Craft Focus - Dec/Jan (Issue 70)

20 cra ftfocus brand spanking new Diamonds are forever Craft Buddy’s Crystal Art brand has gone global, with export trade overtaking domestic sales for the first time in 3Q 2018. Also known as diamond painting, the popular concept is suitable for adults and children, and is available in a variety of formats including greetings cards, wall art, stickers and LED canvases. The company has partnered with renowned artists including Claudia Hahn, Randal Spangler and Kentaro Nishino, and has enjoyed growing sales in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Australia. It is now aiming to bring the craft to mainstream attention in the UK and will be exhibiting at Spring Fair and CHSI Stitches. +44 (0)203 417 6565 craftbuddyltd.co.uk Shimmer & shine Stabilo Pen 68 comes in five metallic shades that will add a special shimmer to a range of craft projects including birthday cards, invitations and creative hand lettering. The ink is water-based and contains premium pigments that ensure light fastness and long- lasting colour intensity. There’s no need to shake or pump to get the colour to apply properly – simply start writing or drawing. With its robust medium 1mm felt tip, Pen 68 is suitable for drawings and hand lettering, and its excellent coverage means colours stand out on white, coloured or dark paper. It also works well on card and is smudge-proof once dry. stabilo.com Wax on Candle-making has grown in popularity this year, and the new EaziCandle system looks well-poised to capitalise on this trend. The product does not require any specialist equipment and can be used to make, upcycle and recycle container candles. There are three different types of wax available, as well as a selection of fragrances. +44 (0)1335 390 639 eazicandle.co.uk Silver service Essdee has produced scraperboard in the UK since 1942. As well as a selection of stunning designs, the company also supplies etching and block printing tools and other materials. The extensive product range also features innovative linoleum printing tools, which make this craft more accessible to a wider range of age groups and abilities. +44 (0)1562 607 87 essdee.co Winter wonder Craftfoam can be used to make a host of seasonal projects. A thin piece of grey or green foam can be cut, sanded and painted to form a festive snowman door hanger. When dry, features can be added, as well as a sprinkling of glitter. The rigid material is easy to shape and model using a variety of tools, and it can be delivered anywhere in the UK. +44 (0)114 249 5626 craftfoam.co.uk familyholiday.net