Craft Focus - Aug/Sep (Issue 68)

MAKE IT MOVES TO NEW VENUE Based in Farnborough, Hampshire Make It and Knit & Stitch is a major consumer exhibition for companies that want to meet and sell to thousands of papercraft, card-making, needlecraft and home hobby enthusiasts. The next event will take place on the 22 nd and 23 rd February 2019, and will move to a new exhibition centre at Farnborough airport. Over 10,000 visitors are expected to attend. Crafters will be able to try their hand at traditional and cutting edge techniques, and the show will include high profile brands and niche companies with a range of new designs and products. “We are so pleased to announce that Make It and Knit & Stitch will have a brand new venue for 2019,” says Show Organiser, Kate Valentine. “We are constantly striving to deliver the most exciting and hands-on event in the crafting calendar. We offer visitors the chance to get involved with free make and takes, live demos and an extensive workshop programme. We aim to ensure we have something for everyone who attends – the show gives our visitors an ultimate craft experience.” For stand availability and costs, go to make-it.org.uk PAPER AWARD FINALISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED The finalists of this year’s PaperAwards for Top Drawer autumn/winter 2018 will be announced on 20 th August. Now in its fifth edition, the initiative celebrates design, creativity and innovation within the greetings and stationery industry. Judges for the event include Holly Tucker, co-founder of notonthehighstreet.com and Holly & Co, Emma Hawkis from Fortnum & Mason and Hazel Walker from Paperchase. Applications closed on August 3 rd and consist of three categories: exciting use of colour, emotive design and engaging print. All finalists will have their work featured at Top Drawer, and the winner of each category will receive a prize worth £1,000. The show’s organiser Clarion will also be relaunching PaperPitch, an informal 10-minute timeslot that will see exhibitors showcase their products to a panel of retailers representing different markets including independent, online, department stores and multiple retailers. Top Drawer will take place from 9 th -11 th September at Olympia London, and will feature more than 1,000 design- led brands across home, gift, fashion, craft, greetings, stationery, food and play. Go to topdrawer.co.uk for details. shows, news and events ASIAN GIFTS & PREMIUMS SET FOR RECORD ATTENDANCE Organised by Comasia Limited, this year’s annual Asian sourcing extravaganza will include four concurrent shows, all taking place between 20 th and 23 rd October at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre. The event has become a regular for buyers across the region who are looking for on-trend gifts and premiums, housewares, home décor, toys and games. The enormous fair has become increasingly important over the last two decades, and in 2017, it featured 1,342 exhibitors from 19 different countries and regions. More than 37,000 international import and export houses, wholesalers, distributors, agents, mail order companies and retailers from 130 countries attended the show. The 2018 edition is set to showcase a wider and more varied selection, catering for buyers’ needs and introducing new trends. Highlights will include a Design Studio, where buyers will be able to meet talented young designers and start-up companies. Go to asiangnp.com for more information. CONSUMER SHOW NEWS 24 craft focus