WWW.CRAFTFOCUS.COM OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER FOR CRAFT HOBBY + STITCH INTERNATIONAL AND PROUD SPONSOR OF TRENDING NOW VIVA MAGENTA Pantone’s Colour of the Year PLUS! STRICTLY SEWING! Sewing & stitching inspo Craft tools Best of British Spring fabrics 30 year’s young! Bothy Threads are still ahead of the game Buyer’s delight CHSI Stitches 2023 Spring fever! Easter & springtime crafts
3 CONTENTS In this issue... REGULARS 9 Industry news What’s happening within the craft and hobby market 17 Brand spanking new Brand spanking new products 59 Tried & tested Craft Focus Editor, Rachel Westall gets crafty with Craft Buddy’s Crystal Art Buddies 86 Bookstand The latest book releases 59 February/ March 2023 68 63 31 FEATURES 47 Best of British These companies proudly fly the flag for Great Britain 53 Trend file: Viva Magenta Pantone Colour of the Year 2023 revealed 63 Hop to it! Spring and Easter crafts 71 Sewing and stitching Sewing projects to keep customers coming back for more 79 Tools of the trade Craft tools 83 Fresh starts Springtime fabrics
4 FOCUS ON 15 Bothy Threads turns 30! As Bothy Threads enters its 30th birthday year, we speak to Managing Director Chrissie Rayment about how they plan to celebrate… 56 Viridian Ltd David Husbands, Director of Viridian Distribution talks to Craft Focus about the year ahead! 60 Poppy Treffry Poppy Treffry, Company Director and Tamsin Hosken, Wholesale Manager talk to Craft Focus about their fabulous range of giftware and sewing projects 68 Storigraphic Roz Nazerian Co-founder & Creative Director of Storigraphic chats to Craft Focus about her independent design studio and sustainable-brand she started up with her life-long best friend, Nic BUSINESS 88 Understanding crypto Daniele Servadei, CEO of Sellix offers her top tips for retailers adopting crypto payments 90 Shopping – unique to you Sherwen Studios has identified a fivepoint checklist for how craft retailers can implement personalised shopping experiences online 92 Anti copying in design Are some forms of theft more equal than others? Dids Macdonald, CEO of Anti Copying in Design (ACID), talks about Banksy 95 E-commerce concerns Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, looks at e-commerce in an everchanging society 98 Time management Ultimately, being more organised and prepared reduces stress and promotes a healthier work-life balance. Here Sara Davies gives her expert advice. SHOWS 25 Shows, news & events Stay up to date with what’s happening in your industry 31 CHSI Stitches preview Exhibitor and show info for the February 2023 event at the NEC 17 31 25 83 22
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7 EDITOR’S LETTER On the cover To mark Bothy Threads 30th birthday, every collection this year will feature at least one stitching themed kit. The first is ‘Sew It Begins’. This little cross stitch cutie is worked on our exclusive 14ct speckle printed Aida and includes threads to stitch the bobbin in either green or pink. The perfect decoration for any sewing room. The RRP is £28.49. For further information, visit the website: www.bothythreads.com New year goals Welcome to our first issue of the year! Already, just a few weeks in, so many people are talking to me about their goals. In retail, this has been goals of weekly window changes, new setups in store and trying to keep up with the fast world of social media – whether that’s daily Facebook posts introducing products or a walk around your store via Instagram Stories! This positivity is vital in our progressively digital world and we’re supporting you every step of the way! This edition, we’re excited to have our Stitches preview. I’m so excited to meet with you all again and see and hold new products for myself. Do check out our Show Preview to give you a taster before your journey to Birmingham. I recently had the opportunity to talk to Bothy Threads who are celebrating 30 years in business this year – that’s no mean feat, congratulations. Also, to Storigraphic – Nic and Roz, the dynamic pair who started this company are bursting with creativity and their designs are not to be missed – especially their new collaboration with Hornsea Pottery! We also have a focus on the newest, freshest spring fabrics, a spotlight on companies flying the flag for Britain, as well as a craft tools section to make sure you’re making light work of your crafting projects. If that’s not enough, we’ve dedicated a roundup of amazingly vibrant products that tie in with Pantone’s Colour of the Year – Viva Magenta! Wishing you a happy and prosperous year ahead! Rachel Westall Editor EDITOR Rachel Westall +44 (0)1376 514 000 editor@craftfocus.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Scott Brothwell SALES MANAGER Sarah Ellis +44 (0)1376 538 490 sarahe@craftfocus.com ACCOUNT MANAGER Tracy Voice +44 (0)1376 538 555 tracyv@craftfocus.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Stephanie Hodder, Vicky O’Connor +44 (0)1376 535 616 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lorna Butcher shared.artwork@kdeventsandpublishing.com WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Stuart Weatherley DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR Katie Laley +44 (0)1376 514 000 KD Events & Publishing Ltd, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP craftfocus.com Craft Focus is solely owned, published and designed by KD Events & Publishing Ltd. 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 Craft Focus is proud to be associated with and supporters of:
MULTIPLE BRANDS EASY AND CONVENIENT ORDERING ON LEADING BRANDS IDEAL FOR NEW OR ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES • NO MININIMUM ORDER • OPEN A TRADE ACCOUNT AT WWW.FOCUSCRAFT.CO.UK • Tel: 01939 291848 | Email: queries.focuscra @gmail.com | www.focuscra .co.uk Wholesale for cross stitch and diamond painting Nearly 5000 cross stitch kits, bead embroidery, cross stitch fabrics, yarns, and more... ri-2104 nw-nc250-003 RIOLIS, Cd’A, RTO, PANNA, Luca-S, Leti Stitch, Freyja, Magic Needle, Kreinik, Mill Hill, Venus and more... Register online for your purchasing account www.stitchcompany.com Nieuwstraat 6 | 4264 RE Veen | The Netherlands | T: +31 (0) 416 695 070 | E: info@stitchcompany.com nw-nc340-041 rto-m00906 ri-2088
9 INDUSTRY NEWS Industry news Latest news from the craf industry The Crafty Kit Company & Moomin collaborate! The Crafty Kit Company has announced the release of its most exciting product range to date - a joyful partnership with ©Moomin Characters Ltd™. Working with The Point 1888.Agency, CKC will launch a range of 12 craft kits in January 2023, based on the beloved artwork of The Moomins’ creator, Tove Jannsson. The needle felting, cross stitch and embroidery kits, all designed and made in Scotland, will contain everything the beginner needs to start crafting. They’ll appeal to both the craft and gift market - and of course to the community of Moomin fans worldwide. Jo Lochhead, Founder and Creative Director of the Crafty Kit Company said of the collaboration: “To be invited to play even a small part in protecting the legacy of Tove Jansson’s artwork and stories is an honour and a huge privilege for us. The Moomin characters and their extended family and friends lend themselves perfectly to being recreated in wool, or depicted with needle and thread. We know that our customer, who we call Christine, loves the Moomins and everything they stand for. This collaboration will enable us to reach a new, younger audience as the appeal of the Moomins spans the generations. I can’t think of another brand that I’d rather represent.” For more information, visit: www.craftykitcompany.co.uk LaunchPad Goes Live For 2023! For the past six years London Stationery Show has proudly championed emerging businesses who are looking for their big break into the industry and 2023 will be of no exception. LaunchPad is back and on the hunt for new businesses to shine a spotlight on. The competition gives six small business owners the opportunity to exhibit their products alongside top brands in the industry at the next edition of London Stationery Show, taking place from 16th-17th May at the Business Design Centre. As a specialist trade show attracting the UK’s biggest retailers and most influential buyers in the paper, arts and crafts, writing instruments, and greeting cards sectors, this is a fantastic opportunity for emerging brands to meet buyers with real purchasing power. The six lucky winners will each receive a free stand at London Stationery Show 2023 and 50 per cent off a stand at the 2024 show (including full marketing support). Visitors to London Stationery Show include: Amazon, Anthropologie, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Hobbycraft, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Ocado, Papier, Ryman, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges & Co, Tesco and WH Smith. To enter LaunchPad please visit: www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk/launchpad Before entering, make sure to check the requirements below. LaunchPad is open to any company which, or individual who: • Has not previously exhibited at a trade show • Has the rights to sell the featured product • Does not currently sell the featured product through any UK national retail accounts • Is available to attend both days of the show on 16th – 17th May, 2023. Winners will be contacted by London Stationery Show and announced on 13th March. Good luck! The closing date for entries is 17th February 2023. Ts&Cs apply!
10 Pantone’s Colour of The Year revealed! Pantone’s Colour of The Year, Viva Magenta, is oh-so gorgeous and perfect not just for Valentine’s Day – it’ll brighten up the high street all year round! Viva Magenta 18-1750, has been described as: vibrating with vim and vigour. It’s a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Colour Institute says: “In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known. Rooted in the primordial, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.” Craft Buddy is having a BEARY awesome 2023 Craft Buddy welcomes the world’s favourite bear to their big crafting family! Paddington Bear is the latest addition to Craft Buddy’s prolific licensed ranges, following its success with Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Peter Rabbit & The Smurfs. To continue its success with the launch of Crystal Art Buddies, Craft Buddy is also expanding the L.O.L Surprise collection to add more sparkles to the glittery dolls! Gary Wadhwani, Co-director of Craft Buddy announced the exciting news: “2022 is a huge year for us, with a few major launches like the brand-new Crystal Art Star Wars collection and also the wildly popular Crystal Art Buddies. We’re going to continue our growth in the kids craft business next year with our existing licensing partners, and we will also acquire new licenses of renowned IPs to keep bringing new quality and innovative products to the market. We think Paddington Bear is definitely the right license to help us establish ourselves as the consumer’s favourite arts & crafts brand! We understand how much everyone loves Paddington Bear and with the new movie launching next year, we believe we’ll kickstart the year by bringing the best craft & gift products with this amazing character, across all our Craft Buddy brands, to UK & other EMEA markets”. Following the launch of the award-winning Crystal Art Buddies, Craft Buddy will also double down in its L.O.L Surprise Crystal Art Collection to appeal to its strong young girl fan base. Launching in Q1 2023, the full range will include brand-new products like Crystal Art Secret Diary kits, Keyring Kits, Sticker Set kits, Scroll kits, Card kits and Framed Picture Kits, which would make great accessories and gift idea for schoolgirls! The brand-new Craft Buddy Paddington Bear and L.O.L. Surprise collections will make its debut to the trade partners at London Toy Fair and Spielwarenmesse 2023. You’ll also be able to see some sneak peek of the other new exciting products with their existing licensing partners including Disney, Star Wars, Marvel and Peter Rabbit, and also the never-seen-before-inmarket product to celebrate Disney 100! Be sure to contact Craft Buddy’s trade team via email: trade@craftbuddyltd.co.uk to make an appointment at one of the trade shows.
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12 Curious Universe awarded best in UK Bath based arts, crafts, books and toy company Curious Universe fought off stiff national competition to be awarded Business of the Year in the Small to Medium Sized category in the UK at a prestigious annual awards ceremony hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald and sponsored by Lloyds Bank - The Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards. Celebrating the contribution of SMEs to the UK economy, this award recognises the small- to medium-sized business that have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance, understands its customer, has an engaged workforce with effective leadership, demonstrates effective use of technology and digital media to engage with its stakeholders (customers, employees, etc.) and is continually innovating to support future growth. The Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards is a prestigious awards programme celebrating the innovation, success, and resilience of British business. From Entrepreneurs, Micro, SMEs, and Mid-Market, right up to FTSE 100, this awards programme covers all businesses across the UK. Already the recipient of multiple accolades this year including being listed in the Sunday Times 100 in recognition of the company’s significant achievement and growth plus winners of the Bath Business Awards SME of the year, Curious Universe was up against 12 national finalists to win the coveted title. “This award is recognition of the great work that everyone in the company puts in” comments John Styring, Founder and CEO of Curious Universe. “To come out on top against such a high-quality field is a massive endorsement from the judges for what we have achieved so far in our relatively short life. Everyone in the company works their socks off to create great products to give enjoyment and pleasure to the end consumer. It’s been a tough few years for everyone in the country with lots of uncertainty so it has been great to have flourished during this time. With tough times ahead everywhere, we are pleased to have a strong business plan and great products and continue to provide an exciting and vibrant workplace to nurture creativity.” Visit: https://curiousuniverse.co.uk for further information. Bachmann Europe’s new product line! Bachmann Europe plc is delighted to announce that it’s been appointed as sole distributor for the UK and Ireland of PepPlay, a new children’s art & craft range aimed at three- to six-year-olds that was launched at Giving & Living Exeter in January. PepPlay is a premium, aspirational, eco-conscious brand which focuses on stimulating imaginations, incorporating real life skills and building motor skills in children. With a passion for quality and safety the brand aims to bring the best quality art experience products for children that are eco-friendly yet cost-effective and meet the strictest of international standards. Sustainability is the core value of this brand which aims to develop premium quality products with the environment in mind, focusing on a series of reusable products. The range includes around 20 products including reusable doodle placemats, sticker puzzles, how-to-draw books, origami art, dough art, velvet colouring cards, painting by numbers, 3d model kit and make your unicorn pillow. Visit: www.bachmann.co.uk for further information.
15 PROFILE 30 years young! Back in 1993, founder Kate Golby ran out of kits she wanted to stitch so decided to start creating her own. Inundated with requests for cross stitch designs, Kate reached out to artists she admired and she began converting their works into cross stitch and tapestries. Adding a smattering of beads and sequins, she created the bright and colourful cross-stitch designs that Bothy Threads is known for today. From the humble beginnings, working in the garden bothy at the bottom of her parents’ garden (hence the name), Bothy Threads now operates from a busy, bustling unit on the edge of the Lake District, producing over 800 designs for our avid fans. Bothy’s best bits! The Wrendale Designs collection has been one of our most popular ranges in our 30 years. Hannah’s watercolour artwork transforms beautifully into both cross stitch and tapestry and with over 100 designs there’s something for everyone. Another particularly successful range has been the ‘Love’ series by Kim Anderson; both Love Heart and Love Tree have been in our top selling kits of all time. Each design in the Love range has sequins and beads galore to add that extra sparkle. We try to introduce new artists every year and 2022 saw the release of the Sally King Shoe Art range which has been a roaring success. Along The Riverbank features flora and fauna cleverly crafted into a stiletto shoe design whilst Lazy Sundae has a waffle cone heel, a delicious Knicker Bocker Glory toe and beaded hundreds and thousands. Who knew that shoes could be so scrumptious in cross stitch? A Bothy celebration The new year brings big plans as we get ready to celebrate our 30th birthday… and in every collection launched in 2023, there will be a special craft inspired kit to keep our arts and crafts fans on their stitching toes! We also have planned competitions and giveaways every month and new Bothy Threads merchandise including needle minders from some of our most popular artists. And of course, you can’t have a birthday without a party! We have a summer gathering planned in August, where our Bothy elves, stitchers, designers, and artists will all raise a glass to the celebrate all things Bothy Threads. The future of Bothy Threads... Onwards and upwards… we released over 160 new designs in 2022, but don’t worry we’ve got many new designs in the production pipeline ready to go in 2023! With brand new artists like Lucy Pittaway launching in March, and Alison Gardiner joining us in April as part of our Coronation special, we also have more from returning artists like Hannah Dale, Amanda Loverseed, Madeleine Floyd, Julia Rigby and Sally King just to name a few! We’re also exploring new crafting mediums this year but the biggest project by far is our promise to ‘Go Green’ – we’ll eliminate plastic from all our kit packaging by Christmas 2023! We love a challenge in the Bothy. CELEBRATING 30 YEARS! BOTHY THREADS www.bothythreads.com
sales@toyway.co.uk www.toyway.co.uk By Bachmann Premium Eco-Friendly Educational Crafts Origami Art Kit Dough Art Kit Sticker Puzzles Reusable Doodle Placemats Step by Step Drawing Books Velvet Colouring Cards Focus PepPlay advert feb23.indd 1 02/02/2023 11:36 Make something beautiful for someone special this Valentines Day Web: www.peakdaleproducts.co.uk Email: sales@peakdaleproducts.co.uk Coming soon
17 BRAND SPANKING NEW Brand spanking new Check out some new and exciting products in the current market EXACLAIR Avenue Mandarine, the manufacturers of educational toys and games who are part of the Exacompta-Clairefontaine Group, has launched a range of punch needle kits in three cute designs – unicorn, tiger and toucan. These new kits contain all the materials needed to create a punch needle picture – 18cm x 18cm pre-printed fabric, 13 cm diameter wooden hoop, four balls of wool, wooden handled punch needle, plastic needle and instruction sheet. Once the design is completed the wooden hoop doubles up as a frame to display the creation. Primarily intended for children aged six to 10 years old, these kits also make a great introduction to the popular craft of punch needling for all ages. In addition to these punch needle kits, Avenue Mandarine offers a wide range of sewing kits including cross stitch, embroidery, masks to sew and felt animals. +44 (0)1553 696 600 www.exaclairlimited.com HAWTHORN HANDMADE The Houseplant Felt Craft Brooch Collection is a new collection of felt craft kits inspired by Hawthorn Handmade founder Stephanie’s passion for houseplants, and designed by Laura Howard. Each kit comes with wool felt, DMC thread, needle, pins, brooch back, templates and our ‘can’t go wrong’ instructions including a total guide to felt craft booklet! The three new designs showcase a Pilea, Monstera and Prayer plant. info@hawthornhandmade.co.uk www.hawthornhandmade.com CRAFTER’S COMPANION Get ready for glitz and glamour with the new Sara Signature Collection, The Roaring Twenties! With geometric shapes, deep jewel tones and an abundance of rich golds, this collection is heavily inspired by the glittering 1920s period. This collection includes all of your favourite crafty mediums, such as gilding flakes, luxury foiled acetate and complimentary linen card along with intricate dies, delicate organza ribbon, stylish paper pads with fabulous, foiled designs printed on to high quality pearl card and much more. +44 (0)1388 660 930 https://ccglobal-group.com/trade-partnerships KNITTING FEVER Pretty in Pima, the newest from Ella Rae is a 100 per cent Pima cotton yarn with a soft and cool feel that will keep you comfortable in the heat of the summer. As luxurious as it is strong, Pretty in Pima will debut in 12 summery solid and six coordinated multi-colours. customerservice@knittingfever.com www.knittingfever.com
18 HERITAGE CRAFTS These three lovely robins are new to the Simply Heritage range. These designs contain whole stitches only and are available on 14ct aida. The kits contain: Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted on to numbered cards, a needle, and clear charts and instructions. They’re also available as coaster kits! sales@hcrafts.com www.hcrafts.com EXACLAIR Décopatch, who are part of the Exacompta-Clairefontaine Group has launched a range of ‘My Creative Moment’ mini kits. With the stresses and strains of daily life, these kits give users the opportunity to escape and take time for themselves to increase their well-being and enjoy some creative crafting. Depending on the kit they contain either one or two ready to decorate papier mâché shape(s), two sheets of Décopatch paper (30cm x 40cm), one glue pot and a brush. There are six kits available – plant hanger, vase with leaves, bird phone holder, photo frame, wall vases and wall storage pots. The kraft style box containing the kits can also be decorated for matching storage. Décopatch is a simple technique that can be enjoyed by all ages, simply tear or cut the paper into small pieces, glue to the shape and repeat until it is covered. The Décopatch glue dries to a shiny finish so there’s no need for varnish. +44 (0)1553 696 600 www.exaclairlimited.com KNITTING FEVER Jody Long’s new addition, Lino Moda, is a rustic, 50-50 blend of cotton and linen with a two-toned ply that will give your stitches an amazing melange effect. Lino Moda will come in 12 soft colours to complement your spring wardrobe. customerservice@knittingfever.com www.knittingfever.com
hello@yartfactory.nl www.yartfactory.nl +31 (0)416- 33 26 72 Industrieweg 60 5145 PW Waalw�k The Netherlands The laser cutting & CNC-milling specialist Brands of Yart Factory • Stencil manufacturer • MDF shapes milling • Stamp production • Paper cuts / kits New craft & colouring books from Batsford is distributed by Abrams & Chronicle Books info@abramsandchronicle.co.uk View our latest catalogue: www.batsfordbooks.com/catalogues Over 9 million Millie Marotta books sold ALL MEDIA SKETCH PAD SOFT TOUCH, WIPE CLEAN, DURABLE COVERS ALSO AVAILABLE IN A3 PAD CONSTRUCTION WITH FOLD OVER COVERS RECYCLED FSC CERTIFIED BACKBOARDS ® WATERCOLOUR ACRYLIC TONED CARD MARKERS ALL PAPERS IN THE ARTGECKO RANGE IN PADDED FORMAT MAKING IT EASIER TO UPGRADE YOUR ART BRITISH MADE PAPER STATIONERY Revision & presentation STAND VISIT US ON M210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRITISH MAKERS OF PAPER STATIONERY sinclairsproducts.com OUR BRAND FAMILY
20 JPT EUROPE LTD TTEPRA Lite (LR30GS) is a palm-sized label printer which you can easily create labels straight from your smartphone. It won IHA Global Innovation Award (gia) 2022 for Product Design and the company has been receiving very good praise for this since its launch. Free Input: You can design your very own labels by selecting from various letter style, emojis, portraits and more. Save your designs so you can print them again and again. Templates: There’s a wide range of predesigned label templates are available on the app for convenient and quick usability. Simply select the design you like, and press print. Palm-sized and battery powered: Its petite size and shape makes the device compact and easy to store. It’s even battery powered, so you can create labels on-the-go from anywhere. Compatible with all languages and alphabets: You can print in any language directly from the app when you use your preferred keyboard setting for typing words, phrases, and characters. Equipped with a special portrait function: Have some fun and combine different facial parts to create an idividual caricature image! Print it out to use as art or a keepsake. You can print photos directly from your smartphone onto different types of label paper. Simply snap a photo using the app’s camera feature, and press print. There’s a wide variety of different tape options to use, simply select from an assortment of different colours and patterns to create vibrant, creative designs1 +44 (0)20 7839 4839 info@jpbooks.co.uk www.jpteurope.co.uk www.kingjim.co.jp/sp/english/lr30gs/ HOLLY BERKLEY JEWELLERY Holly Berkley Jewellery has been working on seven brand new project kits to help you learn the fashionable craft of wire wrapping jewellery. Choose from three spider weave projects which include necklace, earrings and pendant designs. Herring bone weave necklace and earrings, or one of the wire wrapped cabochon projects. There’s so much to choose from and with more new and innovative projects coming out every month, there’s always something new for you to try. +44 (0)7789 971 396 https://hollyberkleyjewellery.co.uk SOLOCRAFTS White Sword Lily is the latest fabulous new kit from Merejka, showing off their exceptional true to life cross stitch designing skills. The detail and careful use of back stich to add depth to certain areas gives the impression we could simply pick these from the fabric. The kit contains Zweigart 16 count blue-grey aida fabric and DMC stranded cottons, along with a clear chart diagram and stitch instructions. The finished size is 27cm x 39cm and retails for £37.99. +44 (0)161 464 7313 www.solocrafts.com
22 CRAFT BUDDY LTD Craft Buddy welcomes Paddington Bear, the most iconic British Bear in the world, to join its fast-expanding licensed family. The collection includes a wide variety of Arts & Crafts products across several Craft Buddy brands, including Crystal Art Kits (Scrolls, Stickers, Notebooks, Cards, Canvases and 3D Buildable Scene), Paint by Numb3rs Canvas Kit, and Craft Buddy Home Soft Craft Kits (Cross-stitch kits & Latch Hook kits). Suitable for people of all age and different kinds of crafters for all level, the Craft Buddy Paddington collection will be launched in Q1 this year. trade@craftbuddyltd.co.uk www.craftbuddyltd.co.uk SCHIFFER PUBLISHING If you love the bold and beautiful look of gouache painting but thought the medium might be too complex for you, think again! Gouache is very similar to watercolour and totally within your reach when you follow the easy and accessible instructions inside this beautiful book from renowned artist, author, and designer Viddhi Saschit. +44 (0)7834 802 306 https://schifferbooks.com SEARCH PRESS Search Press has signed a licensing agreement with awardwinning animation studio Aardman. The new partnership will publish practical art and craft titles relating to the Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep characters. For over 40 years, Aardman has entertained and charmed the world, creating much loved characters and bringing unforgettable stories to life so these new titles are sure to be a hit! +44 (0)1892 510 850 www.searchpress.com NURGE EMBROIDERY Due to the popularity of the Nurge Square hoop, new colours have been added to the range. They’re now available in pastel pink, blue and lilac, with a bold green being added soon. The hoops are popular because they have a ‘tongue in groove’ feature that holds the fabric really tight. This is especially useful for machine embroidery. +44 (0)1594 546 464 https://nurge.net
The herbarium o ers you a window into the natural character of plants and lets you make your own amazing fabric versions. These wearable projects from naturalist and fiber artist Utopiano don’t just visually replicate each plant but represent everything about it―even including invisible elements like scent, power, and presence. Each project includes easy instructions. Collect plants directly from the field, then use the patterns that Utopiano o ers to create fabric versions for wearing or display. Feel the pure joy of translating blooming flowers into fabric with your own hands! Includes full-size templates for every project. The Herbarium of Fabric Flowers: Twenty Flower Brooch Projects Translated from Nature by Utopiano ISBN 9780764364211 Contact: sales@gazellebookservices.co.uk To see our full range please go to WWW.SCHIFFERCRAFT.COM RRP £24.95 Published by Schi er Cra Pages: 112
25 SHOWS & EVENTS This season’s most unmissable events LSS expands into the arts & crafts sector The team behind London Stationery Show are delighted to announce the show’s expansion into the arts and crafts industry. As the UK’s only trade event dedicated to the paper and writing instruments industry this is an incredibly exciting development that will see a broader range of products on offer than ever before. According to Mintel’s UK Hobbies and Interests Market Report for 2022, one in five adults have embarked on a new hobby since the outbreak of Covid-19. With people spending more time at home now than they did prior to the pandemic and a subsequent rise in concern for achieving the perfect work-life balance, more people are reaching to arts and crafts to de-stress and detox from the digital world. In a recent survey conducted by London Stationery Show to its database of independent retailers, art materials came out on top as the most popular product type stocked in store. This surpassed all other categories including notebooks and journals, diaries, writing instruments, and greeting cards, to name but a few. Some 32 per cent of respondents also stated that arts and crafts are currently the biggest area for growth in their business, emphasising the increasing popularity of these products amongst consumers. Sandra Jervis, owner of Creative Cove in Lampeter, is a regular attendee of London Stationery Show and arts and crafts is a crucial part of her store offering: “Arts and crafts products are now my biggest sellers. My customers are increasingly falling in love with craft kits, not only because they are an opportunity to try something new, but because they represent great value for money. The products I sell have a really premium feel and make great gifts. Arts and crafts really do sell themselves!” Some 67 per cent of survey respondents stated that they attend London Stationery Show to source arts and crafts products for their store, with an average of £47k being spent individually on arts and crafts stock per year. For art material and crafting companies choosing to exhibit at London Stationery Show, the demand for their products has been apparent. Paul Sacki, Director at Jakar International, and exhibitor at London Stationery Show cites: “The exhibition is an essential platform for us to showcase new art material product ranges to existing and potential customers and is always extremely successful for us. With no other exhibition in the UK catering for arts and crafts materials, London Stationery Show is a vital date in our calendar.” London Stationery Show is focused on supporting this evergrowing industry and is delighted to be a platform facilitating the connection between arts and crafts suppliers and stockists. The show takes place between Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th May 2023 at the Business Design Centre, London. For more information, visit: www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk Shows, news & events Diary dates CHSI Stitches 19th-20th February, 2023 NEC, Birmingham www.chsi.co.uk h+h Cologne 31st March – 2nd April, 2023 Koelnmesse, Cologne www.hh-cologne.com London Stationery Show 16th – 17th May, 2023 Business Design Centre www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk h+h americas 21st –23rd June, 2023 Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Centre Rosemont, Chicago www.hh-americas.com
26 New partnership with the Sarah Hurley Academy ICHF Events and Sarah Hurley have announced a multi-year partnership to bring creative business education to the CHSI Stitches programme of events through Sarah’s new ‘Sarah Hurley Academy,’ launched in 2022. The Sarah Hurley Academy draws from Sarah’s industry and business successes to help entrepreneurs and small businesses at all stages. The Academy provides education to small business, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs via a comprehensive range of courses and resources. Sarah Hurley will be at the craft trade show on stand B26, which runs from Sunday 19th to Monday 20th February 2023 at the NEC, Birmingham and will provide free advice from the academy stand alongside a host of new initiatives exclusive to the partnership. The entrepreneurial business advice is targeted at businesses at a range of stages; those starting out in the craft world, looking to start in the craft world, or those businesses looking for growth and direction. Sarah Hurley said: “The academy and the trade show are the perfect partners for new and established businesses to focus and thrive in the retail world, especially at this challenging time. I’m looking forward to meeting lots of businesses at the event, whatever stage they are at, and providing advice and guidance.” Simon Burns, Managing Director ICHF Events said: “CHSI Stitches has a long and proud history of providing advice and support to small businesses. By its nature, the craft industry has a high percentage of independent businesses run by people with a real passion for what they do. We’re delighted to partner with Sarah and to be able to offer free access to her advice to visitors to the show.” For more information on the Sarah Hurley Academy, and to join, visit: www.sarahhurleyacademy.com and visit on the day at stand B26. For more information about the show, visit: www.chsi.co.uk h+h americas expands After a strong initial launch in North America in 2022, anticipation is building towards the next h+h americas set for 21st –23rd June, 2023. The event will take place again at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Centre in Rosemont/Chicago. The June dates have been carefully selected to provide buyers with seasonal offers from the entire handicraft industry. h+h americas is a B2B trade show with a comprehensive conference programme organised in partnership with the Craft Industry Alliance and open to Influencers, Professional Crafters, Etsy Sellers, Content Creators and everyone who makes a living in crafts. As an offspring of the world’s leading textile handicraft trade fair in Cologne, Germany, the show is a response to strong US demand for a unified trade show on US soil. The US market consists of 30 million Americans that crochet, knit, sew, quilt or embroider. The inaugural 2022 event combined 2,000 attendees with 200 exhibitors who displayed a wide range of products from yarn, fabric, art, craft materials to toys and pastimes. Many attendees praised the high share of international product lines from 39 countries normally not seen before in the US. Due to strong interest among buying groups the 2023 event will now broaden its product categories to include craft, hobby and artists’ supplies. Buyers will have access to materials and tools for scrapbooking, papercraft, rubber stamping, painting, handicrafts, sewing, modelling, and decorating to high-quality papers and paints, easels, inks, pens, markers, brushes and adhesives as well as graphic accessories and cutting tools. For more information on exhibiting, speaking or attending contact: Darrin Stern, d.stern@koelnmesse.us or visit the website: www.hh-americas.com CONSUMER NEWS Already 75 per cent sell-out at country shows! Both the Weald of Kent and Henley Country Craft Shows are great face-to-face selling platforms and locations for you to promote your products and creations at. From jewellery, ceramics, leather goods, glassware, art to homeware and garden ornaments, visitors love to shop quality items with a historical total combined spend (both shows annually) at £3.7 million! In 2022, over 200 stall holders exhibited at the Henley Country Craft Show making it their largest show yet. With over 25,000 annual visitors combined, it is a good one-onone customer facing opportunity, where you can meet your clients in person and build invaluable relationships whilst sharing the story and ethos behind your business. For all stand bookings and enquiries for home, lifestyle, crafted products and food produce, please contact Steve Mitchell, Sales Director: +44 (0) 1425 460 811 or email stevem@ichf.co.uk
The ultimate destination for stationery professionals. www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk Register Today Artgecko Sketchbooks Avenue Mandarine Bruynzeel Caran D’Ache Clairefontaine Decopatch Ecoline Exacompta Faber-Castell Legami Maildor Midori Royal Brush Sakura Sandart Stitchfinity Talens Art Creation Tombow 150+ brands including: 16-17 MAY 2023 BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE
28 London Stationery Show 2023 As the UK’s only event dedicated to the paper, arts and crafts, writing instruments and greeting card sectors, London Stationery Show is the ultimate destination for industry professionals. This May, over 150 carefully curated brands will be united under one roof, making this the buying event of the season. 150+ BRANDS Having recently expanded into the full arts and crafts industry, London Stationery Show offers a broader range of products than ever before and continues to champion the full stationery supply chain. With iconic industry leaders you know and love, including Royal Talens, Royal Brush and Sandart to name a few, you’re sure to discover the next hero product for your store. If you’re looking to find something original or lovingly handmade, the Boutique Collection is designed with retailers in mind, housing independent boutique creators at the very forefront of stationery trends. CREATIVE MATTERS The Creative Matters workshops are the perfect opportunity to get hands on with the most unique and innovative products, and master the correct techniques. Sponsored by Jakar International Ltd, the workshops will invite visitors to participate in interactive demonstrations, offering a de-stress and detox from the digital world and facilitating the connection between arts and crafts suppliers and stockists. INDIE MATTERS AND RETAIL MATTERS All visitors to the show have access to the Indie Matters Business Advice Clinics and the Retail Matters live talks. These are a fantastic opportunity to meet the inspiring business minds behind the brands, with topics ranging from creative content planning, sales techniques, exhibition advice and more. If you’re searching for specific tailored advice and actionable steps to boost your business further, keep an eye on @stationeryshowsuk for updates. LAUNCHPAD LaunchPad is an exciting competition for dynamic stationery suppliers ready to break into the market and get ahead of the curve. Judged by leading industry names looking for stationery that stands out from the crowd, the winners will showcase their products alongside top brands at London Stationery Show. STATIONERY MATTERS AWARDS Each year, the Stationery Matters Awards applaud the finest achievements in the stationery sector and shine a light on the hero products of tomorrow. Encompassing a wide range of categories including arts and crafts, sustainable stationery, gift packing and wrap, notebooks and journals, writing instruments, diaries and calendars and more, the top products from each category will be displayed on the Mezzanine level of the Business Design Centre, where retailers can interact with what could be their next best-selling product. Entries officially close on the 6th March, so apply today and get the recognition your business deserves. READY TO REGISTER? For wholesale buyers looking for new stationery, greeting and gift brands, London Stationery Show is the unmissable event of the season. To claim your complimentary ticket to the UK’s leading stationery trade event, head to www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk.
A B2B premier trade show for today’s business environment The place where creativity meets business. hh-americas.com Make your plans to attend or exhibit June 21-23, 2023, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont, IL, USA. We look forward to seeing you there! Learn More at: Uniting the crafts industries in North America Over 250+ exhibitors • Workshops • Classes • Networking Events and more General Crafts such as Soft crafts such as Stamping Card Making Bead and Jewelry Paper Crafts Knitting Crochet Quilting Garment Making Embroidery
Connect with us @olfa_ukie SCAN TO EXPLORE SAC-1 Graphic’s Snap Knife Acute 30 degree blade angle provides a precise cutting tip Comes with a tapered end for smoothing, scoring and embossing AK-5 Designer’s Knife AK-4 Art Knife Pro AK-1 Art Knife VIEW OUR FLIPBOOK CATALOGUE www.artstat.co.uk
CHSI STITCHES 2023 This February the renowned show is back at the N C, Birmingham from Sunday 19th to Monday 20th February with a new theme for 2023 – Conscious Crafting February is a month fixed in the minds of many in the creative craft industry as a time for product sourcing, professional learning and networking at the UK’s key trade show, CHSI Stitches. This February the renowned show is back at the NEC, Birmingham from Sunday 19th to Monday 20th February with a new theme for 2023. The Conscious Crafting theme explores four key factors that crafters take into consideration and how this affects all elements of their decision making. Visitors to CHSI Stitches 2023 can expect the biggest line-up of craft products on the market from leading suppliers, respected business experts sharing essential insights and a range of new product demonstrations. Read on for a preview of what to expect... Insights Hub Show organisers ICHF have announced a line-up of speakers to help retailers navigate the current economic landscape, embrace sustainability and ensure their businesses thrive. Focusing on key factors in the customer decision making process, each speaker brings their own experience and expertise to the sessions at the Insights Hub, running each day of the show from 9.45am. Inspirational keynote addresses come from professionals with unparalleled experience in retail, branding and sustainability. On Sunday 19th February, entrepreneur and founder of a celebrated luxury fashion label, Barjis Chohan, will bring her passion and trailblazing personality to inspire visitors to stand out from the crowd and carve an identity for their businesses. On Monday 20th February, Claire Harper, leading branding expert with Argos, Ocado, Sainsburys and Mamas & Papas as well as her own kids clothing brand IndiaCoco, will provide her guide on how to surprise and delight customers. Also on Monday 20th February, Safia Minney, award-winning social entrepreneur and founder of sustainable Steve Mitchell, Event Director, says “The UK creative craft industry continues to stride forward, and this year’s show is set to give everyone new ideas, help them make positive changes to their business and make 2023 the best year yet. We look forward to seeing exhibitor and visitors alike at the show.” 31 CHSI STITCHES
CHSI Stitches 2023 takes place from 19th to 20th February at the NEC, Birmingham. For free registration visit the website: https://chsi-stitches-2023.reg.buzz/ For more show news visit the website: www.chsi.co.uk To keep up to date with the show follow: Twitter: @CHSIstitches Instagram: @CHSIstitches. LinkedIn: CHSI Stitches Details correct of at time of going to press. fashion brand, People Tree, will talk about the importance of using natural, low impact materials and reducing waste and the new narratives for sustainable living that craft can stitch together. Multi award winning business owner and creator of the UK’s only sewing tuition franchise, Jenny Drew from Sew Confident will be encouraging CHSI visitors to ‘Stop Playing Small’ and share her ideas on how to grow a business with a conscience. Scott Stone, leading retail business expert and managing director of three successful craft brands Sewing Street, Jewellery Maker and Hobby Maker, will share his expertise on developing successful partnerships to make a business thrive in these challenging economic times. Author of 12 craft books and founder of the Sewyeah Social Club, Christine Leech, will share with audiences the power of craft for wellbeing, taking a sustainability first approach and how community projects can engage customers and build audiences. Social media master Andrew Davis offers practical advice on creating social media content, algorithms and keeping followers engaged while sustainable craft author and influencer, Emma FriedlanderCollins, from Steel & Stitch, talks repair, recycling and connecting with digital communities. Campfire sessions Following on from their main presentation in the Insights Hub, each of the speakers are also hosting their own Campfire Sessions for more focused conversation, group discussion and peer learning. Prebook a Campfire Session once you have pre-registered to attend the show. Demonstrations hub The Demonstrations Hub is the place to go to meet top crafting experts and social media influencers demonstrating their skills, new techniques and products across a variety of hard and soft crafts. Learn from some of the UK’s most popular influencers including Sew Mark Francis and Jen Hogg Jenerates, Bethan from Pretty in Paper by B, Lynette Jasper from Pretty gets Gritty and Bert and Gerts. The Craft Report An integral part of CHSI Stitches, the findings of this year’s Craft Report will be presented exclusively to visitors on Sunday and Monday in the Insights Hub. Providing the creative craft industry with a trends update, market research specialist Linda Jones will explain the findings from the report and their impact on businesses. This year’s report explores the ‘Conscious Crafter’, a multi-faceted audience, and highlights opportunities for the trade to better engage with them, as well as providing valued updates on key trend data such as spending, hierarchy of crafts and audience growth and profile. Exhibitors From embroidery to yarn, buttons and craft kits to fine art, sewing machines and textiles, CHSI Stitches 2023 is the goto show for discovering the latest craft trends, finding new product launches, and placing orders for products that will enthuse and delight customers. Not only is the range of products on offer vast (organisers estimate around 100,000 products at the show this year) but the hands-on experience of a trade show gives visitors an opportunity to look, feel and discuss new ranges directly with exhibitors. 32
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