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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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Crafty Kits for Kids
Introducing kids to creative fun guarantees a bright future for crafting - Becky Williams looks into what crafty fun is available
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Gorgeous Gems
Becky Williams looks at some of the latest developments in jewellery-making and beading
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New Year - New Ventures
As we embark on another year of trading, just what is in store? We talked to some industry leaders to find out what their plans are
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Decoupage - a tale of two crafts
Becky Williams discovers the retail potential of both traditional decoupage and layering up an
image for a 3D effect
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New Product Showcase
We take a look at some of the new products that will be launched at CH+SI4
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 27th January 2012 |
| Show news and reviews |
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Craft Hobby + Stitch International
Dates: 19th - 21st February 2012
Venue: NEC, Birmingham
Contact: Troy Bennett/Andrew Morton
T: +44 (0)1425 272711
E: info@ichf.co.uk or visit www.ichf.co.uk
As sewing, knitting and all things handmade continue their revival in popularity, ICHF Events Ltd is in the final stages of its preparation for the 500th Craft, Hobby + Stitch International show. ICHF show organiser, Troy Bennett said: "Reaching our 500th show is quite a milestone but Craft, Hobby + Stitch International, as always, has its eye on the future. This year we are focused on helping retailers improve sales even in this hard economic climate."
More than 250 exhibitors as well as displays, special features, free workshops and seminars will be available to visitors. Andrew Morton said: "Exhibitor stand sales are up
on the same time last year and we've had strong interest and bookings from international companies and, for the first time, a Japanese stationery company will be exhibiting." |
| Crafty breaks |
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Set in the foothills of Dartmoor National Park The Manor House and Ashbury Hotels are the ideal venue for a craft break. The unique Craft Centre at Manor House offers 17 tutored crafts including pottery, glass engraving, enamelling, personalised hot press printing and woodwork. All of these crafts feature expert tuition with minimal cost prices applied.
Away from the arts and crafts visitors are spoilt for choice and if they have any energy left, an abundance of activities are waiting to be explored. Facilities available free of charge to all residents include tennis courts, bowls rinks, badminton courts, swimming pools with spa facilities, 10-pin bowling, snooker tables, and target ranges featuring archery, air pistols and air rifles. Breaks are full board from £203pp for four nights midweek.
For more details
T: +44 (0)800 197 7552,
www.activityhotelbreaks.co.uk |
| Felt-making kits |
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Gilliangladrag Ltd offers a number of great felt-making kits for kids, even from children aged five. Gillian Harris of GillianGladrag described the aim of the kits and said: "All
the children's kits are highly educational, encouraging them to learn a natural and magical craft using real wool fibres." Kits for younger children start at just £12.75 and customers can choose between 'Fabber Dabber Ewe', a felt sheep picture kit; 'Doris Dogletti', a felt doggie picture kit; and 'Colonel Nocturnal', a felt owl picture kit.
For older children, there are a few more options, for example 'Bonbon Bagatelle', the felt necklace kit, and also 'Monstrous Maurice', a felt monster kit. The little felt
pillow kit 'Cameo Cuddles' is also great for older children who want slightly more of a challenge as it includes trimmings to sew on after it's made. All of these kits can be used with the mini basic kit (small bamboo mat and net) which retails at just £5.95
For further details, please contact Gillian or Caroline on
T: +44 (0)1306 898144,
E: gill@gilliangladrag.co.uk or visit www.gilliangladrag.co.uk |
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| We've so much to look forward to... |
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This is a funny time of year for us - we cross the year divide! We are still looking forward to Christmas, with all the last minute preparations to do, but are also looking ahead to 2012 and preparing for our biggest trade show of the year. To this end we've packed in some previews of new products that will be showcased at Craft, Hobby + Stitch International in February and of course, still have a whole clutch of lovely brand spanking new products to report.
Our biggest feature is on craft kits for children - and wow, is there a lot to say there! Children are definitely the crafters of the future so it is fabulous to see so many new ideas, kits and products that are aimed at getting youngsters hooked on craft. We've also focused on jewellery this issue, with a look at some sparkling new beads, findings and more from many of the leading jewellery making suppliers. Our decoupage feature takes a different slant - we've tips on how to do the two types of decoupage together with some useful contacts for supplies.
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 |
| 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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| Enter here |
| Make and sew kits |
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A brand new and modern approach to the traditional craft kit for kids is offered by the new Make and Sew with KittyKay kits. This bright and stylish range of kits, for children of four years and upwards, is suitable for all sewing abilities and includes fun designs for both girls and boys - hearts, butterflies, flowers, cupcakes, dinosaurs and bats. Each kit contains only the best quality materials and accessories, with easy-to-follow instructions and everything needed to complete a great project.
Kitty's philosophy is that "every child should have the opportunity to be creative from an early age and learn a great skill too". The kits are designed in three learning levels: Beginner, Confident and Advanced. At the beginner level, children learn and develop basic sewing and crafting skills, using blunt needles and felt shapes with sewing holes. Then they move through the next two stages until they are confident and happy sewers. Creative, educational and a treasured keepsake, this is the perfect '3-in-1' gift.
For further information contact Kitty at:
T: +44 (0)1788-567858
E: info@kittykay.co.uk or visit www.kittykay.co.uk |
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| For all craft retailers... |
| Woodware Craft Collection |
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Judith Brewer of Woodware Craft Collection is looking forward to the show. She told us: "The stamp designs are being finalised for the new catalogue which will be launched at the show. Francoise Read and Jane Gill have been busy drawing and we are just sending the designs of the exciting new images to be manufactured. Once trial stamps are back Jane and Francoise test them. Then the fun begins for them as they create the top secret samples for the catalogue. Besides our own stamps we will have new designs from Stampendous and new stencils from Dreamweaver. The show is very important to us and our retailers so we will be taking several demonstrators representing Stampendous, Dreamweaver, and of course Jane and Francoise will be there. We'll have 'make and takes' for the stamps and the other new products."
For further information:
T: +44 (0)1756 700024
www.woodware.co.uk |
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