To celebrate the start of the new series of Gogglebox, sponsored by Three, the mobile network and Nick Grimshaw, Celebrity Gogglebox star, have unveiled a guide to crochet your own phone holder so you can stitch as you tune-in to the latest episodes. While we're a nation of TV lovers, many of us are looking at what new crafty skills we can learn from our sofas, as we enjoy watching the latest drama unfold. Keeping ourselves entertained with our eyes, ears and hands all at the same time, 69% are looking to learn a new hobby this year, according to a new study commissioned by Three, a leading mobile network.
Posted: 19 March 2024
Despite a festive spending slowdown, the GCVA, in collaboration with Global Data, reveals a compelling shift in shopping habits during the holiday season.
Their nationally representative survey of 2,000 consumers indicates that over 20 million gift cards were exchanged during Christmas 2023, with nearly a third (31 percent) of respondents receiving one.
Interestingly, almost a quarter (24 percent) of those surveyed received more gift cards than in previous years.
Younger generations emerged as the primary recipients, with an astonishing 50 percent of those aged 16-24 unwrapping the gift of a gift card, compared to 18 percent among the 55-64 age group.
The research also showed diverse reasons why gift cards are a popular choice.
Posted: 18 March 2024
Koelnmesse's h+h americas show has been listed amongst the TOP 50 fastest growing 2023 trade shows in the U.S. Cologne/Chicago Trade Show Executive (TSE) Fastest 50 Class of 2023, marked the trade show industry's trade shows breaking TSE Fastest 50 records for growth by net square feet, number of exhibiting companies and total attendance - and h+h has come up trumps!
Posted: 14 March 2024
Designs by Emmy Lupin, an exciting and highly original artist represented by art licensing and design company The London Studio, have been licensed for a series of 2025 diaries and calendars to be launched across Europe by Dumont Kalenderverlag, one of the leading calendar publishers in Germany, in late 2024.
In total, Dumont commissioned 14 Emmy Lupin images for its 2025 social stationery collections.
Already available to the trade, the diaries and calendars will be on sale to the public, both online and at physical retail, including kiosks, groceries, card shops and department stores, across Europe from Q4 2024.
Dumont's strong presence in Germany and France means it is likely to see a particularly good response from these markets.
Posted: 13 March 2024
The sustainability of products is becoming increasingly important in artistic design. This was abundantly on display at Creativeworld 2024. Numerous exhibitors presented 'green' products for artists of all ages to the professional creative community. The Ethical Style by Creativeworld label at the stands provided orientation in the halls. The cross-event Ethical Style programme of the Frankfurt consumer goods fairs comprises a selection of exhibitors with sustainable approaches, curated by an independent jury of experts.
Posted: 12 March 2024
This Easter, Décopatch, the leading UK distributor for creative papier mâché shapes, is thrilled to introduce a trio of enchanting additions, promising to infuse your festive celebrations with creativity and charm.Crafting enthusiasts can now explore the art of decopatching with an exclusive pack containing 6 Cracked Eggshells, each possessing its own unique charm. For those seeking additional delight, the adorable baby lamb and the charming bell are available for individual purchase. Ideal for concealing treats, these delightful papier mâché shapes will add a touch of magic to your Easter decor.
Posted: 7 March 2024
The future of traditional pottery making is under threat from a combination of an ageing profession and environmental concerns over the use of gas and wood fired kilns. While pottery making has experienced a boom in recent years, particularly during Covid lockdowns when many people took it up as a hobby, traditional methods used for hundreds of years are in danger of dying out, according to professionals.
Posted: 5 March 2024
Autumn Fair, the UK retail's inspirational shopping destination for Home, Gift and Fashion, has announced the launch of its new campaign theme promising a celebration of newness and original products that will bring retail stores to life, putting the spotlight on the allure of the 'shop window' and the best of British suppliers. The show will take place 1st – 4th September at NEC Birmingham.
Posted: 29 February 2024
h+h cologne will become the ultimate networking and educational platform for the handicraft industry from 22nd to 24th March 2024 - the respective programme contents have now been announced: From the first steps of founding a company, to the power of collaboration, through to the creation of reels, valuable knowledge that falls under the key theme "Creative Empowerment" will be conveyed.
Posted: 27 February 2024
COLOP would like to inform you of an important change in its business operations. After careful consideration and strategic planning, COLOP Austria has decided to restructure the business in the UK, transfer the business to a new distribution partner and close its branch in UK. This decision was not made lightly, but it aligns with the broader business strategy of COLOP to enhance efficiency and streamline its operations.
Posted: 22 February 2024
