Craft Focus - Dec/Jan (Issue 70)

8 craft focus industry news SWEET DIXIE SEEKS PRODUCT DESIGNERS Personal Impressions’ in-house brand, Sweet Dixie, is looking for designers with which to collaborate. The label wants to empower artists, crafters and graphic designers to pursue their creative goals, and is providing a great opportunity to showcase individual skills within a team of experienced distributors. There’s no financial outlay involved – simply create and submit a design. If approved, the product will be ordered, and both the designer and Personal Impressions will market the item. A commission on sales will be available. Sweet Dixie launched in 2013 and offers everyday craft products, with nearly 700 lines launched in the past 24 months. A range of seasonal themes and styles are available, and designs are inspired by fashion trends in the UK and US. The homegrown brand is gaining momentum globally and its design team includes Sue Dix, Sharon Callis, Lindsay Mason, Kirsty Wiseman, Marion Emberson and Paul Pascual. Product categories include dies, clear stamps, embossing powders, glitters and stencils. If you’d like to know more, email jenny.hawkins@personalimpressions.com or alternatively, call +44 (0)1235 861 700 . PENTEL RAISES MORE THAN £500,000 FOR PROSTATE CANCER UK Pentel has raised over £500,000 for Prostate Cancer UK by selling more than two million special edition pens. The company partnered with the charity in 2009, initially donating money raised by sales of its LineStyle ballpoint. Now, it is giving 25p from each sale of the EnerGel Xm retractable rollerball, which retails at £2.99. “We heard earlier this year that the disease has become the third biggest cancer killer in the UK, and this has made us more determined than ever to continue to support the excellent work of this charity, to help fund projects to raise awareness of the disease and improve the quality of life for men living with a diagnosis,” says Wendy Vickery, marketing manager. “Our efforts won’t stop now we’ve reached this significant figure. We’ll keep going, setting new goals and hopefully raising much more money to support Prostate Cancer UK and the fantastic work that they do. Next step, £1 million!” James Beeby, associate director of Prostate Cancer UK, adds: “This partnership has been something to really write home about, and we are incredibly grateful to Pentel for its continued support. One man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer, a shocking statistic. It is with support from Pentel and its customers that we are able to continue to help, and for this we cannot thank the team enough.” Visit pentel.co.uk for details. CRAFT HOTEL OFFERS WINTER FUN Offering creative fun whatever the weather, the Manor House and Ashbury Hotels provide guests with a choice of 18 tutored craft activities. The programme is flexible, and every class runs at least once during each visitor’s stay, so it’s possible to take part in as many or as little events as desired. Crafts on offer include everything from pottery and candle making to glass engraving and woodwork. Tuition is covered within the cost of the break, and guests of all ages are promised a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Go to manorhousehotel.co.uk for more information.