Craft Focus - Dec/Jan (Issue 70)

10 craft focus industry news THE CREATION STATION TEAMS UP WITH POPULAR CBEEBIES SHOW Award-winning company The Creation Station teamed up with the hit CBeebies show Bitz & Bob in November to run a series of classes aimed at inspiring children to take an interest in STEAM subjects including science, engineering and maths. The team at The Creation Station toured the UK with Bitz & Bob, running special themed events for children aged two to seven years. The classes took place at nurseries, schools and local venues. Kids were encouraged to use their ‘Engineer-o-vision’ and join the fun with exciting experiments such as creating balloon rockets, bubble blowers and liquid balls. “We are hugely excited to be working with The Creation Station to engage children to experience engineering ideas first-hand,” says Nicola Hermann, director global brands at Boat Rocker Rights. “We know from the popularity of our companion show ‘Bitz & Bob You Can Do It Too’ that children love watching the associated experiments and makes from each episode, so it is fantastic to be able to give them a hands-on experience. We really hope that these projects will be the start of inspiring a whole new generation.” Sarah Cressall, founder of The Creation Station agrees: “We were thrilled to partner with the much loved Bitz & Bob to help children engage in activities that spark their interest in these subjects. Introducing a creative approach to learning helps children to explore, discover, make connections, ask questions, understand and develop a wealth of problem- solving and thinking skills.” Find out more at thecreationstation.co.uk TESA TO PARTNER WITH CREATIVE PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTION Adhesive tape manufacturer tesa has announced a partnership with Creative Products Distribution. The deal was sealed following a meeting between the two companies at the 2018 edition of CHSI Stitches and offers tesa a route to market for its innovative craft range via Creative Product Distribution’s large network of wholesalers and independents. Mark Wilson, director at Creative Products Distribution, is confident that the move will prove successful for both parties. “When I started the company nine years ago, we initially offered adhesives to craft users,” he explains. “Since then, we have expanded the range but always with an emphasis on high quality products. tesa is the perfect fit, with innovative and environmentally-friendly lines that will complement our current stock perfectly.” Items will include TACK adhesive pads, an award-winning glue stamp, sprays, rollers, tapes and hand dispensers, as well as a number of eco-friendly options. “This relationship is key to strengthening our engagement with resellers looking to meet growing demand for innovative craft products,” adds Philip Johnson, key account manager at tesa. “Our range of adhesive solutions ensure clean and precise application enabling users to achieve high quality results on intricate tasks.” The two companies will be showcasing the latest lines at CHSI Stitches at the NEC in Birmingham from 17 th - 19 th February 2019. Go to creative-distribution.co.uk for information. SEARCH PRESS APPOINTS NEW AGENT Simon Fay has been appointed as Search Press agent for South West England and South Wales, following the retirement of Steve Nunn. Simon can be contacted on 07759 545 601 or by email at sfay18@ talktalk.net. Alternatively, customers can contact sales@searchpress.com