Craft Focus - Dec 2017/Jan 2018 (Issue 64)

8 craft focus industry news GOO IS GRIPPING THE NATION Filtering over from the US, slime, goo or silly putty is becoming a popular thing to make and children are loving it! It’s ideal for arts and crafts camps, cub and scout meetings, craft project or just an all-round fun activity. Parents and children are searching shelves for glue to make slime, and Beacon’s clear slime glue is the perfect base for any young person’s favourite recipe. Slime glue dries clear, or in your chosen colour, it easily cleans up with water. It’s fun and easy to use – simply add your desired colour, some baking soda and away you slime! Creative Products Distribution is the appointed distributor of the Beacon Adhesive range. For further information and the latest price list, email sales@creative-distribution.co.uk or ring sales on +44 (0)20 8953 2143 . CREATIVE WORKSHOPS FOR NORTHEAST GALLERY Newcastle-based art gallery, The Biscuit Factory, is crafting a new workshop programme this winter. The gallery is the UK’s largest independent arts, craft and design gallery, and has teamed up with a number of northern makers and artists to host a series of interactive workshops, including Jarrow-based duo Muddy Fingers Pottery, paper cut artist Emma Boyes, who lives in the Lake District, and screen printer and up-cycling extraordinaire Kim Searle. For the first time, the seasonal programme includes special festive themed activities, offering participants the chance to make their own Christmas cards, tree decorations, tags and wrapping paper. The workshops take place throughout December 2017 and January 2018, and are aimed at all abilities. To find out more visit thebiscuitfactory.com AN EVER-GROWING TEAM Dannells, the company behind the Needcraft brand, specialising in professional lampshade kits, has appointed a new Head of European Sales, to develop its Needcraft brand with existing and new customers across UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Simon Duncan joined the business in early October. He comes with a wealth of experience in developing sales across all customer categories within the craft and hobby Industry and building retail merchandising concepts. From his previous roles with Crafter’s Companion and Creative Hobbies Groups, he’s able to give Dannells a deep understanding on penetrating and growing its Needcraft kits to the wider Craft and Hobby industry. His experience in Europe will also help define a clear cohesive strategy into each specific country market. Simon said, “I’m absolutely delighted to join Dannells, the potential with our brands and products, both in the UK and internationally, is huge. I’m excited by the thought of what Needcraft kits can deliver through inspirational ideas on varying fabric craft styles with stamping, stenciling and dyeing, there are so many variables to make bespoke lampshades. The creative possibilities for consumers and soft craft retailers are endless. The team at Dannells is dedicated, fun people with a total focus on customer care, something close to my heart, which builds strong customer partnerships.” For more information on the Needcraft range, visit Dannells website dannells.com .