Look what has caught the eye of the editor.
Curated to help children learn to write and create in a colourful and fun manner, Manuscript's new range features colouring pens, handwriting tools and pencils alongside two fun and educational activity books. focusing on colour, crafting and educating, the Lionheart Collection also includes a range of Shimmer Dot Craft Kits which focus on the latest diamond art trend.
Officially unveiled at Creativeworld, the Lionheart Collection features safari characters each with their own personality, story and background for children to connect with.
Offering a new dimension to Manuscript's broad collection, the range has been fine-tuned with parents and schools to ensure a collection that both parents and children are happy to use.
The Lionheart Activity Books, which have been formulated by education publishing experts Robinswood Press Limited in conjunction with Manuscript, boasts a selection of shape, number and letter formation tasks to cement foundational skills in three to eight year olds.
The books include a selection of 'wipe-clean' pages to ensure learning can be repeated and cemented, working alongside the compatible Lionheart marker range.
The Shimmer Dot Craft Kits are the perfect craft addition to this collection. Children and parents can work together to produce sparkly Lionheart characters to hang up in their bedroom or playroom whilst learning and improving key motor skills in the process.
Visit www.manuscriptpen.com for further information.
Selfie Craft Co's wall hanging features the seven continents outlined in different colours as well as international landmarks and a list of the planet's 10 most endangered animals. In line with The National Curriculum, all of the world's largest oceans are labelled while the Poles, Equator and Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn are also included. The points of the compass are shown and the children are also tasked with finding various buildings, animals and places.
The artist illustrated World Map is the first Selfie craft kit to venture away from clothing such as colour in t-shirts, capes, pyjamas and hats. The range of textiles are designed and hand printed at the Selfie studio in Newmarket, and are aimed at children aged between two and 12.
Selfie Craft Co founder Gemma Treby commented: “Colouring is a classic way of calming and entertaining your child and we are proud to be launching our first product that adds an educational element as well. Selfie provides a lovely activity to tempt children away from their screens, using colour to make their very own creation and providing a real sense of achievement.”
The brand has recently launched 100 per cent recyclable packaging to improve sustainability.
For more information about Selfie Craft Co and the company's range of products, please visit www.selfieclothing.co.uk
In Carina's latest book, Thread Doodling, discover how to 'doodle' embroider and create over 20 different designs full of colour and personality.
Kickstart your journey to original, personal doodle work with a variety of designs, ranging from formal patterns – such as geometrics, mandalas, labyrinths and knots gardens – to more experimental, free-form shapes that will encourage you to explore your skills and creativity. Then, be taken step by step through Carina's 'Garden' sampler, so you can see how to forge a unique embroidery yourself with no design to follow. The 22 designs can fit either in a three- or six-inch hoop, which are easy to source instore or online.
Each of Carina's designs will include photographs of the finished embroidery, a thread key, a stitch diagram and suggestions of how to work the design.
In addition, Carina will give advice on how to rework her embroidery, to encourage your own creativity.
At the back of the book, a corresponding transfer can be found so that you can easily draw the design outline onto your own fabric.
Visit https://www.searchpress.com/
Heritage Crafts has released this lovely new design: Summer Shore (BSSU1578) from the 'By the Sea' range. The design measures 20.5cm x 20.5cm and has an RRP: £31.45.
This colourful cross stitch design by Karen Carter, evokes memories of fun times by the sea.
The kit contains: Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted on to numbered cards, a needle, and clear charts and instructions.
Visit www.hcrafts.com
I can't wait for the summer months to come!
The UK's first flower party set by Flower Wrap and Grow support growing cut flowers at home and buying local British flowers. With a handy-six step guide included in the set, it is easy to follow and to create your own beautiful flower gifts.
Make memories and take photographs to fill the 'Flower Story' collage which is included along with a party checklist and ideas sheet. You can then frame the Flower Story for mum as a keepsake from the day.
The flower set includes enough eco-friendly flower wrapping materials for six people. Invite family members and include tea with cake to make the perfect morning or afternoon activity.
“I love having fun with flowers and my mum enjoys her garden,” says flower grower and designer Kelly Rideout “This is a great activity to learn together and create beautiful flower bouquets.”
For flower wrapping ideas and to purchase see www.KellyRideout.com
Made from clear polymer, Lavinia Stamps' instantly recognisable fairies continue to be popular in the papercraft category. Last year was an exciting one for the company, with exciting product launches and a brand-new shop in Ruthin. “The process of moving has been a special experience for the entire team,” says artistic director Tracey Dutton. “We have all been involved in planning, decorating and making it into a truly magical place. It was a proud moment for us all when we moved in.”
Read the full interview with Tracey in our February/March issue.
New for spring, Tilda's Happy Campers bundle includes a fat eighth for every fabric in the collection. Featuring soft details and vintage patterns, the delightful range is adorned with flower motifs and tiny bees. There's also a gingdot pattern inspired by old fashioned wax tablecloths, reminiscent of childhood camping trips. The fabric is OEKO-TEX certified and made from 100 per cent cotton. UK retailers can order it from Groves.
If you're heading to CHSI Stitches this weekend, organiser Simon Burns has a few words of advice. "Spending a bit of time planning your visit will pay dividends on the day and help you to stay focused," he explains. "It's very easy to go into 'magpie mode' at the show, with so many shiny new products on display. That said, do make sure you build in a good chunk of time for browsing and be open to new ideas and lines."
Read more of our exclusive interview with Simon HERE. Don't forget to visit the Craft Focus team at the show too - find us on stand G17.
Textile Heritage has a range of new cross stitch card sets available, including this tawny owl design. Retailing at £6.50 each, the projects are inspired by the natural world and come with all the components needed for completion.
+44 (0)1355 229 446
www.artpewter.co.uk
Hunkydory's Deco Wonder collection will add depth, dimension and detail to crafters' creations. Featuring images of elegant ladies, the glamorous range includes stamps, dies, toppers, card inserts and foiled acetate.
+44 (0)1772 272 577
www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk