50 From hotbobymasterpiece Helen Cottrill, Business Development Director UK of Figured’Art talks to Craft Focus about their brand-new kits and launching their first licensed collections Tell us a little bit about the company. Where are you based? When did the company start? I’m based at home in the Scottish Borders, where I work entirely remotely managing the UK side of the business. I’m in daily contact with the wider team, so it very much feels like being part of a close-knit international office. The business is truly international. Our main team is based in France, with colleagues and partners working across several countries, all collaborating to develop new designs, formats and ideas for the range. Who founded the company and why? Figured’Art was founded by two friends, Anthony Pinna and Pierre Monnier, who shared a passion for creativity and the idea that art should be accessible to everyone. What began as a small venture has grown into one of the leading suppliers of Paint by Numbers, Diamond Painting and creative craft kits across Europe, all designed to help people slow down, relax and enjoy the satisfaction of making something beautiful. How has the company evolved? Since those early days, Figured’Art has grown significantly and today the brand is available in more than 2,500 stores across Europe. What started as a small creative project between friends has developed into a recognised name within the craft and gift sector, with over €15 million in turnover in 2025 and a growing international presence. Alongside our retail partners, we also have a very strong direct-to-consumer community, with over 500,000 active B2C customers and more than 175,000 followers on Instagram, who share their finished pieces and creative journeys with us every day. What do you specialise in? The collection has evolved to include hundreds of exclusive designs across Paint by Numbers, Diamond Painting, Book Nooks and other creative kits, making Figured’Art somewhat unique in offering a multi-category range of giftable craft sets. Quality has always been a key focus for us, which is why the brand is widely recognised as a market leader for quality within the category. Talk us through the current products you’re particularly excited about. Do you have a favourite? I’m particularly excited about our Book Nooks collection, which has had a fantastic response since its official launch in 2026. In fact, we’ve already expanded the range with 10 new designs. They’re incredibly intricate and visually effective once built, creating these beautiful little worlds that sit perfectly on a bookshelf. Alongside that, our Mini-Series Diamond Painting kits have been proving to be a brilliant addition. They’re ideal for a quick creative fix, perfect for someone trying diamond painting for the first time, and they also work well for group activities. We’ll soon be expanding that concept into Paint by Numbers Mini-Series as well. Another format I’m really excited about is our Paint by Numbers on wooden slices. The natural wood gives the finished piece a more organic look and feel. We’ll soon be following this with a Diamond Painting version on wooden slices too. Looking ahead, I’m also really looking forward to our Harry Potter and Superman ranges arriving in June — the designs are stunning. It’s hard to pick a favourite product, as I enjoy them all for different reasons. Now I’m working on a 40cm × 50 cm diamond painting, which I find incredibly calming, but I do have a real soft spot for the Book Nooks because of how detailed and impressive they are when completed. Hobby & crafts have boomed over the last two years! Have you noticed any new trends? I’m relatively new to the craft sector itself but having worked in the gift industry for more than 30 years I’ve been able to see quite clearly how craft has become an increasingly important part of everyday gifting. In my short time in the industry, Book Nooks have absolutely been the hero product. They combine creativity, construction and display in a way that really captures people’s imagination. They’re not just a craft kit — they become a decorative piece for the home, which I think is a big part of their appeal. How would you advise a retailer who is interested in stocking your products? For retailers who are interested in stocking our products, my main advice would simply be to give the category a try. We make it very easy and flexible for new stockists to test the range without a large financial commitment. Our minimum
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