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| OUT NOW |
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| Find out more about the latest industry news and product launches in the current issue of Craft Focus. Why not download the magazine in PDF format from www.craftfocus.com? |
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Knit Together
The ever-expanding world of knitting holds many creative and commercial possibilities as we discovered
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Quilting Today
Quilting today is so much more than the dictionary definition of stitching two pieces together
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Adventures in Papercrafting
Louise Fisher investigates the exciting world of papercrafting
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Needlecrafting
Step into the modern world of needlecraft delights, with Becky Williams' run-down of tapestry, embroidery and more
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Club Together
Holding craft clubs or classes in your shop might seem like an optional extra - we look at why it's a must in today's retail world
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In the Name of Art
Louise Fisher gets the lowdown on art supplies from four of the biggest names in art
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 28th November 2011 |
| Win a trip to Craft Hobby + Stitch International |
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Europe's largest trade show for the craft industry, Craft Hobby + Stitch International is fast approaching and will be held from 19-21 February, 2012 at the NEC in Birmingham.
Now in its 37th year, the show draws manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers from the creative art, craft, needlecraft and hobby sectors. The show offers a world-class forum at which to promote, sell, buy and network with industry colleagues from around the globe.
More than 250 creative craft exhibitors from across the globe will be attending the event which will also offer visitors more than 150 hours of free dedicated training, technique and seminar-based sessions. The seminars require no pre-booking, although to participate in the free workshops, pre-booking is required.
The 2012 event will again feature a vibrant catwalk show, which was well received at the 2011 show. This will run throughout all three days, inspiring buyers with stunning creations from exhibitors.
Buyers will also be able to draw inspiration from, and discover new products in the Bright Sparks Pavilion which will be packed with innovative new designs and creations from upcoming designers and creative craft entrepreneurs.
Direct flights from around the world and connections from most major European cities are available into Birmingham International Airport which is adjacent to the exhibition centre, while the unique 'sky-rail' monorail links the NEC to the airport providing a stress-free transit from plane to exhibition. Birmingham NEC is also at the heart of the motorway and rail network.
Two lucky winners from this issue will each receive a one-night bed and breakfast stay for two people on Sunday 19th February, at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel, in a double or twin room. In addition, the winners and their guests will be invited to attend a VIP lunch on Monday 20th February at Craft Hobby + Stitch International.
Just 10 minutes from Birmingham International Airport, the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel is one of the UK's largest conference hotels. Located on the site of the NEC, the hotel has excellent transport links to the city centre. The hotel's three restaurants offer a selection of international cuisines, while a fully equipped Living Well Health Club and heated indoor swimming pool provides extensive leisure facilities. |
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| Enchanted patchwork |
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Teamwork Crafts new Enchanted Forest designs from expert Gail Lawther are each 25 inches (64cm) square patterns, which can be sewn individually or all can be joined to make one big quilt. The six panels depict birds, deer, hedgehogs, hares, badgers and a magical unicorn are available at trade price of £3 each. The packs include full size pattern and clear how-to instructions. "Even if your customers haven't tried stained glass patchwork before, they can confidently start with any of these designs" said Gail Lawther.
For further details T: 01903 750946,
E: thelawthers@ntlworld.com, www.gaillawther.co.uk. |
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| If it's crafting - we've got it covered! |
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Hi, welcome to this absolutely jam-packed largest-ever edition of Craft Focus! We share what's new in needlecraft, with a look at tapestry, long stitch, embroidery, rag rugging, crewel and stumpwork whilst in our papercrafting pages we take a look at some of the general areas that have seen definite surges of interest in recent times and products that are set to be 'hot stuff ' in the coming festive season.
Providing customers with how-to demonstrations and workshops isn't a new idea, so it is interesting to see how classes and courses have taken off and provide positive potential to increase sales. Our final feature is all about getting arty - with new materials and ideas to help encourage customers.
Don't miss our show news and reports - we've reviews of the recent CHA show and Autumn Fair, with comments from exhibitors and organisers about what sold well and what trends emerged. We've also previews of some of the forthcoming spring fairs as well as news of consumer shows that all help to encourage crafters.
Finally, don't miss the opportunity to enter two competitions! Craft, Hobby + Stitch International are giving away two VIP tickets and accommodation for the February show and Dremel have provided us with 10 super glue gun prizes.
Until next issue...
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| Wendy Gardiner, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@craftfocus.com to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Gunning for Success |
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With a glue gun - so much is possible. Add colour glue sticks, glitter sticks and more and you're onto a winner! The Dremel Glue Gun 930 is aimed at the hobbyist and creative crafter. Its features include drip-control, a five minute heat-up time, a fixed precision nozzle and silicone nozzle protection tip - as well as having an extendable plastic stand, a stable base and an ergonomic handle.
The clever Glue Gun 930 has a dual temperature facility of 105 and 165 degrees centigrade which allows gluing and decorating across a wide variety of materials from glass, wood, textiles, plastics, paper and cardboard. The Dremel colour glue sticks are an exciting addition to the Hobby range when used to embellish decorative crafts and create 3D relief designs. For example, a beautiful faux wax seal pressed with a rubber or metal stamp adds instant charm to invitations, table place cards, announcements and awards certificates, as well as envelopes, gift wrapping and tags, or even your own wine bottles!
There's also a range of accessories and attachments for the Dremel Glue Gun. Plain glue sticks (7mm and 11mm), wood glue sticks for specialised woodworking applications, glitter sticks to add sparkle to creative designs, solid colour glue sticks for work in 3D and a special glue work pad which protects projects from dirt, is heat resistant and cleans easily - allowing you to remove glue spills from the pad and protect your furniture.
We have 10 Dremel Glue Gun 930s to give away, complete with one pack of every accessory - worth over £50 each! |
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| Comfort blanket campaign |
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Future Publishing's Simply Knitting and The Knitter magazine have teamed up with national domestic violence charity Refuge to help raise awareness about the issue
and support women and children who experience abuse. Working with Refuge to launch a nationwide 'Comfort Blanket Campaign', the magazines are asking readers to knit small squares, which can be sewn together to create larger blankets. The blankets will then be given to the women and children who access Refuge's services - with a target of making 100 blankets by Christmas.
Refuge is the magazines' nominated charity for 2011 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. With one in four women experiencing domestic violence at some point in their lives, Refuge supports 1,600 women and children each day, providing a vital lifeline for those looking to escape the misery of abuse.
As part of the Comfort Blanket Campaign, beautiful patterns are available online in an e-book containing 26 different designs at www.justgiving.com/refugeblankets. The e-book is available for free, but the magazines are suggesting a small donation for each download. Readers can then access the patterns created by fantastic designers and stars of the knitting world including Alan Dart, Sarah Hatton, Judy Furlong and Simply Knitting and The Knitter's very own Debora Bradley and Juliet Bernard. The teams are encouraging everyone to get involved from individuals and crafting novices to whole knitting groups. Readers can send in completed blankets directly to Refuge's London offices..
For more information please contact Debora Bradley, Editor of Simply Knitting,
T: +44 (0)1225 442244,
E: simplyknitting@futurenet.com, simplyknitting.themakingspot.com. Post blankets to: Fundraising/Simply Knitting, Refuge, 4th Floor, International House,
1 St Katharine's Way, London E1W 1UN. |
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| Take a look at our regularly updated Find a Supplier feature on our website where you find profiles, photographs and contact information from all our current magazine advertisers. |
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| For all craft retailers... |
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| Adventures in papercrafting |
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Set to impress
"The patented new Craft Dragon ImPress enables home crafters to hot foil stamp, rubber stamp, die cut and embellish with amazing clarity and precision, on a wide array of surfaces using just one machine" promises Craft Dragon MD Jason Nash. "Because it's so versatile, the ImPress offers terrific value for money, and gives professional results, time after time. In fact a number of the participants in our early trials have used the machine to turn their passion for crafting into their own small business," said Jason. Everything, from the machine parts, packaging and support services have been sourced locally or nearby Staffordshire. Based on a multi- functional, modular system, the machine has easily interchangeable heads and offers an unparalleled level of functionality. One of these 'heads' is the exciting new Flexiblock, a simple attachment tool designed specifically for ink stamping.
For more information, contact Craft Dragon on
T: +44 (0)1782 658333,
E: enquiries@craftdragon.com,, www.craftdragon.com
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| Show news and reviews |
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Show previews
Paperworld and Creativeworld
Dates: 28th - 31st January, 2012
Venue: Frankfurt am Main
Paperworld is the leading international trade fair for stationery, office supplies and writing implements for home and commercial markets. Professional buyers come together to meet with market leaders and small, innovative companies. This year more than 2,000 exhibitors travelled to Frankfurt to reveal their latest products and ideas to the entire industry over four days whilst 107,000 trade visitors attended the combined Paperworld, Creativeworld and Christmasworld shows. Exhibition organisers are expecting even greater attendance in 2012.
Paperworld also provides visitors with the ideal venue for discovering the latest trend shows, numerous innovations, award ceremonies and events, through the comprehensive programme of special exhibitions. Here you will find inspiration for future assortments and learn about the latest designs coming into the market.
Running alongside Paperworld for the second year is "the world's biggest trade fair for the creative sector, Creativeworld - an important international trade fair for all hobby, craft and artist suppliers," said the organisers. Creativeworld provides a huge assortment of themes for visitors to discover through four main product groups; decorative crafts, graphic and artists' requisites, dandicrafts (textile design) and hobby and crafts.
For further information T: +44 (0) 1784 415 950,
E: info@uk.messefrankfurt.com, www.paperworld.messefrankfurt.com, www.creativeworld.messefrankfurt.com.
For visitor registration: www.ukfrankfurt.co.uk. |
| Extended licensing deal |
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Design Objectives, the company responsible for craft website docrafts.com has signed a new licensing deal with Hallmark Cards. Design Objectives has been working with Hallmark for the last three years, mostly on the well known Forever Friends brand, which as one of their lead licenses, has seen great success with over 400 products in the range. This new deal expands the relationship between the two companies into a broader range of categories for Forever Friends including kids crafting and covers other Hallmark properties including Country Companions and Lucy Cromwell. It also covers new international territories. Commenting on the deal, Becks Fagg, head of product at docrafts said: "We value the Hallmark license as we see it as a key stone for our company moving forward."
For more information on Forever Friends contact Julie Michell, T: +44 (0)7785 288194, E: jmiche4@hallmark- uk.com or visit www.foreverfriends.co.uk. |
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