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| New Issue 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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Brand spanking new
The latest product launches
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Bookshelf
A whole host of new books have recently been published. Wendy Gardiner provides an at-a-glance overview of what's available
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Beaded ribbon ruffle project
Using beads and ruffles Vicki Boutin shares how to make a lovely corsage
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Furnishing fabric trends
Jane Saunders of Just Fabrics shares her views on the soft furnishing trends for 2012
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Easter smiles
Easter is a special time for bringing springtime happiness says Jenny May Forsyth
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Motherly love
With Mother's Day approaching we look at mum-related products
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Passionate about business
Wendy Gardiner caught up with Fiona Pullen, Head of the growing internet directory for all things sewing
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A flair for business
Christine Bell explains how she turned a pipe dream into a successful business
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Up and coming - a pot pourri of crafts
Turning a hobby into a work from home business has been a dream come true for Amber Waugh
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A click away
Peter Shorney talks about QR barcodes and how retailers can use them
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Intellectual property in the workplace
Dids Macdonald from ACID looks at the new guidelines and ways to manage IP
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Become Google's number one
Paula Wynne offers practical tips on how to get your craft business ranked high on Google
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 9th April 2012 |
| CHA UK to launch |
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March 2012 will see the launch of the Craft & Hobby Association UK. Craig De Souza, Director of Member Services for the new CHA UK said: "Ushering in an exciting new dawn of growth and prosperity for all craft retailers and suppliers, the launch sees the UK get its very own version of the hugely successful American CHA, run in the UK, by the UK creative industry." Not-for-profit and with all membership fees being fed directly back into the association, the CHA exists solely to assist members in running their business and optimising their returns, allowing everyone to grow steadily stronger together.
"The UK craft scene has never been more vibrant, with some 140,000 new crafters joining our industry each month, and by becoming a member of the CHA UK you'll be putting your finger directly on the craft business pulse, linking with and drawing on the knowledge and experience of all fellow members here and across the pond. You'll also receive advice and education, gain access to specialised industry surveys, webinars and reports, networking possibilities and you'll become an integral part of the UK's inclusive craft business association" said Craig.
To find out more, contact Craig on
T: +44 (0)1206 364977,
E: craig@cha-uk.co.uk |
| Motherly love |
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With Mother's Day approaching your favourite suppliers have some great suggestions for bringing in extra customers and increasing sales of mum-related craft products reports Jenny May Forsyth
Anyone with a mum to appreciate will be as delighted to make a card or gift as to give it. The joy on mums' faces at receiving a handmade item, or an extra treasure to add to their bulging stash, will make the effort very much worthwhile. This year suppliers have mums in mind with an array of perfect products and ideas to help you generate more sales. If you're thinking of holding a workshop to attract customers, several supplies are all set to help you host it - you only need to ask.
Stamped with style
Perfect for making greetings cards, or for mums who love scrapbooking, are Cheery Lynn Designs' dies for stamping shapes out of thin metal using tabletop die-cutting machines. The dies are sold individually or as part of sets, such as alphabets or graduated frame sets. There's a wide range to choose from, including some pretty hearts and flowers, ideal for telling mum you love her. The website is a useful sales back-up as it has tutorials explaining how to use the dies and make gorgeous creations. Made in the USA, they're distributed in the UK by Crafts Too Ltd.
For further information contact:
T: +44 (0)1252 330024 / 330026, www.crafts-too.com, www.cheerylynndesigns.com
To read on see page 83 of the current issue. |
| Mobile retail to take on new direction for 2012 |
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Amidst reports that consumers are more comfortable making higher value purchases via their mobile phone, MD Scott Storey of CTS Retail is predicting rapid developments in the mobile marketplace in 2012. This could see mobile providers potentially offering 'virtual banks' services where consumer purchases via mobile are simply added to their phone bill.
Research suggests that 87 percent of people have changed their shopping habits since the start of the recession and more importantly, that consumers are becoming more comfortable with making larger purchases on their mobile phones. Further reports reveal that 79 percent of the on-the-go audience is comfortable making purchases on their mobile devices. A YouGov survey of shoppers on the high street found 47 percent of shoppers aged 18-24 and 33 percent of shoppers aged 35-44 said they would shop more at a store if they could use a mobile device.
Scott Storey said: "I believe that rapid developments in the delivery of m-commerce are inevitable if retailers are going to tap into this 'mobile ready' market and adopt mobile as a viable mainstream sales channel." |
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| New beginnings |
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Hi, I'm Ella Johnston, the new editor of Craft Focus. I'm thrilled about my role and feel lucky to be part of this thriving industry. It's an incredibly exciting time for craft right now with so many opportunities to capitalise on, such as the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics. I'm also really looking forward to Craft, Hobby + Stitch International - the only dedicated trade show for the craft industry. The event is brilliant for meeting up with existing customers and connecting with potential new ones. It's also the perfect platform to showcase the latest products, discover industry developments and trends, and generally get ahead of the game - I can't wait.
This issue of Craft Focus is packed with inspirational items and great ideas. We've included features on two spring promotions - Easter and Mother's Day - both fantastic opportunities to bring exciting new projects and products to your customers. Dressmaking and all the associated products are also still enjoying a boom and we report on what many of the major players in the sewing industry are doing to help promote this area of crafting.
Enjoy,
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| Ella Johnston, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@craftfocus.com to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win an eCraft personal electronic cutter and supplies worth £299! |
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We've a fabulous kit of Craftwell eCraft machine and replacement consumables from Crafter's Companion to give away to one lucky reader
The Craftwell eCraft personal electronic cutter machine (RRP £299) is the first and only cutter that allows you to cut without the need of a mat. Its ease of use combined with advanced technology makes for a perfect cutting system for all consumers, from beginner to expert. It's ideal for scrapbooking, banners, papercrafting, cardmaking, fashion designing, home decor and so much more.
The unique design and paper feeding system make it easy to cut materials automatically. Use the paper tray to stack multiple sheets at a time, or use the roller to cut 12" wide by any length. It's ultra slim, lightweight design and onboard storage compartment allows you take it anywhere. Use it on its own with SD image cards, or attached to a computer with the eCraftshop design software that comes in the box.
Also included in the prize is a pack of 20 replacement blades, replacement black and primary colour pens, six SD image cards and an eCraft video guide and resource DVD. "With the large selection of fonts, shapes and designs, anyone can be an expert using the eCraft machine. Making great looking projects has never been easier."
Features of the eCraft:
- Three ways to feed paper: from the front, the paper tray, and the roller (no more messy cutting mats)
- Handles materials up to 12" wide by any length
- Draws and cuts without changing from a blade to a pen
- 2.8" backlit LCD display for easy navigation and image selection
- Works off easy-to-store SD Image Cards, with hundreds of shapes to choose from
- No computer required, but eCraftshop design software included for greater versatility.
- Adjustable pressure settings for kiss-cutting (vinyl) and multi-cutting (thicker materials)
- Clear cut indicator lights up when the blade cuts all the way through your material
- Pause button allows you to adjust the pressure setting mid-cut (less mistakes = less paper wasted)
Further information:
To find out more about Crafter's Companion and the Craftwell eCraft machine, T: +44 (0)1388 663251, www.crafterscompanion.co.uk
What's included in eCraft box:
- eCraft Electronic Cutting System
- Fundamentals 1 Image Card
- (2) Black pens
- (5) Blades
- Paper Tray
- Roller Attachment
- eCraftshop Design Software (download)
- USB Cable
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| Enter here |
| Beader's Companion launches to trade |
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Last year Crafter's Companion's subsidiary company, Beader's Companion was launched. "With beading expert, Sarah Millsop, at the helm and having a regular slot every Wednesday on Create and Craft, Beader's Companion is fast becoming a much recognised and well sought-after brand amongst beaders around the UK," said Meg Wratislaw from Crafter's Companion. Beader's Companion will launch a selected range to trade, tailored for the beginner to intermediate beader. The launch range includes Create Kits, designed by Sarah. Each kit contains everything a crafter will need to create their own jewellery set (apart from tools), full step-by-step instructions are also included in every set.
"With full marketing support behind the brand, Beader's Companion is set to be one of the fastest growing beading companies in 2012," Meg added.
Further information:
E: marketing@beaderscompanion.co.uk. |
| Show news and reviews |
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Stationery Show
Dates: 24th - 25th April 2012
Venue: Business Design Centre, London
T: +44 (0)20 8462 0721,
E: www.stationeryshow.co.uk
The Stationery Show's theme this year is 'Fashion meets Function'. It has been chosen to reflect stationery's growing popularity and the new lifestyle status. "The British love affair with stationery products and writing instruments is as strong as ever, and is being driven by a resurgence in handwritten communication and the growth of working from home in particular" says organiser Chris Leonard-Morgan. Exhibitor bookings are ahead of this time last year and a third of these are new to the event." |
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| Subscription is FREE to all qualified buyers. Complete our quick online application form now |
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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... |
| Brand spanking new |
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Makower UK 'The Henley Studio'
Product: London collection of fabric
Contact:
T: +44 (0)1491 579727,
E: info@makoweruk.com, www.makoweruk.com
Price: RRP between £10.99 - £11.99
Specification: The London collection includes several classic London images designed in Makower's Henley on Thames studio in England. The designs are printed on 100 percent cotton which is 112cms / 44" wide.
Retailer Benefits: Perfect for Jubilee and Olympic celebrations this collection of fabric will make wonderful bunting and street party decorations. Visiting tourists will love these iconic red, white and blue designs.
Other Information: Deliveries to fabric stores will be made by the end of February 2012. This collection is one of many being shown at Craft, Hobby + Stitch International (stand G08). |
| CHSI show and product preview |
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Don't miss the chance to see what's new at the Craft, Hobby + Stitch International show. Here we highlight some of the companies that will be on show
Stitchastic
A04
T: +44 (0)114 2353958
E: sarah@stitchtastic.com, www.stitchtastic.com
Following on from their successful Christmas designs, Stitchtastic are delighted to feature more of Kate Mawdsley's fantastic artwork at Craft Hobby and Stitch International 2012. The Harry & Friends range is set against a patriotic Union Jack background, perfect for all this year's celebrations. The range consists of four cute dogs and cats and each stitched piece measures 100 x 100 stitches (7" by 7"). All Stitchtastic kits are supplied with Zweigart aida and DMC threads, pre-sorted onto thread cards. The Harry & Friends kits retail at £24.95 each. More information on the Designers by Stitchtastic range, or any of their 600+ designs will be available at the show.
To read on turn to page 29 of the current issue. |
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