Craft Focus - Feb/Mar (Issue 65)

12 craft focus industry news TOY STORY CRAFT COLLECTION LAUNCHED Create and Craft has teamed up with Character World to launch a Toy Story craft collection on its TV channel. Following on from other successful Disney Pixar collaborations, including Frozen , The Lion King and Dumbo , the company has created a series of dies featuring best-loved characters from the film. Each product is made using detailed die technology, enabling crafters to get the truest likeness of each design with precision cutting. When used alongside coordinating paper pads, beginners and experienced crafters can both get the same professional-looking result. “We are thrilled to bring our third collection of craft products from Disney Pixar to Create and Craft,” says Stephanie Weightman, creative director. “We are proud to give our customers the opportunity to bring the Disney magic of this modern classic to life through their crafts.” Visit createandcraft.com for details. NEW EXHIBITIONS AT SAN JOSE MUSEUM This spring will see the launch of three stunning new exhibitions at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles. A Geographical Journey: The Paul J Smith Textile Collection will feature the work of New York artist and lecturer Paul Smith, who has been involved with craft and design since the ’50s. Without a Net: Susan Else, will showcase 10 circus-themed pieces made specially for this exhibition, and Talismanic Treasures: Vien Le Wood, will highlight the output of a British textile artist and designer whose work for this event is based around her view of human hair. All three exhibitions run until April. Go to sjquiltmuseum.org for details. FMM SUGARCRAFT DEVELOPS AIR-DRYING CLAY Well-known brand, FMM Sugarcraft, has developed its own range of Bright and Light air-drying clay. The lightweight modelling material is easy to work with and dries to a firm consistency within a few hours. It can be used with a range of cutters and is ideal for creating intricate items such as flowers, leaves and jewellery. It is also great for home décor projects like photo frames, plaques, mixed media craft and homemade cards. Once dry it can be dusted with lustre to create an eye-catching sheen. The trusted sugarcraft supplier has been active in the market for nearly 70 years. With many crafters already using its tools to make flowers and cut out shapes for jewellery, gift tags and other decorations, the company decided to develop a new brand, FMM Funcraft, to target this specific market. Visit fmmfuncraft.com for details.