Craft Focus - June/July 2020 (Issue 79)

57 BACK TO SCHOOL TOP OF THE CLASS Pens and pencils at the ready, here are some top back to school essentials EXACLAIR ExaClair, the UK supplier of Clairefontaine, has launched a new ‘Assorted’ pad within its Paint’ON range, which is proving popular with both experienced and budding artists alike. The pads include all the papers from the Paint’ON range including white, white with grain, natural, grey, carbon and the latest in the range – denim blue. A great introductory product for artists to trial different techniques with, the pads are suitable for a range of media including drawing, pastel, Indian ink, watercolour and oil painting. Lawrence Savage, marketing manager at ExaClair, says the new addition to the range is ideal for artists wanting a choice of options in one convenient pad: “This pad offers a superb solution for those artists who are looking to experiment with a variety of papers, giving them the perfect opportunity to discover their favourites.” +44 (0)1553 696 600 https://exaclairlimited.com VLIESELINE With children returning to school after the long break, it’s time to think about clothes for the new term. To accommodate those inevitable growing spurts the chances are that hems on skirts and trousers will need altering! The good news is that there’s no need for stitching hems thanks to the wonders of Wundaweb. This fine, fusible webbing tape bonds fabric quickly and easily, providing a natural but secure finish. It is washable and dry cleanable and a real boon when time is of the essence. Wundaweb has numerous uses beyond the gym slip so it’s a good mainstay to keep in the workbasket. From adjusting curtains to making bunting, it’s a quick fix solution for anyone who can use an iron but doesn’t want the drudgery of sewing hems. To use, simply fold and press the hem. Place the Wundaweb inside the hem, ensuring that no Wundaweb is exposed. Cover the hem with a damp muslin or thin cotton cloth. Press firmly with a hot iron for 10 seconds and move along the hem, pressing each section in the same way. Lift and press rather than gliding the iron to avoid distorting the fabric, then allow to cool for 10 minutes. There are two different size packs available and another specifically designed for thicker and tougher materials where an extra strong adhesive is called for: Easy Hemming Wundaweb (ideal for fusing hems on garments and household fabrics); and Extra Strong Wundaweb (this extra-strong hemming web has double strength adhesive for tougher materials such as denim, work wear, canvas, furnishing fabrics and craft applications.) www.vlieseline.com GROVES Perfect for children’s accessories and school-themed crafts. This product has 15 wooden spools of 10mm x 3m in a woven gingham design in five different school colours. Groves also has a selection of children’s and adult iron on/sew on motif designs. This school bus measures: H 3.7cm x W 5.8cm. +44 (0)1844 258 100 www.grovesltd.co.uk