Craft Focus - December 2020/January 2021 (Issue 82)

36 The trends have a lot to do with the current situation – and are catalysts for the topics of sustainability, recycling, upcycling and care for the environment we live in. Nature plays a decisive role in the trends for both crafts and stationery. Recyclable materials are moving into focus and sustainability is actively lived. I think that manufacturers will follow this overarching trend and we’ll see many products made of wood or recycled paper. In the creative sector, the processing of products plays a major role, one key point here is upcycling. This is not a new trend, but it’s spreading to many areas around living and working. Michael Reichhold, director, Creativeworld and Paperworld https://creativeworld.messefrankfurt.com/ Something that’s going to be really popular in papercrafting next year is creating your own memory books. A lot of people might remember that we created our Precious Memories collection to allow people to create their own books and we’re extending this range with some brand-new pieces in 2021, which I’m really excited about. Another trend that’s set to be huge for 2021 is creating cards that have more movement and a bit of a surprise element to them. We’ve incorporated this trend into our new launches with our Gemini Twirling character dies and we’re also launching some brand-new pop-out numbers, which I absolutely love as they’re a twist on a classic card. Sara Davies, founder, Crafter’s Companion https://www.crafterscompaniontrade.co.uk/ All crafting has experienced an amazing resurgence throughout the difficulties of the past year, and this looks set to continue well into 2021. We’re seeing an ongoing revival of crafts which have maybe been less popular in the last couple of decades, including cross-stitch and hand-sewing, and an increased interest in crafts which are relaxing and mindful including needle-felting in all its forms! For 2021, we anticipate that wildlife, sea-life, and connections with the natural world will be big trends. Many people have found solace in nature through the toughest of times in 2020, and this will continue into the coming year. As an extension of this, the use of 100 percent natural and plastic-free materials will be of significant importance to the crafting market, as our dependence on man-made materials which don’t biodegrade quite rightfully comes under increasing scrutiny. Jo Lochhead, managing director, The Crafty Kit Company https://trade.craftykitcompany.co.uk/ Mindfulness and eco crafting will become more important to the craft industry in 2021 with the backdrop of Covid-19 allowing people to rediscover the benefits of craft. The sector has seen a surge in demand as people look to occupy themselves and de- stress whilst gravitating towards more environmentally friendly choices. We look forward to the classic crafts of sewing, cross stitch, quilting and knitting staying strong as they become more attractive to a new generation of young crafters. We can also expect the trend in rediscovering traditional crafts such as needle felting and macramé to continue in 2021. Steve Mitchell, event director, CHSI Stitches https://www.chsi.co.uk/

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