Craft Focus - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 77)

THIS YEAR’S SPEAKERS Some of the craft industry’s biggest names will be on hand to share vital tips and advice for retailers and designers. SARAH CRESSALL Author, speaker and entrepreneur Sarah Cressall is founder of The Creation Station, a provider of classes, parties and events for children across the UK. LINDA JONES Independent research specialist Linda Jones has run her own business for more than 30 years and has a special interest in home décor, craft and consumer media. MEG PASCOE Representing the Intellectual Property Office, Meg will be advising SMEs, stakeholders and individuals who need help with IP. PAUL WRIGHT Avid crafter Paul Wright is the co- founder of Hochanda TV. He also conceived and launched Create and Craft as the world’s first 24-hour interactive craft shopping channel. STEFFI STERN Steffi has extensive experience in the craft industry and runs a successful company with her business partner Sophie Buckley. She has written two books on needle felting and a third on dolls. LIZ RIVERS A window dresser for nearly 40 years, Liz has created a raft of eye- catching displays, from Christian Dior showrooms to exhibition stands adorned with cement mixers. She can make even the most unglamorous items looking exciting and is perfectly placed to pass on her skills. NICOLA LUGARD-DAVIES With qualifications in display and interior design, Nicola has spent 20 years window dressing around the world, developing a real flair for what works. She has worked with everything from toys to furniture, ensuring that each product is shown to its best advantage. WORKSHOP RUNDOWN STIX2 WITH MICHELLE JOHNSON Decorate a door hanger using 3D PVA, stamps and embellishments with biodegradable glitter. EAZI CANDLE WITH ANNIE MAUDLING Use Eazi Candle’s products to make scented melts and shot glass candles. CORINNE LAPIERRE Make a wool felt bird using simple sewing and embroidery stitches. Corinne which show participants how to mix colours and patterns to create a charming folk effect. CREATIVE WORLD OF CRAFTS WITH MANDY CAMERON Demonstrating basic crochet stitches, this session will show how to make animals from the company’s Knitty Critter collection. CRAFT BUDDY WITH NAOMI HANLON Attendees are invited to explore the Forever Flowerz range and create a small wreath for the home. THE MAKERSS WITH STEFFI STERN Steffi will host a different workshop each day. Subjects include ‘painting’ with wool to create a spring landscape and needle felting a badger. CYGNET YARNS WITH SAMINA BEGUM AND JANET TOMS (SUNDAY ONLY) Attendees can create their own dreamcatcher using wrapping and knotting techniques from Cygnet’s Boho Chunky yarn. DANNELLS (MONDAY ONLY) Sam Sterken will demonstrate the company’s popular lampshade making kits, showing how each design can be used with fabrics and coverings. She will also explain how to make fabulous wall art using a simple yet effective kit that will allow crafters to turn their favourite fabric into a stunning display piece. 47 CHSI STITCHES