Craft Focus - August/September 2020 (Issue 80)

14 Iconic Herbin brand celebrates historic 350 th anniversary ExaClair, the UK subsidiary of the Exacompta-Clairefontaine group that owns the Herbin® brand, has launched a range of limited edition Herbin inks and gift sets to celebrate the brand’s 350-year anniversary. These incorporate vintage wax capped ink bottles, available in the first five colours launched by Herbin®; black, blue, red, green and violet. A selection of new Herbin® refillable brush pen products have also been released to complement its range of refillable marker pens. Ideal for lettering, watercolour and drawing techniques, these are filled using a pipette provided with each pen. In addition to a choice of either fine or medium tip brush pens, there’s a hand lettering practice pad, which features a mix of creative lettering, practice and inspiration A4 170gsm cards. There’s also a compact and attractive cardboard counter top display available, which can hold an assortment of the refillable marker and brush pens, alongside spare marker pen tips and artistic inks. Lawrence Savage, marketing manager at ExaClair, comments: “The anniversary inks and gift sets make elegant presents for traditional writing enthusiasts. Additionally, the new refillable brush pens are essential for those who enjoy or want to discover creative lettering and watercolours, complementing the calligraphy techniques that can be achieved with our refillable markers.” Manufactured in the heart of Paris since 1670, Herbin® has been a name recognised for its exceptional quality of inks and waxes which are exported all over the world. For further information, visit www.exaclairlimited.com Crafter’s Companion welcomes new presenter Crafter’s Companion is welcoming a second presenter to its Crafter’s TV digital network. Derek Marks will join Joe Remblance as a lead presenter to oversee the craft company’s schedule of shows on Crafter’s TV. Derek’s new role will involve familiarising himself with Crafter’s Companion’s catalogue of craft products, guiding his craft expert co-stars and viewers through each programme, driving the social conversation and interacting with the audience live on air. Prior to his role at Crafter’s Companion, Derek has more than 15 years’ experience in the TV shopping industry and has presented products across a multitude of industries including cruise holidays, cut diamonds, household products, fashion and more. He has worked for channels including Ideal World, JML, Hochanda, Sewing Quarter and Jewellery Maker. Currently, Crafter’s TV produces 13 regular shows, in addition to one-off specials, with its 11 craft presenters and presenter Joe Remblance. The shows present product launches, inspirational projects, demonstrations, giveaways and special live offers. Sara Davies, founder and creative director said: “I think that people have found the ability to tune in, engage in conversation, get inspired and craft along with other crafters to be really useful and comforting, and as a result, Crafter’s TV has grown significantly. We’ve just increased our programming to a seven-day schedule, so Derek is joining at a perfect time where he can help to support us with that transition. “Derek has a wealth of experience in broadcast media and we are really lucky that he has chosen to join our team at this exciting time. I’m really looking forward to working with him and seeing him in action!” Derek said: “I’m joining Crafter’s TV after a few years of TV, learning from inspiring guests and experts, and I’ve surprised myself at how many techniques I have picked up throughout the years, whether it’s been jewellery making or knowing what to look for in fabrics. After experiencing how much of an impact and sense of wellbeing creating and crafting can have, I’m so excited to immerse myself into the world of craft and the challenge that that might bring. “I wanted to join Crafter’s Companion because I love the energy and already feel connected to the team. I love down to earth people with genuine passion and these things ooze from every pore at this company. I can’t wait to work alongside the Crafter’s TV gang and I am excited to meet all of the creative viewers at home.”