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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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Brand spanking new
The latest product launches
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Craft in the community
The Community Arts Centre in Peterborough is a successful business model that can easily be replicated in other areas of the UK
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 3rd February 2012 |
| Brand spanking new |
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Artcoe
Product: XACTO Precision Knives
Contact: T: +44 (0)845 300 7750, www.artcoe.com
Price: RRP from £1.80
Specification: Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, plus sets, XACTO precision knives are designed for maximum performance. The product features include comfort grips, safety caps and a simple blade-release mechanism for easy use.
Retailer Benefits: All orders over £50 will be carriage paid and delivered within 48 hours from receipt of order, subject to stock availability. Artcoe is the sole UK distributor for XACTO and services the fine art, graphics and craft markets. There is no minimum order quantity so retailers can order in either single or multiple units.
Other information: Extra blades are also available separately in a range of pack sizes. |
| Coming to the show... |
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Don't miss the chance to see what's new at the Craft, Hobby + Stitch International show in February. Here we preview some of the products that will be on show
Bothy Threads
T: + 44(0)1638 665149
E: info@bothythreads.com www.bothythreads.com
At the CH+SI trade show Bothy Threads will be launching a brand new collection of tapestry cushion kits. All of the cushions are worked on full colour printed 12 count interlock canvas in Appleton tapestry wools and there is a wide selection of designs, shapes and sizes to choose from. Kate Hoyle of Bothy Threads said: "Following the fabulous success of Gorjuss in cross stitch, there will be wonderful designs featuring four of the Gorjuss girls. The rich, gem coloured palettes and simplicity of the artwork translates perfectly into these beautiful cushions." There will also be Mr Men and Little Miss and other colourful modern designs with cupcakes, love hearts and Union Jacks. In more mellow tones Bothy Threads has the Arabesque collection based on eastern carpet patterns. "These intricate, symmetrical designs are fascinating to stitch and, with many colour ways available, fit comfortably with modern decor" added Kate. Also available at the show, Huggles is a new series of birth sampler cross stitch kits with a RRP of £19.99. The designs are taken from artwork by Ian Hallows and there are two available so far - 'Bedtime' (XIH1) and 'Balloon' (XIH2) both worked on 14 hpi white Zweigart Aida and measuring 18"x22".
The threads are pre-sorted and there's enough provided to work the design in either pinks or blues. Clear stitch instructions, diagrams and alphabet/number lines are also included. |
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| We've so much to look forward to... |
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It's that time of year when we are all busy preparing for our biggest trade show and looking ahead to 2012. So we've packed the pages of Craft Focus with some previews of new products that will be showcased at CHSI and have a clutch of lovely brand spanking new products to report on as well.
Of course, as those in business know, it's not all about the product; clever marketing and sales techniques also play an important part. We've taken a look at visual merchandising, with ideas on how to get the most from your displays in order to turn them into positive sales. Also on the business advice side, we have an informative article introducing the Federation of Small Businesses - a pro-active organisation that is constantly working to get better deals from the Government for small businesses (90 percent of businesses in the UK are classed as small businesses), as well as providing more immediate support through local groups.
Finally, don't miss the chance to enter our competition to win VIP tickets to CH+SI. It's an annual trade fair that shouldn't be missed so how better to attend than as a VIP guest!
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 |
| The Craft world of Kores... |
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Global stationery brand Kores has recently appointed Whitecroft Essentials as its sole UK distributor. Already known as a leading British supplier to the stationery, haberdashery and craft trade Whitecroft Essentials is pleased to be working with the Kores brand. "We are looking forward to introducing Kores to the UK market and establishing the brand in this country. It's bright, funky packaging and creative, exclusive products, such as the cute and quirky correction scooters and environmentally friendly correction solutions, ensure that it will not take long for this brand to create a stir in the market" said a spokesman for Whitecroft Essentials.
For further information visit: www.whitecroft.co.uk |
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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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| Banks not going far enough |
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Just over a year after the launch of the Business Finance Taskforce, new research suggests that it has not yet achieved its aim of repairing the relationship between banks and small businesses. In all, 24 percent of small business owners on the Private Business Forum's cash flow and finance panel have called for more choice between the 'traditional' banking services, while 21 percent want better access to alternative forms of funding from outside the main high street lenders.
The Forum's Senior Policy Adviser Alex Jackman said: "The Business Finance Taskforce produced 18 recommendations, some of which have been extremely useful - particularly in the areas of mentoring and lending appeals, etc. But the verdict so far is that much more needs to be done to get cost-effective finance to the businesses that need it most." He added: "Banks must act to boost their small business customers' confidence. We also need greater competition between high street banks and by allowing other, alternative funders to be able to truly compete in finance markets dominated by the banks. These measures would drive up levels of service and bring down costs."
Further information is available at www.fpb.org |
| Brand spanking new |
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Mulberry Silks
Product: Fabric Color Magic Book (Guide to using deColourant)
Contact: T: +44 (0)1603 739 222,
E: sales@mulberrysilks.co.uk, www.mulberrysilks.co.uk
Price: RRP £24.99 each
Specification: This illustrated book provides step- by-step instructions on how to use deColourant and deColourant Plus. It has 23 fun projects for all ages and skill levels and includes techniques for stamping, stencilling, screenprinting and more. "There are plenty of tips and Ideas for unleashing your creativity with this innovative product" said Luke of Mulberry Silks.
Retailer Benefits: This book shows all the benefits of the deColourant and deColourant Plus products which are exclusive to Mulberry Silks in a fun and easy to use format.
Other Information: The deColourant was judged Top 20 New Products at CHA 2011. |
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