Craft Focus - Feb/Mar (Issue 71)

Make sure your craft tool offer is up to scratch Tools of the trade LET’S TWIST AGAIN BORN TO RULE WORKING WITH WOOD A CUT ABOVE PlastiKote’s Twist & Spray range has inspired some fabulous projects including this quirky side table, made by recycling old books – simply arrange the stack and stick together using strong adhesive. The product can be used on virtually any surface and provides a professional look with no brush strokes. More than 45 colours and finishes are available, including new shades of duck egg, coral, teal, French grey and lime. +31 561 694 400 plastikote.co.uk This folding ruler from Threaders features easy-to-use gridlines to help cut squares, rectangles, half-square and quarter-square triangles. It’s ideal for use with quilting projects and is particularly handy when squaring off and cutting blocks to size. The range also includes a folding cutting mat and a 45mm rotary cutter. All three are available from Crafter’s Companion. +44 (0)1388 660 930 crafterscompanion.co.uk Described as the essential benchtop reference tool, this stunning visual encyclopaedia of woodworking techniques is written by award- winning furniture designer Jeremy Broun. The comprehensive volume describes all the tools and timbers used in basic woodworking and shows readers how to use both power tools and hand-operated alternatives. There’s also a gallery of finished examples including cabinets, chairs and tables. The Encyclopaedia of Woodworking Techniques retails at £12.99. +44 (0)1892 510 850 searchpress.com Since it was designed in 1979, Olfa’s rotary cutter has been a staple in the quilting and sewing industries. The company’s new pink design features a quick blade replacement and a flat body. The RTY-2C model can be used alongside the brand’s Endurance blade for long-lasting sharpness. A self-healing cutting mat is also available, and both products are stocked by Whitecroft Essentials. +44 (0)1594 546 464 whitecroft.co.uk CUT TO SIZE Craftfoam has a multitude of uses. The versatile material is rigid and easy to cut, making it great for homemade stamps. It comes in handy sheet sizes and a range of thicknesses, while a ready-to-use number and letter format is also available. +44 (0)114 249 5626 craftfoam.co.uk craft focus 115 tools