www.craftfocus.com

MAGAZINEIssu

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June

/July

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Offi cial media partner for Craft, Hobby + Stitch International and proud sponsor of the New Product Showcase

BIG ON BUSINESS• The right insurance for your company• Workplace pensions and how it affects you• PPC for speciality retailers and how to compete

Summer product churnStock your shelves with the right products -

children’s crafting, paints and craft tools

Honesty really is the best policy

Content rich issue

New features and even more articles

than ever!

A retailer’s quest for trusty business

craftfocus 3

June/July 2013 Issue 37

Managing EditorGeorgina Cassels +44 (0)1376 535 611

EditorJulie Bonnar+44 (0)1376 514 000editor@craftfocus.com

Sales ManagerMark White+44 (0)1376 535 606markw@craftfocus.com

Sales ExecutiveTracy Voice+44 (0)1376 535 618tracyv@craftfocus.com

Production ManagerScott Brothwell

Deputy Production ManagerSarah Barnes

Senior Graphic DesignerVicky O’Connor

Graphic DesignersSamantha Lock, Rebecca Clarke+44 (0)1376 535 616artwork@kdmediapublishing.com

Production AssistantCharlotte Brown

Web Development ManagerStuart Weatherley

SubscriptionsMatilda Bourne, Tammy Watt+44 (0)1376 514 000

KD Media Publishing LimitedPantile House, Newlands DriveWitham, Essex, CM8 2AP, UKwww.craftfocus.com

Front cover image:

Martha Stewart from Plaid Enterprises

ISSN 1758-0900

Craft Focus is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing Limited. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily refl ect those of the publisher. Craft Focus is published six times a year. Subscription rates for overseas readers are £75 per annum (incl. p+p), Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing Limited and sent to Craft Focus, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex, CM8 2AP, United Kingdom.

Craft Focus magazine is proud to be associated with and supporters of:

contents

showsshow news 29Keep up with what’s happening in your industry

Create ‘n’ Connect, Las Vegas 33What you can expect to see at the newly named Summer CHA show

London Stationery Show review 35We visited the show at the stylish Business Design Centre venue in Islington

h+h Cologne 38Why this show remains one of the leading trade events in Europe

regularseditor’s letter 5An overview of what to expect in this issue

news round up 7What’s happening within the craft industry

brand spanking new 14A look at the latest product launches

project - conversational cardi 56Make a window-dressing to coax customers in!

bookstand 66Newest craft-related book releases

competition 74Win a selection of the latest vintage cross-stitch kits with Bothy Threads

your questions answered 79We’ve teamed up with industry experts from CHA-UK to give you answers

project – awesome foam pets 94Mask project for a children’s ‘make and take’ day for retailers

subscription offer 95Register for your regular copy of Craft Focus

next issue 96Fast forward to the June/July issue

featuresthe right tools for the job 42Stock up on the most innovative and task easy tools

thread fest 47What’s new from the major manufacturers

for the love of beads 53The latest offerings for bead and beading accessories

make a splash 61Paints, a staple product for crafters and a stock must-have

kids and summer crafting 80Kids crafting has a lion’s share of the market, make sure you are stocked up for summer

decorative illuminations 93Contemporary candle-making supplies

19

West Design Products

93

4 craftfocus

business advicewhich insurance? 49Fiona Pullen from The Sewing Directory looks at the types of insurance that you should be considering

are you ready for workplace pensions? 76ActSmart help talk you through the new legislation are you David or Goliath? 90Metakinetic show how to beat the odds with pay per click

word on the web 97Words of wisdom from Enterprise Nation about building your brand online

focus onretail inspiration 27Is honesty really the best policy. We find out from The Honesty Shop hand-knitting under one roof 40Find out what plans Bergere de France has for the UK market

product review 68 Craft Focus put Vintage Patch through it’s paces

a long history of manufacturing 70We talk to Coats Crafts UK about its past

consumer trends 72Hook up with those in the know at Future Publishing haberdashery haven 88From small mail order business to wholesale haberdasher. We catch up with EQS UK

Up & coming 98Introducing buttons with attitude from Tuliptree Buttons

70

77

Coats Crafts UK

Vintage Patch69

craftfocus 5

celebrate summer tradingAt last some warmer weather is here that willhopefully entice customers to stock up andget crafting whilst the evenings are lighter. Inkeeping with this, we’ve put together a bounty of new product features to encourage childrento craft over the summer break, splash out on specialised paints and investigate new craftingtools; all to help you fi ll your shelves with the right supplies for cashing in on the summer. We also take a look at the traditional craft of

candle-making bringing it up to date, plus we’ve the latest informationon threads and beading materials.

This issue is full of many fi rsts with new features and fresh ideas starting with projects to help you attract customers in for ‘make andtake’ days or simply to give you ideas for your shop window to catch their attention. From this issue, we’ll be reviewing a product every month so you can consider the benefi ts of stocking it; this time we look at an innovative product from Vintage-Patch.

We also have an inspirational article where we put you in touch withwhat other retailers are doing to go that that extra mile. This time, wetalk to David Waterhouse from The Honesty Shop who has bought ared London double-decker bus to promote his business!

Of course, we have a plethora of business articles with advice on thenew pension legislation, craft insurance and competing with the bigger companies on the web plus a round up of what’s happening at theshows from around the globe.

Enjoy what’s inside!

Julie BonnarEditor

Julie

Kaisercraft papers

Suppliers of Card Making, Scrapbooking, Craft and Bridal Supplies

Suppliers of

sales@e-crafts.co.uk | 01384 230000

Craft and Bridal SuppliesCard MakingScrapbooking

Card EmbellishmentsFloral Products

For further information about Kunin Craft Felt please contact

Fashion Futures Ltd, Units 1 and 2 Mace Industrial Estate, Ashford, Kent TN24 8EP. fashion.futures@btconnect.comTel +44 (0) 1233 625227. Fax +44 (0) 1233 612352

The Kunin GroupA most innovative collection of environmentally friendly

craft felt.

Just launched - exciting new Fanci felt range for use in many projects.Available in cut rectangles

and bolts.

MIC Crafts

Scotland & NI Sales AgentDMC Creative World is a leading global

manufacturer of benchmark quality threads, craft and needlecraft product with its history dating

back over 260 years. We are an innovative business animating the market with creative, fashionable and enjoyable products for all. Our brand is renowned

for its quality worldwide.

The Northern Europe Region is seeking a skilled and experienced Sales Agent to join the successful

UK sales team covering the Scotland and Northern Ireland region.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in field sales• Exceptional sales skills with demonstrable results

• Target driven• Experience of FMCG sales environment

Please send CV and enquiries to Tricia Thorpe, HR Manager DMC Creative World.

Unit 21 Warren Park Way,

Warrens Park Enderby. LE19 4SA oremail t.thorpe@dmccreative.co.uk

…the home of Happy Stitching!

Bothy Threads…

Sunny Stitching Days ahead! We are always here with new designs to keep your customers happy...

Bothy Threads, Unit 9, Swan Lane Business Park

CB8 7FN0844 8000221

info@bothythreads.com

- -

craftfocus 7

news ro

undup

We round up and report on the news from the crafting industry

industry newsCricut has announced that it has extended its e-commerce site for European customers, who can now purchase the latest cutting machines and cartridges direct from www.cricut.com. In addition, there is also access to the complete range of digital images for creating projects with a Cricut digital die-cutting machine, ranging from personalised cards, gift bags and bunting, to picture frames, decorations and home décor.

The company offers a range of products that make crafting easier, as well as helping users make the most of their crafting potential. The extensive selection of machines and cartridges includes the Cricut Expression 2 and the Cricut mini digital die cutter. Customers in Europe have been able to purchase single digital images from the Cricut craft room for some time, but now have access to thousands more images and projects that are available for immediate download.

CricutT: +44(0)779 1113047E: SDerricott@provocraft.comW: www.cricut.comCricut digital library can be found at http://uk.cricut.com

CRAFTER’S COMPANION TO BOOST DISTRIBUTION NETWORKCrafter’s Companion has recruited a high profile trade team as the company looks to further expand its retail presence and support independent stores. It has taken on six new industry experts from the Creative Hobbies Group (formally known as Kars) to form its own dedicated distribution division, which will be spearheaded by well-respected industry executive, Simon Duncan.

Simon has been appointed to the position of European Commercial Manager at Crafter’s Companion and brings years of experience with him. The retail team includes Janice Epsworth, Malcolm Langley, Jeanette Hallsworth, Mark Sharman and Lorna Horrocks, who are all well known by craft retailers across the UK.

Sara Davies, Managing Director at Crafter’s Companion, welcomed the team and said: “Attracting Simon to the business is a real coup considering his background, experience and contacts. Furthermore, his team has always been highly regarded in our sector so will no doubt add a great deal of value to our company and to our customers.”

Crafter’s Companion, which designs and manufactures craft-related products for enthusiasts across the world, now employs around 60 people across its County Durham headquarters and its US operation in California. Its products are sold through retail outlets, online and TV shopping channels around the world.

The main focus of the business is on the crafting tools it manufactures along with its own brand products such as Spectrum Noir and Embosalicious. The company also distributes an array of third party brands such as Craftwell and Core’dinations and develops products with licensing partners such as Beatrix Potter and The Snowman. Crafter’s CompanionT: +44(0)1388 663251 E: info@crafterscompanion.co.uk W: www.crafterscompaniontrade.co.uk

Simon Duncan and Sara Davies (front) and the new trade team celebrating their first day at Crafter’s Companion

“The team and I are delighted to be joining Crafter’s Companion at such an exciting time. My approach has always been to listen to and look after retail customers as the number one priority, which will no doubt fit well with Crafter’s Companion as the company is well known for its trustworthy customer service and its family-run feel. “We are really looking forward to hitting the road, meeting new and existing contacts and working in partnership with retailers by introducing many exciting new products and commercial opportunities,” said Simon Duncan, the newly appointed European Commercial Manager.

CRICUT ANNOUNCES NEW E-COMMERCE SITE FOR EUROPEAN CUSTOMERS

8 craftfocus

industry news

CREATIVE BEADCRAFT HAS A NEW DEDICATED ONLINE FACILITY FOR ORDERING SWAROVSKICreative Beadcraft is an approved supplier of Swarovski Elements and has been supplying Swarovski crystals for over 50 years. It has now launched a new dedicated online facility for wholesale customers enabling them to order from a huge range of Swarovski factory packs. Swarovski is very popular across a range of crafts, not just beading.

Customers can now order out of stock as well as stock factory packs online at hard-to beat prices. Up to 10 per cent additional discount is given on factory pack purchases over £200 and five per cent on purchases over £75. Postage is free on UK orders over £50 with delivery normally within five working days.

The facility is easy to use – just select the item/s and then choose the colour and size that you require. Discount will be automatically calculated as you shop. The facility is fully integrated with the Creative Beadcraft website so it’s easy to order other items at the same time. Creative Beadcraft also stocks a wide range of Swarovski Elements in smaller quantities.

Creative BeadcraftT: +44 (0)1494 786924E: beads@creativebeadcraft.co.uk W: www.creativebeadcraft.co.uk

FANTASTIC RIBBONS LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE SERVICEFantastic Ribbons has continued to grow in challenging trading conditions by offering inventive, in-house ribbon designs and colours coupled with wholesale prices that generate good margins. To enhance the service it offers, the company has recently launched a new fresh approach to trade buying as all orders can now be paid for online thus keeping prices low.

Minimum order values are low with carriage paid at just £125 ex VAT. New seasonal lines are on offer including trendy vintage style and home spun designs. FantasticRibbonsTrade.com is set up for retailers to place low order minimums more frequently, thus saving high inventory stocks. Finally with the upsurge in all things sewing, Fantastic Ribbons’ trade department has branched out into buttons. The company is offering ready to hang packets of value craft buttons, followed up by a wonderful new range of ready to hang liberty style fabric covered buttons which will be available in August.

Fantastic RibbonsT: +44 (0)1392 366762E: Keith@fatastciribbons.comW: www.fantasticribbons.com

MAGAZINES BOOST SALES FIGURES FOR CRAFT RETAILERS!According to World Wide Magazine Distribution (WWMD), the UK’s leading supplier of magazine products into niche and specialist retailers, most crafting enthusiasts would still prefer to get their ideas and inspiration from magazines rather than the internet.

When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Magazines are usually considered a luxury, but to enthusiasts, specialist titles are almost a necessity. Research has shown that 73 per cent of magazine buyers always purchase the same title, and readers with a specific interest are much more likely to buy regular issues. This is great news for craft retailers across the country who are stocking specialist magazines and have seen a 25 per cent increase in footfall and up-selling opportunities!

WWMD supply titles to over 4,000 niche and specialist retailers T: +44 (0)121 7883112E: sales@wwmd.co.ukW: www.wwmd.co.uk

NEW PACKAGING FOR NANCY NICHOLSON Nancy Nicholson sewing kits have new packaging and now the attractive canvas bag kits come in a cardboard wrap sleeve which means there is less waste. The canvas bags can not only be used as storage for embroidery projects, but can be stitched for more practice too!

Nancy NicholsonT: +44(0)1580 243388E: sales@nancynicholson.co.ukW: www.nancynicholson.co.uk

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SEWERS MAKE A ‘BEE’ LINE FOR FISKARS’ SCISSORS Sales are soaring as a new generation of sewers, seek out Fiskars iconic orange handled scissors. The sewing bug has well and truly spread across the country thanks to BBC2’s Great British Sewing Bee. Fiskars orange-handled scissors have been the scissors of choice for dressmakers for over 45 years. Many people have memories of their mother or grandmother guarding her precious Fiskars from the grip of a youngster, “they’re not for paper, they’re my sewing scissors” a common phrase in many homes. Fiskars’ range of sewing scissors includes:• Dressmaking scissors, their 24cm blade glides through fabric thick and thin. £21.99 RRP• Pinking Shears give a zigzag edge that helps prevent fabric fraying. £35.99 RRP• The small and sharp Needlework Scissors, perfect for snipping stray cotton and neatening edges. £12.49 RRP• Fiskars best sellers, General Purpose scissors are a great all rounder pair of scissors. £14.99 RRPSince its launch in Finland in 1967, Fiskars has manufactured over 900 million pairs of scissors. Known for their quality, comfort and reliability, the new generation of Fiskars fans are investing in a heritage brand that knows and understands sewers and sewing. Fiskars W: www.fi skars.com

industry news

DAISYTRAIL OFFERS CUSTOMERS NEW COMMERCIAL RIGHTSThe popular digital crafting company has become one of the fi rst in the industry to offer a commercial license at no extra cost for its digikits. DaisyTrail, the online social crafting network, has announced that customers now have commercial rights when using content from any DaisyTrail or CraftArtist branded digikit. The revised End User License Agreement (EULA) will give customers more fl exibility when making and selling handmade crafts, design work or marketing materials.

“The commercial use of graphics is often a hot topic for anyone in the design and craft industries,” says Ashley Hewson, Managing Director at DaisyTrail. “Over the years at DaisyTrail, we’ve tried to keep up with industry trends to make sure we are offering our customers what they want. As a result, I’m pleased to say that we have now decided to offer extended commercial rights to crafters using our digikits. As one of the fi rst companies in this industry to offer this for no extra cost, we are hoping to pave the way for others.”

This is great news for design professionals or people who want to turn their hobby into a business. For example, customers can use graphics included in DaisyTrail digikits to create items such as wedding stationery, T-shirts, greeting cards, or party crafts for resale. It’s also great for crafters who wish to sell an unlimited number of their projects at craft fairs or similar events. Plus businesses and self-employed professionals can create their own promotional materials, such as leafl ets, web banners and brochures. The new terms mean that customers may incorporate any of the digikit content into original work to publish, display, distribute and commercially use in any media. It also allows customers to get their designs professionally printed and mass produced if they wish to.

As with all license agreements, DaisyTrail’s EULA contains other terms so it’s advisable to read the full agreement before using the kits in a commercial capacity. Alternatively, customers can check out the DaisyTrail blog for FAQs or contact the DaisyTrail support team for advice on anything they are not clear about.

DaisyTrailW: www.daisytrail.com

INTRODUCING WOOLLYDMC is proud to announce the arrival of Woolly, which is a Merino wool that is recognised as the best in the world. Coming from Australia, it is 100 per cent natural and renewable and its unusual quality comes from its long, thin fi bres that give superior softness to touch and a feeling of comfort when against the skin.

Woolly is a superwash wool, easy to care for and extremely pleasant to work with. Its main properties are that it is strong, fl exible and has an even appearance. It’s also an active fi bre, which responds to the changes in body temperature and retains heat when the weather is cold, and cooling when it’s hot. It enjoys the distinction Woolmark guaranteeing

unparalleled quality.DMC offers 36

mouthwatering colours of Woolly with patterns and inspiration to match.

DMC Creative WorldT: +44 (0)116 275 4000E: sales@dmccreative.co.ukW: www.dmccreative.co.uk

12 craftfocus

industry news

NEW CLAY IS LOOKING FOR US DISTRIBUTORNew Clay Limited is currently looking for a distributor in North America. This company is a British manufacturer of the following crafting clay products:• Newclay – A superior clay which can be air dried or kiln fired. Used by amateurs, schools and professional sculptors.• Newplast – A high-quality modelling material used by Aardman Animations for Wallace & Gromit and other animators in business and education.• Uro – A great value polymer clay for jewellery and modelling.• Air Dough – Excellent modelling material, which is clean and light. If any company is interested, please contact: New Clay ProductsT: +44 (0)1626 835700E: sales@newclay.co.uk W: www.newclay.co.uk

MERGER BETWEEN MADISON COMMERCIAL AND BOARD ENVELOPES TO FORM ENVELOPES LTDIn March this year, Board Envelopes (Nottingham) Ltd merged with Madison Commercial Ltd to form Envelopes Ltd, as a result of massive growth by the two companies, expediting the need to come together to form a bigger, stronger and more streamlined organisation.

The newly moulded Envelopes Ltd will be equipped to offer enhanced services to its customers whilst also having the resources to expand further into European and global markets. The merger came just in time for Madison’s 15th birthday celebrations in April and heralds the start of a whole new and exciting era for the business.

As part of the change, Steve Hatchett, Board Envelopes’ Managing Director, will become Commercial Director of Envelopes Ltd and will continue to play an active and important role in the further development of the business, especially within the trade sector. Steve will continue to manage operations at the Newark facility. Simon Gerson will also join the board as Operations Director.

The product range for the newly merged company will include Board Envelopes’ heavier weight envelopes and popular ‘Please-do-not-bend’ style board-back envelopes. Envelopes Ltd will also benefit from being able to offer Board’s bespoke envelope manufacturing and printing expertise, a service used by many prestigious clients to create customised packaging. Madison Commercial brings size and scale to the new merger. Its extensive range encompasses over 5,000 different styles, sizes and colours. Envelopes Ltd will continue to operate its sales offices, warehouses and distribution centres across two locations at Loudwater and Newark, Nottinghamshire. All staff and contacts that customers and suppliers are familiar with will be retained.

EnvelopesT: +44 (0)1628 810000E: sales@worldofenvelopes.comW: www.worldofenvelopes.com

NEW BRITISH ONLINE MARKETPLACEA brand new online marketplace has launched in June callled OnBuy, www.onbuy.co.uk, which will debut onto a scene that is dominated by two of the world’s most well known companies, Amazon and eBay.

Managing Director, Cas Paton came up with the idea after years of seeing shoppers’ frustrations with eBay and sellers being fed up with Amazon. He decided that an easy to use online marketplace, which takes the most successful aspects from both market leaders, and combines them within a one-off navigation framework, would attract a high level of attention.

Developed by a team of leading web experts, OnBuy has been perfected into a distinctly simple marketplace, due to its navigation structure. Shoppers are able to search for a product, and then add a bespoke range of filters, while an exclusive discounting structure will enable shoppers to find the best deals around on a range of different products; from hand-crafted items to the latest technology releases. OnBuy will offer sellers a individual management service; all they have to do is send over product images and numbers and OnBuy will do all the rest; including uploading and managing their inventories.

“Basically, we want to offer a better service than others in the marketplace, for both buyers and sellers” Paton said.

OnBuy has secured major investment from one of the UK’s leading IT providers, Centerprise International. The Hampshire based company was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the UK’s number one distributor for Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba and ATI.

“The value and experience, product reach and support services that Centerprise International offer are going to be fundamental to the success of OnBuy,” said Paton. “They’ve been trading for 30 years, working closely with some of the largest IT companies in the world.”

Investors, OnBuy

Cas Paton

14 craftfocus

Heritage CraftsWe check out the latest arts and crafts products to hit the shelves

brand spanking newProduct: Baby Sitting (PFBS1126)Contact: T: +44 (0)1889 575256, E: enquiries@hcrafts.com, W: www.hcrafts.comTrade Price: £5.98 eachSpecification: Baby Sitting by Peter Underhill is the first design in Peter’s new range, Peter’s Farm. The design measures 11.5cm x 13cm and is available as a full kit on 14ct Aida or 27ct evenweave.Retailer Benefits: A full colour brochure is available and staff are always on hand to offer help, advice and a first class service.Other information: Kits include DMC stranded cottons, fabric, needle, stitching charts/instructions.

Janome

Product: Memory Craft 9900Contact: T: +44 (0)161 666 6011, E: info@janome.co.uk, W: www.janome.co.ukPrice: £1,999 RRPSpecification: The latest combined sewing and embroidery machine comes packed with all the features customers love about other Janome models, plus the choice of front colour. This model sews precise stitches at up to 1,000 stitches per minute in sewing mode and 800spm in embroidery mode plus has 200 built in stitches, including 9mm width stitches, hand look quilting and embroidery stitches. Retailer Benefits: The embroidery unit is slim and will sit at the back of the machine, minimising the space needed and making demonstrations easy.Other information: Also includes Janome’s latest easy set bobbin system and auto bobbin.

Indigoblu

Denise Interchangeable Product: Interchangeable travel crochet knitting needle setContact: UK Distributor Hantex T: +44 (0)844 879 4719, E: sales@hantex.co.uk, W: www.hantex.co.ukPrice: £35 RRPSpecification: The newest set of interchangeable knitting tools from Denise is Denise2Go. It’s portable, pretty and petite. The stylish case is hand-sewn from designer cottons. The crochet version has six grey crochet hooks and teal cords to coordinate with its vibrant case.Retailer Benefits: High quality presentation makes it perfect for gifts and also comes in a knitting set.Other information: Fully interchangeable with all other Denise products, though these little sets may be all you ever need. Hand sewn and entirely made in the US.

Product: Kroma CrackleContact: T: +44 (0)1777 701980, E: orders@indigoblu.com, W. www.indigoblu.comPrice: £8.99 (150ml tube) RRPSpecification: Kroma Crackle is a versatile, artist quality material suitable for all kinds of art and craft applications. It's a semi-opaque gel that develops fine cracking patterns as it dries and can be applied to both rigid and flexible surfaces. Once dry and sealed, is both durable and highly flexible. Retailer benefits: Kroma comes in a one-tube solution to crackleglaze and comes in one colour (white).Other information: With every 20 tubes purchased, a free display and selection of swatches will be supplied.

Knitting Boards and Looms

craftfocus 17

Photocentric

Product: Photopolymer formulation clear stampsContact: T: +44 (0)1733 349937, E: info@photocentric.co.uk, W: www.clearstampmaking.comSpecification: Photocentric has launched photopolymer formulation for sparkling, shiny, tough but flexible clear stamps capable of holding the finest detail. Retailer benefits: As a specialist photopolymer producer and the world’s largest manufacturer of clear stamps, research and development has ensured that these are the company’s best ever stamps.Other information: Available in sizes from A4 sheets down to individual stamps and specialising in large runs but with a minimum order of just 20 x A4 or equivalent (40 x A5, 80 x A6 etc).

Kaisercrafts

Product: Paper collections – Porcelain Rose and Summer BreezeContact: Distributed in the UK by Jones Crafts, T: +44 (0)115 9738 720, Price: From 82p RRP (per scrapbook paper)Specification Porcelain Rose is a bright and feminine collection that has the potential to brighten up any project. These adorable florals and birds found throughout the papers are matched expertly with colour and pattern. This range is very pretty and would be a lovely addition to any scrapping space. Other information: Summer Breeze is also available and is a happy and fun collection. The colours and flowers that are featured have the ability to lift any mood, no matter what you are creating.

MIC Ltd

Product: Keepsake Box - red flower book boxes and capital book, sets of twoContact: T: +44 (0)1707 269999 E: sales@micdirect.net, W: www.giftsandcraft.co.uk Price: From £11.00 per set – RRP £26.99Specification: Set of two wooden book boxes, with magnetic invisible catch to securely keep the box closed when vertical.Retailer benefits: A beautiful and high quality product ideal for any occasion.Other information: Matching products available.

Rowan Fine Art Product: Premium Hand Painted Sock YarnContact: T: +44 (0)1484 681881, E: ccuk.sales@coats.com, W: www.coatscrafts.co.uk Price: £15.95 RRPSpecification: Rowan has launched this exciting new premium sock yarn in eight stunning shades. This yarn has be manufactured using the hand painting method and is sourced from Cape Mohair spinners in South Africa. Ines Khoury’s hand painting department takes pride in employing individuals from some of the poorest and most marginalised sections of the community. Retailer benefits: Each 100g hank is a blend of 45 per cent wool, 20 per cent mohair, 25 per cent polyamide for added durability and a luxurious 10 per cent silk.

new pro

ducts

18 craftfocus

Ellison Europe

Product: Sizzix® new Big ShotContact: T: +44 (0)845 345 2277, E: europecustomerservices@ellison.com, W: www.sissix.co.ukPrice: £84.99 RRPSpecification: Sizzix® has introduced a stylish new look Big Shot™ machine with all of the same capabilities as the previous black and pink version. The exciting new design in powder blue and teal features beautiful flower and swirl decorative elements and now comes with a new extended multipurpose platform giving crafters more creative possibilities than ever before. Retailer benefits: The Big Shot™ starter kit has the Framelits™ that work with the other embossing folders. For inspirational projects, be sure to check out the blog at www.sizzix.co.uk/blogs

Artesano

Product: Definition Sock YarnContact: T: +44 (0)118 9503350, E: jenny@artesanoyarns.co.uk, W: www.artesanoyarns.co.ukPrice: £11.99 per 100 gram hankSpecification: 75 per cent merino wool, 25 per cent polyamide. Retailer benefits: Definition Sock Yarn is a blend of machine washable Merino wool (for softness) and polyamide (for strength). The yarn comes in 100gm hanks (packs of five) which are each 400m long,. Definition is perfect for all projects as it is machine washable to 40 degrees.Other information: Definition yarn is fully supported by a pattern booklet including shawls, tank tops, waistcoats, and socks.

Heritage Crafts

Product: Victoria (JLVI1127)Contact: T: +44 (0)1889 575256, E: enquiries@hcrafts.com, W: www.hcrafts.com/tradePrice: £13.77 each (TRADE)Specification: Victoria is the latest cross-stitch design Elegance Lady by John Clayton and she is quite stunning with her bright red hat and pretty dress. The design size is 23.5cm x 22cm. Available as a full kit on14ct aida or 27ct evenweave. Retailer benefits: A full colour brochure is available and staff are always on hand to offer help, advice and a first class service.Other information: The kits include DMC stranded cottons on a pre-sorted thread card, fabric, needle, clear stitching charts and instructions.

Crafty Creations

Product: Creative Papercrafts – tartans and vintage birdsContact: T: +44 (0)1992 781909, E: trade@craftcreations.com, Price: 39p (paper), 49p (card), 99p (die-cut sheets) RRPSpecification: The new tartan designs come in a choice of six colourways with matching textured sheets, available on 12in x 12in paper (120gsm) and A4 (240gsm) card. The vintage bird range from Craft Creations includes a selection of beautiful Victorian bird images, interesting texts, poems and more, also available on 12in x 12in paper and a selection of die-cut panel sheets.Retailer benefits: Offering a range of complementary products encourages customers to buy more items together.Other information: All products are made in Britain by Craft Creations.

brand spanking new

Learn new textile techniquesBuy online our

creative textile art dvds

Block Printing Specialistsblock printing supplies for fabric & paper craft design

visit our website todaywww.colouricious.comto see our ethnic range of wooden printing blocks

wholesale enquiries welcome

British Manufacturers of:Newclay – superior clay which can be air dried or kiln fired.

Used by amateurs, schools and professional sculptors.Newplast – high-quality modelling material used by Aardman

Animations and animators in business and education.Uro – great value polymer clay for jewellery and modelling.

Air Dough – excellent modelling material which is clean and light.

We are looking for a distributor in North America.

If you are interested contact: sales@newclay.co.uk or tel. 01626 835700

www.newclay.co.uk

Tel: 01483 281313 Fax: 01483 281636

Email: sales@clubgreen.comWebsite: www.clubgreen.com

Hougie crafts Ltd, Unit 6, Pipewell Industrial Estate, Desborough, Northamptonshire NN14 2SW, United Kingdom

Office 044 01536 762434 | info@hougiecrafts.com

craftfocus 21

Woodware Craft Collection

DMC Creative World

Product: Sentiments Design BookletContact: T: +44 (0)116 275 4000, E:sales@dmccreative.co.uk, W: www.dmccreative.co.ukPrice: £1.99 per bookSpecifi cation: The new Sentiments design booklet contains eight mini cross-stitch designs presented with inspirational fi nishing ideas. The booklet includes step-by- step instructions and full colour charts for ease of stitching. Each design includes fi nishing ideas perfect for decorating your home or for giving as gifts.Retailer benefi ts: There is a limited promotional offer giving consumers two skeins of DMC stranded cotton free when they buy 10. There is also a compact point of sale unit with posters.Other information: The booklet recommends DMC Mouline thread with vibrant colours and renowned quality worldwide providing perfect stitching results.

Katy Sue Designs

Product: Stampendous StampsContact: T: +44 (0)1756 700024, E: sales@woodware.co.uk, W: www.woodware.co.uk Price: £5.35 - £13.20 depending on the size of the stamp, and around £13.50 for the Perfectly Clear sets RRPSpecifi cation: The rubber stamps are high quality cling-mount stamps that are manufactured from deeply etched, precision trimmed, premium grey rubber. With 3.15mm (1/8in) thick grey foam for a smooth impression on uneven or textured surfaces, they are backed with a full sized, index of the images. Retailer benefi ts: With the release of the new Oz fi lm that pays tribute to the 1939 fi lm Wizard Of Oz, these stamps should prove popular with fi lmgoers.

Product: Fabulous Shoes Papercraft CDContact: T: +44 (0)191 4274571, E: info@katysuedesigns.com, W: www.katysuedesigns.comPrice: £16.99 RRPSpecifi cation: Marilyn Monroe once said: “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world!” The latest stunning range of stamps and a papercrafting CD Rom from Katy Sue Designs was designed by Sandra Wright from The House of Zandra who also runs her own craft store. Katy Sue is thrilled to have been entrusted to bring her work to retailers in the format crafters love best.Other information: Not just an image CD but also contains card templates and shoe templates.

Groves + Banks

Product: 4in1 crafters magnifying lampContact: T: +44 (0)1844 258080, E: sales@groves-banks.com, W: www.groves-banks.comPrice: £36.65 (trade) £79.99 RRPSpecifi cation: Purelite’s new 4in1 crafters magnifying lamp is the most fl exible and versatile model yet. With innovations such as an adjustable dimmer switch and removable crafting attachments, this new lamp is great for use anywhere. It offers the option of both mains and battery power. Its cleverly constructed contents enable it to be converted easily from useful table lamp to attractive fl oor lamp, and back again. Retailers benefi ts: The fl exible neck on the lamp can be precisely positioned for comfort, and powerful daylight effect illumination is provided by the 21 power-saving LEDs.

new pro

ducts

22 craftfocus

Bothy Threads

brand spanking new

HantexProduct: Urban mod Art Gallery FabricsContact: T: +44 (0)844 879 4719, E: sales@hantex.co.uk, W: www.hantex.co.uk/agfPrice: RRP £12.95 per metreSpecifi cation: 100 per cent high thread count Pima cotton. Explore the downtown art scene where style and modern crafts inspire. An expressionistic collection where aqua and mauve invite you to create your own quilted gallery. Retailer benefi ts: Quantity discounts available, loan of fi nished samples (shops), free sample sets, colour catalogue.

Kuretake ZIG®

Crafty Stamps

Product: New Scottish cling rubber stamps Contact: T: +44(0)131 221 9440, E: enquiries@craftystamps.com, W: www.craftystamps.comPrice: £4.35 - £5.05 RRPSpecifi cation: All three designs – dancer, teddy and westie rubber stamps are mounted on to kling-on and adhere to a laminated index sheet for storage. The stamps are ready to use with an acrylic block.Retailer benefi ts: Each rubber stamp has a euroslot for ease of display. Great image reproduction, lightweight and priced attractively.

Product: I love my cat, dog and new jumpersContact: T: +44 (0)844 8000221, E: info@bothythreads.com, W: www.bothythreads.comPrice: £24.99 RRPSpecifi cation: New Bothy artist, Susan Wheeler designs include: I love my cat, I love my dog and new jumpers. All cross-stitch designs contain 14 hpi white aida, needle, pre-sorted Madeira stranded cotton, clear instructions and stitch diagrams with and without back stitch.Retailer Benefi ts: These three fabulous kits are so simple and quick to stitch. The bold designs are full of fun and colour.

Product: Wink of Stella Brush Contact: T: +44 (0)1527 592 952 E: salesuk@kuretake.co.uk, W: www.Kuretake.co.uk Price: £4.96 per piece, £14.89 x 3 pack, £193.45 x39 display RRP (ex VAT) Specifi cation: With 13 sparkly colours to choose from, the new ZIG® Wink of Stella Brush is a fantastic new addition to the popular ZIG® Memory System range. The brush really is a unique product, and with a real brush tip the user can create both narrow and wide strokes providing much more freedom than a normal nib. Other information: Available in dark pink, pink, orange, yellow, light green, green, blue, violet, brown, gold, silver, black and clear. Unlike other glitter pens on the market, the Wink of Stella brush is alcohol free and is the fi rst water-based pigment glitter ink.

We have a great new range of quality Masks that have been laser cut to provide a collection of intricate designs that you will love. They come in eye catching retail packaging and are available in 4 sizes: 6 x 6 inches, A5, A4 and 12 x 12 inches. Retail prices range from just £3.99 to £6.50 for the largest. The larger masks have been designed so that they can used as a single design, or you can pick out different elements to create some amazing effects.

Crafters are always looking for products that will take their work to a higher level. Give us a call to learn more about how

we can help you do this.

The latest Innovation in Alcohol Markers

158 colours chosen by the top Fashion & Design schoolsCutting edge ergonomic design

First ever Blending Palette to create unique coloursOne totally irresistible price

PanPastels are swiftly becoming the chosen colouring medium of UK Crafters. It’s not difficult to see why, with 80 fabulous colours that have instant blend ability and produce superb results in minutes. They can be used in card making, scrapbooking, journaling and even Home Décor.

Premium Art Brands Ltd, Warwick, CV34 5XH Tel: +44 (0) 1926 492213 Fax: 0800 014 8270

Email: customerservices@premiumartbrands.com

We are a family run, Edinburgh based rubber stamp company.We manufacture in-house, a fine selection of Cling rubber stamps.

We offer FREE delivery on orders over £75 (net of VAT).

www.craftystamps.com | Tel/Fax: 0131 221 9440enquiries@craftystamps.com

Crafty Stamps, 92 Grove Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8AP

79 New Stamp Designs & 4 New Ranges: Domestic Goddess, Fantasy, Animals and Celebration

24 craftfocus

Scatter Crystals

Product: Swarovski Flat Back Non-Hotfix Heart Shaped Crystals.Contact: T: +44 (0)161 9720088, E: info@scattercrystals.co.uk, W: www.scattercrystals.co.ukPrice: Various prices depending on size/colour.Specification: Finally Swarovski has released a long awaited heart shaped flat back crystal. Swarovski Style 2808 is available in three sizes (6mm, 10mm & 14mm) and eleven colours.Retailer benefits: As with all other Swarovski flat back crystals, they are easy to apply to a variety of carrier materials. Suitable for a multitude of uses from fashion to card making.

Fantastic Ribbons

Product: Connie Brown LaceContact: T: +44 (0)844 800 9120, E: keith@fantasticribbons.com, W: www.fantasticribbonstrade.comPrice: 85p a rollSpecification: 38mm lace in chocolate brown (2.7metres) and sold in packs of threeRetailer benefits: Minimum order is three rolls of any product on the site.Other information: Chocolate Brown lace has been added to complement the company’s home spun and vintage products.

Wizard Toys

Product: Shrinkles® Printable PaperContact: T: +44 (0)208 943 0121, E: sales@wizardtoys.com, W: www.wizardtoys.comPrice: £3.99 - £13.99 RRPSpecification: Wizard Toys has launched Shrinkjet™, the sheet that you can run through your ink jet printer to shrink photos to make into special, personalised items. Draw on these sheets, colour in, cut to shape and then shrink it seven times smaller and seven times thicker in the oven to make badges, key fobs, jewellery and magnets etc. What’s more, they are double sided! Retailer benefits: Wizard Ltd is the British manufacturers of Shrinkles®

Other information: Available in size A4, packs of six sheets or 20 sheets or A6 (perfect for standard 6in x 4in photos) packs of six sheets or 50 sheets. If you can print it, you can shrink it®

The Nutmeg CompanyProduct: The Old Rectory Contact: T: +44(0)1748 884926, E: megevershed@hotmail.com, W: www.3dcrossstitch.co.ukPrice: £26.95 RRPSpecification: This cross-stitch kit contains all the materials and instructions needed to make a 3D miniature model of an old rectory, complete with conservatory and summerhouse.Retailer benefits: An eye catching kit which can get cross stitchers back into cross-stitch, and lead on to sales for the other 8 miniatures in this range.Other information: We can supply materials to make up one cross-stitch miniature for display for any retailer wanting to stock our miniature cross-stitch range.

brand spanking new

Europe’s No1 Creative Craft Trade Show for the Art, Craft, Fabric, Needlecraft & Hobby Industries

16-18 February 2014 NEC Birmingham UK

EXCLUSIVE

HOTEL RATES

AVAILABLE

Supported by

For more information about visiting, or exhibiting at the show, see: www.chsi.co.ukor call us now on 01425 272711

• Network directly with over 250 companies and their representatives

• Meet the industry’s newcomers in the Bright Sparks Pavilion

• FREE Product Presentation and Demonstration Area

• Excellent Business Seminar Programme• Exclusive Show Offers!• Over 100 national and international

media attendees• Immediate Media’s Annual

Champagne Awards• Over 100 hours of Workshop Education• Itch to Stitch Demonstration Area

sponsored by Madeira Threads• Catwalk Fashion Show

craftfocus 27

retail inspiration

is honesty the best policy in retail?For David Waterhouse and the Honesty Bus, honesty really has always been the best policy. We went to visit him to see how his ‘trust to pay’ scheme works

Following the riots of last summer in London, many retailers increased their security measures, but not David Waterhouse. Instead, David launched an unattended ‘honesty shop’ on a 50-year old red London double decker bus named Trusty. Sounds like madness? “People told me that I must be crazy and that all our stock would be gone in days,” said David.

ConceptThe idea behind the retail bus is that customers are ‘trusted’ to pay for their purchases using an honesty box (which happens to be a red postal box) without the aid of a shop assistant. The bus is not entirely unattended and there is a conductor who spends his time upstairs and is on hand to answer questions and give change.

David is no stranger to the double decker bus, and at one time in his career drove one around Europe. This may well have been his inspiration when he saw the bus for sale in Birmingham.

ProductsAll products for sale are seasonal, handmade and predominantly made by British craftspeople. Products focus on practicality for the home, garden, children and pets. There are woollen socks, hats and iPad covers as well as garden trading products, pet accessories,

old-fashioned wooden toys and puppets, naturally scented cosmetics and handmade soaps, tea towels and cup and tea cosies, cards and old postcards. Some products come from companies that are trying to make a difference such as Fyne Dezynes Ltd who help young offenders, and others that are caring for the environment such as Filberts Bees, Orange Tree Toys and Apples to Pears. Most purchases have a price tag under £20.

Shopping experienceIt’s simple! Just climb on the bus, browse, choose your purchase, slip your money into an honesty envelope and post into the honesty box! 10 per cent of the cost of your purchase will be given to a charity, which is currently Compassion In World Farming.

WhereSo far the bus has been based at Marble Quay, St Katherine’s Dock, however it’s also visited Merton Abbey Mills, near Colliers Wood. David told us he hopes to get permission to take the bus to Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square.

The bigger picture“The stock on the bus is just a small fraction of the types of goods we sell online,” David said. The bus has been a brilliant promotional tool for the Honesty shop’s online store, which has a wider selection of products available. Customers purchasing online can choose from 10 different charities. C

For more information and where the bus stops next visit:The Honesty Shop www.thehonestyshop.com

Perhaps David Waterhouse is right and people do just

underestimate how honest they can be and so far, his faith in human nature seems to have

paid off.

David has had encouragement and received an email from

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson congratulating him and wishing the Honesty Bus well for the future.

He has also received support from retail guru, Mary Portas.

craftfocus 29

show new

s and events

shows, news and eventsnews and reviews from the shows, we update you on what’s happening this summer and beyond

HOME AND GIFT 14th - 17th July 2013 Harrogate International Centre, King’s Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshirewww.homeandgift.co.uk

Home & Gift is the seasonal round up of design-led and everyday gifts, homewares, jewellery and fashion accessories, greetings and stationery. Following the extremely successful show in 2012, the organiser Clarion Events has announced the launch of Spotlight, a new area focusing on fresh and original talent from the UK. Formerly known as Intro North, Spotlight has been re-branded to better reflect the exciting new companies on show. In Spotlight you will discover never-seen-before, original and quality gifts that could set your store apart on the high street this Christmas, from a showcase of 125 exclusive exhibitors.

HOBBY, ARTS & CRAFTS AT AUTUMN FAIR INTERNATIONAL1st September - 4th September 2013NEC, BirminghamT: +44 (0)20 3033 2142E: Autumn.FairSales@i2ieventsgroup.comW: www.autumnfair.com

Hobby, Arts and Crafts will return to Hall 4 of the Autumn Fair International 2013 after a successful show last year, which saw a 300 per cent increase in floor space for this booming sector and provides a one-of-a kind cross-over selling potential to a diverse range of

buyers that wouldn’t be found at more niche craft events. This year’s show will welcome more British brands, as well as playing host to major suppliers from Germany, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, India, Hong Kong and the USA.

“The Catwalk is the perfect opportunity to show our fashion garments to everyone attending the show. Our stand obviously highlights our collections but designs on actual models gives them more depth and brings the designs to life. By being part of the Catwalk this year, it allows retailers to see the detail of the designs more clearly - the fashion element is an important one as we appeal to all age groups. We believe the Catwalk highlights and attracts and is an important part of the overall impression of the show,” commented 2013 Catwalk sponsors, Thomas Ramsden

Spanish import and exporter, Comer Sevimex SL, a specialist in sewing notions, handicraft accessories, threads and knitting yarns, is one of the new international exhibitors that visitors can look forward to seeing at the show. There’ll also be a raft of the world’s biggest yarn and fabric suppliers including Thomas B. Ramsden, Sirdar Spinning, King Cole, DMC Creative World, Coats Crafts and Grundl Wool, some of which return to the exhibition after a brilliant debut last year. Buyers will be able to review the latest trends in yarns, fabrics, threads and patterns for the forthcoming autumn/winter season as well as seeing knitwear fashions come to life. Yarn sets for gift shops will be available in abundance, along with a huge variety of ancillary products for specialist craft retail outlets. Thomas B. Ramsden, DMC Creative World and Sirdar Spinning are also sponsoring the stunning central feature of Hobby, Arts & Crafts at Autumn Fair - the Craft Catwalk - where runway shows will take place three times a day, interspersed with a packed schedule of seminars from industry experts.

Les bicyclettes decorative wrap, Cavallini Papers & Co Inc

Embroidered cushion, DMC Creative

Handmade brooches, Felt So Good

Jane Means – animal print ribbon

Thomas B Ramsden

This is a Trade only show - proof of trading will be required by new visitors for entry

8th & 9th September 2013Dewars Centre, Perth, Scotland

Demonstrations throughout the day.

For show details please contact Yvonne on 07770 870093

WITH MORE COMPANIES STILL TO BE NAMED LATER FOR 2013!

craftfocus 31

show new

s and events

REPORTAGE CRAFT NORTHERN IRELAND IN LONDONNew Perspective on Northern Irish CraftCraft NI, the lead body for design-led craft in Northern Ireland, organised the exhibition ‘Perspective: Inspiration, Unveiled’ which was supported by the Creative Industries Innovation Fund. The exhibition ran in London until the 15th of March where it returned to be shown at the Craft NI Gallery in Belfast for April. This was a showcase of 13 of Northern Ireland’s finest designer-makers launched at Craft Central in London’s Clerkenwell District on the 11th March.

This was part of Craft Northern Ireland’s general move toward encouraging makers to look outside Northern Ireland and to take their work to a wider audience. Craft NI’s Chief Executive, Alan Kane explained in his launch address to the crowded venue, also highlighting the high level of both skill and distinctive individual signature of the makers within the pieces.

Some highlights were large wall pieces of sculptured willow by basketmaker Bob Johnston, hand-crafted porcelain vessels by Adam Frew, and the distinctive work of glass artists Catherine Keenan and Alison Lowry. Curated by textile artist and Ulster University Professor Karen Fleming, the exhibition included an incredible range of design from individual furniture design to exquisite jewellery, but each piece was selected for its combination of a contemporary sensibility with its maker’s high regard for materials and quality craftsmanship.

Peter Taylor, Director of the Goldsmiths’ Design Centre, opened the exhibition. Welcoming the exhibition to London, he remarked that the Clerkenwell area has always been associated with fine craft and that he was very pleased to be giving his support to this particular initiative. Feedback from the exhibition has been extremely positive, giving the designer-makers involved the chance to make key contacts and bringing Northern Irish craft to a wider audience.

Craft Northern IrelandT: +44 (0)28 9032 3059E: info@craftni.org W: www.craftni.org

THE PERTH SHOW8th- 9th September 2013Dewar’s Centre, Perth, ScotlandT: +44 (0)7770 870 093 E: y.jackson@tiscali.co.uk

The Perth Show is the only trade show in Scotland for the hobby and crafts sector but also attracts visitors from the North and South of England. The show is packed full of new products, latest trends and ideas plus a series of hands-on workshops so retailers can try out some of the products and expert demonstrations. The laid back atmosphere of this show allows customers and exhibitors to do business in more relaxing circumstances. The show has been running for a considerable number of years but is just getting the publicity that it deserves. Organised by Yvonne Jackson, this show is picking up momentum with exhibitors like Habico, Hantex and Creative Products attending last year.

CONSUMER CALENDARWant to get your products to more customers? We list the best consumer craft shows in the UK in the forthcoming months:

Dates and venues for 2013:ICHF shows:Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames, 23rd- 26th August, Chiltern Crafts ShowPenshurst Place, Tonbridge, 6th- 8th September, Weald of Kent Craft ShowEventCity, Manchester, 12th-14th September, Creative Stitches & Hobbycrafts

Trident Exhibitions Creative Crafts shows:Clive Emson Exhibition Hall, Kent, 12th-14th July – NEW DATESandown Park, Esher, Surrey, 5th- 7th September

Upper Street EventsNEC, Birmingham, 8th-11th August, Festival of Quilts

Sincerely Yours, Papercraft shows:Bracknell Leisure Centre, 2nd JuneWellsprings Leisure Centre, Taunton, 16th JuneMountbatten Centre, Alexandra Park, Portsmouth, 30th June - NEW DATE

shows, news and reviews

‘Willow Stag Sculpture’ by Bob Johnston ‘Eye Candy - Dark Purple & Yellow, Striped’ by Catherine Keenan

Photos taken by David Pauley - The Studio

craftfocus 33

show review

CHA’s Create ‘n’ Connect conference and trade show (formerly CHA Summer) will continue the traditional buying opportunities and workshops but adds several new offerings to help attendees stay successful in business.. These changes are based on feedback from CHA members and the association’s knowledge of changing industry needs.

Organisers CHA see this year’s show as more than just an event, “It’s an annual gathering of a close-knit community of creative professionals who come together to buy, learn, network and collaborate,” said Andrej Suskavcevic, President and CEO, at Craft & Hobby Association.

In just four days, the show brings together thousands of buyers and craft professionals from across the country and around the world ready to buy and source from exhibitors carrying products that span over 100 categories. Visitors to the show will be able to explore the season’s largest selection of craft products under one roof and talk to hundreds of exhibiting companies. The show is perfectly timed to take advantage of profitable holiday sales opportunities too.

Some of these new and exciting activities include: • A product preview programme. This has been highly publicised and will showcase the latest and greatest offerings to media as well as thousands of prospective buyers and millions of consumers. The programme also has the potential to reach 9.5 million viewers through promotional airing on American shows including The Today Show, The View, Rachel Ray Show and Good Morning America. This event will keep you in the know about products that your customers will enjoy. • Create-n-Connect Community Centre to share or discover tips to help you and your customers stay creatively engaged.• Buyer power hours where the floor opens early to qualified retailers.• A conference schedule with limited overlap of show hours to maximize purchasing time• Hands-on labs with step-by-step instructor education that helps you enhance your knowledge of social media. • Business boot camps to help improve your business knowledge.

The conference programme gives attendees the opportunity to learn new skills, gain knowledge on business trends and network with other members and international attendees through workshops, seminars, demo-nars® and special events.

Designer ShowcaseThis showcases creative artwork and designs and has a dedicated, centrally located section at the show for artists, designers, studios, agents and licensing firms interested in selling or licensing art, project designs and creative services to the craft industry. Past art work and designs have been purchased by a multitude of end-uses for scrapbooking paper, rubber stamps, packaging, publishing and product development.

create’n connectCreate ‘n’ Connect is the new name for the Summer CHA exhibition, here’s what you can expect to see

Create ‘n’ Connect Conference and Trade ShowLas Vegas, Nevada22nd-25th July 2013T: +1 201 8351200E: info@craftandhobby.orgW: www.craftandhobby.org

C

craftfocus 35

show review

If you stock creative writing materials and stationery then this show is a perfect opportunity to meet both the established brands and to see new products (95 per cent of exhibitors this year were showing new products). The London Stationery Show is currently the only UK trade exhibition solely dedicated to stationery products, and this year saw a huge range of products on display with more than150 different brands, 109 stands and over 50 new exhibitors to the show; a 30 per cent increase than last year. There was also a strong contingent of UK exhibitors but a growing number of exhibitors from over 20 other countries from Canada, Latvia, South Africa, Hong Kong and Vietnam.Coinciding with this show was National Stationery Week, which was a major sales opportunity for retailers, designed to encourage more people to put pen to paper and buy stationery and the Get Britain Writing campaign. If you were in the capital during

April, you may well have seen the National Stationery Week branded taxis that took the Get Britain Writing message to Londoners all over the capital and parked outside for the duration of the show.

Stationery has become fashionable and not just a functional necessity, and has become the latest retail ‘fix’ for cash-strapped consumers and even covetable product with design licenses from well known brands wanting to get in on the act.

Who was there?Major brands included Letts Filofax, Parker, Peter Pauper Press, Lamy, Knock Knock, Sheaffer, Moleskine, Faber-Castell, Piccadilly, Caran d’Ache, Leuchtturm1917 and Stabilo.

Five products we liked:Brother UK Brother gave us a sneak preview of an exciting prototype office technology, which Craft Focus will be telling you about in a forthcoming issue…. so watch this space. For retailers, it also showcased its wide range of labellers including P-touch hand held labellers, as well as the QL range of desktop labellers designed for the office.

Brother UKT: +44 (0)161 931 2234E: Lesley.howe@brother-uk.comW: www.brother.co.uk

ArtcoeThe Krazy Glue range is the latest addition - this super-strong, fast-drying adhesive will bond anything from china to model trains. Also on display was the new X-Acto range of crafting knives from general craft knives to ones from paper cutting and knives. Artcoe is also sole UK distributors for Speedball, Elmer’s

fashion meets functionThis was the motto of this year’s London Stationery Show. We visited the show at the stylish Business Design Centre in Islington

36 craftfocus

fashion meets function

Adhesives, Frisk Film and Pads plus the Ghiant Sprays.

ArtcoeT: +44(0)845 300 7750E: steve@artcoe.co.ukW: www.artcoe.com

Stone MarketingOn the Stone Marketing stand, we saw the latest from the Faber-Castell playing and learning range and joined in the 100 year celebration of the luxury writing brand, Sheaffer. We were excited to see the Japanese brand Kokuyo’s Harinac staple-free stapler, which is not only eco-friendly but also has crafting possibilities and comes in two sizes and an array of quirky bright colours. Unlike standard staples, it punches a slit into the paper, binding a number of paper layers together.

Stone MarketingT: +44(0)1732 771 771E: sales@stonegift.comW: www.stonemarketing.com

SwanneckSwanneck launched the swan neck logic pen that brings a logical solution and whatever language you write in: left to right (English), right to left (Arabic), top to bottom (Chinese). This revolutionary ballpoint pen is designed to not only be ergonomic, but it looks great too with all models feature a one-of-a-kind S-bend neck and grip area. The writer can hold the pen comfortably at a balanced angle and avoids smudges and wrist pain. Left-handed or right-handed, they are ideal for children learning to write too.

Swanneck T: +44(0)7840 300509E: info@swanneckpen.com W: www.swanneckpen.com

Life CanvasParragon Books debuted a new stationery range focusing on design, organisation and preservation called Life Canvas. This range was this year’s winner in the Stationery Awards - taking three of the seven awards and winning the notebooks and paper products category with its range of colour notebooks and the children’s stationery category with the mini tins range.

Parragon BooksT: +44(0)1225 478888E: therese.andersson@parragon.comW: www.paragon.com

DATES FOR NEXT YEAR’S DIARY

The Stationery Show1st – 2nd April 2014 (during National Stationery Week)Business Design CentreIslingtonT: +44(0) 20 8462 0721E: londonstationeryshow@fi rstevents.comW: www.stationeryshow.co.uk

Sheaffer celebrates 100 years

CYGNET Yarns Limited

Tel + 44 (0)1274 743374 E: sales@cygnetyarns.com

www.cygnetyarns.com

38 craftfocus

Facts and Figuresh+h cologne 2013 came to a close and record results were revealed: • 12,000 visitors from 67 countries. This equates to a total rise in visitor numbers by more than 10 per cent• Exhibitor numbers increase by 16 per cent • 321 exhibitors from 37 nations presented the largest range of craft offerings around

Crafts continue to be very much the ‘in thing’ and the show organisers are confident that this trend will continue. Younger target groups are playing an important role in the sector’s growth and according to the survey carried out by the GFK (Germany’s largest market research institute) on behalf of the Intiative Handarbeit, a quarter of craftswomen are below the age of 40.

Paul Alger, Director of International Business Development for the UK Fashion and Textiles Association, commented on behalf of the British yarns and crafts sector: “For the British, h+h cologne is the most important international stage from which we can reach markets way beyond our European borders. It plays a large role in the export strategies of established and new exporters in the United Kingdom.”

The fair’s offerings were rounded off by an array of attractive workshops, special shows and fashion shows, which presented visitors with the latest trends and creations. This was enhanced by an attractive supporting programme that adds up-to-date information on new marketing ideas, products and techniques. One of the absolute highlights of 2013 was undoubtedly the trend fashion

show executed by member companies of the Initiative Handarbeit. The show made clear how stylish and important homemade fashion is today.

WorkshopsThe workshops and seminars were organised by HobbyArt (bit-Verlag) and as the most varied programme ever run by the show, were extremely popular with visitors. The top favourites included: Hip Crochet Hats, City Bags - Macramé Rediscovered, Quilting Made Easy and The Secret of the Tomato Heel Sock.

Other attractionsThe supporting programmes were enthusiastically received, such as the large knitted tepee and the Patchwork Guild’s presentation. Trade visitors also enjoyed watching the hand spinning guild show, demonstrating how fibres are turned into finished items of clothing. In addition, the artist Silke Bosbach presented the Textile Outdoor Awards for the second time.

crafting in cologneThe international trade fair for creative handicraft and hobby took place in March in Cologne. We reveal why it remains one of the leading trade events

“h+h cologne 2013 has impressively confirmed its role as the most important international

trading platform with these excellent results. The mood among

the exhibitors and trade visitors was exceptional. The trade fair

had once again proven itself to be the essential force powering the sector’s growth,” said Koelnmesse Chief Operating Officer, Katharina

C. Hamma

Katharina C. Hamma

DATES FOR NEXT YEAR’S DIARYh+h cologne International Trade Fair for CreativeHandicraft + Hobby Supplies21st- 23rd March, 2014www.hh-cologne.com

Cute Felt

C

40 craftfocus

hand knitting under one roofWe caught up with Colin Chawner, Business Consultant for Bergere de France to find out more about the company and the exciting plans BDF has for the UK

How and when did Bergere de France start trading?Bergere de France was established in 1946 by Robert Petit and today, the company remains family owned and now managed by his son Jean-Louis and grandson Geoffroy. Originally, the company was set up as a direct mail order business but throughout its 66-year history, has diversified many times, and in particular supplying the retail trade directly from 1971 onwards. Direct trading with retailers remains a very important part of the business with hundreds of retail partners globally.

Based in Bar le Duc, in the heart of the Lorraine region, our mill is the last industrial woollen mill in France and one of the only remaining in Western Europe that manufactures hand-knitting yarns. Covering an

area of 14 acres and employing in excess of 400 people, it is one of the largest and most advanced mills of its kind anywhere on the continent.

With years of focus on the French market, a significant investment plan and strategy has been organised for selected markets outside of France, which includes the UK and Ireland markets and in last year in 2012, Bergere de France launched its first English language website www.bergeredefrance.co.uk with a new fresh identity and branding style which is more in line with today’s imagery and contemporary trends.

BDF’s yarn manufacturing and all of its production is kept under one roof – why is this so beneficial?Without doubt the most distinct feature of the business and what sets it apart from its competitors is the fact that it still manufactures all products on site in France. As a result, it can control new product development, quality control, reaction to trends, and most importantly respond instantly to peaks and demands on particular yarns. A positive aspect of this is that the service and fulfillment of

orders which is probably second to none in the UK, and gives the retailer and therefore, the end consumer confidence that they will receive what they order in good time, maximising sales opportunities.

The BDF range has expanded over the years and it’s not only about the yarns. Can you tell us about the different ranges?The main business and focus is, of course, hand-knitting yarns and supporting design magazines, but probably as a result of the mail order beginnings and culture, BDF feels it is important to offer a complete package for the discerning consumer that will enable them to purchase all aspects of the designs through our retail partners. This includes tools required to create the garments but also the accessories like buttons, ribbons, buckles etc and a range of other related accessory items and kits including Knitpro, Lantern Moon and Sajou.

What is your best selling product?The business is very much design driven, the top selling yarns can vary from season to season depending on which designs feature

craftfocus 41

com

pany profi le

certain yarns. However, there are fi ve long established yarns that always feature highly as best sellers– these are Ideal, Magic, Caline, Coton Fifty and Alaska. These are refreshed every season with new fashion shades. From a retail and consumer perspective, BDF’s yarns have become standard and respected yarns that don’t create a need to sell them off at a later date as the fashion trend has passed.

What is the latest product you have available? There is a major launch for this upcoming autumn/winter season and we will be introducing for the fi rst time, the English version of the full French catalogue, resulting in

with a 217-page booklet featuring 168 designs and a large selection of related accessories and actual yarn shade fringes. Retailers will also be able to make this available to the end consumer, which will be a very powerful presentation tool that will drive sales of the brand through our retail partners. As part of this launch, a new premium range is featured incorporating luxury fi bres such as Cashmere, Silk, Super Kid Mohair, Alpaca and Pure Merino plus four new yarns within the standard main collection.

BDF has a range of annual catalogues and magazine books. When will these be available to retailers?In addition to the main catalogue for the upcoming season, there are annually six to seven new magazine launches covering adults, children, baby and home designs, each with over 40 designs with an RSP of £7. From the extensive design library and new magazine launches, a number of single leafl ets are also designed and launched each season to include seasonal trends.

Earlier this year, BDF introduced the Knit & Stitch series, how successful has it been?This project (and launch) with a specialised publishing partner has had an amazing impact, way above our initial expectations. The increased awareness of the Bergere de France brand, and the craft of knitting as a whole

resulting from an extensive online, print and TV advertising campaign, has resulted in a large increase in demand for the brand both at retail and consumer levels. We’ve seen an increase in new stockists, as a result of their customers coming into store and asking about the brand.

What are the benefi ts for retailers who stock BDF yarns?As well as an excellent fulfi llment percentage on orders and effi cient direct shipments from France, BDF understands the need to support retailers in a competitive environment and these are some of the current key benefi ts of trading with us:

• Healthy retail mark up on both yarns and magazines

• Competitive credit and settlement terms• Competitive carriage paid order values• Annual rebate scheme• Split pack service • Promotional support and PO.S materials• Yarn fringed shade cards for all of the

yarn qualities• Branded accessory ranges • Dedicated support for the UK from

personnel in France

What are BDF’s main aims over the next fi ve years?This year, BDF has signed off a fi ve year business and investment plan for the UK market and we realise the importance of working together with retail partners and inspiring the end consumer as crucial elements in achieving the business objective, enabling sustainable and profi table growth for both sides in the longer term.

For more information on becoming a Bergere de France stockist: T: +33 (3)29797645E: service.export@bergeredefrance.comW: www.bergeredefrance.co.uk

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42 craftfocus

the right tools for the jobThe right tools will help make any task so much easier and they are a key purchase for any crafter. Make sure you stock the most innovative and up-to-date tools for the ultimate crafting experience

BOW MAKER - NEW TO UK MARKETCreative Products Distribution is delighted to bring the Bowdabra to the UK marketplace. Bowdabra is a modern day tool that turns any crafter into a professional bow maker. This tool allows anyone to create sophisticated and professional bows for any occasion from birthdays, weddings, designer swags, and holiday decorations, to party favours and corsages.

Bowdabra’s patented design makes it simple to create medium to large bows. The process begins by inserting a piece of ribbon wire into the Bowdabra. The material can then be either scrunched or folded on top of the wire to achieve the desired bow size and fullness. This tool comes with a 30-minute DVD which offers helpful step by step instructions.

CLAY LOVERSThis all-in-one set provides four different blocks to achieve textured pattern designs such as Mokume Gane, Bargello and Mica Shift. This tool is perfect for anyone who wants to undertake advanced techniques without the need for lots of separate tools and will give crafters four different blocks to achieve a variety of textured fi nishes.

The dots design block will impress a series of dots of different widths into clay that are perfect for Mica Shift, Mokume Gane, and general texturing whilst the linear design block will create a variety of lines, dashes, and grids. The geometric design block will stamp different shapes of different widths into clay whilst the dragging design block creates evenly spaced lines and rows. Priced at £14.99 RRP.

Distibuted by ColArt T: +44 (0)1562 744 522E: sales@colart.co.ukW: www.colart.com

The Mini Bowdabra version is the ideal tool for scrapbooking, card making, hair bows, wedding décor, and creating party favours in just a few easy steps! Since 1998, millions of Bowdabras have been sold worldwide.

Distibuted and sold in the UK by Creative Products Distribution T: +44 (0)20 8953 2143E: sales@creative-distribution.co.uk W: www.creative-distribution.co.uk

craftfocus 43

PERFECT PRESSINGCrafters who do a lot of pressing will love this spray as the scent of Lavender has long been known to help relax mind and body. It will of course, also make ironing easier, especially when trying to iron out a stubborn crease in new fabric.

Best Press is not a starch but a revolutionary new ironing product that does not flake, clog the nozzle or gum up your sewing machine or iron. And in fact, it leaves behind no residue at all when used, resulting in wrinkle-free fabric. It comes in a 177ml pump bottle and is available in Lavender, Linen Fresh and for those who prefer something more natural, there’s a scent free version too. RRP is around £5.00.

EQS (UK) T: +44 (0)116 271 0033E: graeme@eqsuk.comW: www.eqsuk.com

FIRST IMPRESSIONSImpressArt is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of unusual stamping tools and exhibited for the first time at CHSI back in February. Personalisation continues to be big news in crafting and the company has introduced a new line of design stamp packs perfect for themed projects. These stamps can be used to stamp brass, copper, aluminum, silver, gold, nickel, pewter and other soft metals so are perfect for jewellery making but also for creating impressions in common crafting supplies like cardboard, clay, leather and matt board. The collections includes themes from weddings, family, and sports through to shabby chic, and each pack comes with four to seven categorised stamps. Crafters can start by using a common household hammer and then move on to a metal stamping hammer. Also available is the alphabet packs of stamps.

Impress ArtT: +1 631 940 9530E: info@impressart.comW: www.impressart.com

PROFESSIONAL IRONINGThe Oliso® TG1600 Pro features Oliso’s patented iTouch® technology. It’s simple to use, just touch the handle and the iron lowers, ready to work. Take your hand off and the patented scorchguard lifts the iron off the board preventing scorches, burns, and tipping. Less strain and a 30 per cent time saving are just some of the added benefits to this Smart Iron’s 1,800W of power and horizontal or vertical bursts of steam. This iron also features a 30 minute extended auto-shut off for sewers and quilters, a 12.7oz side fill tank, a bead-blast stainless steel soleplate, flat pressing surface, detailer tip, and a 12ft cord for full range of motion.

OlisoT: +1 (8)00 899 5157E: customerservice@oliso.comW: www.oliso.com

craft too

ls

44 craftfocus

MAKE A FASHION STATEMENTBijouxByMe is a Craft Buddy brand and has just launched a range of jewellery tool wrap clutch bag kits which are not only practical, but stylish too! The collection also comes in a range of wraps in fi ve pretty snakeskin fi nishes: textured pink, copper/coffee, white, black glitter and black PVC.

The wrap contains all the necessary tools a jewellery maker needs and is made from hardwearing stainless steel. The tools also have handles to match! The set includes round nose, bent nose and fl at nosed pliers, a cutter, bead reamer, bead scoop and ruler and comes with a full instruction manual and retails for £24.99.

Craft Buddy LtdT: +44 (0)203 417 6565E: craftbuddy09@aol.comW: www.craftbuddyltd.co.uk

the right tools for the job

KORBOND BESTSELLERSReliable crafting tools will always make all projects straightforward.

Korbond Craft needle pack is a great buy, providing the most suitable high quality hand sewing needles for a multitude of crafts. It includes a selection of tapestry, crewel and quilting needles in various sizes, and is an ideal starter pack.

The Pom Pom maker is another clever little gadget that is simple to use and produces perfect Pom Poms quickly every time. The device can be adjusted to create three different sized Pom Poms so that crafters can experiment with different yarns for unique creations.

The Korbond 6" Embroidery Hoop is ideal for holding fabric securely whilst working on embroidery and cross-stitch projects and embellishing sewing projects. By using an embroidery hoop, a project will become less tricky to work on and the fi nished product will look a lot neater.

Korbond IndustriesT: +44 (0)1476 573 227E: sales@korbond.co.ukW: www.korbond.co.uk

LUX LIGHTThe LUX range is the latest product innovation from Mighty Bright, a company specialising in well designed, high quality LED task lighting which is perfect for crafters. Now with the addition of three new models - The Architect, Bungalow and Spotlight, these lights are functional, eco-friendly and stylish.

In particular, the LUX Spotlight LED Task Light is designed for just about any small space in need of a little extra light. With a petite profi le, the LUX Spotlight can squeeze onto any crowded end of table or desk. Shining brightly with 275 lumens, the LUX Spotlight delivers warm white, 3,200K light, perfect for the fashion savvy crafter. This light is classically designed to accentuate any room’s aesthetic, and its durable steel components and high-quality LEDs ensure it will remain a part of your living and work spaces for years to come. Retail price is £37.50.

Trinity XtrasT: +44 (0)2476 344276E: scott@trinityxtras.co.ukW: www.trinityxtras.co.uk

CThe UK’s leading magazine

for the craft industry

www.craftfocus.com

To advertise here telephone Tracy Voice

on +44 (0)1376 535 618

craftfocus 47

threads

thread festKeep up-to-date with the latest quality threads for hand, machine embroidery, sewing, quilting and cross-stitching from the major manufacturers

GLITTER AND FILAINE

GS UK has been providing embroidery products for over 25 years and has recently introduced two new threads to its range. Glitter is a sparkly foil thread ideal for creating shiny and metallic stitching. It produces fascinating glittery effects resulting in stunning embroideries

and like a hologram, the cut, untwisted yarn surface refracts the light adding brilliance to any embroidery design. The range includes five plain shades plus one multi-coloured and is available in mini-king cones (1,000m). When embroidering on woollens and knits, vintage style

patterns for traditional costumes, or colourful clothes, Filaine is the ideal thread. Filaine is made of 100 percent acrylic, but with a higher degree of tear and rub resistance than wool embroidery threads.

In addition to its full range of Sulky (100 per cent rayon) and Poly (100 per cent polyester) threads, GS UK now has selection boxes available. The Sulky 40 and Poly 40 selection boxes each contain 27 of the most popular plain colours supplied on mini-king cones (1,000m).

GS UK T: +44 (0)115 844 8000E: sales@gs-uk.comW: www.gs-ukdirect.com

BRING CROSS-STITCH TO LIFE

DMC thread is world renowned for its vividness of colour and exceptional quality. The right threads enable designs to be brought to life with subtle effects, colours and textures.

DMC stranded cotton is the benchmark quality thread and has been manufactured for over 100 years. It’s made from the very finest Egyptian Giza cotton, which has long

staple fibres making it strong and tangle free. Its many qualities include being fade resistant and it’s appreciated by millions of stitchers throughout the world.

Other cross-stitch threads include: Light Effects adding light and sparkle to designs, Color Variations where each skein consists of a multitude of colour changes all working in harmony with each other to give beautiful results and Satin which has a wonderful silky finish and gives a glamorous feel to designs.

Diamant is the latest thread for cross-stitching projects with its high quality and appealing shades that will add a luxurious feel and high definition to any design. Viscose fibres are wrapped in a metallised polyester coating followed by a silicone treatment; this expert treatment helps the thread glide through fabrics without damaging it.

DMC Creative World T: +44 (0)116 275 4000E: sales@dmccreative.co.ukW: www.dmccreative.co.uk

48 craftfocus

thread fest

TAME THOSE THREADSSince its debut now at four international events, this multi-tasking stand is fast becoming Wonderfi ls most popular accessory. The Thread TamerTM is an innovative new product that immediately attracts every sewing enthusiast. It comes with an extension, allowing it to work with domestic sewing machines of all sizes and holds up to three large spools of thread tangle-free.

The vertical thread draw eliminates tension changes while taming even the most slippery thread. The Thread Tamer comes with an attachment specially designed for using with cop sizes spools by perpendicular drawing.

Wonderfi lT: +44 (0)7768 141609E: offi ce@wonderfi l.comW: www.wonderfi l.net

GÜTERMANN PROMOTIONAL PACKSGütermann’s new collection of promotional thread packs from Groves offers retailers and crafters excellent value, and will create colourful displays in-store. Here’s a real opportunity to breathe new life into an essential area important to every retailer.

Available in a wide variety of threads, the packs contain coordinated selections of popular colours at attractive discounts from standard prices, making them ideal for the dedicated and serious stitcher, or perfect as affordable gifts for birthdays and Christmas. With 30 different packs to choose from – some with attractive and useful accessories included – as well as four very useful counter displays of essential threads, there is bound to be a pack for everyone.

Gütermann's range of threads is distributed by the Groves Distribution Centre T: +44 (0)1844 258080E: sales@groves-banks.comW: www.groves-banks.com

SEASONAL COLOURAmann Mettler, the worldwide renowned fl oss manufacturer, has launched two seasonal packs for spring and summer. The Summer Collection includes a fresh summer-themed box to celebrate the season with eight sewing and quilting thread spools (200m Poly Sheen) in bright and brilliant colour shades of summer from sky blue to fl owery fuschia. These are perfect gift packs for those who love quality threads. £16 RRP per eights pool pack.

Now offering a comprehensive range of overlocking threads with three different range options available, Seracor, Seralene and Serafl ock. In addition, the company is offering products such as invisible thread (Transfi l), along with Bobbinfi l, for varying sewing applications. Thread selection packs are also available in 8,18 and 28 spool sets, polyester and cotton.

Distributed by W Williams & Sons T: +44 (0)207 281 4760E: sales@wwilliams.co.ukW: www.wwilliams.co.uk

business advice

craftfocus 49

When setting up an exciting new business, the last thing you want to think about is things going wrong and it may seem tempting to keep costs down by not being insured, especially when you are only making a very small profit at the beginning. However, no matter how small your crafts business, there will be a situation when you definitely need insurance, for instance if someone gets injured by one of your products, or trips on your craft stall at a market, you could be looking at thousands in damages.

FIVE MAIN INSURANCE TYPESThere are five main types of insurance that people running a craft related business need to consider :

1. Product liabilityIf you supply products, legally they must be fit for purpose and you are responsible for any injury to a person, or damage to their property that may occur as a result of the use of your product. Product liability insurance can meet the cost of any claims that arise.

2. Public liabilityThis covers any injury or property damage that occurs to a member of the public in connection to your business. If for instance you teach sewing and someone in your class sustains an injury, or trips over some goods you laid out at a craft market, this is the insurance you need. It can also be used to

defend any claim made against you as well as for compensating any injured party.

Tip: Many craft fairs won’t let you have a stall unless you can show them your public liability insurance certificate.

3. Tradesman insurance You can often find that if you don’t have traditional retail premises, that tradesman’s insurance may be a better fit for your business. This can provide cover for your tools, your premises and any potential liability that may arise. You can find tradesman insurance, which is specific such as for dressmakers.

4. Professional indemnityIf you give advice as part of your business (if you are a business consultant or a craft teacher) or offer a service such as social media management, you need professional indemnity insurance to protect you from any claims of professional negligence.

5. Employer’s liabilityIf you employ anyone to help you with your business then you need to have employer’s liability insurance. This protects you from any claim from employees who say they were injured or became ill as a result of their work whilst in your employment. This insurance is compulsory in the UK and you must have a minimum coverage of five million pounds.

If, however, you are a family business, and not

a limited company you may be exempt from this requirement. For more information please look at the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, it can be viewed online on the UK Legislation website at www.legislation.gov.uk.

Other insurance you may also want to consider:

Accident & sickness This type of insurance will help you pay the mortgage and other bills if you find you are unable to work.

Vehicle Vehicle insurance is useful for when you have business vehicles.

CancellationIf you plan to do lots of shows and exhibitions, this insurance offers cover for any cancellations and ensures you don’t end up out of pocket.

Trade credit In the current economic climate, it might be wise to consider having this sort of insurance, so if you have stock placed with others on a sale or return (credit) basis then you will be covered for losses if they go out of business.

Choosing the right insurer for you?Make sure you have time to get at least three quotes from insurers to make sure you

Many crafters and retailers often don’t know what type of insurance they should be looking for even if they do realise that they should be insured. Fiona Pullen from The Sewing Directory takes us through the types of insurance that you should be considering

which insurance?

50 craftfocus

which insurance?

are getting a good deal, but make sure the quotes are like for like for easy comparison. Three key factors to consider : price and affordability, stability (how long has the insurer been in business) and customer service (how approachable they are after sales).

Tip: Always keep your coverage up to date and set aside time once a year to consider whether you need to increase your coverage.

Read the small printAll insurance policies have exclusions so make sure you have a good look through to understand what you are and aren’t covered for. For instance, most policies won’t cover claims that arise as a result of your negligence, or your failure to comply with health and safety or product safety laws. Also, some of the policies may only cover selling at events and shows and not online or trading from commercial premises not from home so double check the small print. When in doubt, ask before you buy!

Brokers:If you don’t have time, employ an insurance professional (broker) to intermediate for you. To fi nd an insurance broker locally or online visit the BIBA website www.biba.org.uk.

Suggestions:Peacock Insurance Services is broker who will compare craft insurance policies for you.www.peacockinsurance.co.uk

Simply Business, is another broker who compare quotes for many different types of business insurance. www.simplybusiness.co.uk

Craft Insurance SpecialistsArtist’s Insurance covers artwork, studio insurance, business interruption, public and product liability and employer’s liability. www.a-n.co.uk Combined Market Traders Insurance Association for craft stalls and exhibitions. www.cmtia.co.uk

Craft Insurance for crafts people and craft clubs.www.craftinsurance.co.uk

Direct Line for people who work from home plus tradesman insurance suitable for dressmakers.www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk

Event Insurance for exhibitors and stall holders, includes cancellation cover.www.events-insurance.co.uk

Freelance Insure for craft teachers or tutors. www.freelanceinsure.co.uk

Graham Sykes Limited for event organisers, people attending exhibitions/craft shows and for craft groups.www.graham-sykes.co.uk

GM Imber & Sons, insurers for exhibitions, craft shows and teachers.www.gmimberltd.com

Premierline Direct, an e-commerce insurer for people that sell online, includes goods in transit cover.www.premierline.co.uk C

Many thanks to Fiona Pullen from The Sewing Directory for putting together this feature.The Sewing Directory, www.thesewingdirectory.co.ukT: +44 (0)29 2025 2237 E: admin@thesewingdirectory.co.uk

* Please note, this list has been put together by Fiona Pullen from The Sewing Directory and is by no means comprehensive and is an illustration of craft insurance that is available.

craftfocus 51

advertising feature

Hobbies and Pastimes is Hunkydory’s latest decoupage collection, featuring a wonderful array of everybody’s favourite activities from gardening and fishing, to sewing and baking.

Decoupage is definitely making a come-back and with such an interesting and long history, it is not at all surprising that decoupage is still evolving with so many different styles and techniques. In its most modern form, this technique has become one of the most popular for crafters, where sections of an image are layered up to create depth and dimension.

When Hunkydory attended CHSI in February 2013, they were inundated with requests from trade customers for more decoupage products. Adam Newhouse, Director at Hunkydory Crafts attended the CHSI show, “Many customers, both old and new were asking about decoupage. It wasn’t

until all the requests began to flood in that we realised there was a real shortage of new decoupage product in the papercraft industry, and we just couldn’t let that happen!”

“The art of decoupage gives you an opportunity for endless hours of creativity, as well as enjoyment. We understand our end users, and we know how much time and effort is spent on making cards for loved ones or special friends, which is why we have released Hobbies and Pastimes as a decoupage collection.”

Hunkydory have created this new decoupage kit with their guaranteed quality at the forefront of their minds. The beautiful decoupage is printed onto top-quality 300gsm stock and comes highlighted with

stunning foiled accents and frames. The pretty printed cardstock uses 350gsm Adorable Scorable cardstock for cards that stand straight and true and have the unmistakable Hunkydory finish.

Hobbies and Pastimes features much loved activities such as music and dancing, country fete and caravan club and there are also some great male card designs in the collection from vintage cars and trains to the classic wine cellar – this collection really does have something for everyone.

delightful decoupage by Hunkydory!

For more information

Hunkydory CraftsT: 01772 272575E: trade@hunkydorycrafts.co.ukW: www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk

craftfocus 53

beading

for the love of beads We’ve the latest offerings

for lovers of beads and beading accessories

BEAD LOOMSBead Looms from Peak Dale Products now come in four different sizes for a variety of tasks: 1. The basic bead loom is designed for smaller pieces like bracelets.2. The long bead loom is for long pieces such as belts. 3. The giant bead loom is for wider pieces up to 6in wide. 4. The ultimate bead loom has been designed to be a table standing loom and allows the work to face you instead of you having to bend over. This allows the user to work for longer periods without causing any back or neck problems and will enable the user to work designs up to 15cm (6in) wide.

Peak Dale ProductsT: +44 (0)1298 78447E: graham@peakdaleproducts.co.ukW: www.peakdaleproducts.co.uk

FASHION-LED BEADSJesse James has been a leader in the arts and crafts industry for over 26 years and is known and respected worldwide for innovative product design. Jesse James is certainly not your typical bead company and specialises in the most individual beads.

The company’s eclectic fashion-designer inspired mixed strands are based on the trendiest colour combinations in the fashion industry. These exciting mixes of beads contain components that are truly original and the in-house artists and designers have worked closely with many factories to create a special, vibrant, fun, and sometimes whimsical line and combine beads from all of the bead families including glass, rondelles, semi-precious stones, lampwork, bohemian and replica vintage.

Jesse James BeadsT: +1 (6)10 419 9880E: sales@jessejamesbeads.comW: www.jessejamesbeads.com

HISTORY OF BEADWORKBeadwork has a long history in the Native American culture and the first bead designs were worked using natural polished shells, but after the arrival of the European settlers, glass beads were incorporated into the work. The original thread came from sinew but when cotton threads became commercially available they gained popularity and have recently been joined by stronger nylon materials.

Originally the needles for beadwork were fashioned from bone, these days a beading needle that has been specially designed for the purpose is used. This is a long slender instrument that will slip easily through the tiny holes in the beads.Provided by Peak Dale Products

54 craftfocus

for the love of beads

MEMORY WIRE JUST GOT FLAT!Beadalon can now offer a flat version of its memory wire. Memory wire is corrosion and tarnish resistant and, like a spring, it snaps back to its original form when expanded and released. The new flat version is smooth and shines like a mirror and can help to illuminate designs strung with transparent large-holed beads.

Wire wrap beads to the flat surface for an original floating design or use the flat surface to glue other materials for more creative designs. This new flat wire is available in ring, large bracelet and necklace sizes in both silver-plated and gold.

The memory wire finishing pliers make quick work out of finishing the three ends of flat or round memory wire. Just place the wire in between

the 4mm and 2mm ends of the pliers, then bend in either direction, depending on what size loop you want to create and make consistent loops on memory wire every time.

TIP: Always cut using memory wire shears and use the new memory wire-bending tool for easy finishing.

Beadalon T: +1 866 423 2325E: sales@beadalon.comW: www.beadalon.com

ALUMINIUM WIRE

"Efco’s new range of anodised aluminium wires and ribbons were certainly one of the highlights for us at the CHSI show” said William Weil, Managing Director of Sinotex, Efco’s UK representative."

This new wire can be used to make funky jewellery and being aluminium, it's soft enough to easily twist and shape, either on its own or threaded with beads. The strip and wires can be woven using basket-weaving techniques and the possibilities are endless. It's light enough to knit with too. Efco aluminium wire is available in over 20 colours and comes as a 5mm strip, or 1mm or 2mm wire, with two coloured finishes. The wire is presented for retail display in two-metre hanging packs.

As well as the wire, the range is completed with all necessary tools, such as cutters, ring mandrels and gauges, enabling the stockist to offer customers everything needed for the craft.

Contact Efco’s UK representative: Sinotex UKT: +44 (0)1737 245450 E: efco@sinotex.co.ukW: www.sinotex.co.uk

Gorgeous range of shaped glass beads from Preciosa in Czech Republic. Available individually or as part of themed colour mixes. Backed by ranges of smaller beads including twin beads. These are going really well - why

wouldn’t they at £1 retail price to your customers plus free charts! Tramme tapestries,embroidery threads,books,kits,needlework frames,

felt in plenty for your customers.

accounts@vikingloom.co.uk01904 620587

Please apply for our trade website

www.vikingloom.co.uk 01904 620587 22 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH

Viking LoomThe Viking Loom Ltd

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•

Stitching words and stories brings a sense of personality to any project and it’s a lovely way of engaging with people. Use this eye-catching cardigan as a project for a window display to coax potential shoppers in!

conversational cardigan

Step1 Step2Practice stitching words first to get into the rhythm and scale. You may prefer to write out the words. Buttons will fit about 3 or 4 letters. My favourites words include: love, home, make, sun and sea.

MATERIALS NEEDED• Button through cardigan (remove the original buttons).• Self cover buttons to fit button holes • Lightweight fabric to cover buttons• Stitch and tear stabiliser • Water erasable marker• Contrast fabric for pockets• T-shirt transfer paper for adding images • Trims, name tapes and a few other buttons for decoration

Thanks to Louise Presley from Hope and Elvis. Louise provides vintage feel workshops.T: +44 (0)7833 743886 E: louise@hopeandelvis.com W: www.hopeandelvis.com

making the conversation buttons:

Iron a piece of stitch and tear stabiliser onto the back of a chosen piece of fabric. Follow the stabiliser instructions and cut out the template to fit the button. Using a water erasable marker, draw a circle template onto the right side of the fabric. Set up a sewing machine for free motion stitching by dropping the dog feed and changing to the darning foot.

Step3Cut the circles out and remove the stitch and tear from the back. Remove any markings with a damp cloth. Stitch around the edge of the fabric using a running stitch and a double thread. Pop the button in the centre and gently draw up the thread and secure with a knot. Put on the back piece and push down into place. Stitch the buttons ionto the cardigan in place of where the old buttons.

Step4making personalised patch pockets: Make a pattern for an appropriate pocket size and add a 1cm seam allowance and 3cm at the top. Using this template, cut out a pocket from the chosen fabric. Press edges under making a double turn at the top and stitch across the top edge.

I chose to add a family picture using a T-shirt transfer paper which has been secured in place as a patch before applying the pocket. Add any further trim like this daisy trim, ric-rac trim and name label). Pin and tack pocket in place and machine stitch onto cardigan.

Tuliptree Buttons & Beads

Improve your “blinging” skills!

Do you use regular beeswax, but find it’s too soft, leaves residue? Tweezers cramp your hands

and fling crystals across the room? Then the Crystal Katana is the tool for you...

Visit our website for more details and to see a video of the tool in use.

www.scattercrystals.co.ukTel: 0161 9720088

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paint

make a splash in colour!Paints are a staple product of every crafter - they’re so versatile and are a must-have to stock

CHILDSAFE AND INTELLIGENTThose crafters who like to customise furniture can rest assured that Little Greene’s paints are child safe. Widely acknowledged to be among the most environmentally friendly paints available, three of Little Greene’s finishes have been identified as the best choice for children’s rooms, furniture and toys. The evolutionary and highly durable Intelligent Matt emulsion, its supremely resilient sister, Intelligent Eggshell and the deliciously subtle Absolute Matt emulsion have all been certified under British Standard Toy Paint Regulations, BS EN 71-3: 1995.

This standard certifies that the paints are free from toxic ingredients and are safe for use in children’s rooms. Little Greene’s ‘Intelligent’ paints make a lot of practical sense too and are designed to withstand the

rigorous demands of everyday living and the extra wear and tear of family life. They are effortless to apply, quick to dry and marks can be washed off with soapy water.

There’s no need to compromise on appearance as all paints have the same signature flatness and depth of colour and are available in a wide palette of mouthwatering shades from bold primaries and statement brights to enchanting soft shades and beguiling neutrals.

Little GreeneT: +44 (0)161 2300880E: orders@thelittlegreene.comW: www.littlegreene.com

FABRIC PAINTS The Tulip® range has a number of specialist paint products for crafting:

The Dimensional Fabric paint is a non-toxic paint formulated for lasting adhesion to fabric so designs stay dimensional and intact after many washes. The paint comes in a selection of colours and finishes and can be used alone or paired with other Tulip paints, markers and dyes.

The Fabric Spray paint can be spritzed, splattered or sprayed into place and dries to a vibrant colour and is soft, flexible and does not disappear after repeated washes. It now comes in a glow-in-the dark colour too.

Beads in a Bottle™ is an innovative self-rounding paint for faux beadwork and once again does not need to be heat fixed. It’s also machine washable. Soft® Fabric Paint is highly opaque, developed specifically for fabric. It dries softly and with flexibility so it moves with your fabrics and won’t crack or crumble. This product can be brushed, sponged, stenciled and stamped onto fabric and doesn’t require heat setting. It can be washed time and time again.

That’s Original is the exclusive partners of iLoveToCreate in Europe for Tulip®, Scribbles® and Aleenes® brandsT: +44 (0)2381 159093E: enquiries@thats-original.co.uk

T-shirt project by Allee Marderosian, boots by Pattie Wilkinson, Cushion by Theresa Cifali for iLoveToCreate

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make a splash in colour!

COLOUR IS KINGColour is King at Design Master®, a company that has studied its intricacies and trends to offer extraordinary colour sprays and accessory products for creative professionals and imaginative individuals.

The ultra-fine mist provides colour coverage without a thick coat of paint and offers versatility on surface and technique. It will colour the most delicate of surfaces including silk and fresh flowers, fabric, ribbon and tulle as well as paper, foam board and Styrofoam™ brand foam. It’ll even cover hard surfaces like wood, metal, masonry, terracotta, ceramics and plaster. Choose a straight-from-the-can finish or a unsual finish using super simple spray techniques.

“Our products are the quickest colour around and dry faster than any other. That’s an attribute that any busy crafter can appreciate! Visit the Design Master website www.dmcolor.com to view products, and to pick up tips and techniques,” says Gretchen Sell of Design Master. “

Design Master in Europe can be found under the Oasis® Spray Colour label fromSmithers-Oasis UK T: +44 (0)191 417 5595E: ukmarket@oasisfloral.comW: http://souk.oasisfloral.com

LOOKS LIKE GRANITEThis spring Efco launched Efcostone, an acrylic based and easy to apply paint that is brushed on in two coats. Once dry, it forms a tough, water resistant finish with multi-flecked colours that resembles granite or a textured cement-like finish.

Efcostone is perfect for application to most semi-absorbent surfaces and is particularly effective on papier maché (see Efco’s Papp Art range of shapes and letters) and gives the retailer a new angle on these lines in addition to the decoupage techniques that have proved so popular over the past couple of years.

As well as being a decorative product for crafters, Efcostone is a great product for model makers to use where a textured stone or masonry look is required. The Efcostone stone is manufactured in Germany and comes in 50ml jars and is available in a range of 16 colours. There is also a compact counter-top display available (four each x 14 colours).

Efco’s UK representative is Sinotex UKT: +44 (0)1737 245450E: efco@sinotex.co.ukW: www.sinotex.co.uk

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TRANSFER ARTWORK ONTO FABRICDecoArt Ink Effects is a new fabric-painting product. The paints can be used on normal printer paper, colouring book sheets or even printed images and text that can be painted over or coloured in. Once dry, the painted image can be transferred onto textiles using a household iron.

For the parent or child, this is a great product for reproducing a child’s artwork onto fabric aprons, shapes, cushions, bags, tights, pillowcases, scarves etc. The artwork can be perfected on paper first and then once happy, the design can be transferred – no more mistakes!

Ink Effects can be painted, sponged or stencilled. Painted sheets can be re-used and designs can be overlaid. There are 12 intermixable

colours in the range. Ink Effects work best on synthetic fabrics. Country Love Crafts recommend the Ink Effect fabric spray to basecoat materials containing more than 40 per cent cotton.DecoArt products are available from Country Love CraftsT: +44 (0)1235 861700E: sales@countrylovecrafts.co.ukW: www.countrylovecrafts.com

MARTHA STEWART CRAFTSMartha Stewart Crafts paints are an industry first: a patented Martha Stewart Crafts multi-surface acrylic craft paint formulated to work on surfaces, indoors and out. The paint is even dishwasher-safe!

Manufactured in the US by Plaid Enterprises, Inc., the paint palette includes 160 colours, hand-selected by Martha and available in five versatile, non-toxic finishes: pearl, metallic, glitter, satin and high gloss. These are perfect for all craft and hobby painting techniques, including brush painting and detailing, sponging, stenciling, stamping, and printing. UV and weather resistant for indoor and outdoor use, the paint has a self-priming function for use on porous and non-porous surfaces and extra adhesion on glass; top-shelf dishwasher safe.

Also available in the UK are adhesive silkscreens to create beautiful, highly detailed painted designs on any surface, and stencil sets in a variety of themes and sizes make it easy to add painted designs to a variety of projects.

Distributed by Personal ImpressionsT: +44 (0)1787 375241W: www.personalimpressions.com

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Stocking books alongside the products you have to offer is a great way to make

additional sales. We review the latest editions to hit the bookstands

The Art of Embroidered ButterfliesBy Jane E HallPrice: £19.99 RRP (hardback)ISBN: 978-1844485307Publisher: Search PressOn first inspection, you might think you have opened up a nature book as these embroidered butterflies are so lifelike! Author Jane E Hall has combined her love of butterflies with her textile talents to produce three-dimensional versions of some of the most beautiful butterflies. Using the finest silk threads, needles and silk fabric, she has created the butterflies’ wings using the tiniest of stitches. They are then carefully cut away, the edges strengthened with hair-fine wire before being attached to the carefully crafted air-drying modeling clay bodies. The butterflies are then placed within a setting of silk leaves and flowers, all made with the same painstaking detail. The book contains 12 projects, each based on a different butterfly including the Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell and the Brimstone.

We say: “This book provides a fascinating introduction to butterflies in nature and contains some of the most striking colour photography that any artist, embroiderer, textile artist or lover of beautiful books will ever read.”

EMBROIDERY

bookstand

Tilda’s Fairy Tale WonderlandBy Tone FinnangerPrice: £15.99 RRP (paperback with flaps)ISBN: 978-1446303313Publisher: F W Media InternationalWith over 25 beautiful sewing and papercraft projects, Tilda fans will love this book featuring seasonal designs in Tone Finnager’s quirky style. Each chapter has been devoted to a theme on a classic children’s story such as Pinocchio, Bambi, The Nutcracker and The Princess and the Pea. Projects include new doll designs as well as gifts and decorations using the latest range of Tilda fabrics and products. Tone Finnager is a talented designer and well known for her cute, whimsical animal and doll characters as well as being the author of more than 10 craft books. This title will transport the reader in to a magical world of princesses, ballerinas, soldiers and adorable animals, and in the back of the book there are all the pattern pieces required for the makes.

SEWING

We say: “This book is filled with some traditional style makes but with a twist and thinking outside the box. Makes include a Christmas stocking based on a ballerina’s slipper, mushroom pincushions and more quirky designs like the teaspoon lady.”

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Book ContactsA & C Black, www.acblack.comAbrams & Chronicle, www.abramsbooks.co.ukAnova Books, T:+44(0)207 605 1466, www.anovabooks.comCico Books, T:+44 (0)1256 302699, www.cicobooks.co.ukDorling Kindersley, T:+44 (0)207 010 3709, www.dk.co.ukF&W Media International (David & Charles), T:+44 (0)1476 541080, www.fwmedia.co.ukFil Rouge Press, T:+44 (0)207 628 2092, E: info@fi lrougepress.comGMC Publications, T:+44 (0)1273 488 005, www.thegmcgroup.comHow2crafts, T:+44 (0)121 212 9857, www.how2crafts.comJacqui Small, T:+44 (0)20 7284 7181, www.aurumpress.co.ukQuirk Books, www.quirkbooks.comNew Holland, www.newhollandpublishers.com

Niyogi Books, www.niyogibooks.comOctopus Publishing, T:+44 (0)207 632 5488Publishers Group UK (PGUK), T:+44 (0)207 405 1105, www.pguk.co.ukQuarto Group (incorporating Creative Publishing International), T:+44 (0)20 7284 7197Quarry, www.quarrybooks.comSearch Press, T:+44 (0)1892 510 850, www.searchpress.comThe Roundhouse Group, www.roundhousegroup.co.ukThe Useful Booklet Company, T:+44 (0)176 143 9825, www.heatherworks.co.ukVoyageur Press, T:+44 (0) 202 7284 7160, www.qbookshopuk.co.ukWiley & Sons, www.wiley.com

Gertie’s New Book of Better Sewing - A modern guide to Couture-style SewingBy Gretchen HirschPriced: £21.99 RRPISBN: 978-1584799917Publisher: Stewart Tabori & Chang Distributed by Abrams & Chronicle BooksMany sewers will know Gretchen Hirsch as prolifi c blogger ‘Gertie’ from Gertie’s new blog for better sewing. This book is an extension of her blog. The book is packed with sewing techniques that are brought to life by step-by-step photography and illustrated tutorials. The book features 14 customisable patterns for wardrobe essentials, which have been inspired by Vogue’s New Book of Better Sewing. Patterns range from pencil skirts, a portrait blouse to a wiggle dress and suit jacket. All of the projects are modelled by Gertie herself, who has the proportions and curves of a typical woman and not a stick insect!

DRESSMAKING

The Home-Sewn HomeBy Vanessa Arbuthnott with Gail AbbottPriced: £16.99 RRP ISBN: 978-19081701Publisher: CICO BooksWith 50 inspiring projects for creating home furnishings, this book with step-by-step artwork and clear instructions is perfect for home sewers. There is a range of easy projects, from cushions to curtains and bed to table linen plus a comprehensive basic technique chapter. Author Vanessa Arbuthnott has been passionate about fabric printing for over 20 years and has 10 fabric collections under her belt. The book contains a section of inspirational themes from nature, the seaside and chickens, plus fi ve sections on curtain making, blinds, cushions, covers and accessories.

We say: “A lovely book full of every home furnishing item that you can imagine with every project having its own illustration to help the maker along the way.”

We say: “A fabulous book for those who love dressmaking and sewing and anything vintage, but also for real women with real curves! Book comes with a spiral bound section for easy use when sewing.”

The Essential A-LineBy Jona GiammalvaPriced: £23.99 RRP ISBN: 978-1607056690Publisher: Stash Books and distributed by the Roundhouse GroupThis title will help anyone fi nd infi nite creativity and inspiration in one simple A-line skirt pattern in sizes 0 - 20 but with 17 fashionable variations that are just a stitch away! There are few garments more fl attering than a chic A-line skirt and this how-to book shows how to whip one up in no time. This easy-to-sew pattern includes detailed step-by-step instructions and includes a variety of essential dressmaking techniques from inserting a zipper to mastering the perfect pleat.

We say: “A brilliantly informative book with colour photographs that will inspire any crafter of any skill level to have a go.”

FURNISHINGS

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k reviews

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a patch on styleVintage fabrics and customising are big business and also seems recession proof. Barbara Gadd from Vintage-Patch has brought together reclaimed and vintage fabrics with contemporary ideas, she sent us a selection to review

Vintage-Patch’s fabric products have been designed to repurpose fabrics into elbow, knee or repair patches but also can be used creatively for appliqués for customising clothing such as T-shirts, leggings, bags and other accessories and come in a wide range of fabrics and sizes.

Current products available:Appliqué motifsCheck and stripe elbow patches (set of 2)Check and stripe knee patches (set of 2)Denim elbow patches (set of 2)Denim knee patches (set of 2)Faux pocket patchesFloral and nature elbow patches (set of 2)Floral and nature knee patches (set of 2)Plain elbow patches (set of 2)Plain knee patches (set of 2)Reverse repair patch kits (designed to repair a hole in fabric from underneath)

Shapes currently available are: oval, heart, square, rectangle, flower and circle. Interest in these products has been so great that Vintage-Patch will also be introducing new shapes and fabrics to their range.

“It’s a great way to achieve a whole new look in a quick, easy and

budget friendly way,” says business owner, Barbara Gadd, adding “a simple refashion of an existing

garment using our patches can take as little as an hour or so. Just iron on to secure, then over stitch by

hand or machine for a permanent fix.”

ApplicationThese patches are easy to apply and each set comes with a full instruction sheet and a test sample for a trial run, which we recommend that you use to get a feel for the product with heat. They are perfect for crafters who like to customise their projects and have a very reasonable retail price very reasonably priced starting at £3.50 RRP for elbow and knee patches and repair patches at £4.50 RRP.

With a little imagination, crafters can mix and match the shapes, colours and prints and even add their own coordinating thread and embellishment. It’s simple to iron and secure, then stitch over around the edge by hand or

machine to permanently fix. Patch fabrics are suitable for machine or hand washing at 40 degrees.

HANDY TIPS: • Ensure the garment that you want to apply patches to can be ironed at medium to maximum heat as this is necessary to bond the lightweight cotton patches. • Press and hold iron for 6 - 10 seconds on each section making sure that the edges are bonded too• Allow to cool for about 20 minutes.• It’s best to secure with stitching, as after 2 to 3 washes, the adhesive bond can weaken on some fabrics. A simple running straight stitch is sufficient.• On thicker fabrics such as our denim or corduroy, a pressing cloth and a steam iron plus a longer time for pressing patches is essential.

Vintage-Patch products are available online at www.vintage-patch.co.uk and owner Barbara Gadd is currently seeking a retail partner in the UK and abroad. For more information email vintagepatchsales@gmail.com

Exclusive designs only

available fromits

To order or for further information:Email: customerservices@its-sales.co.uk Order Online: www.its-sales.co.uk

its, Coast Road, Mostyn, Flintshire, CH8 9DX Tel: +44 (0) 1745 562 120

New Mini Dot Red Coming soon

New Navy SheepArriving in July

New Mini Dot Black Coming soon

New Print Ripstop Designs. Arriving in July!

Purple Haze

Enchanted Forest Candy Hearts Fairy Dust

Skulls

New Purple Sheep Arriving in July

New Print Polar Leopard

Coming soon

New Plain Cuddle Charcoal Arriving July

New Wonky Star Green

Coming soon

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a long history of craft manufacturingCoats Crafts UK is part of the family of contemporary Coats companies based in 100 countries around the world. We speak to Emma Irving of the company, to find out a little more about its history

Coats Crafts was founded nearly 250 years ago and has ties to the industrial revolution. Can you tell us a little about this?In the 1750s, James and Patrick Clark moved to the thriving town of Paisley, Scotland, and began to work in the weaving industry. After a short time, they set up a business in Cotton Street making threads for needles. James Coats was born in 1774 to a family of Paisley weavers and spent the early part of his life serving in the British army before returning to Paisley to marry and set himself up in business.

In Victorian times, the Clarks and Coats families were pioneers in the manufacture of sewing and embroidery threads. Are threads still an important part of the business today?Yes, sewing threads are a huge part of the business today, both at a crafts level and at an industrial level. We have unrivalled access to global markets and customers, and are recognised as the market leader across many areas of operation. Almost one in five garments on the planet are held together with Coats’ thread and our products are sold in more than 100 countries. Our Industrial Division is three times the size of its nearest competitor, and our Crafts Division is the

Ferguslie Thread Works in Paisley, Scotland

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com

pany profi

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number one global player in the textile crafts market. Our specialist range of craft threads includes Coats Cotton, Coats Duet, Seta Reale and Nylbond.

What brands and products do you manufacture?We are the largest supplier of needlecraft products in the UK, offering a wide range of household brands: Coats for sewing thread; Anchor for embroidery and tapestry threads and kits; Rowan and Patons for hand-knitting; Opti for zips; Milward for haberdashery, and many more!

Your products fall into four main categories: knitting, crochet, sewing and stitching, but what are the key products today?Key products for us today include our Rowan and Patons hand-knitting ranges, celebrating the trusted heritage of Patons and the designer influences of Rowan. Also important for us is our stunning range of designer lifestyle fabrics that are available across the Rowan and Freespirit brands.

Why should retailers do business with Coats Crafts?Our comprehensive product offerings mean

that our customers can be confident in finding the very best products through one point of contact.

You also work closely with designers such as Amy Butler. Tell us more about this collaboration?We are privileged to work with artists and designers such as Amy Butler, Nel Whatmore and Kaffe Fassett to create the most up-to-date designer fabric ranges on the market. Interpreting trends and colour tendencies, we work extremely hard to offer a premium product in our lifestyle fabrics.

Have you any brand new products on the horizon?Brand new and extremely exciting for us is the new Fine Art sock yarn from the Rowan team. Hand-painted and sourced as part of a community growth and development programme in South Africa, the yarn is a stunning blend of Merino Wool, Kid Mohair and Mulberry Silk.

Coats Crafts UKT: +44 (0)1484 681881E: ccuk.sales@coats.comW: www.coatscrafts.co.uk

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Rowan fine sock yarns

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What’s hot in cross-stitch?“At CrossStitcher magazine, we’ve seen it’s all about bright, bold colours and graphics this year. Stitchers are getting braver, using strong colourways to great effect. Animals and insects are given a

contemporary graphic spin, and we’re seeing a demand for high street led looks such as chevrons, feathers and ikat. Stitchable products are having a resurgence and jewellery in particular is perfect for cross-stitch - just a few well placed stitches create a ring or pendant with dramatic, edgy results.”

What’s hot to make?“The Great British Sewing Bee effect is in full swing! We’re seeing lots of readers picking up a needle and thread or dusting off their sewing machines for the first time in months

to learn techniques such as putting in zips and perfecting their seams. Fabric-wise, it’s flamingoes, tropical prints and edgier insect-inspired motifs and cross-stitching from designer makers like Floss & Mischief. We’re loving all things Great Gatsby too, salvaging sequins, beads and feathers from our thrifted finds to create headpieces and embellished cut-offs.”

What’s hot in yarn craft?“Yarn crafts continue to enjoy a revival in popularity. According to the latest wave of craft intelligence research (Future/BMRB, February, 2013), knitting remains the biggest soft craft in the UK,

whilst crochet is definitely on the rise. Google’s analysis of the top UK search trends in 2012 placed ‘how to crochet’ an impressive fourth behind ‘how to draw’, ‘kiss’ and ‘make’.

The portability of knitting and crochet, combined with the wide range of gorgeous yarns and accessories available, continues to fuel the appeal of these crafts. We have recently added Simply Crochet to our existing

portfolio of knitting titles to reach yarn crafters worldwide.”

What’s hot in papercrafts?“Card making as a hobby is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and the UK market often takes its lead from what’s on-trend in the US. Key papercraft themes and

patterns emerging for 2013 include geometric shapes (particularly hexagons), carnival/circus designs, botanical prints and illustrations and sewing-inspired vintage patterns such as patchwork. Technique wise, die-cutting is the most popular choice for our readers and digi crafting (the use of printable toppers, embellishments and papers) is rapidly becoming more popular as an easy and economical way to make quick cards.”

Julie Bonnar chats with those in the know at Future Publishing - a company with a portfolio that contains over six crafting specialist magazines about what crafters want, and what’s popular in the various sectors

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Many thanks to Gemma Combellack at Future Publishing for her continued support in putting this article together. If you are interested in stocking any of the Future titles, contact Donna Sweetman at WWMD, E: donn@wwmd.co.uk.

Jenny Fox Proverbs, Managing Editor of Cross Stitch Collection

Laura Watson, Editor of Mollie Makes

Kerry Lawrence, Publisher of Simply Knitting,

Lucy Evans, Operations Editor of PaperCraft Inspirations

what’s hot in the craft sector

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Bothy Th reads is constantly developing new designs to excite your customers and also recognise that the ever-changing trends on the high street need to be quickly refl ected in what you’ve got to off er. With hundreds of top quality counted cross-stitch kits, designs from talented artists and licenses for Paddington Bear, Cotton ZooTM, Mr Men, Little Miss and GorjussTM – Bothy Th reads will always be able to off er a fantastic and varied choice.

PRIZEWin one of the two sets that we’ve put together to refl ect all things vintage. Sets include the truly beautiful Gorjuss™ art brand featuring sweet stripy-socked female characters, camper vans illustrated by Amanda Loverseed, beach huts by painter

Janet Bell, four owls, rainbow cupcakes and vintage signage by illustrator Helen Smith and fi nally, a love heart by mixed-media artist Kim Anderson and Woof the puppy from Cotton ZooTM.

EACH COLLECTION CONTAINS:Love Heart (£24.99)Beach Huts (27.49)Four Owls (£27.49)Vintage (£27.49)Cotton Zoo TM Woof the Puppy (£27.49)Gorjuss TM On Top Of The World (19.99)Cut Thru’ Camper Van (£31.99)Rainbow Cup Cakes (£27.49)

Each prize is worth over £250 RRP and every cross-stitch kit contains quality Madeira stranded cottons and Zweigart Aida for everything your customer needs to make their own work of art.

HOW TO ENTERTo enter the competition, visit www.craftfocus.com, fi ll in your details and answer the following question:Q. What is the theme of this collection?Closing date is 31st July, 2013

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WIN! Win one of two collections of the latest kits from Bothy Threads and keep up to date with the latest cross-stitch trends

Terms and Conditions1. Competitions are not open to employees of KD Media Publishing Ltd(including immediate families too)2. Entrants must be a member of the trade and over 18 years old 3. The competition closing date is subject to change without prior notice4. The winner will be notifi ed in writing5. The editor’s decision is fi nal and no correspondence will be entered in to6. The prize is not transferable and has no monetary value7. No purchase necessary, and no charge to enter via the website at www.craftfocus.com

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SantoroTM and GorjussTM are trademarks of Santoro

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ActSmart, the business support organisation for specialist retailers, their supply partners and trade associations, outline what an employer needs to do, when, and how much they will need to contribute.

What is a workplace pension? A workplace pension is a way of saving for retirement arranged through an employer.

Why?State pensions are becoming unsustainable and this situation will only worsen as people live longer. Employers and employees will share the responsibility and cost of retirement.

When? It’s important for employers to be aware of the deadline when automatic enrolment will impact them. This is known as the staging date. The requirements are staged over time, the largest corporations started auto enrolment in October 2012 and the very smallest employers will all become subject to these changes by June 2015.

Businesses should plan well ahead of their staging date, amendments in areas like payroll, human resources and IT will need to be considered.

It’s important for employers to be aware of the deadline when automatic enrolment will impact them. The average time to prepare for implementation of a qualifying pension scheme is 18 months and therefore all businesses are recommended to start preparations during this year.

Employers must inform The Pension Regulator of their qualifying workplace pensions scheme within four months of the employers staging date. Registration must be completed within four months of the employer’s staging date and will have to be updated every three years thereafter.

Who?An employer is required to enrol an employee into a workplace pension if the employee:

• Is not already in a qualifying pension at work• Is aged 22 or over• Is under State Pension age• Earns more than £9,440 a year (subject to change)• Works in the UK

This criteria applies even for those business owners that employ their spouse. Those workers who aren’t eligible to be automatically enrolled may be able to opt-in and equally, some staff will elect to opt-out of saving for retirement in this way. If an employee does opt out it's the employer’s responsibility to ensure that they are automatically enrolled back into the scheme every three years.

What if you don’t? The Pension Regulator will have the ability to impose penalty notices if an employer does not comply with their new duties under the

auto enrolment programme. • Fixed penalty of £400 where an employer fails to respond to a warning notice from The Pension Regulator• An escalating penalty of £50 - £10,000 per day (depending on the size of the employer)• Fixed penalty of £1,000 - £5,000 for prohibited recruitment conduct or encouraging non-participation, for example where an employer screens job applicants for their intention to join the pension scheme

The Pension Regulator will have the ability to impose penalty notices up to £10,000 per day if an employer does not comply

How much do I need to contribute? Employer and employee contributions will be tiered and will increase gradually over a four-year period.

Minimum employer and employee contributions are calculated based on the employee's banded earnings - £5,668 pa - £41,450 pa (2013/2014).

See below the minimum contributions

A big shake up of workplace pensions was launched in October 2012 meaning that every employer will be legally obliged to enrol their staff in a workplace pension scheme within the next five years, making saving for retirement the default position for millions of people. With the help of ActSmart, we focus on what you need to do to be ready

are you ready for workplace pensions?

business advice

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applicable to all gross earnings including wages, salary bonus, overtime, commission, statutory sick and maternity pay and when they come into effect. Employees benefi t from tax relief upon their contributions.

Remember, employer contributions are part of an employee’s benefi ts package. They needn’t be an additional burden upon your business and early implementation as part of annual reviews can help your business accommodate these gradual cost increases.

What other costs will you incur? You needn’t incur any additional costs in setting up a pension scheme for your employees. ActSmart will be launching a suitable pension service with a leading provider in June 2013 providing the advice and assistance to put the scheme in place.

The service will be available to any ActSmart subscriber and you can join ActSmart free of charge.

ActSmart is also working closely with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to help employers comply with their new duties. There is more information and links to interactive online tools tailored to the needs of SME’s on the ActSmart website which can be found at www.actsmart.biz/pensions. C

October 2012- Sep 2017October 2017 - Sept 2018From October 2018

Minimum Employer1%2%3%

Minimum Employee0.8%2.4%4%

Tax Relief0.2%0.6%1%

The main things you need to do are:• Know your staging date – when do you need to act? • Allow 18 months before your staging date for implementation• Provide a qualifying scheme for workers• Determine which jobholders will be eligible • Pay employer contribution for eligible jobholders to the scheme

• Tell all eligible jobholders that they have been automatically enrolled and they have the right to opt out if they want to do so• Register with the Pensions Regulator and give them details of your qualifying scheme and the number of people that you have automatically enrolled.

ActSmartT: +44 (0)845 618 7256E: info@actsmart.bizW: www.actsmart.bizJoin the ActSmart community for free visit www.actsmart.biz/membership/my-actsmart

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AQAs a retailer, how should I go about looking for new products to sell?CHA-UK has many suppliers and distributers amongst its members with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to impart. The annual trade show Craft, Hobby + Stitch held at the NEC in Birmingham, is also a great place to start, all the top craft suppliers exhibit there, it’s a great place to buy and network, plus it’s worth attending even if you are just setting up and your budget is limited - and make sure you take a note pad, pen and plenty of business cards! Use search engines to track down products and of course, this magazine has been written specifically for retailers in the craft industry. Do you have any tips on how to merchandise the products that are on the shelves in your shop?The first rule is, don’t cram too much stock onto the shelves, the last thing you need is everything to fall on top of a customer just because you have over stocked. If you are featuring a new range of products, make sure you have all the associated sells placed alongside the main product. For example, if you have a new range of paper - place glue,

sticky dots and embellishments next to it, and nothing sells a product more than a completed work model of the products, you simply cannot afford not to do it. I struggle to put together a good window display, do you have any tips on making it look presentable?A theme is a great place to start, so really make the most of occasions such as Valentine’s, Easter, Halloween and Christmas - even if you only use the colour as the binding factor, it will still make an impressive statement. A red window for Valentines works well, I pulled together all my red and pink beads, ribbons, cords and papers. Pop the new window onto your Facebook wall to entice your customers. Do you have any advice for approaching customers and potential buyers who enter the shop without seeming too pushy?When customers enter my store I simply say good morning or afternoon and tell them if they need any help, just to let me know, then I leave them to wander as nobody likes being followed around. Then, as they pick items up, I make a short comment like “I never know which of those ribbons to choose.” If the customer starts to engage that’s fine, but if it’s only a short answer I leave them to shop, it’s a very fine line.

I am thinking about starting up a craft business in my area. Do you think there is room for more bricks and mortar businesses alongside the vast number of online businesses nowadays?Craft is a very touchy feely business, people like to match colours and look at sizes of products. Crafters are also very sociable, and like to meet with like-minded people. The heart of my business is workshops and I like to think of my studio as a community; a place where people come to craft, relax and socialise. The threat of on line is there but if you watch the web and stay away from products with prices you can’t compete with, you can succeed, but then I am bias!

We’ve teamed up with industry experts from CHA-UK to answer yours questions about commerce

your questions answered

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FOR MORE INFORMATION AND HOW TO JOINVisit CHA-UK’s website: www.cha-uk.com

“As a member and board member of the Craft and Hobby Association UK, I believe that I get a lot of encouragement and support from the Association, which in turn helps make my business a success,” Stephanie Burnham, The Bead Scene, www.thebeadscene.com

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED…If you would like some answers then please send an email to: editor@craftfocus.com with your question

This issue, Stephanie Burnham from The Bead Scene and CHA-UK board member answers your questions.

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crafting for children has always had a lion’s share of the crafting market. Make sure you are stocked and prepared for the summer!

kids and summer craftingHAMA IN MY POCKET DKL is excited to unveil My Pocket Hama. This new product is a welcome addition to the already successful collection of Hama beads sets, gift boxes and blister packs and is tipped to be a bestseller for 2013. My Pocket Hama is versatile and different from the other smaller sized blister packs. It comes fully packaged and can be hung or displayed in a CDU. This new pocket range is a great gift idea, starter pack or collectable and is available in two fun creative designs.

DKL T: +44 (0)1604 678786 or 678780E: dlk@dkl.co.ukW: www.dkl.co.uk

ABRACADABRASeedling has come up with new collections that won’t disappoint. Just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be any more creative ideas, the new craft kits encourage children to explore, discover, grow and create, and are a perfect fi t for Asobi, the UK distributor of this range.

Seedling’s craft kits provide children with the creative tools they need to stimulate and inspire the mind, plus they are eco-friendly and sustainable toys that promote traditional play. Each kit is assembled by hand in New Zealand. The Butterfl y Mask and design your own Wizard Wand are just two of the kits available from this extensive range.

Seedling brand distributed by AsobiT: +44 (0)1628 200 077E: info@asobi.co.ukW:www.asobi.co.uk

INTRODUCING STEGGERSStegosaurus sewing kit is the latest addition to Buttonbag’s First Sewing Kit series. Specially designed to appeal to boys as well as girls, this kit has pre-cut shapes with holes punched around the edges. Select one of six colours and thread the plastic safety needle and start sewing around the edges! This is a great kit for learning the basic principles of sewi ng and teaching dexterity. It’s recommended for children aged four and above with some adult supervision. Priced at £12 RRP.

ButtonbagT: +44 (0)208 525 1640E: studio@buttonbag.comW: www.buttonbag.co.uk

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children’s craftingSIMPLE BUT BRILLIANTeeBoo’s Waste-Not animal recycle kits are the perfect gift for the eco-minded family to play together and perfect for keeping kids entertained during the summer. The simple but brilliant idea behind Waste-Not is to repurpose discarded materials and transform them in toys. Each kit comes with die-cut felt, and a plastic needle and thread. Simple instructions show how to turn items such as a water bottle or yoghurt container into an adorable cloth friend such as a fox, hedgehog or chamaeleon. Not only do the kits raise environmental consciousness but they teach simple sewing skills and encourage the valuable artistic ability to see an object in a fresh way. Kits are marked with the level of diffi culty and are for ages eight and above.

PIPE CLEANERSeeBoo takes another classic craft item, the pipe cleaner, and has transformed it into quirky creative and irresistible animals for children aged eight and above to make. Each packet comes with 36 pipe cleaners that are soft and plusher than the usual pipe cleaner and come in four thicknesses: 3mm, 6mm, 9mm plus a wavy 10mm.

Each packet has three vibrantly matched colour shades to create a plant or animal like the blue toned dart frog and pink fl amingo shown here. Each animal only uses a few pipe cleaners leaving many more for creative play. A display packet is available which will hold 18 colours or they can be ordered individually. These kits are ideal as party favours, school holiday treats, stocking stuffers at Christmas and gifts.

EeBooT: +1 212 222 0823E: rosie@eeBoo.comW: www.eeboo.com

FELTING FUNQuirky felting and crafts brand Gilliangladrag offers a range of cute kits and unusual creative projects to keep children entertained.

New to the brand’s range this year is ‘Bow Delicious’ Felt Bow Clips Kits, (RRP 13.95 or £19.95 with mat and net) and suitable for small children (aged fi ve+). This kit embraces the technique of wet felting and requires little more than soap and water to make four little bow clips. It comes with all the materials and equipment needed to create it, including simple, illustrated step-by-step instructions.

To request a trade catalogue or place a trade orderE: gill@gilliangladrag.co.uk The Gilliangladrag Fluff-a-toriumT: +44 (0)1306 898144 and ask to speak to Kerry or Debbie W: www.gilliangladrag.co.uk

PAPER BLURBSLove aliens, space or just looking for the perfect boys collection? Well Blast Off! is a must-have! This range of coloured and printed papers is bright and cheerful with loads of cut out elements making it ideal for any crafting project.

Kaisercraft is distributed by Jones CraftsT: +44(0)115 9738 720E: craftsales@jonesnottm.co.ukW: www.jonesnottm.co.uk

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Faber-Castell’s boxed kits are perfect shelf fi llers as they contain everything an inquisitive kid requires. Awesome Origami shows them that it’s more than just folding paper, it’s really about transforming traditional origami designs into amazing works of art. The kit includes paper, jewels, feathers, wiggly eyes and other fun embellishments. There are easy-to-follow instructions that include step-by-step photographs. Ages eight+.

Girls will love the mosaic trinket box kit, which transforms a boring box into a sparkling mosaic masterpiece that can be used as a jewellery box! This complete set includes everything you need including a velvet-lined heart shaped box, glue, acrylic mosaics, glitter grout, adhesive tape and a pretty fabric ruffl e. Ages fi ve+.

Faber-Castell products are distributed by West Design ProductsT: +44 (0)1303 297888E: info@westdesignproducts.co.ukW: www.westdesignproducts.co.uk

BFF’SPerfect for the long summer holidays, My Friendship Bracelet Maker™ is a tool designed to simplify the craft of making friendship bracelets and is a creative, entertaining and safe pastime for both adults and children. This tool is great for making friendship bracelets on the go and with its convenient size, take it with you whilst on holiday, waiting at the airport, on a train and coach trips. This fun and friendly, go-anywhere travel board features a thread storage compartment with a slide-out drawer that includes 20 pre-cut Prism® threads in 10 different colours. RRP £16.99.

DMC has introduced a range of prism value thread packs for all types of art and craft projects. The craft threads can be used in many ways including friendship wear, card making, scrapbooking, hair braiding, cord making, wrapping, decorative fi nishings and simple sewing projects. Prism value craft thread packs and priced at between £9.99 - £17.99 RRP.

DMC Creative WorldT: +44 (0)116 275 4000E: sales@dmccreative.co.ukW: www.dmccreative.co.uk

kids and summer crafting

TIE DYE YOUR SUMMERFabric fashion art is very popular this summer and what better way to get teenagers involved in craft than fashion? The Tulip® One-Step™ Tie-Dye kit is the perfect product to make vibrant designs come alive effectively and easily as there is none of the complicated mixing, dunking and setting that is usually involved in the tie dyeing process. This kit has everything you need including elastic bands, gloves as well as training guides for great tie-dye techniques - just fi nd a T-shirt, bag or accessory, add cold water, shake and dye. For additional tips and techniques, visit www.tiedyeyoursummer.com.

Tulip® products are distributed by That’s OriginalT: +44 (0)2381 159093E: Sales@thats-original.co.uk

From the Easy Peasy range stitched on 6 count Binca with tapestry threads.

Twit Twoo, stitched on 14 count white Aida.

From the Sew Simple range stitched on 11 count Aida with embroidery threads.

See our website for information on our wide range of kits for children

and adults or contact us on 01568 780 183 / info@fatcatcross-stitch.co.uk

www.fatcatcross-stitch.co.uk

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children’s crafting

SHRINK LIKE MAGICWizard is a London based manufacturer and distributor that has its own range of arts and crafts. Shrinkles products have become very popular in the UK and abroad. Shrinkles consist of a plastic sheet paper that shrinks in the oven to become seven times smaller but seven times thicker than before. Use it to create badges, key fobs, finger rings, phone tags and jewellery pieces. Children will have hours of fun colouring, cutting, shrinking and choosing from a wide variety of pre-printed themed sets. Additionally, retailers can stock the blank Shrinkles material, which is available in several great colours. Visit the Wizard’s website to view the video demonstration.

Wizard Toys,T: +44 (0)208 943 0121E: barry@wizardtoys.comW: www.wizardtoys.com

LITTLE POPPETFollowing the launch of Clara’s Acorn Crescent range at CHSI, the company has added four adorable Poppet Bag making kits to its range of colourful characters. Now available in vibrant, natural fibre felts, these bag kits are fully lined with cotton spot fabric. Designed and made in Cornwall, each neatly packaged kit contains all that’s needed to sew-your-own.

Clara CreateT: +44 (0)8454 900 901E: diddy@claracreate.comW: www.claracreate.com

Reading cornerNEW CHILDREN’S BOOK IMPRINT FROM C&T PUBLISHINGC&T Publishing has created Fun Stitch Studio, a children’s book imprint for eight -14 year olds that strives to instill a love of handmade in the next generation. This imprint will nurture new sewists, embroiderers, and quilters with accurate, inspirational, educational, and easy-to-use ideas and projects.

BASICS INCLUDED IN EACH TITLE:Sewing: Know your machine, common terms, tools that make it easier, fabric 411, basics about seam allowances, pressing versus ironing.Quilting: Know your machine, common terms, tools that make it easier, the quilt sandwich, tying it together - different ways to make your quilt your own.Embroidery: Common terms, tools that make it easier, pearl cotton, floss, supplies; to hoop or not to hoop; basic stitches; tying knots The first five titles will be available in the UK in June 2013 and there will be six new titles every year.

FOREST FAIRY CRAFTS: Enchanting Fairies & Felt Friends from Simple SuppliesLenka Vodicka-Paredes & Asia CurteThis book contains 28 enchanting projects from flower fairies and zombie sprites to treasure keepers, showing young readers how to design their own fairies and accessories while learning valuable sewing skills. £17.99 RRP

WE LOVE TO SEW: 30 Pretty Things to MakeAnnabel WrigleyThirty brilliant projects for young sewists - each explained with step-by-step instructions, engaging photographs and helpful tips. These super-cool projects range from jewellery and bags to home decor and will quickly teach the aspiring seamstress a variety of sewing skills and provide DIY confidence.£19.99 RRP THREE FUN STITCH STUDIO COLOURING BOOKSThese books provide hours of imaginative colouring fun and a love of quilting featuring designs by top quilt artists. The books offer an introduction to quilting basics like working with the colour wheel, appliqué, free-motion quilting. Inspirational books for children (but think the adults will like them too).£6.99 RRP

Distributed by The Roundhouse GroupT: +44(0)1273 603 717E: sandy@roundhousegroup.co.ukW: www.roundhousegroup.co.uk

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Enjoyed reading this copy of Craft Focus? Then log on to the Craft Focus website at www.craftfocus.com to find out how we can help you with your craft business

The Craft Focus website contains up to the minute news, events and special offers that happen inbetween each of our bi-monthly issues, plus current interesting articles to read.

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Want to advertise?Download a copy of our comprehensive online media pack for everything you need to know about advertising with us or if you prefer, give us a call on +44 (0)1376 535 618 where we’ll be happy to talk to you.

Need a supplier?Check out the Craft Focus supplier’s directory – this is a comprehensive listing of crafting wholesale companies that can help you to stock the right products for your business.

The Craft Focus website is updated regularly with information to help you

advance your craft business

The suppliers directory is

simple to use and available

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to suit you

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haberdashery havenStarting up as a small mail order business for quilters, EQS UK has evolved into a major wholesale haberdashery supplier. Julie Bonnar talks to Marion Bauer of EQS UK about the business now

How did EQS UK come about?In 1996, Graeme Wright and Elizabeth West were advisers in a detailed study on the opportunities for patchwork and quilting in Europe. The products and packaging had been identified along with a rollout programme covering several years but at the last minute, the whole project was abandoned. It seemed a shame to waste all that work and knowledge and so the two partners formed what was originally known as Quilt Direct, servicing both consumers and retailers. Five years on, the owners decided to form EQS (European Quilting Supplies) and since then, the company has focused solely on supplying retailers with the most comprehensive range of quilting products available anywhere in Europe.

EQS is now one of Europe’s leading distributors of patchwork, quilting and home sewing products. What brands does it supply?We now offer products in three separate areas: fabrics, waddings and notions. In fabrics, we offer Michael Miller, Riley Blake, Sew Simple, Kona Bay, Red Rooster and P&B amongst others. Our waddings are all produced exclusively for us under the Sew Simple brand. It includes everything from 100 per cent needle-punched cottons, wools and polyesters to bamboo blends and fusible wadding and in fact, our Sew Simple Super Soft range is the widest selection anywhere in Europe.

On the thread side, we have an extensive range from high quality brands such as Madeira and YLI.

What is your best selling product?We offer so many products that a single best-seller is hard to define. The Sewline marking system with products for marking fabrics including Aqua erasers, liquids and pencils do very well, plus we have a very extensive range of Accuquilt fabric cutting system products. The Dafa range of competitively priced cutting tools and mats are

also extremely popular. Our sales of waddings continue to grow and we are adding new types and formats all the time. Best of all for retailers, like fabrics, waddings are consumable and need to be constantly replenished.

Tell us about some of the latest products you have to offer? We have just brought a new universal Quilt Hanger into the UK market that is perfect for displaying quilts professionally on the wall. It levels itself out and comes in two different extendible lengths. We also have a new ironing spray called Best Press, it doesn’t flake or discolour fabrics and is excellent for getting rid of stubborn creases and comes in lovely scents, Fresh Linen and Lavender plus scent free.

In the last few years, you’ve started supplying fabrics – tell us a bit about the different types?90 per cent of our customers cater to patchworkers and quilters, so we specialise in 100 per cent cotton for quilting. Like wearable

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pany profi

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fashions, these fabric companies have new collections at least twice a year, so there’s always something new and exciting that we can show retailers. We also keep a watchful eye for fabric designers who are newcomers to the industry as it’s a very fast moving market but fascinating to work in.

I understand that the products you stock are tested against strict criteria? Yes, that’s correct. All products need to be of good quality and fit for purpose. We tend to concentrate on products that are useful and are not just some sort of gimmick. It’s amazing how often a very successful product in America doesn’t meet this criterion. The product offerings also need to be great value for money. We know that cheap is not always good and in most cases, it’s a case of you get what you pay for!

If a product doesn’t satisfy our criteria, we won’t stock it! New products that we look at are tested by a small group of trusted experts and if they don’t like them, we pass!

Why should retailers choose to buy from EQS?We believe that by offering a wide range of products, we can almost become a one-stop shop for retailers. This means less orders, less invoices, less payments etc which in turn leaves more time for retailers to concentrate on their businesses. We have a passion for supplying only quality products and as a result, we now have an extremely loyal customer base.

In addition, we are always praised for our customer focus. We have a dedicated team that makes this possible (both in-house and on the road). The team works hard to establish personal relationships with our customers,

some of whom have now been with us for more than 15 years.

As we have grown as a business, we’ve continued to be passionate about maintaining the personal approach, and to foster the same relationship that we look for from our own suppliers.

Can you tell us about any new products in the pipeline?We have a new catalogue out in June which has been designed to be not just a useful ordering tool but also a fun and informative publication that our customers will want to keep going back to, along with our website, which is also constantly being updated with new products, videos etc.

We’re also looking to extend the range of our own label fabrics and as a result, reinforcing the strength of our Sew Simple brand. There are also some innovations in thread that we are working on for later in the year, but you wouldn’t expect us to reveal too many secrets! You can rest assured that we will not rest on our laurels.

EQS UK LtdT: +44 (0)116 271 0099E: graeme@eqsuk.comW: www.eqsuk.com

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Chevrons are the new dots, Rily Blake fabric

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The most common misconception about Pay Per Click (PPC) is that it’s an expensive way to acquire sales. The truth is, it can be, especially if you are competing against the likes of online giants such as Amazon. The average cost per click in 2012 rose by 30 per cent when compared with the previous year. The Kenshoo 2012 Global Online Shopping Report said it was predominantly due to the increase in the number of businesses using PPC and the growing budgets being spent by larger online retailers.

Choosing to advertise using PPC can seem really very difficult, but like the odds are stacked against you but then again, would David and Goliath be such a great story if the giant wasn’t as challenging? Beating the giant wasn’t easy but dedication, knowledge and the right choice of weapons went a long way. The same can be applied to niche retailers in PPC advertising; drive to succeed coupled with knowledge and the right tools can make PPC

landscape very lucrative.

Top PPC weaponsKeyword targetingA successful PPC campaign is not about appearing alongside larger retailers for every search term or trying to match their budgets, it’s about choosing your battles and playing to your strengths. For speciality retailers this means choosing your keywords carefully, based on your knowledge of products and customer base. Big brands typically dominate the landscape using generic terms and broad keyword matching, which ultimately results in more visitors, but those visitors have a lower propensity to convert and thus the cost per sale is unsustainable for smaller retailers. For niche retailers, long tail keywords can represent a better investment if budget is limited.

Quality scoreQuality score is where you will gain your

competitive advantage; it’s the backbone of PPC and is basically a measurement of how relevant search engines decide you are, against your proposed keywords. Quality score is a major factor in determining how much each click costs you. For example, an advertiser with a low quality score bidding on the same keyword as an advertiser with a high quality score will be required to bid and pay morein order to appear in the same position within the search results. It’s the way that search engines ensure their results are as relevant as possible, as well as ensuring that they make a nice healthy profit.

Many retailers, especially those with larger scale campaigns, ignore this vital metric and as a result spend more than they need to in order to acquire sales, thus pushing up the average cost per click. By focusing on setting up a super granular account structure that includes using negative keywords to reduce irrelevant searches ensures your ads

For speciality retailers, choosing to advertise using Pay Per Click can seem like the odds are stacked against you, however ecommerce agency Metakinetic provide and arm us with the right weapons to take on the online Goliaths

are you a David or Goliath?

business advice

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are pertinent to the searches that are triggering them.

AnalyticsKnowledge is power, so they say, and knowledge of how your customers interact with you will allow you to capture as many sales as possible. One of the most common optimisation mistakes is to make changes to your account based on a simple data set when in actual fact, customer behaviour is a lot more complex.

Using free analytics software such as Google Analytics alongside insight gained through your CRM solution will prove invaluable. • Do your customers make repeat purchases? Ensure you know the lifetime value of a customer and don’t base your budgetary decisions solely on their initial order value. • Do your customers always purchase immediately or do they come back to your website via multiple sources to make a purchase? Attribution is the most common reason that poor optimisation judgements are made.

If a customer fi nds you through your paid search ad but navigates away, revisiting by directly typing in your website URL, by default the sale is attributed to the direct source yet without that paid ad, would that customer have found you?

Geo-targetingDo your customers prefer to visit you in store? Driving online sales is not the sole purpose of PPC advertising, for some speciality retailers, you may fi nd that your customer base prefers to interact with your brand in person and, therefore, driving new customers to your store may be your biggest objective. How many people set aside time for a specifi c craft project only to realise they don’t have everything they need? They may search online for what they need, but they’re going to want it right away.

Geo-Targeting allows you to appear in the results for searches performed within targeted areas. For example, if you retail craft products in Southampton, you can choose to only appear when users search your chosen keywords from an IP address located within Southampton, thus conserving budget and ensuring you get the most return for your ad spend.

Day partingHave you noticed a surge of visitors who are using your shop to pass the time on a Saturday afternoon who never seem to buy anything? Day parting allows you to control when your ads appear, if visits during a particular day of the week or time of day never result in sales - switch off your campaigns during that time.

ConclusionIn summary, PPC advertising is as expensive as you want it to be, but one thing is for sure, if the PPC landscape is not a space that you play in, you are missing out. Be mindful of your strategy, focus on a tight keyword selection and optimise based on complete data sets.

Metakinetic is a full service ecommerce agency founded in 2005. Based in Wokingham, Berkshire, with a team of 18 specialists, it provides creative, technical and marketing services to a wide

range of online retailers. Focusing on quality, support and delivering results, Metakinetic helps its clients increase ecommerce sales and reduce operational costs.

Metakinetics has won an ECMOD Ecommerce Supplier of the Year Award, appears on the Recommended Agencies Register (RAR) for achieving a high level of client satisfaction, is a RAR Awards fi nalist, was ranked 25th largest digital agency in the Wirehive100, and was shortlisted for a fast growth award It has staff members that write for a variety of industry publications. Metakinetic is a Microsoft Gold Certifi ed Partner, Google Adwords Certifi ed Partner and a Znode Gold Implementation Partner.T: +44 (0)118 324 9000E: hello@metakinetic.comW: www.metakinetic.com

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Darren Bull, one of the founder members

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candle making

decorative illuminations

CANDLE STAMPINGThese Cling Rubber stamps pictured here from Woodware are made with a deeply etched premium photopolymer grey rubber stamp, precision trimmed to create smooth impression even on textured surfaces such as candles and will give a fine detail and good print quality to candle crafters.

Woodware Craft Collection T: +44(0)1756 700024E: sales@woodware.co.uk W: www.woodware.co.uk

Candle-making is an age-old skill and continues to be one of the most popular crafts, whether you are a traditional cottage industry or selling candle making supplies in your shop. Here's the latest contemporary supplies

DECORATING CANDLESThese creamy smooth wax-painting colour liners are brilliant for decorating candles and can be used in conjunction with a variety of techniques to decorate candles such as freehand painting, stencils and paint. Use with a brush or to write directly onto the candle and once dry, the liquid wax colour sticks to the candle.

West Design Products T: +44 (0)1303 297877 E: info@westdesignproducts.co.ukW: www.westdesignproducts.co.uk Ideas for customers using the Candle Liner

from West Design Products

Stencil techniqueCreate lovely patterns on candles, using Marabu’s self-adhesive stencils and a small sponge.

Window colour methodPlace a chosen design under film and trace over it using the Candle-Liner. Allow the outlines to dry before painting in. After about five hours drying time, the motif can be lifted off the film and glued onto the candle, using Candle-Liner glue.

Wax wrappers using stencilsChoose any stencil and lay it on a clear film, ideally fixed with masking tape or Marabu stencil fixing spray. Spread Candle-Liner over the stencil, using a spatula. Remove the stencil and allow the motif to dry. Once dry, completely cover the motif with a second colour to create a coloured background. After further drying, the sheet can be cut to size and glued to the candle; the side stuck to the film becomes the front when finished.

CANDLE-MAKING KITSPeak Dale Products stock two candle-making kits. The basic kit contains all the necessary materials to start a candle-making newbie off and the ultimate kit contains more wax and moulds for experienced makers. This company also

stocks wax in different weights, a variety of wick sizes, moulds in unusual shapes plus colours and perfumes for that individual touch and alternatively, it stocks Soy wax especially for making container candles. Peak Dale ProductsT: +44 (0)1298 78447 E: graham@peakdaleproducts.co.ukW: www.peakdaleproducts.co.uk

PERFECT AMBIANCELuminaria decorative lantern bags from Efco Creative Emotions create a glowing atmosphere, which candle makers will love as a complementary project. Decorate the outside of the decorative lantern bag for parties and special occasions! Simply unfold the Luminaria decorative lantern bags completely and insert a homemade candle or tealight in a glass. The Luminaria bags are made from paper that is flame resistant according to DIN 53438-2:K1and can be used indoors and outdoors.

Efco Creative Emotions is distributed by SinotexT: +44 (0)1737 245450E: efco@sintoex.co.ukW: www.efco.sinotexuk.com

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Bring customers into your shop by holding a ‘make and take’ day with quick and easy projects for children over the summer break

awesome foam pets

Step1Step2

MATERIALS NEEDEDFor dog mask• Art Foam (9in x 12in sheets): 1 x tan for basic mask, 1 x brown for dog’s ears, 1 x ivory for dog’s muzzle and 1 x black for dog’s nose• 20in of ¼in purple gingham ribbon• 2 ¾in square piece of cardboard• 2 ½in piece of floral wire• 1 wooden tongue depressor/lolly stick• Acrylic paints: black and white

MATERIALS NEEDEDFor cat mask• Art Foam (9in x 12in sheets): 1 x grey for basic mask and cat’s ears, 1 x pink for tongue and ear centres and 1 x black for cat’s nose• 6 x black chenille stems (pipe cleaners)• 8in of 3/8in pink grosgrain ribbon• 1 wooden tongue depressor/lolly stick• Acrylic paints: black and whiteDog ear

Dog muzzle

Dog nose

Dog eyes

Cut out Cut out

Tongue

Cat ear center

Cat ear

Cat nose

Cut out Cut out

Cat mask

Make an oval template and cut out from foam for the dog’s and cat’s head (using the tan foam for dog and the grey foam for cat).

FOR MORE INFORMATIONThanks to GMC Distribution and Design Originals for the permission to reproduce this quick and easy project for children. It was taken from Awesome Foam Craft, a book written by Margaret Riley that contains fun crafts for children to make from sheets of foam with clear photos and instructions. The plethora of projects includes a sea-themed hanging mobile, refrigerator magnet scene that doubles as a sports schedule holder, fun masks, jewellery and purses.

Awesome Foam CraftsISBN: 9781574213522, £6.99Publisher : Design OriginalsDistributed by The GMC DistributionW: www.gmcbooktrade.com

Cut out round the eye openings for the dog and oval openings for the cat in the basic mask.

Step3 Glue ears and muzzle to mask and glue nose to muzzle for the dog. Glue pink centres to grey ears and glue to the top of the mask and the tongue into the mouth centre for the cat.

Step4 Paint details for the mouth, eyebrows or whiskers, using the black paint and highlight nose with white paint.

Step5 Wrap ribbon around the cardboard, carefully slide it off and secure tightly in centre with floral wire to make a bow. Poke wire into the top of the mask. Bend it flat against the head. Glue on a small piece of the tan foam to cover the wire.

Step6 Glue tongue depressor to bottom of mask leaving 3in showing.

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subscribewant to subscribe?Craft Focus magazine is the leading trade publication for the craft industry and is available FREE of charge to our registered readers. Published six times a year, Craft Focus contains all the latest news, recent product launches and details about all the craft events.

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96 craftfocus

Issue 38August/September 2013Editorial deadline:1st July, 2013Advertising deadline:12th July, 2013 Published: 29th July, 2013

Not to be missed...Plus the latest industry news and business advice from leading experts in the fields of retail, ecommerce and business management

Don’t miss the August/September 2013 edition of Craft Focus

Support your customers’ artistic merit with the newest art materials

CHRISTMAS ALL STOCKED UPWhat’s hot to stock this yuletide

DMC Creative

A new season for knitting and crochet The current news from the yarn manufacturers

All the trimmingsA latest look at ribbons, ruffles, buttons and braids

next issue…Artesano yarns

Club Green

Reeves

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STEP ONEStart with blogging

Blogging is a free and easy way to get started. Choose from blogging platforms such as Blogger and Wordpress and start writing about what interests you, events you have attended and/or hosted, inspirations for your craft, and new product releases. Have this as your website, or part of your site, and turn browsers into buyers through adding a PayPal button or e-commerce plug-in. A blog offers you an opportunity to share your passions and your product, and by building an audience you’re creating a crowd of potential customers. Blog, if you can, a couple of times each week and consider inviting guest bloggers on too.

STEP TWOEmbrace social media Promoting yourself in the UK and overseas – this has never been so easy with the use of social media. So make sure you embrace it!

Be on Twitter and have a business page on Facebook, pin to Pinterest and upload video footage to your own YouTube channel. These are powerful platforms that attract large numbers of people yet are free and easy for you to use. It also helps with your Search Engine Optimisation if you have a strong social media presence and help you appear higher in search results when people are looking for what you have to offer. With all this taken into account, there’s no reason not to make the most of social media in promoting you and your business.

STEP THREEBe well connected By now, you’ll be blogging and tweeting, getting known and being followed. Build on this by spreading your message to other blogs and

websites. Approach the sites that are popular with your customers and offer to guest blog for them, being sure to include a link back to your site in the post. Link out to other sites and request others to link back to you. Join online groups and forums, contribute to the conversation and this will encourage more people to click on the link to visit your site and find out more.

STEP FOURKeep it fresh! Keep content on your site fresh and tweet/pin/update to Facebook on a daily basis if possible. Tools such as Hootsuite mean you can schedule tweets and manage your social media profiles from one account, to save time. Measure the results using Google Analytics, which will show if traffic to your site is increasing and Sprout Social offers an overview of the impact you’re having across the social media scene.

A-Z OF SOCIAL MEDIA BRANDINGBlogger (www.blogger.com) Facebook (www.facebook.com)Google Analytics (www.google.co.uk/analytics) Hootsuite (www.hootsuite.com) Pinterest (www.pinterest.com) Sprout Social (www.sproutsocial.com) Twitter (www.twitter.com Wordpress (www.wordpress.com)YouTube channel (www.youtube.com),

building your brand Selling product and craft becomes more straightforward when you’re known on the web. Build a brand and become an expert in your field by following these four steps from Emma Jones, small business expert and founder of Enterprise Nation

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Building a brand on the web can take time but dedicating a little attention each day will pay off!

Emma Jones is founder of Enterprise Nation, www.enterprisenation.com and author of books including Working 5 to 9, Go Global and Turn your Talent into a business.Follow Emma on Twitter @emmajones

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How did Tuliptree buttons come into existence and where are you based?Tuliptree Buttons is based on the Norfolk Broads in Wroxham. The business started when I attended a polymer clay class and couldn’t make a perfect round bead, in my frustration I fl attened it, and the button was born! Karen has an art background while I have worked in textiles, and together we’ve used our knowledge to create works of art in our buttons.

Your buttons are all made by hand - what are they made from and what processes are involved?All of our buttons are one-of-a-kind hand-made and are made from a selection of polymer clays. There are a variety of processes involved in their creation. Some are made from canes, and can take days to construct so think of them as a three dimensional puzzle or a stick of rock with a series of detailed designs. After construction, the cane is reduced and cut into slices.

We use other techniques too such as Mokume Gane, a Japanese term for ‘wood grained metal’. In clay terms, it’s a method of stacking different colours of polymer clay, then pushing implements into the clay to distort it before carefully slicing off slithers to create a myriad of interesting and beautiful designs.

What makes your buttons special?All our buttons are ‘one offs’, even if we make a set of 10, each one will be different. We approach the construction of our buttons as a piece of artwork, designing them to complement current trends in fabric, wool etc. Because polymer clay allows you to mix any colour combination you desire, buttons can be made to match fabric, garments, bags or whatever is being made. Also the clay is very lightweight, so even the largest button can be sewn onto delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon and wool without the garment becoming distorted.

What is your best-selling button design in the range?This is very hard to defi ne as people have different tastes. However, we have recently made a Klimpt collection in a variety of colour ways and it has proven very popular.

What new products do you have in the pipeline? We are venturing into new territories and designing our own appliqué patterns, which will have some polymer included. We’ve also been asked to create a design that can be reproduced for fabric. This is very exciting and we’re working on several projects for this at the moment.

You were at Craft, Hobby + Stitch in February in the Bright Sparks Pavilion. How did that go and how were your products received?We didn’t know what to expect as this was our fi rst trade show, however, the response was fabulous and our buttons have been selling all over the country, and Europe. We covered a huge canvas in buttons to look like a tree, it was quite the showstopper. At the end of the event, we were asked to sell it. It was an amazing show for us!

Why should retailers buy from Tuliptree Buttons?Each retailer that we work with will have their own individual identity; so we can produce buttons to enhance their brand and what they do. For example, we are working with a client called Tilly Rose, who only works with vintage fabrics and trimmings, so we are producing a range of buttons solely to complement her brand.

What plans to do you have for the business in the future?We are designing new ranges of buttons and putting together a catalogue so potential buyers can pick a technique in any colour range and size.

We met Tricia and Karen from Tuliptree Buttons earlier this year at Craft, Hobby + Stitch. In awe of the beautiful handmade polymer buttons that they had to offer, we spoke to Tricia to fi nd out more

buttons with attitude

Further informationTuliptree Buttons & BeadsT: +44 (0)1603 782740 or +44 (0)7791983595E: tuliptreedesigns@hotmail.co.ukW: www.tuliptreebuttonsbeads.co.uk

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