Craft Focus - Jun/Jul (Issue 67)

How long has Pixelhobby UK been in business, and what inspired you to start the company? Pixelhobby UK was created just over two- and-a-half years ago. I had been selling pixel kits and other crafts at local fairs, as well as organising children’s craft parties and school workshops. Pixelhobby soon became our bestselling line, and I recognised an opportunity to approach independent craft shops to see if they would be interested in our range. At one meeting, the client bought my entire stock there and then – I had to frantically rush back and make up more samples for the next day! From these initial visits, I began to feel that exciting times were ahead. Tell us a little about your background and how you came to work in the craft industry. I trained as a private secretary and worked for a number of insurance companies, as well as Lloyds Bank, before taking a career break to raise my three daughters. When my youngest, Hannah, started school, I remember feeling that it was time for a fresh start. I wasn’t keen on going back into the insurance and admin world, and my love of crafts was leading me in another direction. Attending craft fairs and feeling the industry buzz made me want to be part of it, so I started researching and testing products that were not available on our high street. This is how I came across Pixelhobby. Talk us through the company’s product range. Pixelhobby’s squares and baseplates are manufactured in The Netherlands and distributed worldwide, so there are different versions of the brand all over the globe. I love the fact that each separate company has put its own mark on the product, stocking not only original Pixelhobby patterns but also different designs for each region. At Pixelhobby UK, we have focused on everything from producing our own magnet and cardmaking kits to larger framed projects that make stunning pieces of art. Who do you see as your end user? Our demographic is broad, which is why I feel the product has proved to be so popular. At our workshops, I have seen both children and adults making keyrings or magnets and then purchasing further kits to take home and create. We work hard to ensure that our range is wide, which means there is something for everyone. If we do not have a certain theme available, we have an in-house designer who can create it for you. There are two different sizes of pixel, which means kits appeal to both those who enjoy intricate crafting and those who prefer to work with larger pieces. Which designs are proving most popular? That’s a tough question. We always try to keep up with market trends, and designs featuring unicorns and owls are extremely popular at the moment. Our new cardmaking kits, particularly florals, are also doing well on the Hochanda channel, so we are adding new designs monthly. Our exclusive Scene Selection range is available in a variety of themes including fairyland, space, rainforest, mermaid and pirate, and includes six magnet kits that form a complete scene together. Do you find the British craft industry an exciting and inspiring sector to work in? Most definitely! I love being part of an industry Janet Eden, owner at Pixelhobby UK, tell us why retailers should be stocking her company’s fun, addictive craft kits Squaring the circle 98 craft focus