Craft Focus - Aug/Sep (Issue 68)

craft focus 75 US suppliers born in the U S A Our favourite craft suppliers from across the pond SHOW BUSINESS Registration has opened for Creativation 2019, which takes place from 17 th -21 st January at Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona. Presented by the Association for Creative Industries (AFCI), it is the largest and longest event of its kind, and features hands-on education, innovative product launches, trendspotting, influencer appearances, order writing and networking opportunities for thousands of craft businesses from around the world. “This will be our third consecutive year in Phoenix, which we’ve discovered is the United States’ underground arts hub,” says Andria Gibbon, CEM, Vice President of Education and Events for AFCI. “While the area is predominantly known for its desert and cacti, Downtown Phoenix has a ton of museums, theatres, concert halls, cultural centres and eye- catching murals on almost every block. We’re excited to partner with local businesses to provide more affordable and valuable experiences for our creative community when they visit.” Earlier this year, AFCI appointed Hotels for Hope as its official booking partner for the show. The Convention Center sits in the middle of a walkable area filled with independent restaurants, pubs and busy live music venues. Creativation is now accepting exhibitor applications. Suppliers of papercraft, paint, art materials, needlecrafts, sewing and textiles, home décor, woodworking, jewellery and beads, craft kits, children’s supplies, edible arts, storage and other items can sign up at creativationshow.org CAUGHT ON FILM Styletech Craft opal films offer something a little bit different. Each colour is much more than it appears, shifting dramatically from one shade to the next. The product can be used on almost any smooth surface, giving crafters a chance to add wow factor to their projects. It’s manufactured by Tape Technologies and available in the UK through Crafty Cutter. +1 284 0284 craftycutter.co.uk styletechcraft.com BUCKLE UP HHH Enterprises supplies a huge range of jewellery-making materials including buckles, chains, charms and watch-making components. It also produces these stunning buckle blanks, which crafters can customise using beads, photographs and many other creative techniques. +1 800 777 0218 hhhenterprises.com