7 EDITOR’S LETTER On the cover Our beautiful cover features pieces from luxury stationery brand, Gilded of Oxford, handcrafted in 100% leather and available in a rich palette of 12 colours. Shown here: the A5 Red Leather Notebook, A6 Exercise Notebook in Pink Calla Lilies, Red Leather Pocket and Triangle Pen Cases, and a six-piece gift set comprising the Hexagon Pen Cup with matching Small and Large Trinket Boxes. Visit: https://gildedofoxford.com Things are hotting up The heatwave has brought much optimism to the UK. As well as Wimbledon, the UEFA Women’s Euros and the chorus of Wonderwall being sung around the UK’s big cities, we’ve had quite an exciting few months! According to the British Retail Consortium, “UK Total retail sales increased by 3.1 percent year on year in June, against a decline of 0.2 percent in June 2024.” Plus, rumours are that the next set of results are set to exceed once again. Fingers crossed. This issue, we have a focus on cardmaking, stamping and embossing – there’s plenty of crafting essentials to keep you stocked up for the rest of the year. Talking of cardmaking, we took time out to chat with Joyce Kudehinbu, founder and director of Quadrigloo and the company’s innovative square-shaped glue stick! I never knew how much I needed one and now I can’t live without it! Genius! As much as I wish it could be warm and sunny all year round, I can’t ignore the glints of sequins and glitter arriving daily in my inbox. And so, we have the first part of our Christmas features - expect chunky knit patterns and festive cross stitch kits galore! Finally, if you’re heading to the NEC this September for Autumn Fair, enjoy! We do have a preview, so take a look to plan your trip accordingly – there’s some great suppliers you won’t want to miss! Happy reading, Louise Prance Editor Rachel DESIGN +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@craftfocus.com ACCOUNTS +44 (0)1376 535 616 accounts@craftfocus.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis +44 (0)1376 535 602 sarah.ellis@craftfocus.com Craft Focus is solely owned, published and designed by Ellis Media and Events Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Craft Focus is published six times a year. ISSN 1758-0900 @craftfocus @craftfocusmag @craftfocus Craft Focus is proud to be associated with and supporters of: ADVERTISING Account Manager Tracy Voice +44 (0)1376 538 555 tracy.voice@craftfocus.com EDITORIAL Editor Rachel Westall +44 (0)1376 514 000 editor@craftfocus.com Lavinia Stamps Heritage Crafts
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