Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 66)

NEW COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR APPOINTED AT CREATIVEWORLD Margit Herberth has been appointed as marketing communication director for the Creativeworld, Paperworld and Christmasworld trade shows and the Beautyworld global brand. Margit will take over from Julia Uherek, who will become group show director in the consumer goods business unit. She has been sales manager for Christmasworld and Beautyworld since 2007. “We are delighted to be able to fill this position from our own ranks, because Margit is not only highly familiar with the consumer goods markets and the trade fair business but also with our exhibitor and visitor communication activities,” explains Julia. Visit creativeworld. messefrankfurt.com for full details. STRONG LINE-UP FOR GIFTIONERY TAIPEI Organisers have reported a strong exhibitor line-up at Giftionery 2018, the only gift and stationery show in Taiwan, which will take place from 19 th -22 nd April at Taipei World Trade Exhibition Hall 1. Organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the show will feature a Rising Stars area, where micro cultural and creative businesses will put on an awe-inspiring display. Other highlights will include DIY workshops, which will allow visitors to try their hand at clay moulding, planting and other skills, and seminars on global design trends. The event is expected to attract more than 500 exhibitors and 18,500 visitors from all over the world. Go to giftionery.net for details. STRONG BUYER SUPPORT AT TOP DRAWER Buyers gathered at Olympia London in January for the first major exhibition of the season, Top Drawer. The show’s craft segment brought together more than 140 makers across the disciplines of ceramics, glass, fashion, textiles, jewellery and mixed media. Buyers were able to browse a range of exquisite handmade products, with notable names including Abigail Barry, Ali Tomlin Ceramics, Gilly Langton Jewellery, Kyra Mihailovic Ceramics, Rolfe and Wils and The Silver Shed. “Top Drawer has offered me an overwhelming amount of opportunities, magazine coverage, exhibitions and collaborative projects, as well as sales and orders,” says mixed media artist, Alison Stockmarr, who exhibited at the show for the fourth consecutive time. “Visitors vary, from small independent galleries and shops to big hitters of national and international significance, making it a melting pot of possibilities.” This season’s show also included the Spotted area, a showcase of exciting new talent across all four sectors. “The SS18 edition of Spotted was a huge success, launching 49 new design-led brands to the trade,” says Curator, Charlotte Abrahams. “These are the names to watch in 2018.” Top Drawer will return to Olympia for its autumn edition from 9 th -11 th September, 2018. Go to topdrawer.co.uk for all the latest updates. shows, news and events CONSUMER SHOW NEWS CONSUMERS READY FOR CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW Taking place in London from 19 th -21 st April at ExCel, the latest Creative Craft Show will offer a haven for consumers who love knitting, cross stitch, paper crafting, jewellery, dressmaking and stitching. To commemorate the centenary of the First World War, visitors are being challenged to assemble a giant poppy. Crafters will be invited to knit a four-inch square section, and the finished work of art will be unveiled at the show’s flagship November event. The National Sugarart Association will be on hand to advise with cake decorating, and there will also be a DIY wedding inspiration showcase. ICHF Events will also present a selection of hand embroidery from post-war Afghanistan, as well as a quilt challenge. Go to stitchandhobby.co.uk to find out more. 24 craft focus