Craft Focus - Feb/Mar (Issue 65)

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 puts the latest products through their paces so if you have a product to feature, get in contact with Andrea Ashfield at editor@craftfocus.com. Hawthorrn Handmade +44 (0)1258 880 691 info@hawthornhandmade.co.uk hawthornhandmade.com THE PRODUCT Create your own magical needle felted unicorn with this mini needle felting kit. With the beautifully coloured wool and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to master this fun and addictive craft with ease. This kit is one of many in the Hawthorn Handmade needle felting range and includes all the materials and tools needed to complete the unicorn. It comes beautifully packaged and is perfect for giving as a gift, as well as getting new customers interested in crafting. It retails at a reasonable £9.95 and for an additional £3 customers can also purchase a foam block working surface. REASONS TO STOCK • The kit will appeal to a wide market and retails at £9.95 • No previous crafting experience is necessary • The unicorn is part of a large range of needle felting kits • The kits are put together by hand and come in beautifully designed gift boxes that will stack easy and stand out on the shelf HOW TO USE IT It’s really quite easy to get started – you’ll need a foam block to work on then simply read the step-by-step guide, unpack the bright bundles of British and merino wool and using the felting needles, stab the wool to life! The detailed instructions include illustrations of each step so if you’re a visual learner like I am you’ll find them really easy to follow. If you need some extra help you can also check out the online video tutorials. I’d never had a go at needle felting before now and I was really impressed with the finished result. Hawthorn Handmade estimate that the unicorn will take a beginner two to four hours to complete and mine was finished in one and a half hours. This kit’s for crafters of all ages. It does contain two sharp needles though so adult supervision is required if children aged at least 10 years old are having a go. “I love crafts but rarely get time to delve in so being a total beginner I didn’t think I’d be any good at needle felting. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I found it really relaxing and quite therapeutic and with it not taking too long to do I can fit it in around everything else. I’ll definitely be purchasing more kits and love that the sky’s the limit when it comes to designs and difficulty so as I improve, my pieces will too!” Sarah Gallivan, contributing editor. If you’re looking for a new hobby or just want to unwind, these kits are perfect. My unicorn has taken pride of place on my daughter’s bedroom windowsill and she’s already asked when the next one will be complete to join it! Sarah Gallivan puts Hawthorn Handmade’s Unicorn Mini Needle felting kit from through its paces 130 craft focus