Brand Spanking New

Animal magic

ExaClair has released six new kits under its popular Décopatch brand. Ideal for children, themes include a swan, butterfly, bee, dachshund and llama with each containing a maché animal, two paper designs, a glue pot and a brush. “The packaging is appealing and conveniently sized, and helps showcase the craft as fun, easy and creative,” says marketing manager Clement Rouillard. “These kits make a perfect stepping stone for all manner of Décopatch projects.” The company also has Easter-themed maché supports available. Its hare comes in 9cm and 15cm sizes, while the chick stands at 12.5cm. Towering above them all is a magnificent 28.5cm hen. All three provide a blank canvas for crafters to give life and character to their seasonal decorations. exaclairlimited.com

Creative crafting

Offering craft-based fun for all the family, the Manor House and Ashbury Hotels provide guests with a choice of 18 tutored activities. The programme is flexible, so every class runs at least once during each visitor's stay. Techniques 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 relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

Good wood

We love Hawthorn Handmade's new wooden embroidery kits and mini circular weaving looms. Each product is contemporary and versatile, combining wood and textiles to achieve something completely original. Every set comes with the materials and instructions needed to create beautiful decorations, jewellery and other creative projects.

Knitty gritty

Vanessa Bee supplies knitting and crochet bags, all made from biodegradable jute or juco. There are many imaginative designs to choose from, all available in bright and cheerful colours. Each bag carries the company's distinctive sheep logo with a catchy craft-related slogan and prices start at £4.99. The supplier also offers mug and coaster sets, which proved especially popular during Christmas 2018.

Portrait of a lady

Joining the Elegance by John Clayton collection, Harriet is a new cross stitch design available from Heritage Crafts. Each kit contains Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted onto numbered cards, a needle, charts and instructions. It measures 16cm x 24.5cm and has a retail price of £38.60.

Print shop

The Craft Cotton Company is launching a raft of new fabrics major industry names this February. Highlights include Lily Pad by Debbie Shore, Rainbow Etchings by Stuart Hillard and Eastern Botanicals by Sarah Payne. The supplier also has some exciting launches planned for CHSI Stitches including a collection themed around this month's cover star, Miffy. The company's blog, craftcottonblog.co.uk offers a range of free tutorials and projects to support retailers.

Proud as a peacock

Corinne Lapierre's pretty peacock kit is perfect for crafters who wish to develop their skills. The easily achievable project comes with clear illustrated instructions and soft wool-mix felt, offering a rewarding make for beginners and more advanced crafters. It retails at £9.60 and free sample packs are available with every trade order.

A woman's world

This spring, GMC is releasing a new kind of cross stitch book. Feminist Cross-Stitch: 40 Bold and Fierce Patterns brings together a host of vintage-inspired designs. It's written by Stephanie Rohr, better known as stephXstitch, who has been designing cross stitch for more than 10 years. The book is packed with edgy slogans and clever one-liners, with an illustrated basics section to get readers started. There's also information on tools, materials and techniques, as well as advice on framing finished pieces. The hardback title retails at £14.99.

Card games

Perfect for maximising sales throughout spring and Easter, Hunkydory's latest Whopper Topper Pad and Little Book will be joining the All Occasions collection this season. The range includes a selection of co-ordinating products adorned with eye-catching artwork. The new lines are also suitable for engagements, weddings, anniversaries, new babies, Mother's Day, sympathy and new job cards.

Fabric focus

Hantex has a range of new dressmaking fabrics available under the Modelo brand this month. Made from polyester and viscose, there's versatile wool-style coat fabric that's machine washable, practical and good value. This long-lasting material offers a great choice for stitchers who want to minimise their impact on the environment. There's also Nicky Velour, an amazing product that's perfect for a multitude of uses where softness and warmth are required. The cotton, polyester and nylon blend offers durability that's ideal for winter tops, dresses and kids-wear. Lastly, Modelo's sweatshirt fabric combines the wearable softness of jersey with everyday practicality. It comes in subtle colours and contains a hint of lycra to ensure it retains its shape.

Fairy dust

Measuring 83mm x 55mm, Winifred is one of Lavinia Stamps' newest designs. The whimsical fairy image is clean, clear, easy to use and is manufactured from high-quality resin, perfect for mounting on an acrylic stamping block. It's priced at £7.

Fingers crossed

Buttonbag has reported an increase in parents asking for pre-school craft activities, but with many children's projects requiring high levels of dexterity, this can be a difficult niche to fill. To help, the company has produced a selection of kits for the very youngest crafters including Rainbow Friends, which does not include any sewing or cutting. The beautifully packaged kit uses simple and ingenious techniques to make bendy dolls from large wooden beads, chenille stems and pre-cut felt shapes. Bright colours and clear instructions are a key sales tool, and the kits are popular with both girls and boys. Sewing, jewellery and finger knitting sets are also available, with unit prices ranging from £4 to £8.80.

About Craft Focus magazine

Craft Focus magazine is a bi-monthly trade publication for the craft industry, distributed to Art & Craft shops, Toy shops, Model shops, Haberdashers and Needlecraft retailers. read more >

Issue 71 Feb/Mar 2019

Download your free copy here

Trend file
Be inspired by our pick of fruit-themed crafts

CHSI Stitches
Everything you need to know about this year's show

The joys of spring
Seasonal crafts to impress your customers

Fabric update
New designs for the months ahead

Sharp objects
The latest sewing and stitching products

Issue 71 Feb/Mar 2019

Download your free copy here

Trade suppliers' directory

Look through our regularly updated list of trade suppliers and wholesalers.

Search

From the editor

Andrea Ashfield, Editor

The craft industry has changed enormously in recent years, with the advent of TV shopping, social media marketing and the changing fortunes of the high street all impacting the way retailers do business. That’s why trade shows like CHSI Stitches, which takes place this month, are more important than ever, offering a vital opportunity for crafters to come together and share ideas and inspiration.

Now in its fourth decade, the event showcases innovations from more than 200 exhibitors across the craft, hobby and stitching categories, with more than 50 per cent of the industry’s businesses represented. If you’re looking for products and trends to delight and excite your customers, this is where you’re sure to find read more >

News

Crafter's Companion introduces new brand ambassador

World-renowned quilter Jennie Rayment is joining Crafter’s Companion as a new brand ambassador. ...more
Posted: 20 March 2019

Hawthorn Handmade reveals expansion plans

Dorset-based craft company Hawthorn Handmade has continued its expansion with a move to larger premises. ...more
Posted: 12 March 2019

2019 LaunchPad winners revealed

The winners of LaunchPad 2019 have been announced, with eight companies receiving a free exhibition stand at Stationery Show London. ...more
Posted: 12 March 2019

Click here to view more News >

Events

Crafting at Ally Pally

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London, N22 7AY

06/04/2019 - 07/04/2019

Visit the official website

British Craft Trade Fair

Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate, HG2 8QZ

07/04/2019 - 09/04/2019

Visit the official website

Giftionery Taipei

Taipei World Trade Center, Hsin-Yi Road, Section 5, Taipei, Taiwan

18/04/2019 - 21/04/2019

Visit the official website

Click here to view more Events >

Focus on:

Variety act

Mark Wilson from Creative Products Distribution is looking forward to discovering more craft bestsellers in 2019 ...more

Making dressmaking more sustainable

Jacqui Smith examines ways in which the sewing industry can become more environmentally-friendly ...more

Make fabrics a success in 2019

Jacqui Smith, director of Hantex, reveals how to make the most of the home sewing market ...more

Trade suppliers' directory

Look through our regularly updated list of trade suppliers and wholesalers.

Search

News

Crafter's Companion introduces new brand ambassador

World-renowned quilter Jennie Rayment is joining Crafter’s Companion as a new brand ambassador. ...more
Posted: 20 March 2019

Hawthorn Handmade reveals expansion plans

Dorset-based craft company Hawthorn Handmade has continued its expansion with a move to larger premises. ...more
Posted: 12 March 2019

2019 LaunchPad winners revealed

The winners of LaunchPad 2019 have been announced, with eight companies receiving a free exhibition stand at Stationery Show London. ...more
Posted: 12 March 2019

Click here to view more News >