Brand Spanking New
Bow perfection
Fantastic Ribbons is now the authorised distributor in the UK of the Bow Maker designed by Stephanie Weightman.
This revolutionary tool gives crafters an extra pair of hands to create stunning bows. Use different widths and styles of ribbon, cord, string or even lace. It comes with an instructional DVD where Stephanie talks through all the basic techniques to get the best results from the Bow Maker with lots of useful tips, advice and inspiration for creating beautiful bows.
The trade price is £6.25 with a retail price of £15 and comes in packs of six.
Date posted: 19 December 2014
Bow perfection
Fantastic Ribbons is now the authorised distributor in the UK of the Bow Maker designed by Stephanie Weightman.
This revolutionary tool gives crafters an extra pair of hands to create stunning bows. Use different widths and styles of ribbon, cord, string or even lace. It comes with an instructional DVD where Stephanie talks through all the basic techniques to get the best results from the Bow Maker with lots of useful tips, advice and inspiration for creating beautiful bows.
The trade price is £6.25 with a retail price of £15 and comes in packs of six.
Date posted: 19 December 2014
Making their mark
Sakura Micron pens are literally jumping off the shelves, and rapidly becoming the must-have pen for crafters and artists says Woodware. Woodware is now the UK distributor and say that these pens are out stripping the rest of Europe by quite a margin, with sales in Europe up 23 per cent this year.
They've also been voted by retailers in the US as the number one in the Fabulous Products Awards. This brand is now popular and the much-loved and these pens can be found in the hands of designers, architects, archivists, magna artists, zentanglists and scrap-bookers. As well as being acid-free and archival quality – these pigma micron pens don't bleed and are permanent. Research scientists use them for their notes to make them tamper proof.
For details about the other pens in the Sajura range contact Woodware.
Date posted: 19 December 2014
Making their mark
Sakura Micron pens are literally jumping off the shelves, and rapidly becoming the must-have pen for crafters and artists says Woodware. Woodware is now the UK distributor and say that these pens are out stripping the rest of Europe by quite a margin, with sales in Europe up 23 per cent this year.
They've also been voted by retailers in the US as the number one in the Fabulous Products Awards. This brand is now popular and the much-loved and these pens can be found in the hands of designers, architects, archivists, magna artists, zentanglists and scrap-bookers. As well as being acid-free and archival quality – these pigma micron pens don't bleed and are permanent. Research scientists use them for their notes to make them tamper proof.
For details about the other pens in the Sajura range contact Woodware.
Date posted: 19 December 2014
Star quilt
Rachel's of Greenfield's new Wall Quilt kit Starspin is available now from Hantex. Visually stunning in pattern and colour, this wall quilt is both playful and sophisticated. Though it appears complex, the clearly explained piecing techniques require only straight seams, and construction is very simple.
The geometric pieced design is complemented by delicate feather quilting, and the finished size is 22 inches x 22 inches. The kit includes all fabrics (100 per cotton) for quilt top, back, and binding, and also all the batting, quilting designs, precise patterns and complete illustrated instructions.
Designed in rich colours; deep red, blue, warm brown, and cream, it's the perfect make for winter and retails at £25.99.
Date posted: 19 December 2014
Star quilt
Rachel's of Greenfield's new Wall Quilt kit Starspin is available now from Hantex. Visually stunning in pattern and colour, this wall quilt is both playful and sophisticated. Though it appears complex, the clearly explained piecing techniques require only straight seams, and construction is very simple.
The geometric pieced design is complemented by delicate feather quilting, and the finished size is 22 inches x 22 inches. The kit includes all fabrics (100 per cotton) for quilt top, back, and binding, and also all the batting, quilting designs, precise patterns and complete illustrated instructions.
Designed in rich colours; deep red, blue, warm brown, and cream, it's the perfect make for winter and retails at £25.99.
Date posted: 19 December 2014
Cat mad
Catz & Co cross-stitch range by Karen Carter includes the latest design Flutterbys.
This depicts a tabby cat wanting to play with the butterflies, but they have other ideas.
Like other Catz & Co designs, the background always shows remarkable detail, making them a delight to stitch, as well as to look at when made. This design is available as a full kit on 27-count evenweave fabric or on 14-count Aida.
Available from Heritage Crafts, this design measures 12.5cm x 12.5cm and retails at £17.00
Date posted: 1 December 2014
Cat mad
Catz & Co cross-stitch range by Karen Carter includes the latest design Flutterbys.
This depicts a tabby cat wanting to play with the butterflies, but they have other ideas.
Like other Catz & Co designs, the background always shows remarkable detail, making them a delight to stitch, as well as to look at when made. This design is available as a full kit on 27-count evenweave fabric or on 14-count Aida.
Available from Heritage Crafts, this design measures 12.5cm x 12.5cm and retails at £17.00
Date posted: 1 December 2014
Duftin comes to UK
SoloCrafts has just announced its new partnership with Duftin, and is excited to be bringing designer Annette Eriksson's new range to the UK market. Her Scandinavian influenced designs use natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and hessian to create a contemporary collection for the home.
With value items for the beginner, and premium kits for the more experienced stitchers, this range is intended to bring new people to stitching for the home and enable retailers the chance to grow their customer base.
Encompassing Parisian elegance, fresh florals and Eastern beauty, there's sure to be something for every home in this unique collection.
Date posted: 1 December 2014
Duftin comes to UK
SoloCrafts has just announced its new partnership with Duftin, and is excited to be bringing designer Annette Eriksson's new range to the UK market. Her Scandinavian influenced designs use natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and hessian to create a contemporary collection for the home.
With value items for the beginner, and premium kits for the more experienced stitchers, this range is intended to bring new people to stitching for the home and enable retailers the chance to grow their customer base.
Encompassing Parisian elegance, fresh florals and Eastern beauty, there's sure to be something for every home in this unique collection.
Date posted: 1 December 2014
Presenting cakes
Hot off the production line and not the oven, Crafters Companion has extended its range to include cupcake box templates.
Cake Crafters will love these fabulous templates to make beautiful boxes for cupcake treats with four styles to choose from. The template is for a single cupcake, and measures 8cm x 8xm x 10.5cm. Bakers can now create professionally looking boxes to present their fabulous homemade bakes. They can also add their own original style by using the matting, layering and aperture markings. Leave plain for that simple elegant look, or embellish with quilling flowers, ribbons and bling for a special occasion look and add finishing touches with the Cupcake Wrapper dies.
The boxes are extremely versatile and can be used for confectionary, bath bombs, gifts and so much more. Retail at £7.99.
Date posted: 1 December 2014
Presenting cakes
Hot off the production line and not the oven, Crafters Companion has extended its range to include cupcake box templates.
Cake Crafters will love these fabulous templates to make beautiful boxes for cupcake treats with four styles to choose from. The template is for a single cupcake, and measures 8cm x 8xm x 10.5cm. Bakers can now create professionally looking boxes to present their fabulous homemade bakes. They can also add their own original style by using the matting, layering and aperture markings. Leave plain for that simple elegant look, or embellish with quilling flowers, ribbons and bling for a special occasion look and add finishing touches with the Cupcake Wrapper dies.
The boxes are extremely versatile and can be used for confectionary, bath bombs, gifts and so much more. Retail at £7.99.
Date posted: 1 December 2014
Tweet kits
Corinne Lapierre's brand is becoming synonymous with quality felting kits with everything that's required to complete the project in the box. There are few greater pleasures than sharing the love of sewing with a child or a friend and using lovely materials is key.
Unlike scratchy commercial felt, the incredibly soft wool mix felt used in the kits is wonderful to work with and also forgiving as it's easy to undo any mistakes. Many of Corinne Lapierre's kits are particularly well suited to beginners, such as this Happy Owl kit which makes six cute little owls (9cm tall) in cheerful, vibrant shades. Each owl takes around one hour to make depending on skill and detail.
Kits retail between from £5 and £25.
Date posted: 1 December 2014
Tweet kits
Corinne Lapierre's brand is becoming synonymous with quality felting kits with everything that's required to complete the project in the box. There are few greater pleasures than sharing the love of sewing with a child or a friend and using lovely materials is key.
Unlike scratchy commercial felt, the incredibly soft wool mix felt used in the kits is wonderful to work with and also forgiving as it's easy to undo any mistakes. Many of Corinne Lapierre's kits are particularly well suited to beginners, such as this Happy Owl kit which makes six cute little owls (9cm tall) in cheerful, vibrant shades. Each owl takes around one hour to make depending on skill and detail.
Kits retail between from £5 and £25.
Date posted: 1 December 2014
Easy bag making
The Retro Handbag and Tablet Sleeve patterns are from the new range of bag making patterns available from SusieDDesigns. With retail prices starting at £7.49, these popular full colour printed patterns are sure to be a big hit with customers.
Bag making enthusiasts love the fun, modern designs which are easy-to-make and suitable for most sewing skill levels. If you're interested in stocking the new popular patterns by SusieDDesigns, contact Susan directly or apply online for a trade account.
Date posted: 1 November 2014
Easy bag making
The Retro Handbag and Tablet Sleeve patterns are from the new range of bag making patterns available from SusieDDesigns. With retail prices starting at £7.49, these popular full colour printed patterns are sure to be a big hit with customers.
Bag making enthusiasts love the fun, modern designs which are easy-to-make and suitable for most sewing skill levels. If you're interested in stocking the new popular patterns by SusieDDesigns, contact Susan directly or apply online for a trade account.
Date posted: 1 November 2014
Fimo range for kids
Recognising how popular FIMO is with young crafters, Staedtler has launched FIMO kids, a CE marked range formulated specially for children. FIMO kids is softer than FIMO soft and FIMO effect, and doesn't need conditioning and is therefore ideal for both children and beginners. There are 16 vibrant colours available in 42g blocks with easy to open, re-sealable packaging. Three sub brands complete the new FIMO kids range.
For beginners, Form & Play is a collection of ten starter packs containing four FIMO kids colour blocks, a modelling tool and instructions to create the items shown on the pack plus a background scene as a setting for the completed creations. Each pack has a skill level indicator to aid purchasing decisions and encourage progression.
The Create & Play range is aimed at children with some modelling experience and allows them to develop their own creativity. There are two sets for making jewellery – Hearts and Flowers. Finally there is Work & Play, two sets of child-friendly tools designed to maximise enjoyment of these products.
Date posted: 1 November 2014
Fimo range for kids
Recognising how popular FIMO is with young crafters, Staedtler has launched FIMO kids, a CE marked range formulated specially for children. FIMO kids is softer than FIMO soft and FIMO effect, and doesn't need conditioning and is therefore ideal for both children and beginners. There are 16 vibrant colours available in 42g blocks with easy to open, re-sealable packaging. Three sub brands complete the new FIMO kids range.
For beginners, Form & Play is a collection of ten starter packs containing four FIMO kids colour blocks, a modelling tool and instructions to create the items shown on the pack plus a background scene as a setting for the completed creations. Each pack has a skill level indicator to aid purchasing decisions and encourage progression.
The Create & Play range is aimed at children with some modelling experience and allows them to develop their own creativity. There are two sets for making jewellery – Hearts and Flowers. Finally there is Work & Play, two sets of child-friendly tools designed to maximise enjoyment of these products.
Date posted: 1 November 2014
Inspiring children to craft
ExaClair has new collections from Avenue Mandarine including the new Little Couz'IN' range for the slightly older child gives children aged six and above the chance to discover the pleasure of sewing and will improve dexterity.
These simple but stylish kits come in a chicken, cat, tiger, frog, donkey and sheep design and contain all that's needed to create a 3D felt toy, complete with sew-on face details, clothes and accessories.
“Avenue Mandarine has a wide range of products that will not only entertain and inspire children but also help to develop their creativity, dexterity and enjoyment of independent play. The products are simple to use and usefully contain all that is needed to get underway with the activity,” comments Nick Parry, Head of Arts and Crafts at ExaClair.
Date posted: 1 November 2014
Inspiring children to craft
ExaClair has new collections from Avenue Mandarine including the new Little Couz'IN' range for the slightly older child gives children aged six and above the chance to discover the pleasure of sewing and will improve dexterity.
These simple but stylish kits come in a chicken, cat, tiger, frog, donkey and sheep design and contain all that's needed to create a 3D felt toy, complete with sew-on face details, clothes and accessories.
“Avenue Mandarine has a wide range of products that will not only entertain and inspire children but also help to develop their creativity, dexterity and enjoyment of independent play. The products are simple to use and usefully contain all that is needed to get underway with the activity,” comments Nick Parry, Head of Arts and Crafts at ExaClair.
Date posted: 1 November 2014
British bears
Alice's Bear Shop has just introduced six attractively boxed bear making kits to make a hand-stitched, heirloom teddies using traditional bear making skills. The kits feature top quality kit materials designed with both beginner and experienced makers in mind, and will appeal to those who love these fluffy toys and crafting.
Crafters will learn all aspects of traditional bear making from the kits, including marking out a pattern, cutting mohair, inserting cotterpin joints, inserting glass eyes, making a stitched nose and mouth plus creating a beautiful face. Most materials are British made.
The six kits feature Woodward, Carly, Cyril, Charlotte, Stanley and George, and each have their own individual charm, charisma and appeal. The six kits vary in design, colour and size and start with George, who is the smallest at a tiny 12cm when complete (RRP £30), through to the largest, Woodward, who is 32cm from head to toe (RRP £45).
Date posted: 1 October 2014
British bears
Alice's Bear Shop has just introduced six attractively boxed bear making kits to make a hand-stitched, heirloom teddies using traditional bear making skills. The kits feature top quality kit materials designed with both beginner and experienced makers in mind, and will appeal to those who love these fluffy toys and crafting.
Crafters will learn all aspects of traditional bear making from the kits, including marking out a pattern, cutting mohair, inserting cotterpin joints, inserting glass eyes, making a stitched nose and mouth plus creating a beautiful face. Most materials are British made.
The six kits feature Woodward, Carly, Cyril, Charlotte, Stanley and George, and each have their own individual charm, charisma and appeal. The six kits vary in design, colour and size and start with George, who is the smallest at a tiny 12cm when complete (RRP £30), through to the largest, Woodward, who is 32cm from head to toe (RRP £45).
Date posted: 1 October 2014
Going straight
Jewellery makers will like the most recent tool from Beadalon with The Artistic Wire Straightener tool making it easy to straighten wire that has already been worked.
Put the rollers in the palm of your hand in the open position with each of the rollers side-by-side. Lay the end of the wire that requires straightening on to the three rollers and move the rollers until they form a triangle with the wire in the centre. Grasp the rollers in one hand holding tightly, and pull it through to straighten.
These nylon rollers will not scratch or damage the coating of the artistic wire either, and retail at £10.99.
Date posted: 1 October 2014
Going straight
Jewellery makers will like the most recent tool from Beadalon with The Artistic Wire Straightener tool making it easy to straighten wire that has already been worked.
Put the rollers in the palm of your hand in the open position with each of the rollers side-by-side. Lay the end of the wire that requires straightening on to the three rollers and move the rollers until they form a triangle with the wire in the centre. Grasp the rollers in one hand holding tightly, and pull it through to straighten.
These nylon rollers will not scratch or damage the coating of the artistic wire either, and retail at £10.99.
Date posted: 1 October 2014
Graceful larger design
The latest Elegance Lady by John Clayton is Abbi.
Abbi is depicted relaxing on a chaise longue that is covered with delicate pink roses. This design is available as complete cross-stitch kits with 27 count even weave or 14 count aida fabric.
Kits contain Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted on to numbered cards, a needle, and clear charts and instructions. The design is suitable for stitchers with a moderate amount of experience, as long as they possess the determination to complete such a large design.
The majority of the stitching is cross-stitch, including some fractional stitches, and a small amount of backstitch for detail. Design measures 40cm x 23cm and retails at £50.
Date posted: 1 October 2014
Graceful larger design
The latest Elegance Lady by John Clayton is Abbi.
Abbi is depicted relaxing on a chaise longue that is covered with delicate pink roses. This design is available as complete cross-stitch kits with 27 count even weave or 14 count aida fabric.
Kits contain Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted on to numbered cards, a needle, and clear charts and instructions. The design is suitable for stitchers with a moderate amount of experience, as long as they possess the determination to complete such a large design.
The majority of the stitching is cross-stitch, including some fractional stitches, and a small amount of backstitch for detail. Design measures 40cm x 23cm and retails at £50.
Date posted: 1 October 2014
Lessons with Lori
Hantex has just taken stock of the latest books from Lori Holt. Quilty Fun - Lessons In Scrappy Patchwork features complete instructions for her incredibly popular bee in My Bonnet Row Along Quilt, along with 10 brand new coordinating projects. The book is ring bound so it can be used alongside the quilters work (SRP £22).
While Great Granny Squared is a twist on a traditional block, in this book, Lori's simplified instructions for making granny blocks in several sizes will make it easy for anyone new to quilting to have a go. It also includes instructions for two quilts, one table runner, one pillow and two embroidery quilt labels and retails at £11.
Date posted: 1 October 2014
Lessons with Lori
Hantex has just taken stock of the latest books from Lori Holt. Quilty Fun - Lessons In Scrappy Patchwork features complete instructions for her incredibly popular bee in My Bonnet Row Along Quilt, along with 10 brand new coordinating projects. The book is ring bound so it can be used alongside the quilters work (SRP £22).
While Great Granny Squared is a twist on a traditional block, in this book, Lori's simplified instructions for making granny blocks in several sizes will make it easy for anyone new to quilting to have a go. It also includes instructions for two quilts, one table runner, one pillow and two embroidery quilt labels and retails at £11.
Date posted: 1 October 2014
Frosty mosaics
Following the unprecedented success of Disney blockbuster film Frozen, Asobi has unveiled five craft kits inspired by the must-see epic. Designed by multi-award winning Canadian based craft brand, The Orb Factory, these sets are available in the best selling and beloved Sticky Mosaics range.
Sticky Mosaic kits have remained a best seller for the brand due to the high quality of materials used and the sense of achievement children feel on accomplishing a kit. With an age recommendation of 4+ years, the sets are easy-to-use, mess-free, and give amazing results every time.
These five sets will allow children to peel and stick foam and jewel tiles to create mosaic masterpieces of their favourite Frozen characters that are ready for display.
Date posted: 11 September 2014
Frosty mosaics
Following the unprecedented success of Disney blockbuster film Frozen, Asobi has unveiled five craft kits inspired by the must-see epic. Designed by multi-award winning Canadian based craft brand, The Orb Factory, these sets are available in the best selling and beloved Sticky Mosaics range.
Sticky Mosaic kits have remained a best seller for the brand due to the high quality of materials used and the sense of achievement children feel on accomplishing a kit. With an age recommendation of 4+ years, the sets are easy-to-use, mess-free, and give amazing results every time.
These five sets will allow children to peel and stick foam and jewel tiles to create mosaic masterpieces of their favourite Frozen characters that are ready for display.
Date posted: 11 September 2014
Naturally gorgeous
Now available in 200g hanks, these natural un-mercerised Perle skeins are great for dyeing. Because they haven't been mercerised, they will absorb dyes much better so that you can achieve an exact match.
This skein is perfect for crocheting and can also be used to make string bags or even a bed quilt.
Date posted: 11 September 2014
Naturally gorgeous
Now available in 200g hanks, these natural un-mercerised Perle skeins are great for dyeing. Because they haven't been mercerised, they will absorb dyes much better so that you can achieve an exact match.
This skein is perfect for crocheting and can also be used to make string bags or even a bed quilt.
Date posted: 11 September 2014
Cross-stitch from Karen Carter
These are the first cross-stitch designs in the new Catz & Co range from Karen Carter.
The two designs are full of interesting things to stitch and look at and feature beautiful complementary colours that are really striking. The first is Bird of a Feather featuring a blissfully unaware cat who has the company of three blackbirds, while the second is Forty Winks, which shows a bright stripy cat doing what comes naturally to cats – sleeping and looking very content on his hammock strung up between two enormous flowers.
Both measure 12.5cm x 12.5cm with a retail price of £17.00.
Date posted: 1 August 2014
Cross-stitch from Karen Carter
These are the first cross-stitch designs in the new Catz & Co range from Karen Carter.
The two designs are full of interesting things to stitch and look at and feature beautiful complementary colours that are really striking. The first is Bird of a Feather featuring a blissfully unaware cat who has the company of three blackbirds, while the second is Forty Winks, which shows a bright stripy cat doing what comes naturally to cats – sleeping and looking very content on his hammock strung up between two enormous flowers.
Both measure 12.5cm x 12.5cm with a retail price of £17.00.
Date posted: 1 August 2014
Ham and eggs
Plump and Porky are a pig and piglet that happily share their space with a plucky farm hen and chick. A clutch of eggs plus a bit of corn complete this appliqué scene which is all framed in a checkerboard border.
The kit to make this includes all appliqué Woolfelt®, 100 per cent cotton fabrics for the background, borders, back and binding, batting, buttons for eyes, embroidery floss, precise patterns and complete illustrated instructions. Colours include warm brown and gold hues, off white, sandstone, red, and green – perfect for autumn crafting.
Finished size measures 13 inch x 15 inch and retails at £21.95.
Date posted: 1 August 2014
Ham and eggs
Plump and Porky are a pig and piglet that happily share their space with a plucky farm hen and chick. A clutch of eggs plus a bit of corn complete this appliqué scene which is all framed in a checkerboard border.
The kit to make this includes all appliqué Woolfelt®, 100 per cent cotton fabrics for the background, borders, back and binding, batting, buttons for eyes, embroidery floss, precise patterns and complete illustrated instructions. Colours include warm brown and gold hues, off white, sandstone, red, and green – perfect for autumn crafting.
Finished size measures 13 inch x 15 inch and retails at £21.95.
Date posted: 1 August 2014
Patchwork forest
Both patchwork and characters from the forest are popular trends at the moment. Hunkydory Crafts has combined them to create a wonderful world of the Patchwork Forest with Hermione Hedgehog, Dotty Dormouse and their furry friends.This cute collection of furry woodland animals is sure to be a hit with card makers and is filled with soft pastel shades, and Hunkydory's signature rich gold foil.
Patchwork Forest collection features topper sets, concept cards and special projects including the pretty patchwork flower cards, swinging easel cards and the special decoupage gift box project. This collection is perfect for summer crafting and as always with Hunkydory, there is a fabulous range of co-ordinating items also available such as the luxury paper pads, Adorable Scorable sorbet fruits and an endearing collection of clear stamps.
Date posted: 1 August 2014
Patchwork forest
Both patchwork and characters from the forest are popular trends at the moment. Hunkydory Crafts has combined them to create a wonderful world of the Patchwork Forest with Hermione Hedgehog, Dotty Dormouse and their furry friends.This cute collection of furry woodland animals is sure to be a hit with card makers and is filled with soft pastel shades, and Hunkydory's signature rich gold foil.
Patchwork Forest collection features topper sets, concept cards and special projects including the pretty patchwork flower cards, swinging easel cards and the special decoupage gift box project. This collection is perfect for summer crafting and as always with Hunkydory, there is a fabulous range of co-ordinating items also available such as the luxury paper pads, Adorable Scorable sorbet fruits and an endearing collection of clear stamps.
Date posted: 1 August 2014
Putty in my hands
PlayMais is a natural product made from maize, water and food colouring and is biodegradable. Children can build creations independently while parents are secure in the knowledge that this material is safe. To use, simply add a drop of water to make it stick to 2D creations on cards or 3D creations for older children.
This product will aid fine motor skills as well as develop relationships between all age groups. PlayMais One series comes in nine themes and each box contains 70 pieces, instructions and accessories, and is a perfect taster set to give as a gift or for children to spend their pocket money on.
PlayMais Basics come in three sized sets and the buckets are stackable and portable, so great for promotional displays.
Date posted: 1 August 2014
Putty in my hands
PlayMais is a natural product made from maize, water and food colouring and is biodegradable. Children can build creations independently while parents are secure in the knowledge that this material is safe. To use, simply add a drop of water to make it stick to 2D creations on cards or 3D creations for older children.
This product will aid fine motor skills as well as develop relationships between all age groups. PlayMais One series comes in nine themes and each box contains 70 pieces, instructions and accessories, and is a perfect taster set to give as a gift or for children to spend their pocket money on.
PlayMais Basics come in three sized sets and the buckets are stackable and portable, so great for promotional displays.
Date posted: 1 August 2014
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