our programme is flexible
and, where possible, we ensure extra sessions
are available to suit requirements.
What’s the most popular craft course
and why?
The most popular crafts are pottery, glass
engraving and our two newest crafts:
woodwork and personalised hot press printing.
Woodwork has been a great success; there
are so many products that can be made, from
house plaques and bird boxes to wine racks
and jigsaws. There’s always something new
to try.
Personalised hot press printing allows
guests the opportunity to print their own
pictures onto a variety of products including
canvases, placemats and mugs. These make
fantastic gifts for friends and family.
Who is your target audience?
One of the best things about our craft
activities is that everyone can join in. Each
company profile
session is really flexible and the tutors can
help everyone, from first time crafters learning
the basics, to more experienced people who
are looking to improve their technique.
What other activities are available?
Away from the arts and crafts, guests are
spoilt for choice, with an abundance of
activities. Facilities available free of charge to
all residents include golf, tennis courts, bowls
rinks, badminton courts, swimming pools,
water slides, 10-pin bowling, snooker tables,
target ranges featuring archery, air pistols and
air rifles and much more.
Our daily program can feature up to 70
different sports, craft and leisure activities
during peak times. Guests are also welcome
to use our two state-of-the-art Hydro Spas
which are also completely free of charge.
Are there any new courses in the pipeline?
Our craft centre at the Ashbury is a little
smaller and currently has a more limited
programme. Due to the fantastic response
from our guests, over the next couple of
months we’ll be extending the number of
studios, which will allow us to increase the
number of sessions that we can run. It’s fair to
say that I’m very excited about our continued
expansion over the forthcoming years.
Crafting is going from strength to strength! C
The Manor House Hotel and Ashbury
Hotel, Okehampton, Devon
T: +44 (0)800 2343 081
E: enquiries@manorhousehotel.co.uk
W: www.activityhotelbreaks.co.uk
craftfocus 59
business tips
how to master the
art of buying
Can you spot the latest trend? Sara Davies explains some simple tips
and tricks for staying on top
guided by personal tastes and preferences,
which might not be representative of what
your market wants or needs. So, when it
comes to the buying process, try enlisting
the help of a colleague, as working as a team
can help keep you stay detached and in a
business mindset.
You’ll know from experience that no two
customers are the same, so try to aim for
a mixture of styles to appeal to different
demographics. Buying in all traditional
or modern styled products will alienate
a section of your customers. You may
know from customer feedback that your
core demographic loves something more
traditional, but it’s worth keeping a small
selection of modern stock for new customers
too – you never know who might come
through your door.
These days, the next big thing can disappear
into the abyss as quickly as it came about, but
spotting trends can be crucial to craft retail
stores. Ultimately, you want to stock crafting
products your customers are going to buy but
if you’re short of a crystal ball, it can be difficult
to predict just what those products are.
Fear not, though! I’ve got a few ideas and
tricks up my sleeve which will help you when
it comes to knowing how and what to buy.
SEARCH AND RESEARCH
Utilising magazines like Craft Focus, the
internet and social media can be a great way
to track the latest trends. You can use the
information as a guide to which products or
tools will potentially be the most popular for
your customers. Next time you’re out and
about, why not pick up a copy of a crafting
magazine and keep your eyes peeled for the
next big thing? As for the internet and social
media, an abundance of information is just a
few clicks away, so get searching and listening!
FEEDBACK AND BUYING HABITS
Another way you can gather information
on what you should be stocking is to get
feedback from your customers on their
favourite types of crafts, preferred brands and
must-have products. You might find the same
brand names or products pop up time and
time again, so you know it’s worth stocking up
on these.
Ask customers to fill in feedback forms
during demonstration days, set up a prize
draw that customers can enter if they fill in an
online survey or even just get some dialogue
going using your social media profiles - this
way you’ll really get to know your customers’
buying habits.
60 craftfocus
"Ultimately you need to stock
products that your customer
wants to by."
SIGN UP
Signing up to trade newsletters from craft
manufacturers is another great way to stay
on the ball when it comes to knowing what to
buy. You’ll get updates direct to your inbox, so
you can be one of the first to find out about
new releases and decide if they’re right for
your store and your customers. If you like the
look of something, ask a few customers and
you’ll quickly get a good feel as to whether it
could be a goer.
JOINT BUYING DECISIONS
When it comes to making buying decisions,
one of the biggest challenges is to avoid being
OUT AND ABOUT
This one might sound obvious, but it’s worth
visiting trade shows as often as you can.
They’re great for looking at products up close
and seeing them in action. Trade shows can
also be a great place to meet representatives
from manufacturers, so you can build up a
rapport and ask any questions you might
have – and don’t forget to ask about signing
up to their newsletters.
Fingers crossed, these tips and ideas will
come in handy, and hopefully the latest
trends will be flying off your shelves no time! C
Sara Davies is a Durham-born craft
entrepreneur and the founder of Crafter’s
Companion. For further information, visit
www.crafterscompaniontrade.co.uk
www.newclay.co.uk
Newclay Products – Makers of high-quality
modelling materials ideal for children
Newplast – used and recommended by Aardman
Newclay – air dry or kiln fire
Finger Soft – fun with play dough
Air Dough – light and clean
Paints – Finger or Glitter
craft tools
tooled up!
Discover the latest essential and specialised tools for crafters
Save our knits
Lily Brush is an innovative tool
that can combat the pills that send
favourite sweaters into an early
demise. This brush is like a magic
wand with nylon bristles. It works
on all natural fibres such as cotton,
wool, angora and cashmere to
remove not only pills, but also
pet hair, fuzz and lint. Use the
brush dry, or slightly dampened to
eliminate static. It’s available in red
and black. “We’ve tried this brush and it really does remove
the bobbly bits from sweaters,” comments Julie Bonnar, editor
Craft Focus
Viridian
T: +44 (0)1173 005 244
E: viridianltd@googlemail.com
W: www.viridianyarn.com
Scraper tools for Stampbord
If you’ve ever used Stampbord,
you’ll know one of the key
features is the ability to scratch incredible details and highlights on to
the surface to give your work texture and that three-dimensional look.
In the past, these tools have been expensive; however, with the
UK re-launch of Stampbord, Premium Art Brands is offering crafters
complementary tools at affordable prices.
The company has launched a set of five scraper cutters that are
made from high carbon steel to provide the optimum scraping
surface. Each cutter is tempered to give both a precision point and
ensure longevity of the tool. Create fascinating shapes and patterns
with each tool, including parallel lines, cross-hatching, fine lines and
more. The set of five scraper tools retails at just £6.99.
Premium Art Brands Ltd
T: +44 (0)1926 492 213
E: customerservices@premiumartbrands.com
W: www.premiumartbrands.com
Master of fabrics
Antex Craft has an exciting tool kit for fusing synthetics fabrics that
can be used for many different applications and crafts. The Fabric
Master kit has a duel temperature and is switchable between two
heat settings – 15w and 30w. It comes with seven tips for patterns
and cutting.
The designs can be used as a base for machine embroidery.
Simply use with coloured organza, machine stitch a design using
cotton thread, then cut away the areas that aren’t required. With a bit
of imagination, crafters will be able to create handbags, clutch bags,
purses, hats and gift cards, or work that can be framed for everyone
to admire.
The kit comes with a stand for when tool is not in use and a
sample pack of synthetics fabrics. It retails at £25.57.
Antex Electronics
T: +44 (0)1822 613 565
E: deborah@antexcraft.com
W: www.antex.co.uk
craftfocus 63
tooled up!
On your guard!
Woodward has a new tool that it’s really excited about. The Finger
Guard Hand Trimmer is a handheld unit that can be used with a
metal-edged ruler to make accurate straight lines or used freehand
to cut shaped pieces. The trimmer comes with a straight blade
that can be easily interchanged with 11 other blades to offer an
extensive range of patterns to make intricate designs.
For those crafters with the original blade, Woodware’s new
trimmer gives this a new leash of life. These blades are known for
their safe design cartridge, which makes them very safe for all sorts
of crafters and also for storing. Retailing for just under £10, this is a
great new tool.
T: +44 (0)1756 700 024
Rotary cutting revolution
Ever since contestants on the Great British Sewing Bee were spotted
cutting out patterns with rotary cutters, Fiskars has seen an increase
in sales of these handy little tools. So what is it about using a rotary
cutter, usually used by quilters, that now appeals to dressmakers?
Fiskars has been asking some of its end users and it seems that the
main reasons for using a rotary cutter are:
• Time saving – especially if you use weights instead of pins
• On fabrics that move around such as silk or jersey, a rotary cutter just
needs to lightly roll across the fabric for a precise cut.
• They’re great for straight cutting like bias binding
Everyone was very keen to point out that whilst they enjoy using their
rotary cutters, they didn’t see them as a replacement for scissors.
Scissors are better for more intricate patterns and thicker fabrics.
“We’ve seen a huge growth in sales of rotary cutters recently. Our
Combo Rotary Cutter and Ruler has been a great success and ever
since the Great British Sewing Bee winner, Matt Chapple, was seen
cutting out patterns with ease, we’ve seen an increase in handheld
rotary cutters too,” said Kerry Murfin, Marketing Director, Fiskars.
Fiskars has a range of Rotary Cutters and for more information visit
their website: www.fiskars.co.uk.
64 craftfocus
tooled up!
A snip with fabric
These new fabric scissors from Sewline were designed using the
Japanese SEKI technology that’s also been used for Japanese
swords and knives. The stainless-steel blades stay sharp and offer
a clean cut all the way to the tip. With an ambidextrous soft grip
handle, they provide excellent cutting control. There are two sizes:
210mm (8in) large pair and 135mm (5½in) smaller pair.
RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB
Cut above
With the TrueCut My Comfort Cutter, you can customise your
rotary cutter’s handle with your own designs, photos or fabric.
This new ergonomic rotary cutter has a one-of-a-kind handle
design that aligns naturally to your wrist, and places all cutting
power directly over the blade, eliminating stress in the wrist
and arm. This tool measures 5½in x 4in and retails at £26.95.
Sewline products are distributed by EQS
T: +44 (0)1162 710 033
E: sales@eqsuk.com
W: www.eqsuk.com
Twist and coil
Sandra Lupo invented this ingenious tool to create custom bead
cones and bead caps for strung designs, earrings and Kumihimo, to
name a few. The three different sizes of cone mandrels fit into the
base of the tool for easy storage. To use, simply insert your desired
mandrel into the base and tighten into place with the included
Allen wrench. Place the wire into the insertion hole in the mandrel,
hold it in place with your thumb and then gently twist the mandrel
until the wire spiral reaches the top.
International Craft
T: +44 (0)1923 235 336
E: sales@internationalcraft.com
W: www.internationalcraft.com
66 craftfocus
Especially for slashing chenille
Use the Olfa Chenille
Cutter with a 60mm
(2⅜in) blade to make
your own chenille
designs. This hand
held tool doesn’t
require a cutting mat
underneath and has
four different guides,
like feet, for precise
cutting. It can create
chenille in four widths:
⅛in, ¼in, ⅜in and
½in, and the ultrasharp double-honed
circular blade doesn’t
rotate as it slashes
through fabric. Each
cutter provides 24 new
sharp cutting edges.
It comes with its own
storage case and retails for £20.95.
Creative Grids
T: + 44 (0)1664 501 724
E: sales@creativegrids.com
W: www.creativegrids.com
home furnishings
handmade home
The current DIY trend has become more than just a hobby. Customising for the
home is part of modern living. Tap into this market and stock products for homeloving crafters
Woodland wonder
Hantex has a new range of Art
Gallery Fabrics called Hello
Bear, designed by Bonnie
Christie, and named after
her son Bear. This collection
inspires crafters to see the
outdoors through a new set of
eyes. Illustrated with woodsy
tones like pastel moss, conifer
and bark and gorgeous floral
and fauna designs from the
woodlands. It retails as £12.75
per metre. The range also has
four knit and two voile fabrics
which retail at £19.40 and £17.40 per metre respectively.
Hantex
T: +44 (0)1754 820 800
W: www.hantex.co.uk
Power to the pompom
Pompoms continue to be a
popular trimming this year.
Multipom has just started to
sell its successful pompom
maker direct to retailers, in a
convenient clear hanging plastic
wallet, with the contents clearly
visible for customers.
Multipom’s pompom maker
comes with an instruction
booklet, tips and ideas. Crafters
can make up to 20 identical
pompoms at one time from 1cm to 12cm in diameter. This kit
doesn’t contain any yarn and encourages customers to purchase
their starter double knitting yarn in colours of their own choice.
It’s the perfect tool for making pompoms for the home and
attaching to rugs, trimming cushions and throws.
Multipom is keen to support both small independent shops
as well as larger companies, and will supply its pompom maker
to retailers whose primary business includes the sale of yarns,
haberdashery or crafts. It retails at £12.99.
Multipom
T: +44 (0)787 280 213
E: trade@multipom.com
W: www.multipom.com
Fondant fancy
Stylecraft’s first spring
summer season collection
saw the launch of a new yarn
called Malabar. This rich
blend of natural fibres – 78
per cent cotton and 22 per
cent silk – is an Aran weight,
which gives this yarn its
wonderful drape. The colour
palette of 12 beautiful shades
makes this the perfect yarn
for summer knits and crochet
accessories. It retails at £5.25
per 100g ball.
Stylecraft
T: +44 (0)1535 669 952
Matching accessories
When it comes to accessories for
the home, there’s virtually no limit
to achieving bespoke items. Needcraft
manufactures a range of professional
lampshade making kits, in various
shapes and sizes, here in the UK. These
lampshade kits can be used by an
industry professional or creative
home improver.
They allow the crafter to make
professional, flame-retardant
lampshades from their own fabric or
wallpaper, enabling them to match or
complement soft furnishings and room
home décor schemes.
These kits have been so popular
that the company has built on the
opportunity to coordinate home furnishings, adding other types to
the range, including the Waste Paper Basket Kit, which results in a
matching robust bin with a washable base.
Needcraft also offers a service where it will bespoke print your design
or image onto textile the correct size to use with the lampshade kit.
Needcraft
T: +44 (0)1992 700 311
E: sales@needcraft.co.uk
W: www.needcraft.co.uk
craftfocus 69
handmade home
Whimsical illustrations for children
Toronto artist and illustrator Susannah Bleasby is behind the
Susybee fabric collection for children. She delights in creating a
world filled with whimsical illustrations and happy characters for
children (and kids at heart) through her line of children’s fabrics,
her paintings and her murals.
In partnership with The Hamil Group of NYC, Susybee fabrics
for the home sewer are now available. This line of cute children’s
cotton prints includes character-based quilts and fabric craft kits
and a co-ordinated line of Susybee fabrics for finished garments,
bedding and cushions, as well as fabric-based children’s room and
nursery décor.
Susybee is distributed by EQS
T: +44 (0)1162 710 033
E: sales@eqsuk.com
W: www.eqsuk.com
The finer details
Traynors Trimmings has
a beautiful collection of
Italian design furnishing
braids, cords and tassels.
The craftsmanship that
goes into each item is
outstanding and every
piece is handmade down
to the finest detail. The
tassels are individually
crafted using a fine
thread and each one is
folded by hand and tied.
There are 35 colours
to choose from in this
collection. Perfect for
adorning any home
furnishing item such as
cushions, blinds, curtains and sofas. Many top London designers
have used the company’s braids in its clothing collections.
Traynor Trimmings
T: +44 (0)20 7791 0505
E: info@traynorstrimmings.co.uk
W: www.traynorstrimmings.co.uk
Paint on porcelain
Marabu’s Porcelain Painters are water-based glossy markers for
decorating your crockery. These specialist paints come in a convenient
and easy to handle pen that allows anyone to create the most beautiful
designs on porcelain, ceramic and glass.
The paint’s consistency allows steady painting on rounded or flat
surfaces such as cups and plates, while the pen’s wide 2mm tip makes
it perfect for writing names, poems or signatures, and other calligraphic
techniques. The brush tip creates softer painting and results in an
unbelievably rich, even application that’s ideal for larger motifs. Once
you’ve created your design, simply allow to dry for four hours and then
cure in the oven for 30 minutes at 160°c. The result is dishwasher-safe
up to 50°c.
Marabu products are distributed by West Design in the UK
T: +44 (0)1303 297 888
W: www.marabu.com/creative and www.westdesignproducts.co.uk
70 craftfocus
Traynors Trimmings are one of the leading Haberdashery &
Trimmings wholesalers in the heart of East London.
We have over 40 Years of experience in the industry. Check
out our website for exciting special offers throughout the
year and save 5% on all first orders over £100.
Some of our products include Ribbons, Lace, Wool,
Knitting Patterns & Accessories, General Haberdashery,
Zips, Glue, Motifs, Buttons...
and much
much more !!
020 7791 0505
info@traynorstrimmings.co.uk
www.traynorstrimmings.co.uk
Traynors Trimmings
16 - 18 Philpot Street
London E12DW
handmade home
Quilt making
Presencia’s Finca 60/3
weight Egyptian cotton
thread is thin but extra
strong. Patchworkers and
quilters will love the fact
that they don’t have to
reduce the stitch length to
get a good strong seam. It’s
available in 100m and 500m
reels in 50 colourways, and
also in the larger 125gm cones. The quilts shown here were made
by Sandy Chandler at the Quilting Company. “The cream whole
cloth quilt was the first time we had used this thread and it quilted
like a dream,” comments Vivenne Walton from Presencia.
The knitted home
King Cole patterns and pattern books offer a fantastic choice of
patterns for the home with great designs and value for money, as
all knitting patterns give a minimum of two choices to knit. If you’re
looking for a smaller project King Cole have thought of everything with
pattern 4147, which includes handy home knits such as oven gloves,
pan holder, dish cloth, face cloth and hand towel. these have been
knitted in recycled cotton aran and uses a variety of stitches.
King Cole
T: +44 (0)176 703 670
E: enquiries@kingcole.co.uk
W: www.kingcole.co.uk
Presencia
T: +44 (0)1634 711 228
E: waltonvs@aol.com
W: www.fincathreads.co.uk
Home of Zeigart fabrics
HeeBee Trade is the UK’s
leading wholesale supplier
of Zweigart fabrics and
canvas to the needlecraft
industry, and the first edition
Zweigart Home booklet is
now available. This is packed
with new and innovative
ideas from international
designers along with the
new Black and White book.
Home gives you 12
beautiful projects worked
in Edinburgh, Belfast and
Dublin linens, Murano and
Lugana cotton even weaves
and Aida, while Black and White is full of trendsetting designs and
includes four cushions that will be a delight to make.
Heebee Trade offers much more than needlework fabric though,
with hundreds of different speciality threads, needles, tapestry
wools, hoops and many other needlecraft accessories making
it the perfect partner for any designer or craft retail shop, with
minimum orders at just £75.
HeeBee Trade
T: +44 (0)1565 872 214
E: sales@heebee-trade.co.uk
W: www.heebee-trade.co.uk
72 craftfocus
100% mercerized
Egyptian 3 ply crochet
cotton. Available in:
10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80
and 100 in white and cream
ecru, weights 30 and 50 as
well available in 6 bleach
solid dyed colours.
100% Metallic Thread in 1, 2 and 6 ply, in 12 solid dyed colours.
A WHOLE RANGE OF BEAUTIFUL THREADS
We can supply you with the best
quality: Lace, Embroidery, Sewing,
Quilting, Crochet, Tatting, Metallic,
Rayon, and Perlé threads (even Perlé
Finca 16 which can go on as sewing
machine) as well as 6 ply Mouliné
embroidery floss.
100% mercerized Egyptian 2 ply cotton, in 5 g. balls,
weights: 12 and 16, and 10 g. balls in weights: 3, 5, 8, 12
and 16, in solid dyed and bleach fast colours.
)RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQSOHDVHJRWRRXUZHEVLWH
ZZZILQFDWKUHDGVFRXN
100% mercerized
Egyptian 3 ply crochet cotton
thread for all use in 40, 50
and 60 weight, for quilting.
EST.1878
Importers and distributors of
Exclusive and VogueStar buttons,
craft components, haberdashery
lines, wedding accessories,
Christmas trimmings and
embellishments.
Sehlbach & Whiting Ltd
www.sehlbach.co.uk
+44 (0) 1628 591600
sales@sehlbach.co.uk
100% mercerized Egyptian 6 ply
cotton, in 8 meter skeins in solid
dyed and bleach fast colours.
fashion
focus on
fashion
What’s in fashion is essential to any striving
craft business. Crafts are looking less
homemade and more professional, so stay
on top of what’s in and what’s not!
PLAYING WITH PATTERNS
AND RE-DESIGN
“Gingham is a key pattern for this season and
can translate across the crafts from clothing
to card making.”
Go gingham
A design classic from Craft Creations, this flexible range of gorgeous gingham
sheets comes in a choice of 12 colours, and as 12in x 12in paper or A4 card,
offering something for every customer. This is ideal for all sorts of paper crafts,
card making, scrapbooking and more. Printed on top-quality stock, these are
great value items, with SRPs starting at 39p for paper and 49p for card.
Craft Creations
T: + 44 (0)1992 781 900
E: trade@craftcreations.com
W: www.craftcreations.co.uk
“Customising and restyling clothing is
top of the must-do list for crafters and
there's some great products out there to
help your customers do this.”
Flamingo fun
Turn any garment or accessory into
a stylish work of art with Marabu’s
Fashion-Spray, Fashion-Liner and
silhouette stencils.
Marabu has the complete package including a stylish range of
silhouette stencils including this on-trend flamingo design. Just select a
stencil, place onto the fabric and spray with one of the Fashion Sprays.
These textile spray paints will add brilliant colour to fabric and are ideal
for freehand spraying, stencilling and many other techniques.
Marabu’s Fashion Spray was recently voted Creative Product of the
Year by the Creative Impulse at Creativeworld in Frankfurt.
The spray comes in a 100ml spray bottle and is available in
22 vibrant colours as well as several trend
sets.
d sets
Dare to dye your denim
Jeanie is a no-mess magic colouring powder that breathes new life into
old denim. The dye comes in a dissolvable packet, making the dyeing
process easier than ever before. Just drop the packet into the washing
machine, add the piece of clothing or fabric and run the hottest cycle.
Jeanie is a fun, easy-to-use, eye-catching
product that’s designed
hing p
to inspire crafters to colour fabric.
A single packet will dye any natural
fabric including cotton, linen, denim,
silk and hemp and will dye between
one and three pairs of jeans.
There are 11 colours – yellow,
orange, red, pink, purple, bright blue,
e,
turquoise, green, olive, chestnut
and black – and the dye comes in
14g packets.
Marabu products are distributed
by West Design in the UK
T: +44 (0)1303 297 888
W: www.marabu.com/creative
W: www.westdesignproducts.co.uk
Jacquard products are
distributed by Art Van Go
T: +44 (0)1438 814 946
E: art@artvango.co.uk
W: www.artvango.co.uk
craftfocus 75
focus on fashion
VINTAGE INSPIRED
Making for your
wardrobe and home
The book Sew Over It Vintage is a fabulous collection of
stylish projects from sewing expert, craft café owner and tutor
Lisa Comfort. Sewing and crafting is one of the key trends of
the moment and the British public seems to love nothing
more than a creative way to give their wardrobe or home
a new look.
Inspired by Lisa’s love of vintage fashion and design,
this book features 30 projects, ranging from jewellery,
hats, tops, dresses and bags to cushions, lampshades,
placemats, lanterns and a luxury chair pouffe. Every project
has a clearly labelled skill level, as well as step-by-step
photography, plus instructions on how to draft your own
bodice block so that all the clothing can be made to fit
your body shape perfectly. This book is available from 18th
June from Ebury Press and retails for £15.
Ebury Publishing
T: +44 (0)207 840 8400
W: www.eburypublishing.co.uk
“Vintage remains on the rise in popularity
and offers crafters something a little different
from the mainstream. Vintage products find
a link with the past, but also provide an edgy
and eclectic style.”
Vintage edge
We love the new Button Galore
range of buttons from Hantex. These
se
hand-dyed buttons are currently
available in two gorgeous bright
shades of pink and green. Each
button has a cute black stitching
detail around the edge and the
pack includes six buttons with
three of each of the sizes (¾in
and 1¼in). The buttons have a
four-hole sew through and would look
really great on vintage sewing and
knitting projects.
Hantex
T: +44 (0)1754 820 800
W: www.hantex.co.uk
76 craftfocus
Handmade pastel weddings
Vintage never seems to go out
of fashion – it’s fun and full of
nostalgia. Soft pastel colours
play an important role in this
season’s styling, and with
budgetary considerations also
important for brides when
considering how to make
their favours, invitations,
matching stationery and
guest books, Club Green
has a wonderful range that
will allow the bride to make
the special day personal, and give
it a handmade theme as well as
being one-of-a-kind. Create a vintage
bouquet as a keepsake from that
special day and choose from a wide
range of candleholders, lace, pearls,
brooches, string, boxes, flowers
and buntings. Club Green Ltd
T: +44 (0)1483 281 313
E: sales@clubgreen.com
W: www.clubgreen.com
King Cole knitting yarns
require stockists
in many area’s
We have booked another
massive Advertising campaign
and are being inundated
by knitters requesting the
location of their nearest King
Cole stockist
Call NOW to find out more:
Tel: 01756 703670
or email: enquiries@kingcole.co.uk
www.kingcole.com
focus on fashion
FLOWER POWER
Blushing blossoms
Large and over-the-top
p blooms
have been increasingly seen in
fashion and home accessories.
sories.
Injections of colour and eye-catching
e-catch
hing
florals instantly give a lift to
whatever crafters are making.
With that in mind, the new
Gilliangladrag needle felting
kit Blushing Blossoms will
make any drab outfit visually
appealing, and your customers can
process.
an enjoy
njoy
joy making
ma ng it in the
t process
This corsage kit is now available wholesale
sale and retails at £11.95.
£11
Gilliangladrag Ltd
T: +44 (0)1306 898 144
E: caroline@gilliangladrag.co.uk
W: www.gilliangladrag.co.uk
Budding digital photographic prints
EQS is a distributor for Elizabeth Studio, which has produced its firstever digital fabric called Digital Garden. Looking at the fabric is like
looking at a wonderful photograph of stunning blooms. There’s five
patterns with bright pink, purples and orange chrysanthemums plus
a panel print that measures 23in x 42in. All fabrics are 100 per cent
cotton and are very supple to the touch.
EQS
T: +44 (0)1162 710 033
E: sales@eqsuk.com
W: www.eqsuk.com
78 craftfocus
“We’re seeing bold and vibrant
blooms on a mix of crafts at
bl
the moment, from large paper
flowers to bold graphic fabrics,
as well as a way to accessorise.”
Cross-stitched accessories
Cross-stitchers will love these
handmade accessory kits from
Riolis. This porcelain brooch will
give a glamorous and feminine
detail to any wearer’s wardrobe. This
sweet needlework kit (1504AC) will offer
cross-stitchers the opportunityy to make
beautiful accessories and includes all
the necessary materials to make them stranded cotton threads (counted cross-stitch, stitch),
beads, ribbons, brooch pin and white 2ct Brittney Lugana fabric.
The easy-to-sew needlework kit for the felt strawberry purse
(1492AC) will add a cheery bright addition to any lady’s handbag.
The kit includes detailed instructions, photographs to illustrate
every step of preparation, plus the patterns and charts. Decorated
with a composition of flowers and berries on the purse front, every
element is created using different stitches and techniques. Stitch
around the edge to give light wave to the leaf and add
long and short stitches to draw attention
ion
to the tiniest of detailss like seeds and
sepals. French knots add volume to the
flower. This kit includes
es two colours
of stranded cotton threads,
eads, four
colours of felt, a needlee and clasp.
The purse when completed
eted
measures 8cm x 9cm.
Riolis is distributed in thee UK
by Solocrafts
T: +44 (0)161 464 7313
W: www.solocrafts.com
W: www.riolis.com
Sock Yarn Specialist
HeeBee Trade
Needlecraft Specialists
/RMXXMRK&SEVHW
ERH0SSQW
HeeBee Trade is a
leading UK wholesale
supplier of quality
needlecraft products and
accessories including
canvas, fabric and
threads.
We are official UK
distributors of;
ZWEIGART
ANCHOR
DMC
KREINIK
RAINBOW
GALLERY
APPLETONS
We supply half boxes of
most threads and have a
minimum order value of
just £75, therefore we are
ideal for small businesses
and designers
01565 872214 sales@heebee-trade.co.uk
www.viridianyarn.com | viridianltd@gmail.com
tel: 0117 300 5244
w:www.heebee-trade.co.uk
95 Town Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 7HH
focus on fashion
LIGHTWEIGHT KNITTING
Summer styling
King Cole has a wide range of patterns for a stylish summer that
knitters and crocheters will love. Included in its new releases is
pattern 4157 that features long length cardigan and sleeveless
waistcoats. These can be knitted in King Cole’s Cottonsoft DK and
the pattern is available to knit for sizes 86cm to 117cm and takes
between four and 10 balls to make the cardigan and five and 11 balls
for the waistcoat, depending on the size chosen. Pattern 4185 offers
knitters a good selection of tops with and without frills, designed to
be made with Opium Palette and available in sizes 28/30
to 44/46.
King Cole
T: +44 (0)176 703 670
E: enquiries@kingcole.co.uk
W: www.kingcole.co.uk
CRAFT AND CHILLAX
“Zentangle is a self-help art therapy practice
to help relaxation and focus. Known to
craftivistas as a way to create structured
designs through drawing patterns.”
Pastel plenty
There’s no doubt about it – the colour trend
for the moment is soft and sugary pastels
from pink cotton candy, baby blue to spring
lilac and cream.
Stylecraft’s first spring summer season
collection saw the launch of the new yarn
Malabar. This rich blend of natural fibres is
78 per cent cotton and 22 per cent silk and comes
in an Aran weight that gives this yarn a wonderful
drape. The colour palette of 12 beautiful shades
makes it the perfect yarn for summer knits and
crochet accessories. It retails at £5.25 per 100g ball.
Five new shades have also been added to the Classique Cotton
DK: black, fondant, greek blue, dove and leaf plus a stylish range of
knitting patterns for ladies and girls including textured tops and lacy
cardigans that are perfect for the warmer weather. Classique Cotton
retails at £4.85 per 100g ball and is 100 per cent cotton. In response
to the continuous popularity of crochet, they’ve a lovely selection
of crochet patterns in both ranges for ladies and children and
accessories such as blankets, cushions and throws.
Stylecraft
T: +44 (0)1535 669 952
NOVELTY WEARABLES
Creative doodling
Woodware is delighted to be part of the fast growing craft phenomena
of Zentangle. Sakura is working with the founders of the Zentangle
method, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, to bring it to the UK and the
rest of Europe.
Sakura Micron pens are a big seller in the UK, and the introduction
of the Zentangle kits adds the seal of approval from the creators to
these pens. The results of Zentangle look complicated, but it’s been
designed to be accessible to all, drawing one stroke at a time to build
up intricate patterns that form a beautiful piece of artwork. The seven
kits range from just pens to all that’s needed to start creating straight
away, including step-by-step instructions for drawing your first tangle.
The most expensive set retails at under £20.00. The sets are backed
up with good quality point of sale and a wide range of books is also
available to give add-on sales.
T: +44 (0)1756 700 024
80 craftfocus
Quirky embellishments.
Fantastic Ribbons specialise in special little embellishments that
make projects have their own individuality and character. These
polka dot Scottie dog buttons are so cute and will add
a real sense of fun to any crafter’s project. They
measure approximately 27mm and come in
packs of 100 retailing at £4.45. For larger
projects, customers will also love the 27mm
mm
birdie mix buttons to add a quirky charm
m
to cushions, bags and other sewing projects.
ojects.
Both will appeal to children and
adults alike.
Fantastic Ribbons
T: +44 (0)1392 366 762
E: sales@fantasticribbonstrade.com
om
W: www.fantasticribbonstrade.com
om
“Novelty buttons are
e the perfect
adornment for adding style to your
wardrobe, jewellery and other craft
projects”
make a splash
Get creative with paints that will appeal to all sorts of crafters
Folk art
Folk It! consists of a range of
six kits that provide all the art
supplies and know-how for novice
crafters to learn folk art painting.
It was nominated in the Hot
Product award’s paint category
at the CHA (Craft and Hobby
Association) Mega Show earlier in
the year.
The Starter kit contains everything a new painter needs including six
1oz DecoArt Americana paints, a pot of DecoArt Glamour Dust, a dotting
tool, two Folk Art painting brushes, a candle and sandpaper for creating
a distressed paint finish, white and dark transfer paper, tracing paper,
black practice paper, an MDF heart and hanging twine, plus a greeting
card and envelope with mount board square plus a sponge.
The easy-to-follow DVD and full-colour instruction booklet teaches
how to put a design onto a project, and paint three simple but beautiful
designs using a dotting tool and how to create a distressed paint effect.
There are then five add-on kits to try.
Country Love Crafts
T: +44 (0)1235 861 700
W: www.countrylovecrafts.com
Wonderful watercolours
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at
watercolour painting? Daniel Smith has just
launched two fabulous watercolour sets with
a smaller 5ml tube size. This means that
customers can try this high quality brand
without breaking the bank.
The first set is an Essentials set that
has three cool primary and three warm
primary colours. From these six colours, you
can mix a huge range of other secondary colours and
paint landscapes, portraits, and still life and more
The second set is a Primatek set that has six vibrant, exciting
colours made from raw mineral rocks. These colours are original
to Daniel Smith and will give texture and depth to paintings. The
sets offer a 30 per cent and 39 per cent saving when compared with
buying them separately.
Premium Art Brands
T: +44 (0)1926 492 213
E: customerservices@premiumartbrands.com
W: www.premiumartbrands.com
82 craftfocus
Acrylic accents
Woodware is now supplying
Dylusions Paint from Ranger
Industries. These fluid acrylic
paints are available in 12
vibrant colours from the
Dylusions palette. They’ve
been developed with those
that like art journaling in
mind. The paints’ properties
make them perfect for card makers too.
They’re very blendable, but dry quickly to a matt finish so journal
pages won’t stick together. The paints are waterproof when dry,
and cleaning up is simple, with warm water and soap. They come
in a wide flat jar to make it easy to use with a variety of tools, and
hard to spill.
Of course, the Dylusions range is so much more than the paints,
and Woodware will also be stocking some of Dyan’s quirky stamps.
T: +44 (0)1756 700 024
paints
Chalky finish
Hand-painted furniture
has come along way since
Changing Rooms first
appeared on out televisions
and this year sees it return
with a contemporary twist.
Chalky finishes are top of
the list and they’re perfect
for up-cycling old pieces
of furniture and other
décor projects, as well as
scrapbooking and decoupage.
These vintage paints from Daily Art are
water-based and will provide a chalky ultra-matt look with a soft
feel. This paint requires no priming or sanding before use and will
adhere to slickest surfaces to give a supreme coverage in just one
coat. It’s easy to distress and can be used with stamps and stencils
too. For a complete finish to your project, apply Daily Art’s gloss,
satin or matt varnish. The company’s website is worth a look as it
has a great selection of DIY tutorials. Retailers interested in stocking
should contact Aleksandr Romanenkov using the details below.
Daily Art
T: +37 065 633 790
E: aleksandr@dailyart.eu
W: www.dailyart.eu
Specialisy Supplies
Color Magnet from Jacquard magically creates
a two-toned effect in one dye-bath and can be
applied by mark making or printing. Customers
can buy it as a 45ml pen or 16oz paste. Just
shake well and apply by drawing, stamping or stencilling, and let it
dry thoroughly. Drying can be aided by the use of a hair dryer. The
more diluted the dye, the greater the contrast. For best results, Art
Van Go recommends the immersion dyeing method. Color Magnet
will attract more dye where it has been applied.
Screen Ink Discharge can be added to screen printing
inks
in or other water-based paints to make them into
illuminating
colours by taking the colour out of a dyed
ill
background
and replacing with another colour. It only
ba
takes
one teaspoon to 100gms of ink to create some
ta
fantastic
effects. This additive helps achieve bright,
fa
vibrant
screened colours on dyed dark fabrics without
vi
laying
down an undercoat of white ink. It works only on
la
dyed
dy fabric – just add to the ink, screen and steam. It
comes
in 236ml bottles and retails for £17.45.
co
Painting past times
Painting on fabrics is such a popular past time at the moment, and
County Love Crafts has a wide range of fabric-themed craft options
available for DIY enthusiasts.
DecoArt SoSoft fabric paints are super soft opaque fabric paints
that give excellent coverage and washing durability on fabric.
They’re flexible like fabric dyes and don’t require heat setting.
SoSoft fabric acrylics are permanent and can be brushed, stamped,
sponged, or stencilled on and can be used to personalise gifts,
keepsakes or customise garments (shown here on the baby grow).
DecoArt supply a fabric paint mini pot assortment set in a blister
pack. This handy pack is great for small decorating projects,
take-away kits, children’s painting projects or for trying out lots of
different colours. It contains one strip of six primary colours in
22ml pots.
Country Love Crafts
T: +44 (0)1235 861 700
A
Art Van Go
T: +44 (0)1438 814 946
E: art@artvango.co.uk
W: www.artvango.co.uk
W
craftfocus 83
make a splash
Big softy
Tulip’s Soft fabric paint is a highly opaque paint that’s been
specifically developed exclusively for fabric. It dries to a soft and
flexible finish, so it moves with your fabric and won’t crack or
crumble. It’s perfect for use on all sorts of coloured fabrics, and
remains permanent and machine washable, so your designs
stay intact wash after wash. These paints are mixable and can be
watered down to create watercolour effects.
All Soft fabric paints can be brushed, sponged, stencilled and
stamped onto fabrics and work well with other
Tulip products like Dimensional fabric paints,
fashion glitters and crystals. They’re available
in a wide range of colours and seven finishes
including matt, neon, pearl, glitter, glow,
metallic and velveteen. They come in 1oz and
2oz bottles. It’s ready to use and doesn’t require
heat setting or additives, which means the paint
can be used on other materials such as plastic,
leather, wood and canvas.
Paint Creative
Alice in Wonderland lamp
Shown here is just one fabulous
project from the new Plastikote blog
site, www.spraypaintideas.co.uk, to
help retailers and crafters get inspired.
This uses Twist & Spray paint to
transform a plain lamp base, using
some plastic Alice in Wonderland
figures to create a magical light for a
children’s bedroom.
That’s Original
T: +44 (0)2381 159 095
E: enquiries@thats-original.co.uk
W: www.ilovetocreate.com
A little imagination goes a long way
Plastikote can provide quick solutions
olutions for those
crafters who love up-cycling old items into
something new. PlastiKote Twist & Spray paint
is ideal for a wide range of interior, DIY, craft and
hobby projects, combining a groundbreaking
spray that has an advanced paint formulation
along with the finest colour palette.
Its inch-wide finger pad reduces the effort
needed to spray and it sprays at any angle
so it’s perfect for hard-to-reach places. The
spray-through cap shields fingers for a cleaner
spray experience and its twist and lock action
prevents unintentional spraying. The advanced
paint formula ensures ultra smooth coats,
providing flawless coverage that dries quickly
to a tough, durable finish. Twist & Spray has no recoat window so
more coats can be applied at any time to achieve the perfect finish.
Available in more than 43 colours, finishes and effects, Twist & Spray
Colour comes in a 400ml can and has an RRP of £7.49.
PlastiKote
T: +44 (0)8447 362 235
E: plastikotehelp@valspar.com
W: www.plastikote.com
84 craftfocus
Step-by-step guide to making an
Alice in Wonderland lamp
• Take an old lamp base, some Alice in Wonderland figures and
choose your Twist & Spray colour
• Stick the figurines onto the lamp base with Blu Tack to make sure
you’re happy with their position
• Attach them to the base with a hot glue gun and allow to dry
• Cling-film the elements and lead to prevent an paint overspray
• Spray pain the lamp and then leave to dry foor the recommended
time
• Add a themed lampshade to finish off the look.
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
NEW
Six new fabulous
Pearlescent colours
& 5 mediums
Graph ‘it
alcohol
markers with 9
new colours
Stampboard,
full range now available
NEW
+44 (0)1926 492213
www.premiumartbrands.com
info@premiumartbrands.com
The Viking Loom Ltd
22 High Petergate, York, YO1 7EH
Tel/Fax: 01904 620587
• Gorgeous 1st class beads
• Printed embroideries
• Essential jewellery
findings and tools
• EdMar dimensional
threads and books
• “Know How To...”
YouTube presentations
• Elizabethan embroidery
• No Sew frames
• Printed tapestries
www.vikingloom.co.uk
vikingloom@vikingloom.co.uk
jewellery making
bling factor
We take a look at the latest products for jewellery makers
Best-selling pips
Creative Beadcraft is continuing to expand its best-selling Czech pressed glass
5mm x 7mm pip beads and now offers nearly 100 colours. The company is
the leading UK distributor for Preciosa Ornela and its prices remain extremely
competitive on all seed beads and pressed glass beads. These are available
loose or in retail-ready hang sell packs or hanging tubes, and available as Starter
Selections.
Pastel coloured beads are a must-have this season and the latest additions
include 14 soft and summery shades. Some 20 California shiny and matt colours
have also been added including the popular California gold rush. The versatile
petal shape, which is ideal for flowers. Clusters and edging and works well with
other seed beads and perfect for Kumihimo designs too. Look out for new project
downloads and image galleries on the Creative Beadcraft website which is full of
inspiring ideas for these beads.
Creative Beadcraft
T: +44 (0)1494 786 924
E: beads@creativebeadcraft.co.uk
W: www.creativebeadcraft.co.uk
Dainty beads and crystals
Originally established in
Australia 1991, The London
Bead Company opened
its first London bead shop
in Camden market. The
shop is now a 2000sq ft
emporium of beads
and embroideries in
Kentish Town.
The wholesale is a small
offshoot of the business,
selling pre-packaged, bulk
items and specialising
in seed beads, Delica
beads, Miyuki seeds and
Swarovski crystals and
distributing for The Caron
Collection, The Thread
Gatherer and Threadworx.
Cool coloured hanging wires
The Scientific Wire Company has introduced a new range of
Eurowire craft wires that come on hanging reels that are much
easier to display for retailers. Wire on reels sells well and there’s
less chance of it tangling – it’s easier for retailers, as well as
jewellery makers to store. The reel comes with a cover that clips
on and off to keep the wire neat and tidy on its reel. It comes
in a variety of colours, including the fashionable rose gold and
champagne colour. The trade price per reel is 63p.
The Scientific Wire Company
T: +44 (0)1371 238 013
E: ray@scientificwire.com
W: www.trade-wires.co.uk
The London Bead Co
T: +44 (0)20 7267 9403
E: enquiries@londonbeadco.co.uk
W: www.londonbeadco.co.uk
craftfocus 87
bling factor
Stylish kits
Dianne Cracknell has been teaching making jewellery and designing
jewellery kits for the past eight years. Under the Dizzy Di brand,
she’s now started to offer her kits wholesale. The kits have all the
materials that are required to make the stylish designs and most
of them require very few professional tools; for instance, the Get 2
the Point necklace requires some basic jewellery tools like a pair of
round pliers, nose cutter wide and snip nose pliers.
There are seven elegant designs to choose from, which are
available in a range of colourways. The kits have been designed
to suit both beginners and the more advanced beader alike.
Beading techniques include Zigzag and Eliza for beginners and
Heidi and Netty for those who wish to build up their skills. The kits
retail from just £12.
Along with the kits, Dizzy Di is offering handy teaching tutor
packs and Dianne is also available to teach these kits at a oneday workshop at the retailer’s premises.
The seven kits are as follows:
• Heidi bracelet (black or silver)
• Eliza bracelet (black, amber, blue or red) • Helix necklace and bracelet kits (multi-colour, salmon, topaz or
silver)
• La Bracelet and Necklace kits (multi-coloured, salmon, topaz or
silver)
• Netty bracelet and necklace kits (black, amber, blue or red)
• Get 2 the Point necklace (green, crystal or green/black)
• Zigzag bracelet (black, amber, blue or red)
Dizzy Di
T: +44 (0)1708 742 581
E: dizzy-di@btconnect.com
W: www.dizzydi.co.uk
Blanks for decorating
Country Love Crafts has
unfinished paint-yourown pottery blanks and
plaster-style shapes that
are a little bit different.
The round cufflink blanks
can be painted and
decorated with acrylic
craft paints, decopatched
with decoupage papers
or inks and finished
and sealed with a coat
of craft varnish. This is a great way of introducing children and adults
to making hand-painted jewellery and personalised keepsakes. The
company also supplies square cufflinks and chrome cufflink back
findings. Once decorated, glue the decorated disc to the cufflink
back using glue that’s designed for metal. Sold in packs
of 12 pairs of bisque front and
chrome backs.
Other blanks are available
from Country Love Crafts
in papier-mâché and wood
including these bangles.
Country Love Crafts
T: +44 (0)1235 861 700
E: sales@countrylovecrafts.com
88 craftfocus
One stop shop
International Craft is a family-owned wholesaler established in 1971,
supplying one of the largest ranges of jewellery components and
findings in the UK, including plated metal, Sterling silver, silver-filled,
9ct gold and gold-filled. They also stock all types of beads including
Swarovski crystal beads, Preciosa crystal beads, semi-precious
gemstone beads, fresh water pearls, glass beads, wooden beads and
cabochons in gemstone and glass. They’re also a leading UK supplier of
Beadalon stringing wire, artistic wire and tools plus many of the latest
trends including photo jewellery, living lockets and charms, adjustable
bangles and a wide selection of Sterling silver charms.
International Craft
T: +44 (0)1923 235 336
E: sales@internationalcraft.com
W: www.internationalcraft.com
TRADE-WIRES.CO.UK
Unit 3, Zone A
Chelmsford Road Industrial Estate,
Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1HD
Tel: 01371 238 013
Craft & Jewellery Making Kits
www.dizzydi.co.uk
I am available to travel to teach these kits
and other one day workshops.
01708 742581 | dizzy-di@btconnect.com
bling factor
Creative collaboration
Nunn Design’s mission is to inspire and nurture creativity to
make jewellery. The company provides all the supplies everyone
from beginners to advanced jewellery makers will need to create
stunning finished items of jewellery. The company, based in Port Townsend, Washington, USA
provides high quality components alongside specialist tools. They
pride themselves on great customer service and also have an
online gallery of free jewellery making tutorials and videos. Nunn Design
T: +1 800 761 3557
E: becky@nunndesign.com
W: www.nunndesign.com
Nunn Design offer
To win the newest collection from Nunn Design (retail value of £75),
enter the giveaway by doing one of the following things:
Leave a comment on the Nunn Design blog (http://www.nunndesign.
com/blog) stating what you’re most excited to work with from the
newest collection. Earn another entry point by liking them or sharing a post on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/NunnDesign.
The giveaway competition will end 31st July and the winner announced
thereafter.
Penchant for pendants
With summer approaching, we love these new wooden droppers
that have just arrived in stock at Burhouse Beads. These are
available in a birdcage designs and can be transformed into
beautiful earrings or pendants. Burhouse Beads has created a
charm pendant with a tassel and leather bead charm, using this
year’s Pantone colour Marsala for an on-trend look. This looks great
teamed with stacking bracelets, made from mini gemstone and
Sterling silver beads. All items shown have been designed from their
extensive findings, components and beads catalogue, which can be
viewed on the website.
Burhouse Beads
T: +44 (0)1484 485 100
E: sally@burhousebeads.com
W: www.burhousebeads.com
No shrinking violets
Create personalised jewellery, key chains and more with Grafix’s
Shrink Film, safe and perfect for all ages to use. It comes in regular,
coloured, inkjet printable and sanded films and is easy to use. Just
draw your designs, cut out and bake for stunning embellishments.
Shrink film designs will become half their size and easy to cut with
decorative scissors, die-cut machines and punches. Decorate with
permanent markers, rubber stamps and paint pens.
Grafix
T: +44 (0)8004 472 349
E: sales@grafixarts.com
W: www.grafixarts.com
QUICK AND EASY JEWELLERY IDEAS
FROM COUNTRY LOVE CRAFTS
1. Revamp old jewellery pieces
Cover old or wooden bangles with decorative papers, maps and
fabric or alternatively apply a fresh coat of acrylic paint.
2. Make your own jewellery shapes using clay
Air-drying, kiln-fired, polymer or even a home-made dough recipe.
3. Recycle everyday items into pieces of jewellery
Turn washers, spoons, plastic packaging and even lolly sticks into
pieces of jewellery.
4. Make your own mixed media jewellery
Use card-making, scrapbooking and stamp supplies to create
paper beads and other handmade jewellery.
For more ideas, check out Country Love Crafts on Pinterest –
www.pinterest.com/LoveCraftsUK
90 craftfocus
NEW!
With over 30 DESIGNS to choose from! Check out www.creative-distribution.co.uk
Telephone: 020 8953 2143
sales@creative-distribution.co.uk
Unit 4, Lockwood Industrial Park,
Mill Mead Road, London N17 9QP
project
wall box
Create a pretty display for the wall or shop window
This is an easy DIY project to make a display shelf that is perfect for storing sewing or craft supplies. It’s made from a wooden cutlery
XVE]XLEX]SYGER½RHMRQSWXOMXGLIRWLSTW8LIFIWXSRIWEVIXLSWI[MXLXLVIISVJSYVGSQTEVXQIRXWEW[LIR]SY¾MTMXSRMXWWMHI
these will become the shelves.
8LMW[EPPFS\LEWFIIRTEMRXIH[MXLEHHIHPIJXSZIVJEFVMG8LIXSTLEWEGSYTPISJLSPIWHVMPPIHMRWS]SYGERLERKMX[MXLWSQI
cord. Small sample pots of paint are just the right size for decorating this shelf.
MATERIALS NEEDED
•
A wooden cutlery tray
•
Sandpaper
•
Paint in three or four colours
•
Paintbrushes
•
Fabric remnant
•
Scissors
•
PVA glue
•
Drill
•
29.5cm (11¾ in) length of brightly
coloured paracord/string
Step 2
&IKMRTEMRXMRKEPPS[MRKIEGLGSPSYVXSHV]
in between coats. Use a small paintbrush to
keep the lines between each colour neat.
Step 4
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holes on the top and knot securely ready
to hang.
Step 3
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JEFVMGTMIGIERHKPYIHS[RWQSSXLMRKSYXER]
creases.
Step 1
Lightly sand the wood ready to paint. Decide
which way round you’ll be hanging the tray and
drill a hole 2cm (¾in) in from the edge on each
WMHI9RHIVGSEXIZIV]XLMRKMR[LMXI½VWXXSKMZI
a good base colour.
92 craftfocus
TIPS AND IDEAS
If you want to make a bigger version
you could attach two trays together.
Another way to hang the wall box
would be to leave out the cord and
just attach a small picture hanger to
the back.
These box shelves look cute in a child’s
room being used to display small toys or
dolls’ house furnishings.
Thanks to Apple Press for this project. It
JIEXYVIWMRXLIFSSOPretty, Organised - 30
Easy-to-Make Decorative Storage Ideas
to Declutter your Home by Jane Hughes.
Photography by Sussie Bell and published by
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DESIGNS PITCHES DOCUMENTS? SAFEGUARD YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP)
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Enjoyed reading this copy of Craft Focus?
Then log on to the Craft Focus website at
www.craftfocus.comXS½RHSYXLS[[I
can help you with your craft business.
1MWWIHERMWWYI#
Make sure you subscribe to qualify as a registered
reader and receive the latest issue free of charge.
If you’ve missed a back issue then we can help –
all back issues are archived so you can download
when it’s convenient to you.
;ERXXSEHZIVXMWI#
Download a copy of our comprehensive online
media pack for everything you need to know about
advertising with us or if you prefer, give Tracy Voice
a call on T: +44 (0)1376 535 618 who will be happy
to talk to you.
2IIHEWYTTPMIV#
Check out the Craft Focus suppliers' directory
– a comprehensive listing of crafting wholesale
companies that can help you to stock the right
products for your business.
The Craft Focus website contains
up-to-the minute news, events
and special offers that happen in
between each of our bi-monthly
issues plus current interesting
articles to read.
8LIWYTTPMIVW
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The Craft Focus website
is updated regularly with
information to help you
advance your craft business
0SKSRXS[[[GVEJXJSGYWGSQXSßRHSYXQSVI
94 craftfocus
competition
competition
WIN!
:
This month win a bundle of Sewline goodies
from EQS UK
Sewline offers quality products for quilters, dressmakers and other crafters.
Packaged in the well-known envelope with full instructions, they’re the perfect
all-round range to allow crafters to make their mark.
THE PRIZE
In this issue, we teamed up with EQS to offer a selection of the best-selling
products from the Sewline, worth more than £450.
SIX OF THE BEST
This bundle includes six of the top selling products that crafters will want to get
their hands on.
1. Fabric Mechanical Pencil with refill case (yellow)
This ceramic lead pencil gives a clear, fine line that's just
0.9mm thick. The colour is baked into the ceramic, which
means that you get a smooth action when drawing. It’s
available in white, black, pink and green.
2. Air Erasable Pen
This pen has specially formulated ink that stays visible for up
to five days. It features a smooth-rolling ball tip that is able to
mark fine even lines or create smooth curves on fabric, which
can then be removed with a shot of steam or by wetting.
3. Trio Multifunction Pen
This ingenious pen has two Sewline marking pencils and one
roller ball in one. Hold the clip section and turn the finger grip
and a different point will be extended - white ceramic lead,
black ceramic lead or roller ball. It’s refillable.
4. Water-soluble Glue Stick
This specially developed glue is coloured so it’s easy to
see, but after a few minutes, it dries clear. It’s perfect for
those fiddly jobs where it’s difficult to use pins or stitch. It
washes out and won’t gum up the needle.
5. Aqua Eraser
This handy tool is the gentle way to remove pencil and ink
marks from fabrics. Fill the reservoir with water and squeeze
the sides to release a gentle amount of water through the
fibre-tip point. Gentle enough for all fabrics, yet effective
enough to remove all water-soluble marks.
6. Stayer Permanent template marker (brown)
This fine point pen will mark fabric, plastic and stencils. Dries
quickly and there’s no smudging or bleeding.
For Further Information
EQS is one of the leading distributors
of products for patchwork, quilting and
home sewing in UK and Europe.
T: +44 (0)1162 710 033
E: sales@eqsuk.com
W: www.eqsuk.com C
TO ENTER
To enter the
competition visit
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word on the web
How to protect your
ecommerce business
from online fraud
E-commerce expert Simon Horton suggests ways to keep your online
craft business free from fraudsters
As online shopping continues to grow, so
too does the risk of retailers falling victim to
payment fraud. According to a 2014 report
by Financial Fraud Action, losses on remote
card purchases have risen by 22 per cent
year-on-year, and it’s not just a problem for
large corporations; fraudsters are specifically
targeting SMEs.
Experian says that small-to-medium
businesses are particularly at risk because
thieves feel that such companies are more
likely to lack the experience and resources
required to fully manage their cyber security.
There’s no magic wand to eradicate
online fraud, but by following a few simple
guidelines and implementing some security
screening tools you can significantly reduce
the likelihood of your business being targeted.
HOW TO THWART THE FRAUDSTERS
Nowadays payment processing is far more
automated. Merchants no longer need to
check each transaction manually. However,
there are still steps you can physically take
that will help you combat fraud.
• Be vigilant for any suspicious activity
Look out for behaviour that falls outside
the norm. For example, sales that are of
significantly higher value than usual, a
large number of orders all on the same
payment card, one order with payment split
over multiple cards, a low-cost transaction
followed by several transactions of a
significantly higher-value, customers claiming
they’re using the card on behalf of another
family member, or a buyer who is very
different to your usual customer profile.
• Ask for a landline number
Proceed with caution, if someone is reluctant
to supply you with a landline number and will
only provide mobile contact details.
• Untraceable addresses
Try to avoid dispatching to untraceable
addresses like PO boxes. If you feel something
is amiss, insist on sending goods by registered
post and obtain a signature upon receipt.
This way you won’t fall prey to any nondelivery claims.
• High-risk countries
Be aware of orders from countries that are
considered to be high-risk in terms of card
fraud, such as Algeria, Belarus and Indonesia.
• Email addresses
Check the customer’s email address to ensure
it’s valid, especially if it’s different to the
person’s name.
• Keep a record
To ensure you don’t fall victim to repeated
online fraud, keep a record of any fraudulent
accounts or transactions.
• Educate your team
Make sure that everyone taking orders
on behalf of your business is aware of the
safeguards outlined above. These wil help
protect your business if all staff are aware of
these measures.
OTHER ANIT-FRAUND TOOLS
Implementing additional screening processes
will help give your business greater security.
The three most common fraud-screening
tools in use are:
Address Verification System (AVS)
The address verification system was devised
by the banking industry to help fight the
growth in card fraud, such as unauthorised
use or card cloning. AVS compares the
delivery address provided by the customer
against the billing address registered to
the card.
Card Security Code (CSC or CV2)
The CSC code is the three-digit code on the
back of MasterCard, Maestro and Visa cards.
For American Express it’s the four-digit code
on the front. CSC is particularly useful for
remote transactions (online, telephone,
mail) where the payment card isn’t present.
It provides you with an element of assurance
that the card given is authentic.
3D secure (Verified by Visa / MasterCard
SecureCode and American Express
SafeKey)
Initially introduced by Visa and MasterCard,
the system provides you with an extra security
measure to check that the shopper is the
genuine cardholder.
During the payment process the shopper is
asked to enter their previously set up Verified
by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode password.
This confirms their identity with the card
issuer. It takes moments, so disruption to the
customer during the sales process is pretty
minimal. American Express SafeKey follows
the same principles as 3D secure.
Of course, it’s impossible to eliminate
payment fraud completely and this is by no
means an exhaustive list. However, following
good practice and implementing screening
tools can go a long way towards protecting
your business against online fraud. C
Simon Horton is
the founder of
ShopIntegrator,
a hosted e-commerce plugin that makes
it easy for anybody to add an online shop
onto their existing website, blog and/
or Facebook page without any coding
skills, www.shopintegrator.com. Follow @
ShopIntegrator for all sorts of ecommerce
tips and information,
craftfocus 97
tried and tested
returning to the fold
Julie Bonnar puts the new three-dimensional (3D) modular origami kit through its paces
penguin, crab, turtle, green dragon,
hen, rooster, chick, red dragon, parrot,
peacock, rabbit, white swan, pink swan,
basket, Christmas bauble, Christmas tree,
dodo, cat, mouse, plus other designs
are coming soon, such as snail, frog,
mushroom, palm tree and bee.
Modular origami was invented in China, and
it’s not like other single-paper origami as
it’s made up of many tiny pieces (modules)
that can be linked together to build different
shapes, much like Lego bricks. This means
the things that can be made are limitless.
“
People around the world have embraced
origami both as an art form and as a
mathematical concept, and in some countries
modular origami is included in the schools
teaching programme.
“
THE PRODUCT
I’ve seen origami over the last 18 months
pick up in popularity with crafters but back
in the spring, Creative Products Distribution
introduced the UK to the origami papercrafting kit from Ath Press.
This three-dimensional modular origami
product certainly pulled the crowds at the
Craft, Hobby + Stitch show back in February. I
saw 16-year-old Bulgarian origami wiz Vesko
Donov demonstrating how easy it was to put
these paper building blocks together.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Each kit contains a selection of brightly
coloured sheets of rectangular paper with
enough pieces to make the designs on the
packaging, as well as detailed illustrated
instructions for folding the module and the
assembly process for the chosen design.
There’s more than 30 designs to choose
from, including scorpion, butterfly, snake,
tarantula, fish, dragonfly, salamander,
98 craftfocus
HOW TO USE IT
Creative product Distribution sent me two kits
to try - the fish and the dragonfly kits.
It’s actually very simple to follow the
folding technique and once you’ve mastered
the triangle component part, it’s a case of
following the instructions to combine these
to make the chosen design. The instructions
explain how many of each colour you require.
The component pieces are like little 3D
triangles and the folds allow you to be able
to slot them together. I must admit that I was
surprised how quick and easy this was to do.
The assembly instructions are in colour, so
it’s just a matter of slotting them together.
TIP: The fish that I made I didn’t include
glue and although it’s quite robust without,
the instructions say that to make the piece
stronger, you can add a little PVA glue into the
pocket folds while assembling it.
REASONS TO STOCK
• With more than 30 designs to choose from,
Ath Press aim to expand the collection
monthly and add two to four new designs
every month so customers will keep coming
back for more.
• There’s a design for all shopping occasions
and seasons such as Christmas and Easter,
making them a good seller throughout the
year.
• If you’re looking for trending products to
stock, then it’s a concept in high demand at
the moment.
• Great product for adults and entertaining
children of all ages during the holidays and an
ideal product to give as a gift and for spending
pocket money.
• The product comes in retail-ready hang sell
packs so will not take up valuable space in the
shop, and retailers will be able to offer a wide
selection of designs in a smaller space.
• It’s educational too (although you don’t have
to share this fact with the children if you don’t
want to). It teaches fine motor skills, as well as
patience and perseverance.
The kits retail from between £3.30 and £17.88.
The basic rule of thumb is, the more modules,
the higher the cost of the kit will be. The sets
that we tried were priced at £4.95 for the
dragonfly and £5.85 for the fish. To enquire
about stocking, get in contact with Mark
Wilson at Creative Product Distribution. C
Creative Products Distribution
T: +44 (0)208 953 2143
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 by email: editor@craftfocus.com if
you have a product to feature.

Low-resolution - Craft Focus magazine

Transcription

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