The Papier advent calendar returns
Papier, the cult stationery brand known for contemporary design and commitment to transforming the ordinary into...
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.
Each issue contains detailed information on upcoming trade shows and reviews many new and innovative products, enabling retailers to make informed and profitable buying decisions for their business. Find out more about the magazine here.
Subscribe now and we shall tell you the moment a new issue of Craft Focus magazine is out! You will also receive our free monthly newsletter too.
The Papier advent calendar returns
Papier, the cult stationery brand known for contemporary design and commitment to transforming the ordinary into...
Pentel uk to offer plus corporation products
Pentel (Stationery) Ltd. is delighted to announce a strategic new product launch that will enable the...
Reframing the framing business
A breakthrough business in an industry that has barely changed in centuries, Pop-up Frames launched their small pop-up...
Visitor registration for Toy Fair 2025 is now open
Visitor registration is now open for Toy Fair 2025 , the UK's largest trade show dedicated to...
What a bumper issue we have. To kickstart, we’ve been chatting with our friends over in the Big Apple as we discuss the upcoming NY Now summer market taking place this August at the Javits Centre, NYC. Myself and many of our readers have visited and even exhibited there before and it really is a show to be reckoned with. Do check out our three-page Q&A to fi nd out all the details... you’ll be Stateside before you know it!
As we head into summer, we take on some Italian flair as we check out the terrazzo trend that’s taken the décor world by storm. You too can decorate items in your house in the funky, mosaic style - there’s some fantastic box sets to make your product with everything you need in the box!
We also have a feature focussing on eco-friendly craft items. Consumers are buying more consciously and are looking for items responsibly packaged with little negative environmental impact. Shoppers are mindful of reducing waste and upcycling wherever they can, so do be inspired and bare this in mind when choosing what to stock on your shelves.
Our other jam-packed features include Crafts under £15 - for those giftworthy purchases, children’s crafts and back to school!
And lastly, please shout if there’s anything you’d like to see in the magazine, we love to hear from our readers.
Enjoy the warmer days ahead and keep on crafting!
Rachel Westall, Editor
PS. If you have any news you would like to submit to this site or Craft Focus magazine, please email editor@craftfocus.com
Rachel x
Dreaming of a stylish autumnal cardi? Or snuggling into a plush winter cardigan as cosy as a warm hug? The stunning images in Cardigans by Maja Karlsson will guide you to these projects, and many more besides. Divided into seasons, there are gorgeous, comfortable knits designed to suit every occasion and all types of weather, all using wool or wool mixed yarns. For further information, email sales@batsfordbooks.com or visit: www.batsfordbooks.com
If you like this, check out more inspirational ideas.
Fabian Santoro, co-founder of Xpofairs and online tradeshow platform, explains more about the company and its new gift tradeshow for 2025, The Gift Fair. When did you start up the company and why? Officially, Xpofairs launched in 2024, but our story goes back much further. Our founders, (who have over 70 years of combined experience in exhibiting and visiting at traditional trade shows) have been grappling with the challenges of this industry for years. We started by talking to hundreds of companies and buyers, alongside reflecting on our own experiences.
The trio of Frankfurt consumer goods fairs,consisting of Ambiente, Christmasworldand Creativeworld, impressivelydemonstrated that the entire globalconsumer goods industry was a guestat the fully booked Frankfurt exhibitiongrounds for five days. Even the rail strikecould not dampen the success: "Missionaccomplished! Together with around5,000 exhibitors and participants fromover 170 countries and regions, thistop-class trade fair trio strengthens theconsumer goods industry in uncertaintimes", summed up Detlef Braun, Memberof the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt.The Frankfurt trade fair trio withinternational appeal has once againproven to be a leading event thatprovides orientation for retailers andmanufacturers. "Once a year andonly here in Frankfurt! The economy isunder enormous pressure in the face ofincreasing global tensions. That's whypersonal encounters, new solutions,inspiration and the development of newexport markets and sales channels suchas Hospitality and the contract businessare irreplaceable," emphasises Braun.Voices from the industry underlinethis: "Once again, the trade fair trioof Ambiente, Christmasworld andCreativeworld asserted its immenseimportance as the number one orderplatform for the German specialisedtrade. The retail trade's need forinnovations, the chance to experienceand order products in a personalencounter on site were the key factorsthat characterised the spirit of the tradefair. Retailers are entering the new yearwith a strong tailwind and many tradefair trends," summarises Christian Haeser,Managing Director of the German Homeand Office Trade Association (HWB).Michael Berz, President of theGerman Culinary and TablewareTrade Association, adds with regardto Ambiente: "Like other specialisedsectors, the industry for glass, ceramicsand porcelain is facing challenges in adifficult economic environment. Ambienteis a strong and reliable partner for ushere - especially now. With the expansionof the HoReCa area, the trade fair hasconsistently developed the diningsegment. This opens up even morebusiness opportunities for our members.Ambiente provides a lot of good, forwardlooking impetus. That gives us hope."
