7 EDITOR’S LETTER On the cover Keep your needle safe and secure with this fun and practical Tarot Card needle minder - a must-have accessory for embroidery, cross stitch, and mystical crafters. Crafted in the UK from FSC sustainably sourced birch plywood, this high-quality needle minder features a strong neodymium magnet on the back, plus a separate magnet to hold it in place. Simply sandwich your fabric between the magnets, or attach it to your cuff, lapel, sewing machine, embroidery stand, or any other surface for easy needle access. www.hawthornhandmadewholesale.co.uk Welcoming in 2026 The craft industry is driven by a deep commitment to its customers. As we delve into 2026, it’s more clear than ever that consumer experience is vital to keep footfall high. Whether you’re offering in-store tutorials, allowing your physical shop to act as place to encourage people to come together, or hosting workshops – all are great options to keep shoppers wanting to visit their high street and not simply buy online. We’ve also seen the rise of inspiring ‘meet the maker/author’ events, and pop-up stalls to allow newbies in the industry visibility and the chance to thrive. Social media is still huge – people want to connect – so show your face and say hello and engage with your community! Staying positive, we’ve put together a mindfulness feature filled with inspiring products to help you unwind and get creative – journalling, colouring in, or simply taking time to write to friends and family with pretty notecards using beautiful stationery. We’ve also got plenty of inspiring product features to get your creative cogs turning for key occasions like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Get planning early and create inviting window displays with plenty of inspirational products on show. Talking of sourcing, what better way to find new products that with the Consumer Goods Show in Frankfurt, combining Creativeworld, Ambience and Christmasworld; or maybe you’ll be visiting Harrogate Christmas & Gift; or taking to the aisles of The NEC for Spring Fair. Wherever you choose, we hope to see you there! Wishing you all a prosperous 2026. 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 The Natural Dye Store SoloCrafts
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