Craft Focus - Page number 7 - August/September 2021 (Issue 86)

7 EDITOR’S LETTER On the cover These brand new Spectrum Artist Oil Pastels from Specialist Crafts Ltd have a luxurious softness which offers superb blending qualities and a great laydown of colour. They’re available in assorted packs or 12, 24 and 36. For further information, call +44 (0)116 269 7711 or email info@specialistcrafts.co.uk Let the shows begin! The shops have been open some time now and we hope you’re reaping the rewards. My feedback has been positive with shop owners commenting on new customers, people buying in bulk (possibly worried about the dreaded third wave) and generally enjoying being able to see the colours and textures on offer once again. The next big step is the return of physical trade shows. You can visit us as Stitches, Birmingham NEC this September where we’ll be giving out copies of the magazine, meeting exhibitors and visitors and signing up new subscribers to the magazine. We hope to see as many of you there as possible. We have a section dedicated to Stitches starting on page 37 where you can read all about the line-up of guest speakers and what companies will be showcasing their newest products! We also have a spotlight on the London Stationery Show where you can read all about what to expect at the London Design Centre this October! This issue we have plenty of inspiration for knitting & crochet, card making, stamping & embossing and – is that the sound of sleigh bells ringing – part one of our Christmas special! So, as we take on the second half of 2021 please support your local craft shops, keep smiling (mask or no mask) and carry on creating − I certainly will be! Enjoy the issue! Rachel Westall Editor EDITOR Rachel Westall +44 (0)1376 514 000 editor@craftfocus.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Scott Brothwell SALES MANAGER Sarah Mclean +44 (0)1376 538 490 sarahm@craftfocus.com ACCOUNT MANAGER Tracy Voice +44 (0)1376 538 555 tracyv@craftfocus.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Sarah Hill, Stephanie Hodder, Vicky O’Connor +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@kdmediapublishing.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lorna Butcher WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Stuart Weatherley DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR Katie Laley +44 (0)1376 514 000 KD Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP craftfocus.com Craft Focus is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Craft Focus is published six times a year. ISSN 1758-0900 @craftfocus @craftfocusmag @craftfocus MEDIA PUBLISHING Craft Focus is proud to be associated with and supporters of: