GROVES front cover_ADS 29/10/2018 16:46 Page 1

£3.50 ISSUE 136 DECEMBER 2018 CraftBusinesswww.craftbusiness.com The leading trade title for the craft industry

INTERVIEW AWARDS INTERVIEW

From Wall It’s time Get to Street to Wool to start know Susie Spinning voting Watson P24 P12 P30 JAKAR page_ADS 07/11/2018 14:10 Page 1

Caran d'Ache will be exhibiting at

PaperworldHall 3.1 Frankfurt Stand G62 26th - 29th January 2019

COLOURS MADE IN SWITZERLAND

For additional information and stockists please contact:JAKAR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Jakar International Limited, 410 Centennial Park, Elstee, WD6 3TJ • Tel: 020 8381 7000 email: [email protected] carandache.com NEWS 3

The edding 24 EcoLine awarded prestigious ecolabel Welcome z edding have been awarded the ‘Blue Angel’ ecolabel for z Mark Hayhurst z @craftbiz their environmentally friendly z [email protected] – the edding 24 EcoLine highlighter. z Christmas is just around the corner but I am sure a lot of you This prestigious award has are focusing on the New Year as well. never been given to a Yes it’s getting to that time of year again – trade show before, due to the extremely strict season! We take a look at what’s on offer in Phoenix, Arizona, for environmental criteria. the 2019 Creativation show. Also we investigate what’s going to The Blue Angel ecolabel be on trend at Creativeworld in Frankfurt in January. initiative has been supported by Remember to vote for, and promote, your brands in the 2019 the German government for 40 Craft Business Awards. Head along to www.craftbusiness.com to years, designed to protect the cast your vote and be in with a chance of winning one of these environment and, in particular, to contain no substances harmful to There are five brilliant neon prestigious awards. make it easier for consumers to health and be easy to recycle. colours to choose from, ideal for Valentine’s Day is also on the radar and Claire Hamer, make informed purchasing The jury was extremely highlighting texts and making Hunkdory trade sales manager, looks at what to stock and which decisions. Anyone using products impressed by the outstanding notes on virtually all kinds of workshops to deliver ahead of February 14. or services bearing the Blue Angel eco-friendly properties of the paper surfaces. The edding 24 is I hope you enjoy reading the December issue of Craft ecolabel can be sure that they are edding 24 EcoLine highlighter. Its part of the EcoLine series which, Business. acting in an environmentally- cap and barrel are made from a besides , also friendly, sustainable manner minimum of 90 per cent includes permanent, whiteboard while helping to create the “world renewable resources. The neck and flipchart markers of tomorrow”. piece and filter fibres, meanwhile, manufactured predominantly ON THE RECORD To be considered for this are made from at least 97 per from recycled material. award, products must meet the cent recycled material. The Per Ledermann, Chairman of “Making things requirements of numerous marker is refillable using edding the Management Board at edding checks. Alongside being able to HTK 25 refill , a factor which AG, said: “We are absolutely is a wonderful fulfil the intended function to a can significantly lengthen its life delighted that our highlighter has way to use time” high level of quality, the product span. Even the sales packaging, been awarded this top-class label, must be made in a resource- made entirely of recycled and we hope that, through this efficient, environmentally-friendly cardboard, meets the product, we can play a part in manner, have a long service life, requirements of the Blue Angel. preserving resource.”

SUSIE WATSON Partnership between DC THOMSON MEDIA Create and Craft and Mind ACQUIRES ACEVILLE z Create and Craft have partnered with the mental health charity Mind. As part of this partnership, Create and PUBLICATIONS Craft will be working closely with Mind to z Aceville Publications has The acquisition of Aceville support their Crafternoon campaign. been acquired by DC by DC Thomson Media will Crafternoon is the biggest, craftiest mental Thomson Media. bring a combined portfolio of health fundraiser in England and Wales, where Headquartered in Dundee, around 70 magazines as well Mind asks supporters to organise their own DC Thomson Media has been as a number of digital Crafternoon at work, school or at home by publishing for over 100 years properties and events. The inviting everyone they know to enjoy a fun and has a portfolio of more acquisition establishes DC craft-themed event while raising money for than 20 magazines, including Thomson Media as one of the Mind. the much-loved brands The top five consumer magazine December 1 is Mind’s Official Crafternoon People’s Friend and Beano. publishers in the UK. Day, and Create and Craft will support this with Aceville Publications, Mike Watson, Chief an official on-air Crafternoon on the channel “What’s more, every penny raised will make a based in Colchester, is home Executive Officer at DC itself. Create and Craft’s backing of this huge difference to the one in four of us who to over 40 in-house brands Thomson Media, said: “We’re campaign will continue with the sponsorship of experience mental health problems. Just £50 including leading UK-based excited to have acquired Mind’s Crafternoon fundraising kits as well as could answer six calls to the Mind Infoline which craft titles such as Crafts Aceville and are looking forward through ongoing campaign work for the charity provides vital support when it is needed most. Beautiful, Sew, Let’s Knit, Let’s to working together. The team to support the growth and awareness of With the support of Create and Craft, we’re Get Crafting Knitting and at Aceville, and their portfolio, Crafternoon throughout 2019. looking forward to seeing Crafternoon grow, and Crochet, Make it Today are a great fit for our business Karen Bolton, Head of Community and more importantly helping Mind to ensure that no Dressmaker and Craft and this collaboration opens up Events Fundraising at Mind, said: “We’re thrilled one has to face a mental health problem alone.” Business. a host of opportunities for both to announce our partnership with Create and Laura Powell, Create and Craft’s Marketing Matthew Tudor, Managing businesses. This is a hugely Craft. Having the support of a company that Manager added: “We couldn’t be more excited to Director at Aceville, said: exciting time for everyone at recognises how crafting supports the be joining up with Mind to support the charity and “We’re thrilled to be joining DC DC Thomson Media and wellbeing of their customers, and is committed their Crafternoon initiative. Having already Thomson Media. They have Aceville. to sharing their passion for craft with the worked collaboratively in the past, the charity has great heritage and credibility in “This acquisition will nation, is the perfect fit for Crafternoon. always held a special place in our hearts, with a the publishing industry and I’m materially change our “Crafternoon is a great way for people to shared belief that creative hobbies has the looking forward to working landscape and is a key step in spend time together away from the hustle and potential to have a positive impact on people’s together to strengthen the our Protect, Launch, Diversify bustle of Christmas, while doing something mental health. combined portfolio. strategy.” creative and ticking a few things off your “With some of our own campaigns running “DC Thomson Media holds Following the acquisition, festive to-do list. Ninety-five per cent of people alongside our support of Crafternoon, such as some brilliant brands and I’m the focus for DC Thomson who’ve taken part in Crafternoon would our mission to ‘Get the Nation Crafting’, inviting confident the Aceville titles Media is to increase market recommend it to a friend, and with the support more and more new people into the world of and expertise will complement share and continue to of Create and Craft we’re excited to see more craft, we can see that our partnership with Mind this. The portfolios align transform from traditional and more people finding out for themselves and support of the Crafternoon campaign is set brilliantly and bring real magazine publishers to how fun and fulfilling hosting a Crafternoon for to continue to grow over the course of 2019 and opportunity to improve content multimedia content creators Mind can be. beyond.” for all of our readers.” and distributors.

www.craftbusiness.com 4 NEWS

Stationery Matters appears on BBC’s

14 What’s going on in Phoenix? Find out what’s on offer at Have I Got News For You Creativation 2019 ❚ Stationery Matters starred as the guest publication on the BBC’s current affairs quiz show Have I Got News For You. Julia Faiers, Stationery Matters editor, said:“We’ll take our 15 minutes of fame. Or should that be infamy?” Submitting a magazine to the famous ‘missing word’ slot on the show takes a leap of faith, as it’s impossible to predict the level of mockery from team leaders Ian Hislop and Paul Merton. 15 Welcome friends It was Stationery Matters’ lucky night, with name What’s going to be on trend at checks for Parker, referring to its iconic status, and Creativeworld? the London Stationery Show, and just the merest hint of irony from the teams. An image from Stationery Matters of an empty planner by A Gift From The Faiers said: “The thing about stationery is it’s Gods provided the chance to deride Strictly star actually quite difficult to say something negative Seann Walsh’s bookings for the next 18 months. about it, even for razor-sharp comedians. The only Aside from the dig at one of the Strictly industry people to receive a ribbing on the missing celebrities, the magazine’s appearance on the show word slot were pen bloggers who, as Richard Ayoade PEAK DALE 1.8 2 COL_ADS 21/09/2018 14:09 Page 1 put stationery firmly in the spotlight - if only for a few explained, type about how much they love !” minutes! - and gave the industry a fantastic positive Stationery Matters magazine is published twice boost. yearly in support of Stationery Show London.

27 What’s your day like? 24 hours as Jo Bray, Managing Director – Sales & Marketing at West Design Products Manuscript write themselves into Stationers’ Hall history books ❚ Manuscript Pen Company • high quality manufacturing/ are celebrating an historic production techniques – seal of an approval, after including uses of materials. receiving a Stationers’ • thoughtful, appropriate Company warrant for the and sustainable presentation brand’s famous ML1856 pen. and packaging 29 Lend a helping hand A backbone of the • environmental credentials Fiona Lloyd, VP of Global Marketing Shropshire Company’s (eg FSC, ISO 9000, 14000 & Product Development at Ellison comprehensive range, the and 18000 certification) and Sizzix, explains the importance pen is crafted from a choice and compliance with of partnering with charities of seven coloured Italian ethical trading guidelines In this issue resins, which ensures each • Impact, relevance Charlie Stockbridge (left), Managing pen is uniquely patterned and Director of Manuscript Pen Company, and popularity within the features either a medium receiving the warrant stationery market. iridium or a 1.1mm or Manuscript Pen Company 1.5mm italic nib, which are all expanding into stores on pay particular attention to finished with an intricate laser home soil - including John these points across all its etched detail embellishment. Lewis and Hobbycraft. product categories and are The ML1856 Collection The brand has been looking to push boundaries celebrates Manuscript’s 162- a key driver in a thriving more in the next quarter – year history and combines stationery market, which including more sustainably modern design with traditional rose to a value of around produced packaging. manufacturing techniques £2.06bn over the previous Charlie Stockbridge, - offering both guaranteed 12 months, up five per cent Managing Director of quality and a luxury finish to on the figures from 2017. Manuscript Pen Company, ensure it’s the perfect choice Receiving the Warrant who collected the award from for modern day . continues Manuscript’s the St Paul’s venue, said: “It’s The brand leaps from success of the last 12 a real honour to receive this strength-to-strength and months, joining the Made accolade and be recognised manufacturing, sales in Britain Campaign and for our innovations. We’ve got and marketing are still scooping a nomination in a rich history and receiving based in Highley, the the Stationery Awards. this warrant adds another home of Manuscript for Manuscript Pen Company chapter to our past, as we the last 60 years. were receiving the Stationers’ look forward to the future. The company has Warrant for the first time We’ve joined a select group of continued in the hands of the with the historic pen brand names who have received a same family and is currently rewarded for their ‘traditional Stationers’ Warrant and we’ll be run by Charlie Stockbridge, but modern (pens) that are celebrating this in our office.” the fifth generation to hugely unique in our industry.’ Alongside these, take charge of the historic Strict criteria gives Manuscript have launched brand since its inception. five key reasons why a a selection of new products Under Charlie’s manufacturer can receive that revolutionise the stewardship, the brand has a warrant. These include: and craft conquered new markets • High level of original market with much more across Europe and the design (innovation) planned for the remainder United States, as well as and interpretation of 2018 and into 2019.

www.craftbusiness.com NEWS 5

STOCK SHOT Limitless possibilities with Grafix z Introduce limitless possibilities with Grafix’s wide assortment of mixed media films and adhesives. These versatile and acid-free art surfaces include Dura-Lar Film, Acetate Film, Double Tack Mounting Film, Stencil Films, Incredible Art Products, Chipboard, Computer Grafix Film, Shrink Film, and Metallic Foil Board & Paper. Artists and crafter’s creativity will ignite when they explore using both sides of the film to create on. For more information on these unique blank surfaces visit the New launch from Sharon Callis Grafix’s product page at www.grafixarts.com. z Experienced designer, craft blogger, and crafting mediums such as stamping, die cutting, award-winning card-maker, Sharon Callis, mixed media and more.” officially launched her exciting new brand Personal Impressions have also announced that “Sharon Callis Crafts” at the end of October via Sharon Callis has been designing collections for their Create and Craft. “Sweet Dixie” brand – a range of quality but Having launched Florartistry (with Avec UK) last affordable crafting supplies. Sharon’s latest stamp year, Sharon was committed to developing a diverse, collection called “Typography” also featured on air at fashionable and fun range for the style-savvy crafter. the end of October. Sharon’s aim is to roll-out regular stamp, die and crafting tool collections over the next few years. The debut collection includes traditional sets of “Sentiments” and “Simple Hellos” and for the mixed media artist, the new “Vintage Transport” assortment is bound to appeal. Sharon Callis said: “I am excited to bring to market my new ‘Sharon Callis Crafts’ range in partnership with the dynamic team at Personal Impressions. Following on from the continuing success of Florartistry I am thrilled to expand my craft product portfolio and bring to you a myriad of different styles and ways to create across various

The Embroidered Home – New Exhibition at the Royal School of Needlework New agent z The Royal School of cushion covers, fire screens as the 19th and 20th centuries with evoke many memories for our Needlework will be opening its well as smaller items such as many pieces telling stories of visitors.” appointed by doors and welcoming visitors to letter holders and table mats. their own. Tours start from £16 per its next exhibition The The exhibition embodies a Dr Susan Kay-Williams, Chief person and the exhibition runs Search Press Embroidered Home. fascinating social history from Executive of the Royal School of until August 2019. Book your Opening from January 28 at Needlework, said: “After our look place and feel ‘at home’ at the z Simon Fay Hampton Court Palace, the at embroidery in fashion in our RSN’s new Embroidered Home has been exhibition reflects how homes exhibition earlier in the year, exhibition. appointed have historically been decorated many people commented that, There are different Tour Search with embroidered pieces. The of course, fashion was not the options including a Talk & Tour; Press agent new display will feature pieces only area of life to be Curator’s Tour, Tour & Taster for South from the RSN’s unique Collection embellished. So we now turn to embroidery workshop and West England and and illustrate how embroidery the RSN Collection and all the Family Stitch Workshop. South Wales following the has been used to beautify the items that reflect how homes Visit the website retirement of Steve Nunn. domestic environment. have been decorated with www.royal-needlework.org.uk Simon can be contacted NEEDCRAFT 1.3_ADSThe exhibits 29/10/2018 are worked 16:48 in aPage 1 embroidered pieces from pillow or email: education@royal- on 07759 545601, by email variety of techniques and include cases to antimacassars. We are needlework.org.uk for more [email protected] or bedspreads, sheets, tablecloths, sure that our unique display will information. through Search Press on [email protected]

www.craftbusiness.com 6 NEWS

STOCK SHOT Get your store in Be inspired by Rose Gold z Rose Gold: it is one of the order for New Year most in-demand colours on the market right now. Tape Technologies, Inc, maker of Claire Hamer, Hunkydory trade sales manager, StyleTechCraft brand craft vinyl, has come up with a passes on tips on how to prepare for the year ahead vast array of Rose Gold inspired options. From regular craft vinyl z It may seem a little early to two types of glitter, there is to be thinking about next a Rose Gold option for all of year but now is the perfect your craft projects. time to be planning ahead. StyleTechCraft has Rose Before we know it January Gold varieties available in will be here and all the things their Craft Vinyl, Transparent, both sides, ensuring the that we said we’d look at in Polished Metal, Ultra Metallic sparkle isn’t dulled one bit! the New Year already feel and Transparent Glitter All of these product lines unachievable. Getting ahead product lines. are for permanent application and starting 2019 on the StyleTechCraft’s Craft Vinyl is on everything from your front foot will benefit your sale. Marking stock down, z WHAT PROMOTIONS their most basic film, but still favourite cup to your car business and also give you in-store or on-line, always WORK FOR YOU? has a glossy finish. The window (not recommended a positive start to the year. takes longer than you think Offer different promotions Transparent line is exactly for clothing or fabric) and can it does and you want to be through the year, it doesn’t that, transparent with a hint be used both indoors and z REVIEW able to launch your sale as always have to be straight of colour. Their Polished outdoors. StyleTechCraft vinyl Before we start making plans, early as possible. Many sales price reductions. It could be Metal is a bright, metallic- can be used in all cutting it’s important for us to review start as early as Boxing Day selecting certain products looking film that adds a shine machines such as Cricut and how the past 12 months went, and if you’re open or have an that work together for to your projects. And, finally Silhouette along with die cuts, preferably with some analysis on-line side to your business a bundle price or giving the Ultra Metallic and craft punches and, of course, as well as a gut feel for what take advantage of this selling something extra away with Transparent Glitter films both scissors. worked and also what didn’t. period. Many crafters have each sale. It could be an offer glisten with glitter, giving your To find out more: Have a look around your cash burning a hole in their of a percentage off products craft projects a sparkle like Contact Sergio at store and see what you’re pocket after Christmas. that work particularly well no other! The Transparent [email protected] left with. Are there certain Although it’s sometimes for a certain key date or Glitter line even has glitter on or +1-904-284-0284. products that you seem to hard to rationalise the need a voucher code tied into have a glut of? Can you identify to mark stock down, it’s recommending a friend. any products or themes that better to discount it slightly your customers don’t seem while it’s in a resalable z WORKSHOPS interested in? What types of condition, rather than leaving Workshops are a great way Sequin Art partners products couldn’t you keep in it until its unfashionable to get people into your shop stock? Are there any products and tatty looking. and having your workshops that you are considering planned ahead gives you with Disney Channel stocking as new lines for z PROMOTION plenty of time to promote 2019? Look at your figures CALENDAR PLANNING them and your customers z Sequin Art Limited has partnered with Disney and other popular and see which promotions It’s a great time to get your can plan ahead too and make channels to launch a National UK TV advertising campaign with the worked and which ones didn’t. promotions calendar set for sure they keep those dates aim of increasing product awareness and to drive sales ahead of free. Also, if you’re running Christmas. full-day workshops that are Eleven different ten-second sponsorship bumpers are shown on “Now is the perfect time to a little more expensive, you Children’s Disney channel to enhance brand recognition during the key identify the lines you want can give your customers the trading period. Following the success of its TV ad campaigns that first option to pay in instalments. aired in 2007, Sequin Art is sticking with this medium to promote the to include in your January brand. z A FRESH START The 2018 campaign demonstrates the company’s continuous sale. Marking stock down, In addition to thinking about commitment and a huge investment in product marketing that plays a products also think about significant factor in the continued popularity of Sequin Art products. The in-store or on-line, always your store and giving it new advertisement is fun and playful and is showcasing eight brand- a make-over or an early new designs that are now available to all Sequin Art fans to purchase. takes longer than you spring clean. Shuffling The 30 second TV commercial is currently being shown throughout think it does and you want your furnishings around the day on Disney, Nickelodeon, Pop, CITV, Boomerang, Cartoon (if possible) is a great way Network, Sky1 and Sky Movies Disney channels. to be able to launch your to make your store look Neil Clark, General Manager at Sequin Art, said: “We are very excited different and give your to be launching our new TV campaign to raise brand recognition and sale as early as possible” customers something new support our retail partners in the run up to the festive season. We to look at. Making sure partnered with a number of channels, including peak airtime sponsorship z STOCKTAKE the next six months as a everything is clean and slots on Disney to reach our target market and boost sales.” It’s important to know what minimum. Note down all the dust free will give your The new campaign was launched at the end of October and will be stock you’ve actually got and key dates and work out when store a fresh feel for the on TV screens until December 10. the quieter time leading up your promotions should fall year ahead. Get the window to Christmas is often a great in around them. Valentine’s display changed and tempt time to do a full stocktake. Day is probably the first key those customers in. Remember to check the date in the year and although contents of boxes, what’s in it’s February you probably z GET AHEAD AND the box might not be what want to be promoting items GET READY FOR A the label says! Once you’ve for cardmaking for that POSITIVE YEAR carried out the manual occasion a month before By being prepared and stocktake remember to the actual date. That means keeping ahead is definitely amend any systems you’ve running your promotion the way forward and, got with the correct figures. mid-January. It’s key to although it can be difficult have these dates scoped to make the time for future z SALE ITEMS out, as it’s easy to miss a planning, it really can be time Now is the perfect time to date or think you’ve got well spent that will pay itself identify the lines you want more time before the event back in coherent promotions to include in your January than is actually needed. and fabulous workshops.

www.craftbusiness.com NEWS 7

France Bizot and Emma Bertin Sanabria take First STOCK SHOT and Young Artist Prize in Crystal Art Kits by Craft Buddy 2018 Derwent Art Prize z Crystal Art, Craft Buddy’s do-it-yourself wall art and greeting card brand, has become one of z Derwent have revealed the landscape and home. Though the the industry’s most popular new crafts of 2018. prize winners of the Derwent Art places she conveys may feel very As well as in craft stores, Crystal Art can be Prize 2018. specific, and perhaps even found in toy, gift and garden centre stores across First Prize (£6,000) has been familiar, none really are. They are the UK and Europe. Simple to do yet seriously awarded to France Bizot for archetypes, constructs of a addictive, they are currently trending with adult Madame Bovary – a figurative nation’s memory. crafters as well as children between the ages of coloured drawing made Paris-based artist Emma 8-12. Are you a stockist yet? inside a vintage book. Bizot, who Bertin Sanabria is the recipient of Contact trade manager Dan Ward for more lives and works in Paris, seeks to the Young Artist Award (£750), information. blur the line between the real and for an artist under the age of 25. 0203 417 6565 the virtual in her pop culture The Prize recognises and [email protected] inspired drawings. Backslash celebrates emerging artistic Gallery, Paris, described her talent such as Sanabria, who is technique as ‘impeccable’. an alumnus of L’École nationale Serbian artist Jovanka supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, Stanojevic is the recipient of the Paris, and New York’s prestigious £3,000 Second Prize for Hair 2, a School of Visual Arts (SVA). Her detailed portrait that depicts only prizewinning coloured pencil the subject’s hair and shoulders. drawing Noé is a delicately Though the face is not visible, the rendered portrait in which the pencil drawing reveals much male sitter appears immersed in about the subject’s demeanour the artist’s process – her drawing – the artist says it is ‘a celebration picking up the myriad of textures of a woman in all her uniqueness’. and folds in his clothing, as areas The Third Prize of £1,500 has of saturated colour evolve into been awarded to Royal Academy singular pencil lines. Schools alumnus Anna Gardiner The People’s Choice Award, of for her tonal charcoal drawing £750, gave the general public an Washday. Through her drawings opportunity to vote for their and paintings, Gardiner explores favourite shortlisted artwork via our collective relationship with the Derwent Art Prize Facebook PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS 1.4 3 col_ADS 02/11/2018 15:13 Page 1 page. The Prize was awarded to Hong Kong-based artist Kin Choi Lam for his coloured pencil drawing Morning Assembly. Like much of his work, the drawing highlights mysterious elements within everyday situations. The prize-winning drawings, which are amongst 67 shortlisted artworks making up the 2018 Derwent Art Prize exhibition, were Leading selected by an expert panel comprising Gill Saunders, Senior Craft and Curator, V&A; Chris Sharratt, Art France Bizot’s Madame Bovary Critic; and Clare Woods, Artist. Papercraft 21 years of Stamperama Supplier, plus Hochanda TV 30,000+ z Hochanda will be joining Stamp Addicts at Stamperama to products celebrate their 21st birthday. They will be bringing their team, including one of the channel’s presenters, to the event at Stevenage on February 24, from 10am-4pm. Sarah Bewick and Vicky Adams, from Stamp Addicts, can’t wait to celebrate the company’s 21st birthday. Sarah said: “We are very thankful for the support of all exhibitors over the last 21 years and of course for all the wonderful visitors that come to the show. We are also super excited that Hochanda will be joining us at Stamperama to make our 21st year even more special than usual.” Stamperama is a fun, friendly and interactive event with plenty of Makes & Takes, demonstrations from expert professionals and over 20 incredible exhibitors. • Card Making • Journaling • Scrapbooking • Papercrafting • Planners Alongside Hochanda and Stamp Addicts, other exhibitors will (card stock, envelopes, dies, toppers, embellishments, parchment, planners, punches, rub-ons, stickers, scrapbooks and more) include Hobby Art, The Art of Craft, Tiger Lily Laser Crafts, Serendipity, Honey Doo Crafts, The Stamp Hut, Stamposaurus, General Craft Tools/Accessories: Sweet Poppy Stencils, Sandra Rushton, A Crafty Place, Let’s Create (stamps, stencils, , paints, glues, glitters tapes, ribbons. scissors, decoupage, storage solutions, moulds, clays and more) by Jo Channon, Dolly Dimples, Crafteezee and many, many more. Merchandising Display Stands (paints, inks, decoupage and more) • Kits Stamperama will take place at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre. Personal Impressions (Part of the EM Richford Group), Tickets cost £2.50 in advance (including postage and early Curzon Road, Chilton Industrial Estate, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2XW. entry) and £3 on the day. To order, please call Stamp Addicts on Tel: +44 1787 375241 | [email protected] 01234 855833 or visit www.stampaddicts.com www.personalimpressions.com

www.craftbusiness.com 8 NEWS

STOCK SHOT Shachihata celebrates new appointment

z Shachihata (Europe) Ltd has appointed a through a robust sales network and new UK Sales Business Development carefully selected sales plans. Manager, Chris Collins. Chris said: “The Shachihata brand range is With over 20 years’ experience in sales, active in multiple channels including office, Chris has a keen eye for business education, retail and industrial.” development and relationship building and will “Our commitment to customer service bring the Shachihata product portfolio into remains a high priority to improve and develop in focus as they move into the next sales quarter, all aspects of the business. The company is ahead of continued growth in the UK and going through an exciting time and I am looking Europe. forward to meeting all our retailers and Since his appointment in early September developing new relationships.” 2018, Chris has further developed strong To find out more about the Artline and relationships within the stationery market, Xstamper brands, visit www.shachihata.eu Marvellous mono packs New POSCA black and white marker packs are Research from Mind shows the answer to every craft supplier’s prayers z Every art and craft supplier glass, ceramic, fabric, wood 18-24-year-olds more likely to find arts knows that black and white and plastic, making them the shades are the most sought- perfect pen for up-cycling, and crafts relaxing over Christmas after colours in paints and personalising clothes, creating markers, that’s why POSCA decorations or designing a z The mental health charity Mind has launched its black and greeting. The multi-purpose, has released new research white pen sets. These multi-surface ability of the suggesting that 18-24-year-olds essential pen packs hold markers gives one pack a are more likely to practice healthy eight pens in black or white, multitude of uses making coping mechanisms to manage each with a different nib size, them excellent value and a their mental wellbeing over the making them an ideal, instant great creative gift option. festive period. solution for your customers. 033 0100 9933 When asked about the WOW EMBOSSING 1.8 3 COL_ADS 21/09/2018 10:56Vital Page for 1 outlining, [email protected] different types of coping blending, highlighting and www.uniball.co.uk mechanisms used, respondents all-round coverage, black and in the 18-24 age group said white pens are artist and they were more likely to reach crafters essentials and are the out to friends and family, use first to be used-up and exercise and practice meditation re-stocked! The one-colour than the wider population. packs means creatives can They are also more likely produce a coordinated look to find activities like arts and across a range of surfaces crafts helpful for relaxation. using the same shade with the Additionally, 18-24-year- seem to blast the snowflake Whether it’s organising a variation on nib sizes. olds are less likely to increase myth firmly out the water. Crafternoon at work, at home, Featuring a broad range their alcohol consumption “This younger generation are or in a local café, inviting people of POSCA nib sizes from the as a way of coping than all too often criticised for being to enjoy a fun, craft-themed chunky PC-17K to the ultra the average respondent (11 ‘less resilient’ but our research event while raising funds fine PC-1MR POSCA, the per cent compared to an suggests that this age group take for a good cause can boost breadth of nib sizes in each average of 19 per cent). proactive and positive steps to both mood and wellbeing. pack gives the maker more Karen Bolton, Head of manage their mental health.” Many people find creative options; providing wide range Community and Events The charity conducted the activities like colouring in of different finishes and line Fundraising for Mind, said: “We research as its 2018 Christmas and needlework particularly effects. commission research each Crafternoon fundraising event therapeutic because they help Water-based and year to understand who most launched, where members of you relax and unwind, focus on non-toxic, these paint pens dry enjoys taking part in fundraising the public are encouraged to producing something and can opaque with a matte finish and activities. This year, we found get crafty and create Christmas even offer the chance to spend solid colour. POSCA pens work that the 18-24 age group were gifts as an alternative to more time with loved ones. brilliantly on a range of almost twice as likely to take shop-bought presents. Karen added: “Every penny surfaces including paper, card, part, however, we also found Crafternoon participants raised through Crafternoon some interesting stats that from previous years have also makes a big difference – just reported that crafting creates a £50 could answer six calls sense of calm and an opportunity to the Mind Infoline which for mindfulness among the provides much-needed support Christmas chaos, as well as to people across the country.” a chance to get together with Free Crafternoon guides, friends, family, colleagues and full of tips and ideas, are the wider community. It is available at www.mind.org.uk/ currently the UK’s largest craft- crafternoon so crafters young based mental health fundraiser. and old, expert or novice, can Part of Mind’s festive unleash their creativity and fundraising drive, Crafternoon help Mind make sure that involves getting together with no one has to face a mental friends, family or colleagues health problem alone. and holding an afternoon of Populus conducted creative fun. Whether it is card 2,079 online interviews with making, knitting, crocheting, a nationally representative or bauble making, previous sample of UK respondents research suggests crafting of aged 18+. Interviews took place all kinds can be good for our online between October 12-14 mental health. Anyone can host with quotas set on age, gender or take part in a Crafternoon and region and data weighted at a time that suits them. to the known profile of the UK.

www.craftbusiness.com NEWS 9

EWEfest 2019 – Scotland’s STOCK SHOT National Wool Festival is Get to grips with heading to Dundee Colourcraft z Colourcraft Colours & Adhesives z Next August, thousands of EWEmarket, a traditional outdoor Limited is a UK manufacturer knitting, needlework and craft market showcasing the very best specialising in high quality, innovative enthusiasts are expected to handmade items from artisans, products for art, craft, design and descend upon Dundee for the both local and from further afield. technology including the Brusho first EWEfest – Scotland’s Elena said: “In EWEniversal range, Fabric Printing Systems, Fabric National Wool Festival. Trade Centre, EWEfest’s main Paints, Fabric Dyes, Inks, Acrylics and EweFest founder Elena marquee, Scotland’s knitters, much, much more. Costella revealed that the needleworkers and crafters will Try their fabulous range of two-day event will be held in be inspired, learn new techniques water-based Textile Screen Printing Inks. Absorbed into the fibres, Dundee’s Slessor Gardens and pick up tips. In addition, they leave fabric super soft to the touch – great for retail brands, on August 16-17, 2019. this new and exciting event will children’s clothing, interior design and canvases. Ideal for screen Elena, who is a renowned also be a wonderful opportunity printing, stamping, block, relief and mono printing, stencilling, hand-knitting designer, said: for wool, textile and craft hand painting on fabrics and for creating watercolour effects. “EWEfest will be a celebration of suppliers to meet thousands For increased surface lift – mix with Colourcraft C & A Limited textiles and crafts, with a strong of potential customers from all EXpandIT - a 3D Texture Medium that produces outstanding focus on wool in all its stages POSCA– 1.4 3 COL_ADS 29/10/2018 16:49 Pageover 1 Scotland – and beyond.” expanded, soft, raised effects. Perfect for wall hangings, cards, scouring, carding, dying, spinning, To celebrate the first scrapbooking, interior design, garments, mixed media and quilts. felting, weaving and knitting.” EWEfest, on the Friday 0114 242 1431 EWEfest 2019 has already evening, there’ll be a special [email protected] attracted international interest event with live music, a gin www.colourcraftltd.com and the two-day programme bar and street food for ticket will feature demonstrations holders and stall holders. EWE’N – EWEfest 2019’s specially by world-leading hand-knitting made mascot “Scotland has a long designers, a fabulous fashion tradition of knitting - and of show previewing Rowan’s Elena added: “This two-day partying,” Elena said. “We’re winter 2019 collection and festival will be a huge love-in of looking forward to combining expert-led workshops in the all things woolly – not forgetting the two at the end of EWEfest stunning setting of V&A Dundee, all other natural fibres. The main 2019’s opening day, which Scotland’s first Museum of marquee will be a cornucopia we’re thinking of as EWEfest’s Design. However, the stars of of delights for knitters, M&Ms – Meet and Mingle!” the festival will undoubtedly needleworkers and crafters, with For more information be of the four-legged variety, goodies such as hand-dyed wool, about EWEfest 2019, including with sheep, alpacas, chinchilla wool tops, dye for wool, patterns buying tickets and reserving a rabbits and angora goats and all manner of equipment.” stall in either the EWEniversal taking pride of place in their Elena revealed that Trade Centre or Ewemarket, own special EWEbaaazaar. EWEfest 2019 will also feature visit http://ewe.scot

STOCK SHOT Classic Christmas Designs available

z Mouseloft’s Christmas Stitchlets kits contain a mounting card and envelope and normally retail at around £2.99, or they are available without cards, retailing at around £2.39. There are currently over 40 designs in this range including classic Christmas designs, a Christmas pug and much more! www.mouseloft.co.uk

www.craftbusiness.com 10 NEWS

West Design sets its sights on national award ❚ West Design Products are a finalist in With previous winners at the awards the Amazon Growing Business Awards. including companies like Trunki, GoApe! and The awards champion UK SMEs and Perkbox and entering their 20th year, the are the most established and respected awards have grown to be the most credible celebration of entrepreneurial success in and highly valued recognition of growing the UK. businesses in the UK. Jo Bray, Sales and Marketing Managing West Design now becomes one of five Director for West Design said: We were finalists for the award. shocked to have been selected as a finalist Jo said: “We’re really humbled to even UK Hand Knitting launches third for the Creative Industry Business of the be nominated, but to win would be Year as it is such a competitive industry.” outstanding in such a strong field. We are annual Christmas Stocking Appeal Being shortlisted for the award is a real really looking forward to taking part in the ❚ UK Hand Knitting is asking knitters patterns, all of which can be found highlight for West Design, who have gone judging day and the whole experience.” and crocheters across the country to on the UK Hand Knitting website from strength-to-strength throughout 2018. The award ceremony takes place on join their Christmas appeal and http://ukhandknitting.com/knitting- The award itself celebrates innovation and November 28, 2018. spread some festive cheer by making for-charity/charity-knitting-patterns excellence in businesses who operate in mini stockings for care homes, lunch Knitters and crocheters can drop the creative industries, something West clubs, hospices and foodbanks. off their bunting at the UK Hand has in abundance. UK Hand Knitting’s Annabelle Hill Proving to be market-leaders and Knitting stand at the Knitting and said: “Last year we distributed more product pioneers in the arts, crafts and Stitching Show at Harrogate, or by than 1,500 stockings to organisations stationery arena, West Design is constantly sending them to: all over the country. We hope this is evolving to ensure it never loses sight of Christmas Stocking Appeal the perfect chance for us to celebrate what drives the business forward. Jo 60 Bridge Road East our craft and we want to get as many added: “To be recognised on a nationwide Welwyn Garden City people involved as possible to bring a level really shows how far the company has Herts AL7 1JU come in terms of making an impact and little Christmas cheer to those who being a key player in the creative market need it at this time of year.” The deadline is December 1. place. The acknowledgement has really Anyone can get take part simply If you know of any organisations inspired us as a team to keep doing what by making a mini Christmas stocking that would love to receive some we’re already are, leading from the front or sock from left over yarn. UK Hand beautiful hand crafted stockings please and ensuring that innovation and customer Knitting has created four special knit email [email protected] care is at the heart of everything we do.” Exciting year ahead for Pirika UK Amanda Mason, General Manager Pirika UK, tells us about how they are expanding their range even further in 2019 with exciting new partnerships

z HOW DO YOU SUM UP 2018 have a rich and varied history, and z AKASHIYA FOR PIRIKA UK? we feel this, along with our drive Akashiya’s opened their first 2018 has been an exciting year for and passion, allows us to take store in Nara, Japan over 300 years everyone at Pirika UK. We remain advantage of new opportunities as ago. Akashiya have a rich history of passionate about being creative and we look to expand our business over manufacturing calligraphy brushes, providing our customers with high quality the coming months and years. including their traditional “Nara tools and materials that inspire people to brush”, and ensure they maintain create beautiful things. Our transition to z TELL US MORE ABOUT the high quality they’re known for by being independent this year has allowed YOUR NEW SUPPLIERS? finishing all their brushes by hand. us the opportunity to already offer a variety We are proud to announce that we are of diverse products from different ranges. now the authorised distributor in the z BANDE UK for five suppliers- Akashiya, bande, bande bring a new style of Japanese z WHAT DOES 2019 HOLD Jacquard, Marvy Uchida and Yamato. Washi tape that has individual stickers FOR PIRIKA UK? that allows more flexibility by giving you We are looking forward to entering z WHAT DO THESE NEW the option to peel and position as desired. the excitement of a new year with a SUPPLIERS BRING TO YOUR Add to that, a wide selection of high-quality great team of new partners onboard. PRODUCT RANGE? sophisticated designs and these stickers Heading into 2019 we are keen to By working with these industry leaders, are ideal for paper crafters everywhere. expand our product range even we are able to offer an extensive range further and provide our customers of Japanese-inspired products including: z JACQUARD with an even more extensive range crafts, stickers, dyes, paint, inks, markers Jacquard Products have been the leading z YAMATO of Japanese-inspired products. and more in 2019. Each supplier brings a manufacturer of artist materials for fabric YAMATO first started the production and different aspect to our expanding range. for over 35 years. Family owned and sales of glass-bottled long-life starch z HOW DO YOU INTEND operated, they offer top-quality materials paste in 1899 and since then they have TO ACHIEVE THIS? at great value suitable for anyone from kept looking at innovative ways to extend We believe that working with the right professional artists, craftspeople to their product range. They specialise in partners is key. We want to be able home crafters, children and hobbyists. glues across a number of industries to bring the best products available including schools, office, industry as on the market to our customers, all z MARVY UCHIDA well as arts and crafts. Environmentally under one roof. Using our knowledge Marvy Uchida believe that colour is a aware they are passionate about and expertise, we have chosen our powerful form of expression and that it providing a range of products that new partners based on the quality can be used to tell a story or enhance conform to environmental standards. of their products and their ability to a mood. They have been creating For more information go to provide our customers with items that high-quality pens and markers, in an www.pirika.co.uk or contact our are innovative, unique and on trend. extensive range of vibrant colours, since sales team. All our manufacturers are market the 1970’s. Their excellent range is now Tel: 01527 592952 leaders in their own sectors, and used by artists all over the world. E-mail: [email protected]

www.craftbusiness.com PIRIKA page_ADS 29/10/2018 16:48 Page 1 12 NEWS

Huge response to Craft MEET THE JUDGES LINDA BARKER Business Awards 2019 Interior Designer and Television Presenter A massive number of nominations put forward as voting begins

ANTHEA TURNER z The nominations for the right up to big brands. Each launched and a glittering Television Presenter and Former-Blue Craft Business Awards category aims to celebrate panel of judges will pick the Peter Presenter 2019 have flooded in. and recognise excellence best of the bunch in the new We have been swamped within our vibrant sector. Elite Industry Awards. as over 650 nominees have Voting is open now Caroline Brooke, Buyer for DR SUSAN KAY-WILLIAMS been put forward for the through the Craft Business Kids Products at Hobbycraft, Chief Executive of the Royal School of accolades this time around. website, make sure your said: “I’m delighted to be on the Needlework The Craft Business Awards favourites don’t miss out and judging panel this year and look are the biggest and most don’t forget to promote your forward to seeing what comes well-respected in the crafting nomination through all your through from across the sector. industry, celebrating everyone social media platforms. It’s a really exciting time for MICHAEL O’CONNOR from small start ups and young Editor Mark Hayhurst said: crafting, especially as we see Partner at Grey Sergeant business people to the giants “I am really pleased to see the more kids trying their hands of papercraft, knitting, stitching, large number of nominations at both traditional crafts and haberdashery, beading, jewellery flood in. They are the biggest modern crafting, such as slime!” and creative stationery. yet and it is good to see that in Last year’s awards received The Craft Business Awards our 14th year the popularity of over 26,000 votes and reached SARAH HAMILTON are split into 22 categories the awards continues to grow.” over 115,000 people. Founder of Just a Card that cover everything from This is the first year that Voting for the awards will independent shops and products, a special category has been close on February 1, 2019.

KATE ARNELL z THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES ARE: TV Presenter and Eco Blogger • Best Support & Service • Best Creative Stationery Manufacturer/ • NEW! Best Chain Craft Shop (previously Best Supplier/Distributor Shared Retailer) • Best Social Media • Best E-tailer • Best Trade Website HALDI KRANICH-WOOD • Best British Brand Product Manager for British Wool • Best European Brand ELITE INDUSTRY AWARDS JUDGED BY OUR • Best American Brand PANEL OF EXPERTS: • Best Independent Retailer • NEW! Craft Influencer of the Year • Best Sustainable Craft Company • Best Craft Book Publisher CAROLINE BROOKE • NEW! Best Emerging Craft Brand Buyer for Kids Products at Hobbycraft • Best Knitting Manufacturer/Supplier/ • Best New Product Distributor • Best Children’s Product • Best Beading & Jewellery Manufacturer/ Supplier/Distributor • Best Craft Book • Best Marketing Campaign • Best Papercraft Manufacturer/Supplier/ DEBBIE BLISS Distributor Don’t forget to vote for your favourites. Knitwear Designer • Best Stitching & Haberdashery Manufacturer/ Make sure they don’t miss out Supplier/Distributor The closing date for voting is February 1, 2019.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE AT WWW.CRAFTBUSINESS.COM VOTING CLOSES ON FEBRUARY 1, 2019

www.craftbusiness.com RETAIL 13 New website makes ordering so simple Sam Kemp, newly appointed Sales Director at Artcoe, gives us the lowdown on their new website and plans for the future

z Tell me a little bit about the z What are the benefits of range continuously growing z What is your bestselling z What does the future history of your company? placing orders online? and evolving. We can promote brand or product? hold for your company? Artcoe has been serving Our new website is streamlined new products and introduce We distribute and wholesale At Artcoe, it is a very exciting customers for nearly 20 for easy access and is fully these to our customers and many of the industry’s leading time, through further years. We are a manufacturer, responsive across all devices and the market quickly. Once our brands, including , investment in our business, distributor and wholesaler platforms. Customers can place customers are logged in, they Essdee, Excel and, featuring partnerships, products and of over 20,000 art, craft orders at their own convenience, can now view the price of the alongside, Frisk, which is our own customers we drive our and graphic products. 24 hours a day. All new products product that is specific to them, exclusive brand, a comprehensive business forward and are are visible immediately online providing further transparency range of art, craft and graphic committed to develop and z You recently redesigned where previously these would in the ordering process. materials which are suitable for bring to market many more your website. What led feature in our next promotional all levels of artists. Frisk is trade consumer-led products you to that decision? mailout or the next time we z When an order is placed and consumer renowned for high whilst we strive to deliver to We created a new website to spoke to our customers on the how soon will it be sent out? quality and great value, products trade customers our goal of make the ordering process telephone or at meetings. All Orders placed before 2pm are include specialist artist pads becoming the ‘go-to’ supplier simple. Our desire was to ensure products are now categorised, dispatched the same day on a and papers to accessories such of specialist art, craft and that every customer, whether ensuring the ordering process next day carrier. as brushes and canvases. Frisk graphic creative materials. existing or new, could find exactly is very simple and easy. You offers creative tools for all artists. what they were looking for. We can search specifically for a z Do you have an internal z What is next for Artcoe? have also created a calendar brand or product in the search customer service/sales team? z Is it just branded Over the next few months we of promotions to support bar tool and, coupled with all Yes, we have for many years product you sell? look forward to presenting our customers outside of the stocked items featured online, supported our customers Artcoe offer a large range of art to customers many more traditional ‘Back to College’ and it offers a far improved service with a highly experienced and craft materials available for exciting developments in the ‘Christmas’ campaigns, so we to our customers, whereas our dedicated team whom are own brand. In consultation with Frisk product range, where we ARTCOEcan 1.2_ADS drive our 02/11/2018 business forward10:18 Page 1 catalogue traditionally was always on hand to help with our customers we create a range are currently creating more together by offering consumers sadly out of date as soon as it orders or queries if you of products suitable for the needs consumer-led artist pads, fantastic offers all year round. was printed due to our product prefer that personal touch. of their business and customers. papers and accessories.

Artcoe, your ‘go‐to’ trade supplier, manufacturer, distributor and wholesaler of over 20,000 art, craft and graphic products. REGISTER ONLINE FOR YOUR NEW ACCOUNT TODAY! Web : www.artcoe.co.uk Email : [email protected] Telephone : 0845 3007750

www.craftbusiness.com 14 SHOW NEWS

• Stacey Park, Owner, Scrapbooking Made Simple • Anthony Piperno, President Creativation 2019: & CMMO, A.C. Moore • Jennifer Vanderveldt, VP Strategy & Analytics, The What to put in your diary Michaels Companies, Inc. z AFCI Awards Ceremony Here are some top tips on what to look out for in Phoenix – Sunday, January 20 from 5:00pm-6:30pm Honour this year’s award ❚ The 78th annual Creativation in Phoenix, Arizona. We take a have productive business recipients including the 2019 trade event, where creative quick look at what’s on offer: discussions, and plan which Hall of Fame class, Industry business professionals go to booths to visit the next morning. Award winners and the new learn, connect and discover, z NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Retailers of the Year. Tickets has a great deal to offer. Newcomers Welcome z Industry Panel Discussion: may be redeemed for one This year’s conference Reception – Thursday, Let’s Get Real: The Challenges drink. Light refreshments features hands-on product January 17 from 5pm-6pm and Opportunities within the provided; cash bar available. workshops in popular consumer At this meet and greet you’ll get Industry – Saturday, January craft categories, including but the inside scoop on how to make 19 from 5.30pm-7.30pm z SHOW FEATURES Village and the Yarn Pavilion. not limited to paper crafting, the best use of your time while at Listen to key leaders discuss Creativation University Meet with manufacturers selling cardmaking, scrapbooking, home the event. You’ll learn everything the state of the creative industry Learn what’s new, what’s products within these segments décor, mixed media, celebrations, you need to know to plan your and how you can adapt to the trending and how you can and participate in interactive party décor and needle arts. education and event schedule, ever-changing environment. drive your business forward to activities to learn new techniques The premier education tips on networking with your Continue the conversation after success in over 100 seminars and how these segments program also offers interactive industry peers, and the best ways the panel and network with and workshops at Creativation work with the current products seminars on topics that are to conduct business with the everyone who attends during a University. Participate in you are selling and using. critical to today’s retail and vendors on the trade show floor. cocktail networking reception. classes that channel your creative professionals, including enthusiasm, sharpen your z School House social media, content and z New Product Networking Panel Participants: business skills, and expand Want to take hands-on workshops digital marketing, business Event – Friday, January • Lynn Lilly, CEO/Founder, your knowledge of the creative but need to fit them into your operations, legal, point of sales 18 from 4.30pm-6pm Craft Box Girls arts industry – all led by busy Show-day schedule? Come and technology. The conference Get an exclusive preview of • Mike McCooey, President/ industry experts, professional experience the Schoolhouse, program kicks off with two full exhibitors’ new products before CEO, Plaid Enterprises educators, and your creative 60-90 minute workshops – right days of education on January 17 the trade show floor opens! • Bobbie Medema, CEO, peers. An updated schedule on the Show floor! Tickets are and 18, 2019, and runs throughout This is a great opportunity Notions Marketing can be found at http:// required and available at the trade show, January 19-21, at to meet the manufacturers • Ryan Newell, President/ www.creativationshow.org/ Registration in the lobby. the Phoenix Convention Center who created these products, CEO, Sprinrite LP education/education-schedule z HOTELS z Sharing the Creative Heart Need a hotel? Creativation has On Sunday, January 20, look partnered with Hotels for Hope, for free hidden pieces of making it easier for you to book art passionately made by hotels near the event in Phoenix. the AFCI Designer Section Hotels for Hope’s 600,000 members. All of the art plus hotel partners gives your pieces will be tagged with a company more choices of where special message. When you to stay within your budget. find your piece of art, take a For every Creativation hotel photo and post it to Instagram room night booked through using #CREATIVATION. Hotels for Hope, $2 will be donated to the Kids In Need z Dedicated Show floor areas Foundation. Book your room at Two new show floor areas will http://www.creativationshow.org/ be featured called the Stamp attendees/hotel-transportation

www.craftbusiness.com SHOW NEWS 15 Creativeworld Trends 2019/20: Welcome Friends In the spirit of its motto, ‘Welcome friends’, the Creativeworld Trends 2019/2020 offer inviting ideas for people’s homes. Cosiness, get- togethers with friends, parties and self-decorated tables are all reflected in the trends for the coming season of creative activity z Creativeworld, leading international trade fair for hobby, arts and crafts supplies, is the platform for trends in the DIY sector: a showcase for what is in demand worldwide. Stilbüro bora.herke. palmisano has been commissioned by Messe Frankfurt to monitor the influences on the creative sector from the worlds of product, textile and fashion design and have adapted these specifically for the products and themes on display at Creativeworld. From this, the designers have derived the Creativeworld Trends, which will be on show in the dedicated exhibition in Hall 4.1 (Stand G41) from January 26-29, 2019, From this, flow all sorts of are decorated with grasses z NATURAL LOCATION: cloths, runners and place in Frankfurt am Main. Some new presentational and sales and twigs. Thickly applied paint SIMPLE AND mats can be personalised in really unusual individual pieces opportunities for the retail trade, makes it possible to give things UNPRETENTIOUS this way to suit the individual will be created in advance as the new products and ways a whole new look. Such items Tactile materials in rich, dense occasion. Crocheted trivet of the show, using materials of using them can be adapted include objects found both at colours play a major role in mats, made from waxed cotton and tools from the exhibiting for the retailer’s shop itself. the flea market and in nature. natural location. They must be cord on hand-painted linen manufacturers, and incorporated The 2019/20 Creativeworld Fabrics and thick rope, plain and simple, like linen and cloth, enhance the natural into the three trend scenarios. Trends are all about cosy branches and twigs can be pottery. That way they ensure a impact of the country table. Michael Reichhold, conviviality, naturalness brush-painted and serve as stylish naturalness in a country Creativeworld Director, Messe and vitality. Three styles decorative accessories. Textiles kitchen. This is where you will find z HAPPY PLACE: Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, said: have emerged to harmonize bring comfort and warmth the traditional, grass-roots festive BRIGHT COLOURS AND “Specialist retailers will find all these with the home into the home and are also, dinner table, where unglazed FESTIVE FORMALITY some unexpected juxtapositions environment: cozy site, natural therefore, a centre of focus in edges on uneven and irregular This trend shows paper in a new of creative materials and location and happy place. cozy site. Tying and knotting, individually crafted pottery one- light: be it for invitation cards, techniques in the special with soft, thick, fluffy wool, offs are set off to best advantage. close-fitting cardboard containers exhibition and will thus get plenty z COZY SITE: SNUG enhance the textiles that are The ‘handmade’ look provides and gift boxes, wrapping paper of important and stimulating AND CONVIVIAL available. Beautiful textures are the unifying thread for natural or paper tablecloths. Fresh ideas for their businesses. With really light colours, from created with simple macramé location. Everything gets a ideas have been developed “The designers have ecru and natural wool to a radiant knotting techniques. The dusty personal touch with playful for gifts, packaging and included, in the presentation white, cozy site spreads calm old tapestry image has gone: refinements and delicate touches. celebrating, all involving bright, of the Creativeworld Trends, and conviviality. Liquid dyes complex techniques, used Thus, for example, decorative in-your-face colours. There the tools and materials used. are used here, in a dip dying to create wall hangings and patchworks are created on is the invitation card on high- So that the trade visitors to the technique, for instance. Little curtains in wool, yarn, cord linen and other fabrics, using quality paper, decorated with show will see how the individual vases are half or completely or rope, create warm accents a sashiko technique with its a little woollen ribbon, pearls pieces have been made.” dipped in paint and, hanging free, and are very much on trend. so-called running stitch. Table and coloured speckles. There is a suitably decorated table for a birthday celebration with a brightly coloured string of woollen pompoms hanging above it. Individual letters, cut out and stuck together with masking tape, replace traditional place cards. Depending on the target age range, the letters can also be created to imitate graffiti. Paper table cloths get uncompromising patterns with bold lettering or make a real impression with the help of stencils. And the festive ambience is completed with garlands and traditional sayings, pendants, tags and graffiti in vibrant yellow, orange, red or pink.

www.craftbusiness.com 16 SHOW NEWS h+h cologne 2019 colours up the business Find out what the latest trends will be in the handicraft industry in Cologne next year z Specialised trade visitors Advertising at the Macromedia from all over the globe will High School in Cologne. In meet up at h+h cologne to learn addition to his teaching activities, about the latest trends in the he also works as a marketing textile handicraft industry. and strategy consultant. Next year things are going What does the customer to be particularly colourful, at think? What does he want? How the event held on March 29-31, can I win him over? These are because this time the motto the questions that every dealer Sofa, on how “to professionally will present the colours, trends Creativity is set no limits of the event zone “my lovely would like to know the answer to. arrange sales-boosting photo and inspirations that will be the in the scope of the workshops livingroom” is “colour your In his lecture, entitled “Marketing presentations for the shop, blog potential bestsellers in 2019. either. The offer that targets business!”. Under this title, in the is done differently today”, sales and social media.” And Tanja Katja Speer’s theme is professional creative managers, event and workshop programme, and marketing specialist, Uwe knows what she is talking about sustainable new trade fair who are looking for new ideas h+h cologne 2019 is putting a Bürder, will explain what you because she styles and develops items. The trained PR Manager or who would like to further special focus on current and have to know or do - how to read concepts for companies from has been advising companies educate themselves on the successful approaches for the minds of your customers. the fashion, interior, home in the area of corporate and creative scene, picks up on customer acquisition, sales Trade visitors at h+h can learn textile and household sections. product communications for current trends and turns them promotions and customer loyalty. what emotions can contribute Her clients include Kaufhof, many years. Her special subject into textile projects that make For example, in his lecture, towards this in his second lecture as well as S’Oliver and dm. is “Sustainability”. She has ideal customer loyalty schemes. Prof. Dr. Ingo Markgraf will “Target group people - how Visitors, who don’t know what excellent industry and market All of the workshops are address the question “The digital emotions promote your sales”. IGTV means or that you can shop knowledge, especially in the being organised and marketed generation - is there any hope for Of course, the theme of via Instagram should definitely fashion, cosmetics and design, directly by Koelnmesse. Tickets the smartphone junkies?” He will social media and how it should not miss the lecture by Michaela hobby, handicrafts and home will be available from the Ticket explain what specialised dealers be implemented correctly to Ioannou. The social media textiles sections. The fashion Shop of h+h cologne at www. can do to understand the young make your business more expert specialises in Facebook designer, Anke Müller’s trend hh-cologne.com. A compete generation better and win them successful isn’t neglected and Instagram and also advises selection focuses on the “Trend overview of the workshop offers over as customers. Markgraf either. For instance, the stylist diverse companies, retailers colours of the season that and the guests on the Talk Sofa teaches Business Psychology, and set designer, Tanja Kosub, and online shops. She has will colour your business.” will also be available online. Brand Communications and gives plenty of tips, on the Red been a Facebook ambassador since 2016 and knows how buying behaviour can have a positive effect on customers through good content. At h+h cologne 2019 she explains how specialised dealers can create a new shopping experience for their customers using Instagram, Instagram Shopping and IGTV (short for Instagram TV). Of course, the popular Trendwatches won’t be missing from the agenda next year. For example, Ann-Christin Trost, Head of Colour and Trend Advisory at Coloro, a subsidiary of the trend research institute, WGSN,

www.craftbusiness.com NEWS 17

Pentel raises over £500,000 for Prostate Cancer UK z has inked in a huge Pentel partnered with STOCK marker in its support for Prostate Prostate Cancer UK in 2009, Cancer UK by raising over half a initially supporting the charity million pounds for the charity. by donating money raised by SHOT The milestone figure has sales of a stylish blue-barrelled been reached by selling more called LineStyle. Frisk Tracedown than two million special edition But the best-selling pens produced by Pentel, sales product by far is the EnerGel of which attract a donation to Xm Retractable rollerball pen, leading men’s health charity, which contains quick-drying Prostate Cancer UK. To put this ink to reduce smudging on in perspective if all these pens hands and paper, and has a sold by Pentel to date were white barrel trimmed with light placed end to end they would: blue accents to complement z Cross the Channel Tunnel the charity’s key brand colour. over six times (single Unlike other conventional tunnel length 50km) gel ink pens which can z Ascend the Shard 1,036 times smudge if touched before it’s (height to the tip 310m) dry, EnerGel ink dries quickly, z Stretch 1¾ times around the making it suitable for use by Prostate Cancer UK sold 25p new goals and hopefully raising M25 (M25 distance 188.3km) both right and left-handed is donated to the charity. much more money to support z Tracedown is a simple, z Complete the London writers. The recommended Wendy Vickery, Pentel Prostate Cancer UK and the quick and easy way to Marathon over 7½ retail price is £2.99 per pen Marketing Manager, said: “We fantastic work that they do. copy images onto paper, times (single marathon and for every white-barrelled are absolutely delighted that, Next step, £1 million!” canvas or board. length 42.195km) ABC 1.4 EnerGel3 COL_ADS Xm pen 31/10/2018 supporting 09:30 Page with1 the enthusiasm and support James Beeby, Associate Simply place one sheet of our customers – especially Director of Prostate Cancer of Tracedown between the Clintons - we’ve raised over half UK, said: “This partnership image and your surface and a million Pounds for Prostate has been something to really trace over the outline, your CHSI STITCHES ANNOUNCES Cancer UK through sales of write home about, and we are customers will be painting our special edition pens. incredibly grateful to Pentel in no time! NEW MEETING PLANNER TOOL “We heard earlier this year for their continued support z Wax free transfer that prostate cancer has become in helping to raise money for carbon paper the third biggest cancer killer in Prostate Cancer UK. Raising z Transfer from a sketch, the UK, and this has made us over half a million pounds is a pattern or template more determined than ever to phenomenal achievement and the z Clean and crisp tracing continue to support the excellent money raised will help fund vital which can easily be work of Prostate Cancer UK, research and support for men. erased to help fund projects to raise “One man dies every 45 z Euro slotted awareness of the disease and minutes from prostate cancer, z A4 & A3, available in improve the quality of life for a shocking statistic. It is with 1 or 5 sheet packs men living with a diagnosis. support from Pentel and 0845 3007750 “Our efforts won’t stop now their customers that we are www.artcoe.co.uk we’ve reached this significant able to continue to help stop [email protected] figure. We’ll keep going, setting prostate cancer being a killer.”

z As registration for the 2019 “We’re really excited to event opens, CHSI Stitches be launching this brand-new has announced it will be meetings tool at our 2019 launching an innovative new event. For us it was essential meeting planner tool to help that the tool allows people visitors and exhibitors to to connect based on mutual connect during the event. business interests so that The smart tool will allow meaningful and productive pre-registered visitors to meetings can take place. request and schedule meetings Exhibitors and visitors that with exhibitors based on carefully select categories mutual interests. Exhibitors are most aligned to their business given the opportunity to select activities will benefit the most.” product categories most aligned To register for the show to their business when they visit www.chsi.co.uk. Those book their space at the show. registered will be notified Similarly, when visitors when the meetings tool register they can select the goes live six weeks before product categories they are the show and can then most interested in. A ‘match’ register their interests. is then made and both visitors Organised by ICHF Events, and exhibitors can request CHSI Stitches has been at the meetings. The tool is an opt heart of the craft industry for in system, which will launch more than 40 years. The trade six weeks before the show. event also features workshops Jordana Johnson, and seminars, a catwalk marketing manager at show, new product showcase ICHF Events has worked and The Next Big Thing for in partnership with event the newest designers and registration providers, LiveBuzz creative companies and over to develop the tool and said: 200 key industry exhibitors “The show attracts thousands from across the world. of visitors each year and we CHSI Stitches 2019 takes felt there was an opportunity place from February 17-19 here to use technology to at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. connect people in advance For more information visit of the show, saving time and www.chsi.co.uk. For up to creating efficiencies during date trade show news follow the days of the show. Twitter @CHSIstitches.

www.craftbusiness.com 18 INTERVIEW Become a Biscuiteer! Angela Sara West chats with Biscuiteers co-founder, Harriet Hastings, about the story behind the brand, and indulges in a few of the festive biscuit offerings that YULE absolutely love!

z Princess Beatrice, Charlotte Olympia and David Beckham are fans, and high-end clients, from Harrods to Dior, can’t get enough of them… Biscuiteers Baking Company creates witty and beautifully- decorated handmade biscuits using the very best natural ingredients and in the old- fashioned, non-industrialised way.

z Biscuiteers is phenomenally day. Our corporate team does what they think would make a successful and has won multiple a wonderful job of working with good biscuit, as well as keeping awards, including CNN Traveller’s the design team in the kitchen an eye on what is currently ‘London’s Best Quirky Cafe’, to create engaging designs on trend. The beauty of the Sheerluxe’s ‘Online Shopping’ for brands such as Cartier and business being a small one is and Standard’s ‘London’s Karl Lagerfeld. Strictly Come that we’re able to respond to Best Biscuit Maker’. How did Dancing’s Claudia Winkleman is trends in a much more nimble the company come about? another big fan, and came along way than bigger brands can. My husband, Stevie, and I came to our birthday party and biscuit up with the idea for Biscuiteers exhibition at the Serpentine z Many of your icers are artists on a weekend away in New York. Pavilion last year to celebrate and do wonderful work copying We were sure that there were lots ten years of beautiful biscuits! logos and fashion designs… of people as passionate about We have had some exciting Our biscuits are also used biscuits as we are and that there commissions, including for press launches, client was a real opportunity to set up a collaboration with Anya gifts, iced place names and a biscuits gift business online Hindmarch to create a tin of biscuit card invitations, along that was completely different her handbags and a circus tin with party bags. We do a lot from anything else in the market exclusively for the Conran Shop. of bespoke work for private – biscuits that would look as We designed a limited-edition parties, weddings, christenings, beautiful as they tasted, biscuits tin to celebrate Selfridges’ baby showers and birthday that people would want to talk 100th birthday and bespoke parties. There is nothing more about. In 2007, we launched the biscuits for the launch of Harvey rewarding than creating a tin business online and, in 2012, Nichols’ 4th floor. We have also for a friend’s birthday with we opened our very first Biscuit created bespoke designs for all their special things! Boutique & Icing Cafe in London’s outstanding brands such as We call our ranges Notting Hill, followed by our Mulberry, Boden, Swatch and ‘collections’ because we Northcote Road boutique in 2014. Burberry, among many others. knew we wanted to launch them seasonally like fashion z You’ve baked and decorated z Where do you find inspiration collections and to keep bespoke designs for numerous for your bespoke biscuits, refreshing and developing the luxury brands and many famous chocolates and cakes? range. It was important that we faces are Biscuiteers fans… Our team seeks inspiration found our own style - distinctive We’ve been lucky to have some everywhere and our new designs designs that would make our lovely fans of our brand and enjoy are a truly collaborative process biscuits instantly recognisable. creating bespoke designs for with all of our team involved. Our fashion collections remain luxury brands and clients every We listen to Biscuiteers’ fans on among our bestselling lines.

www.craftbusiness.com INTERVIEW 19

z Your team undertakes both z Your Christmas offerings z Do you incorporate trends in School of Icing. What can Biscuiteers Book of Iced Gifts small and impressive large-scale are lip-smackingly delicious! your tempting makes? wannabe Biscuiteers expect provides easy step-by-step ‘biscuit architecture’ projects, Which are your favourite We keep a close eye on colour from your Christmas tuition to give you top icing such as huge biscuit castles. festive designs? schemes and trends which we workshops? skills. You can learn to ice some Which are the challenging It’s so hard to pick a favourite anticipate for the year to ensure They are designed to guide of our favourite Christmas large-scale creations that for Christmas as there are that our biscuits fit perfectly into eager icers through the biscuits, including edible you are most proud of? designs for every family the festive home, whilst still creation of some of their most baubles, hot chocolate toppers Recreating Waddesdon Manor in member. I love the intricacy making a statement. This year, I iconic tins. This year, this and our advent biscuits, too. gingerbread and icing was one of of the advent tin which love our Christmas bauble includes our Nutcracker, our favourite and most exciting accompanies our cloth advent collection which is brilliantly Snowman and Winter z Finally, you have a winning projects. It was over two metres calendar, this year designed impactful and designed for a Wonderland designs, as well as mission statement - ‘Why in size and took our talented icers in partnership with Susie super colourful Christmas tree. a construction class for our send flowers when you can 500 hours and 30kg of butter and Watson Designs. Hand icing DIY Gingerbread house, all send Biscuiteers instead?’ sugar, 240 eggs and 220kg of icing 24 individual biscuits to create z Showcasing the much-loved allowing you to take your - and, this year, you’re to make! It was a huge hit with the ultimate foodie advent Biscuiteers biscuit, chocolate masterpiece home afterwards. shipping over 100,000 biscuit both visitors to the manor and the calendar is no mean feat! and cake collections, the Our boutique teams adore gifts worldwide. What’s press, appearing on BBC News Every Christmas, we send out boutiques are also drop-in icing running these classes and love next for the Biscuiteers? and in the international press. thousands of our Jolly Gingers, cafés where you host themed seeing returning icers, as well We’re always listening to Our ‘biscuit architecture’ each with their own personality. icing lessons, children’s icing as welcoming new icers who customer feedback and projects are always a Biscuiteers Santa is my favourite! parties and run the Biscuiteers are keen to be Biscuiteers! requests to develop new highlight. Those projects include designs. Exciting new launches large-scale biscuit structures for z Your top tip for include our Paddington clients like Leeds Castle, Charlie biscuit decorating? collection. We look forward and the Chocolate Factory: “I love the intricacy of the Patience is key! You may not to meeting biscuit fans in The Musical and designer advent tin which accompanies be someone who picks up an store and at events such as Charlotte Olympia… We even icing bag and turns a biscuit the Spirit of Christmas Fair. created ten biscuit structures our cloth advent calendar, this into a masterpiece on the first Come and pick up some to mark our tenth birthday year, attempt, but with practice of our festive favourites! which were displayed at The year designed in partnership comes perfection. It’s all about Serpentine Gallery Pavilion. developing your own style and To find out more, visit: London’s first biscuit exhibition! with Susie Watson Designs” taking the time to do this. The www.biscuiteers.com

www.craftbusiness.com 20 INTERVIEW

Minutes With... Gill Galloway-Whitehead Internationally-renowned jeweller Gill Galloway-Whitehead talks to Angela Sara West about her life and work

5z International Jewellery leading jewellery designers, z Your beautifully-crafted pieces z How do you incorporate London (IJL) is the UK’s including multi-award-winning illustrate incredible attention your visual inspiration, such biggest trade fair for the contemporary fine wire jeweller, to detail. Tell me a little about as walking in the woods and international jewellery industry, Gill Galloway-Whitehead. the method you developed the coastal landscape of the demonstrating the fantastic Having been specially for working with fine wire… north east, into your work? skills and design creativity selected by Goldsmiths’ Craft Working with fine wire Visual inspiration is that our jewellery industry is & Design Council to exhibit came about via my Masters incorporated into my work famous for around the world. at the inaugural Uniquely UK at Birmingham School of directly at the bench. I do not The September show reveals showcase at this year’s IJL, Jewellery. It developed through work from drawings, I get a GRAFIX 1.4 3 COL_ADS 30/10/2018 16:32 Pagethe 1 latest industry trends and Gill Galloway-Whitehead also experimental research into feel for what I am trying to market developments which will won the Gold and Silver Award what various forms of metal achieve and then start making. help retailers and suppliers make Technological Innovation 3D can do. I don’t know of any the right commercial decisions, (senior) from the Goldsmiths’ modern techniques that I haven’t z What is the most rewarding while for buyers, it’s their annual Craft & Design Council. already tried in some aspect of aspect of what you do? opportunity to shop for the my work, including computer Simply to be able to widest range of gems, jewellery, z When did you first discover modelling and printing. do it full time. packaging and services in the your passion for jewellery and land! This year, along with loose what inspired your interest in z Where do you find inspiration? z What have been the biggest gemstones and retail services using fine wire in your makes? Methods of working inspire challenges of your career? suppliers, IJL highlighted the I wouldn’t say that I had a me more than people. I don’t Top career challenges are latest ranges from over 550 particular passion for jewellery, reference other designers’ work finding enough time in the year high-end finished jewellery more an interest in working - that would be missing the for personal development. manufacturers and Britain’s with precious metal. whole point of creative practice. z Which creations are you most proud of? “I do not feel the need to hold I don’t really think about individual pieces of work. The onto my pieces as I have no whole body of work is most important. I do not feel the need sentimentality about them” to hold onto my pieces as I have no sentimentality about them. z You’ve also clinched I remember them all - they an ‘Innovation Prize’ at are linked through experience Inhorgenta Munich… and experimentation. The next thing for me is Inhorgenta Trade Fair in Munich, z You’re well known for your next February 2019. This is where love of experimentation I wholesale my work across - how important is to be Europe. experimental and take risks? Without experimentation z How does it feel to be an there is no new discovery… international award-winning jewellery influencer, highly z What is your ethos? regarded by the likes of To be authentic is my Goldsmiths and The Design only real ethos. Council, and to exhibit your pieces in prestigious galleries z What changes have you around the world, including witnessed in the jewellery Museo degli Argenti in industry recently and how Florence and Birmingham do you see it evolving? Museum and Art Gallery, What can we look forward luxury stores like Fortnum to in the future? & Mason, and at leading From the bit of the jewellery industry events, such as IJL? industry that I get to see, it I feel I am privileged to have been seems to be going through given awards and to be invited a change. More selling to take part in prestigious events online and more jewellers and exhibitions, both in the UK retailing their own work and abroad. It is important to instead of wholesaling. have the respect of my peers.

FACTBOX: z Gill’s website: www.gillgallowaywhitehead.com Sponsored by the NAJ and supported by the GIA, Gem-A, The Houlden Group, The Company of Master Jewellers, The Responsible Jewellery Council, Euromonitor and CIBJO, IJL will return to London’s Kensington Olympia between 1st-3rd September 2019. z For further information about IJL, visit www.jewellerylondon.com and www.reedexpo.com

www.craftbusiness.com PROMOTION 21 Exciting times ahead in Germany Lavinia Stamps’ Tracey Dutton speaks to us ahead of next year’s Creativeworld trade show in Frankfurt

z What new items will you be showcasing at Creativeworld? Lavinia Stamps have launched so many more beautiful designs this year we are quite excited to be taking these fabulous designs to Creativeworld next year. Our trade customers are going to love them. We will be show-casing at this show, so for us it’s a beautiful detailed silhouette very favourable show to do. fairies, which Lavinia Stamps are Last year we met some best known for. We also have lovely people and were offered some fantastic foliages, trees some fantastic business and new mini stamps, These are opportunities working with this year’s Autumnal collection overseas customers, customers z Is the European market and our very latest designs which we are still working with today. a strong one for you? are proving so very popular The European market is very with our retail customers. z How important to your strong for us, it always has been, business is it to be at the which was one of the reasons we z You attended the show show in Frankfurt? decided to go over to Frankfurt last year – how successful I do love this show, it’s so to meet many of our existing was it for you? refreshing, well organised customers. However, we are Last year’s Creativeworld show and there is such a buzz to always pleasantly surprised as to was overwhelming for us, each the place. Trade customers how many more new customers LAVINIA 1.2_ADS 30/10/2018 09:43 Page 1 year gets better and better. come from all over the world, we deal with as each year We have doubled our stand there really is no limit to the goes by. This being one of the size since starting to trade interesting people you meet reasons we go back each year.

www.craftbusiness.com 22 VALENTINE’S DAY Hand Stamped Bezel Program – Two Become One ImpressArts’ Laura Avitabile explains their new Artizan collection ideal for making a personalised gift for the ones you love

z ImpressArt, the world selection of Artisan-inspired a new style of hand-stamped leader of hand stamping, is stamping blanks and findings jewellery to their offering; unique offering a variety of resources that will help create elevated, designs that will set them that guide consumers hand stamped jewellery. apart from their competition. along the path of becoming Bezel Sets are the first While personalized jewellery creative entrepreneurs. product to be released from the makes the perfect gift for just Over the years, ImpressArt new collection which includes about any occasion, Valentine’s has been on the forefront of six different designs of real Day is perhaps the most fitting. providing tools and supplies that silver and gold plated bezel In addition to Bezel Sets, make metal stamping fun and cups, accompanied by opposite- ImpressArt carries a full range of easy for makers of all aptitudes. toned brass and aluminium supplies including tools, blanks, Whether your customers stamping blanks, allowing stamping aids and findings. are crafters dabbling in the art makers to create beautiful, Visit ImpressArt.com of hand stamping, jewellery two-tone jewellery. These new for details on the entire makers creating personalized, products will enable them to add ImpressArt product range. one-of-a-kind pieces for sale, or somewhere in between, ImpressArt has something to “While personalized jewellery offer for people at all stages of makes the perfect gift for just their metal stamping journey. IMPRESS ARTJust 1.2_ADS in time 29/10/2018for Valentine’s 16:47 Page 1about any occasion, Valentine’s Day, ImpressArt has introduced the Artisan Collection; a Day is perhaps the most fitting”

www.craftbusiness.com SHOW NEWS 23 Getting crafty at a new creative festival Alexandra Stapleton, founder of crafting, lifestyle and baking blog Hedgehog Hollow, reports back from The MKNG festivalBEADALON mini_ADS 06/07/2018 14:40 Page 1 z Hedgehog Hollow and about his blue hat campaign, which were so inspiring. A sublimation some of our designers project made the trip to Bethel NY Finally, there were classes for a new creative festival hosted by leading craft brands hosted by AFCI, the creative including Rinea, a Creations and industry trade association. Liberations black light paint party We were blessed with and a Paperhouse Productions glorious weather in a wonderful fall foliage wreath to name a few. outdoor location and add to that In attendance were many some great food and crafting leading influencers – Lynn Lily with friends and you’re on to a from Craft Box Girls, Ken from winner. This event was totally new Ken’s Creations, myself from for AFCI, never before had they The Hedgehog Hollow and Seth hosted an outdoor event and it Apter were some highlights. was a great compliment to their In the evening AFCI and current trade show offering as Paperhouse Productions hosted Making pictures this was open to the professional some networking events for with stickers and amateur crafting community. their leading influencers from The event was co-hosted the VIP Creator Programme. with AFCI, Joann and Michaels Michaels and Joanns had a amongst others; and was a bunch of events and make and family friendly event with lots takes; Michaels had a variety of to keep the children happy and different stations to rotate around, free spirit and wine tasting tie-dye was our favourite. Joann to keep the husbands (and had goodie bags given to every wives) entertained too. attendee as well as a circulating The festival was hosted in performing company to spread Bethel, upstate New York; on the word about Joann, including a site adjacent to the original yarn embellished bikes which Woodstock festival. Just a few were given away at the end of the minutes car journey down the event; sadly no room in our car! road and with the help of a We had a wonderful weekend, friendly onsite worker, we were and we hope it becomes a able to slip between the trees to recurring event; we were definitely find the original stage location luckily with the weather given and lots more landmarks form the time of year. As hosts and the original event. Rock on! creators we learnt a lot about The festival itself had a the event for next year and good mix of crafting adventures. we are certain AFCI did too. Local trades people turned up to Hopefully, with some sell finished crafts as well as a refinements, a bigger and better selection of raw crafting items event will be hosted again next including fleece, yarn and stamps. year. Overall, it was great to have The infamous Mood fabrics from a chance to meet and craft with Project Runway had their monthly the public community. So now Mood Box as well as a meet and we’re looking forward to the greet with Helen Castillo from Creativation Trade show, which is the show, the highlight being able also hosted by AFCI each January to meet Swatch the Mood dog! in Phoenix, Arizona. See you there! AlteNew, Deco Arts, Artsprix, ADHESVIE COMPANY, Paperhouse Productions and The winner from the Creator Stage challenges so many more were also there with materials to purchase as well as daily make and takes. A good selection of food was also available from local vendors; The Food Bus NY being my particular favourite with their infamous ‘Bus Fries’. The make and takes were endless and a great mix of techniques from vinyl, to felt flowers, Bob Ross tuition and leather tassels; something for every type of crafter. There was also a Creator Stage which saw challenges for attending crafters from Tonic Studios, Crayola, Duck Tape Brands and more; all judged by expert crafters. There were also interesting talks, from the likes of Brooklyn Boy Knits

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From Wall Street to Wool Spinning… How a Money Broker Got Crafty! Sachiyo Ishii talks to Angela Sara West about her crafty beginnings, her current creations for forthcoming titles, her collaboration with Clover and how Brexit could benefit overseas brands

z Born and raised in Japan, skill - it’s the best place to start. materialising my ideas and Sussex-based Sachiyo Ishii I got not only the raw fleece, but making someone smile - it’s very worked as a broker on Wall a spinning wheel from one of rewarding. Crafting has helped Street and in London before the ladies. This was something me get through the most difficult discovering doll making, I never even dreamed of doing time of my life and I am sure dressmaking and knitting. when I was in Tokyo. I usually that many will benefit as I did. She’s now a bestselling craft use plant dye as it’s inexpensive author, with her work regularly and eco-friendly. My favourites z What inspired you to featured in knitting magazines are Daria flower, carrot tops, have a complete change of and her enchanting books onion skin and chestnut husks. career and start crafting? flying off the shelves. My inspiration for knitted toys z How did your childhood came from Debbie Bliss’ book z When did your passion in Japan influence your Toy Knits. I fell madly in love for craft begin? crafting style? with the projects and started My mother used to love I grew up in the 70s, when making knitted animals. Steiner handiwork. She was a domestic the Japanese economy was Education’s Waldorf dolls and goddess and could sew, knit growing more rapidly than ever felt crafts have always given and crochet. I grew up watching before. Sanrio, the company me great inspiration, too. her make amazing things out of well known for ‘Hello Kitty’, simple thread and cloth. I fell in certainly influenced my style. I z What do you find the most love with felt at school. Sewing used to collect their stationery challenging aspect of crafting? felt mascots became a big trend and school supplies with their Knitting toys are challenging in our classroom and I spent cute characters on them. because you cannot quite see every penny on felt squares the size or shape until you sew “Crafting has helped me and made little stuffed animals z How would you up and stuff. However, the and dolls almost every day. We describe your style? texture and the colour tone get through the most exchanged end results as gifts Cute, quirky and the yarn creates is something for Christmas. I remember giving Japanese, perhaps? special. Sewing felt is simpler difficult time of my life my favourite to the boy I had a and it’s easy to make your and I am sure that many crush on and he really liked it! I z What do you love most about idea into templates. took up knitting, doll making and craft and how does it feel will benefit as I did.” dressmaking in my early 30s, to be a craft influencer? z You also teach wet and dry after my second son was born. When I started crafting, my felting, doll making, knitting, wish was simply to live happily sewing, crochet and spinning. as a freelance at home most Cosmos, which is scheduled for z You’re a crafty all-rounder… surrounded by the cute creatures What is your favourite aspect of the time. I get new design release in April 2019, while Mini Yes, I knit, felt, crochet, paper I create and the wish remains the of running these classes? ideas from participants, too. Knitted Pocket Pets, a collection craft, make Waldorf dolls and same. I create to please myself My workshops are casual and of small animals knitted in toys, hand dye wool and spin mostly, and have never dreamed easy-going. I enjoy the social z You have authored a number of fleecy yarn, will be out in May yarn. I love spinning wool. When of becoming an influencer, aspect the most. Meeting inspiring titles for Search Press, 2019, which is very exciting!” I first arrived in the UK, I joined a but I love sharing the joy with people is fun and important for including your bestselling books local spinning group to learn the others. I enjoy spending time someone like me who works Mini Felt Christmas and Sew z Tell me about your recent Your Own Felt Advent Calendar. collaboration with, and your Which Christmas creations did knits and crochet creations you particularly enjoy making? for, the Japanese craft tool It was such a delight to create manufacturer Clover mfg… scenes with the felt dolls and It all started with a tiny photo animals I made for Mini Felt of my Yarn Shop Day mascot Christmas. I also have a knitted/ which appeared in Craft crochet version of these projects. Business earlier this year. A You can tell Christmas is one Clover sales representative of my favourite themes! I made fell in love with the knitted a large knitted advent calendar alpaca and wanted to publish last year which took me a few the project on her website. I weeks. It has 25 knitted pockets couldn’t give her the pattern, with numbers and each holds so I suggested some other little knitted toys. The pockets designs instead. We have and toys were not too difficult, been working together ever but making the calendar board since. The Clover website and attaching pockets with even has many fun projects, which space required some effort. are all downloadable for free. What’s great about working z What are you busy crafting at with Clover is that I can engage the moment and are there any in a variety of crafts, as well more books in the pipeline? as test their products. I get to I’m working on a couple of make projects for all sorts of knitting books with quirky aliens, crafts; knitting, crochet, needle astronauts, astro-animals and felt, sewing and even paper spaceships for Mini Knitted craft, all to my heart’s content.

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z Tell me about your personal for Clover. I’m still working compact, durable and suitable history with Clover… on the edit, but they will be for sewing and fibre craft. Clover is a well-known craft tool appearing on their website soon. They never leave my sight. manufacturer in Japan and my I think these will be nice gifts Black Gold Needles: They mother was a big fan of their for my SNS followers. I don’t are designed for quilting and products. One of her favourites make toys for my family any appliqué, but the fine needle was Takumi bamboo knitting more as my boys are grown points are great for many other needles. For many years, I thought up, but I give away tiny knitted uses and it’s a good idea to have all knitting needles were made gifts to my friends. I usually some in your sewing box. I often from bamboo. When I discovered bake biscuits to go with them. use them for sewing felt fabric. that they also come in plastic and Just thinking about creating metal, it was a little surprise for gifts makes me smile... z As a Japanese company, me. A few years after my second what is your view on Brexit? Do son was born, she was diagnosed z Which Clover products would you feel companies need more with her illness. She sent me you recommend to readers? support from the government a box full of knitting needles, Pen Style Needle Felting Tool: I and will the UK’s ability to forge crochet hooks and some other only came across this product international partnerships craft tools. They all looked so recently. Where have I been?!! without having to agree a familiar to me and made me feel It holds up to three needles common EU position create nostalgic. I felt sad that she was closely bundled together. opportunities for the industry? not well enough to carry on with It’s a very effective tool and It takes a lot of courage to make her favourite hobby, but at the makes the felting so much a big change like this and I do same time honoured and happy easier. It’s good for both 3D feel that we have been thrown to receive her precious collection. projects and embroidery. in at the deep end without well-thought out branding and Tiny Pompom Makers: enough warnings. There are marketing, they believe Brexit z What are a few of your You don’t usually see pompom negative thoughts and worries, shouldn’t affect sales. The UK favourite designs for Clover? makers in this size. I have used but some Japanese companies economy has been supported FACTBOX I am pleased with all the designs them to create cute creatures are considering Brexit as an by being a part of the EU. Visit Sachiyo’s website for but I particularly like my pompom for my pompom book. opportunity and are looking to However, many Asian countries free patterns, tutorials and monkeys. I got inspiration for my Roll and Press: This is a expand their UK operations. prospered without an alliance her inspiring blog: Japanese snow monkey during new product, released this with neighbouring countries or www.knitsbysachi.com the hot spring. These will be in my year, and I’m thrilled to have z What do you believe a post- trading duty relief. Japan has Sachiyo’s books are upcoming Pocket Pompom book. this tool! It looks simple EU future holds for overseas overcome many obstacles and published by Search Press: but does an amazing job. I brands in the UK? natural disasters, and this may www.searchpress.com z What have you been don’t have to use an iron to Overseas brands always be the reason why we Asians See Sachiyo’s projects for busy creating for your press seams any more. have a pricing handicap, so are a bit more optimistic about Clover: www.clover-mfg. TAPE TECHNOLOGYChristmas offering? 1.2_ADS 29/10/2018 16:49 PatchworkPage 1 Scissors: I have they need to produce unique, Brexit. We should be positive com/project I recently made five knitting been using these scissors innovative and good-quality and work together to make projects and four sewing projects for many years. They’re products. Together with Brexit work to our advantage!

www.craftbusiness.com WEST DESIGN page_ADS 29/10/2018 16:50 Page 1 INTERVIEW 27

Hours As... 24 Jo Bray Jo Bray, Managing Director – Sales & Marketing at West Design Products, tells us about her day z YOUR DAY What time do you wake up and what does your pre- work routine look like? When I wake up depends solely on my children – if I am not awake before 6am, then I’ve had a lie in! First thing I do every morning is check my emails and then it’s all systems go with the kids - breakfast, getting them dressed, sneak in a quick shower for myself and then I take my youngest to nursery while my husband takes eldest to school in the opposite direction. z You get into work – what does a typical morning look like for you? I get to my desk for about 8am and usually a significant number of emails have come in just since leaving home at 7.30am. The early part of the day is catching up with the management team, covering things like customer feedback, areas of improvement and product launches. I also still have a handful of my own customers boys takes priority - the dinner that I like to try and see in person “When I wake up depends / bath time / bedtime routine as often as possible, too. solely on my children – if I kicks in as soon as I am home. As all parents will appreciate, z What time do you take am not awake before 6am, those three things alone take a lunch, and what do you do remarkably long time, so I then on your lunch break? What then I’ve had a lie in” end up collapsing on the sofa the industry. It’s always good do you typically eat? to multitask - catching up with to have an appreciation for the Lunch can happen anytime emails while watching telly! sector, but there is so much between 1pm and 3pm. Normally more to it than being good I run out and get a healthy z Finally, what time do at arts and crafts yourself! sandwich before ruining it by you typically go to bed buying something naughty on a work night? z What are the best parts too – which I do share with the It varies, depending on how of your job? rest of the office! I like to be many emails I need to respond My staff. I know everyone will say able to leave the office briefly to, but typically I can shut off a similar thing, but I really cannot as I am currently residing in and be in bed by 11pm. underestimate the team I work an enclosed office with no with, across all the West Design windows to the outside world! z A BIT ABOUT YOU sites. We are incredibly fortunate How did you come to work to have a great workforce. z How does a typical in your current position? afternoon take shape? I originally trained as a journalist z What are the most challenging I’m spending a lot of time over in with the intention of becoming parts of your job? our new offices, designed to be a a sports broadcaster and was Looking to build the team and creative hub for West Design in living in Liverpool. However, after a change offices is proving to Dorset. However, on a day-to-day Sales Rep in the Northern territory be a personal challenge at the basis in the afternoon, I will meet left her role, the family business moment. As well as this, along with my PA and we’ll discuss things came calling and I haven’t looked with most companies, forecasting like charitable events we’ll be taking back! From there I took on a and planning for the future during part in, upcoming awards we’re number of Key Accounts and the uncertain economic times nominated for and staff incentives. moved back down to Kent to help we’re facing is demonstrating in Head Office. When the business to be a little tricky to navigate. z What time do you leave? acquired docrafts in 2016, I moved I normally leave the office to run the office in Dorset – no z What does 2019 hold for you? about 5.30pm to make mean feat with two very young Hopefully a wonderful start sure I get to nursery before children in tow - but it’s a decision to life in our new offices! We they lock my son in! I wouldn’t change for anything! also have some amazing partner collaborations that z And what kinds of things do you z What advice would you have we will be announcing in like to get up to in the evening? for someone looking to get 2019 and I know the whole What I would like to do and what I into your particular industry? team are incredibly excited to actually do are two very different That you don’t need to be an showcase these – we know things! Quality time with my arts and crafts whizz to get into you’re going to love them, too!

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A solid heritage and constant development Paul Sacki, managing director of Jakar, tells us about the company and their plans for the future

z TELL US ABOUT JAKAR? mats and drawing materials as z WHAT Jakar International Limited is well as the full range of the world PRODUCTS an established family business. famous Caran d’Ache artists’ WERE THE MOST My grandmother Lydia Sacki materials and colour products, POPULAR IN 2018? started the company in 1949. manufactured in Switzerland. Looking at Jakar products, our My father Kenneth Sacki joined new Fine Glitter, introduced the company in the mid-1950s z HOW IS JAKAR earlier this year, has been a and I entered the business DEVELOPING AND runaway success. The glitter in 1979. In the beginning we GROWING? is available in two sizes and imported drawing instruments We are going to launch a 12 assorted colours each. and cuckoo clocks from new website in early 2019 Our Jakar poster paints, Germany. Soon after other and a new Jakar catalogue metallic, fluorescent, glitter stationery products were added will follow later in the year. paints which are all water- to the range. Three years ago We are continuously working based as well as the acrylic we moved into a new larger on introducing new product paint continue to be in high office and warehouse. We are lines throughout the year. demand are always amongst proud to have come this far and our bestselling products. look forward to celebrating our z HOW HAS THE LAST 12 The Caran d’Ache Prismalo 70th anniversary next year. MONTHS BEEN FOR YOU? water-soluble colour It has been a very challenging which were the first ever z WHAT PRODUCTS DO year, particularly due to the water-soluble colour pencils YOU SPECIALISE IN? continued uncertainty and available since 1931, Neocolor We specialise in Art and Craft confusion regarding Brexit. II water-soluble wax pastels materials from all over the However, we have managed and Gouache water-based world, including Jakar own continued growth during paints, both in pan and branded craft knives, cutting the last 12 months. tube form, are still the most successful ranges for us. Also, and in particular in the run up to Christmas, the Caran d’Ache water-based metallic fibre tipped pens in gold and silver are in great demand.

z WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM JAKAR IN 2019? In our 70th anniversary year we will be launching a number of new and interesting products which will be available from February 2019 onwards and we will be exhibiting these, together with our existing ranges at the London Stationery Show, at the Business Design Centre, in Islington from April 30th- May 1st 2019. As in previous years, we will be present at the Patchings Art Festival, Nottingham, in July, Ilkley Art Show, Yorkshire, and of course Art Materials Live at the Creative Craft Show, at the NEC Birmingham, in November 2019. Caran d’Ache will be exhibiting at the forthcoming Paperworld Trade Fair in Frankfurt, Germany from 26th–29th January 2019 in Hall 3.1 Stand No. G62.

www.craftbusiness.com RETAIL 29 The importance of creating long-term strategic partnerships with local charities Fiona Lloyd, VP of Global Marketing & Product Development at Ellison and Sizzix, discusses why businesses are increasingly creating long-term strategic partnerships with charities, and how their UK division have spent the year striving towards their own charity mission

z Over recent years there fit between the business and Making at Nightingale House has been a shift seen in charity’s objectives and core Hospice, Wrexham, North Wales how businesses manage purpose. When there is cohesion partnerships with charities, between the two organisations, with less opting for giving businesses are able to use monetary donations and their time and products or instead forming long-term services to make a difference strategic partnerships. This and consolidate relationships. new form of partnership creates Through our previous upcycling a more personal relationship projects with the charity we that goes beyond fundraising saw a natural link between our and makes for a more flexible organisations. We discovered approach to working together, the vital role that arts and tailoring a partnership that crafts play in the healthcare is beneficial to both sides. services sector; beneficial for This movement mental health and facilitating towards long-term strategic the creation of memory crafts partnerships with charities to aid child bereavement. The has been driven by customers importance of our industry and employees, due to the in such care-giving facilities increased demand for corporate has really touched us and we social responsibility (CSR), continue to gift our Big Shot especially among millennials, machines and dies to Nightingale, as reported by Adweek. which we’ve had amazing feedback and gratitude for. z SUPPORTING LOCAL Supporting a charity CHARITIES that touches the lives of our With 168,000 registered charities local community means our in the UK, local charities across supporters know that their “For successful partnerships it is vital that the country are doing amazing contributions are helping their work in our communities that community which could include there is a clear fit between the business and often get overlooked and lack our employees and their families. recognition. Local charities charity’s objectives and core purpose” are reliant on their community, z OUR FUNDRAISING unlike national charities that ACTIVITIES our creatives holding spookily promoted employee engagement beyond expectation, we will be have a much wider pool of Our charity calendar for realistic Halloween fancy dress within the team who dedicated raising this target substantially potential fundraisers. 2018 was full of individual competitions, or through an their personal time and efforts to as we begin to plan another Through investing in and team charity challenges, extremely competitive bingo this worthy cause. We have also year of fundraising activities. charities that aim to solve office fundraising, upcycling event; we’re always having fun given gifts in kind such as our issues in local communities, projects and volunteer days. whilst fundraising for charity. In machines and dies, including the z WORKPLACE BENEFITS companies can utilise their Naturally, we have an the search of bigger and better Big Shot Express, our electronic By choosing a local charity time, skills and resources to extremely creative workforce, challenges, in May of this year machine, for patients who such as Nightingale House, make a social difference, as which means we’ve always got we undertook our first team struggle with dexterity issues. it’s not only giving back to well as using their brand voice new and exciting fundraising charity challenge, with our trek up We also hold donation drives our local community, but to help raise their profile and inspiration and ideas flooding the highest mountain in Wales, that help make a big difference also gives our employees an awareness of the cause. in. Whether it’s our keen bakers Mount Snowdon. This was a real to the hospice’s store to meet opportunity to feel a part of a selling their showstoppers, highlight for us as a business and the ongoing demand for stock. proactive and caring team. z OUR CHARITY This year the team’s efforts Our team members are OF THE YEAR have surpassed our initial always keen to take part as Nightingale House Hospice expectations, tripling our initial we always aim to have fun provide specialist care for fundraising target! Only 20 per when fundraising! Completing patients with life-limiting cent of the hospice’s overall company challenges such as our illnesses, delivering care, costs comes from statutory trek up Snowdon requires great comfort and support to patients funding which means that 80 endurance and has exceptional and their families. Both our per cent (£2.4 million in 2018) results upon team building organisations are located in needs to be found from voluntary relationships and moral, which Wrexham, North Wales, where sources; meaning businesses are transferred back into the the charity offers well-known such as ourselves play a vital role workplace with positive effect. and respected work for the in helping the hospice achieve We hope through working community and beyond. Inspired their target in order to continue together, we can help to by past upcycling projects in to deliver their services. encourage and inspire others collaboration with Nightingale With choosing to support local to volunteer their time and House Hospice, we decided charities such as Nightingale, efforts to give back to causes to consolidate our previous it provides many opportunities close to their heart. fundraising work by declaring for businesses to have direct For more information about them as our charity of the year. engagement in these ways. Sizzix visit www.sizzix.co.uk For successful partnerships Off the back of this success, or follow them on LinkedIn – it is vital that there is a clear The team at Sizzix bond as they raise charity funds by conquering Snowdon surpassing our fundraising target Ellison Europe Ltd.

www.craftbusiness.com 30 THE BIG INTERVIEW

Creating Cosy Interiors & Pottering around in an English Country Garden

z Wiltshire-based Susie Watson comprise beautiful useful together. Our staff really enjoy Angela Sara West chats with Susie Watson Designs is a unique interiors pieces for the home. “I have helping customers - whether it’s business which, alongside an almost obsessive love of a cushion combination, a whole about her unique company’s concept, her offering design services, colour and fascination with room or a dinner service. I think creates beautiful handmade form and balance, which play this might be quite a unique success secrets, her latest products, plus furniture, perfect pottery and a huge part in what I do.” offering and customers travel home accessories with an Championing traditional long distances to a showroom.” a very tasty Christmas collaboration elegant English feel. But it’s craftsmanship, her products Her creative career path has not only the English country are handmade from start to always seen Susie self-employed. garden that influences these finish, with Susie and her small, “I became interested in interior stunning designs - they’re infused hard-working team working design when I first had a house with Indian inspiration, too. passionately to create unique of my own. I worked with my Need a whole new look for pieces. “I pride myself on creating husband, restoring old houses to your living room? Or maybe classic designs and looks that resell for quite some time,” she you’re seeking some pretty new stand the test of time. When you explains. “I have always done pottery pieces for the ‘heart buy from us, you can be sure my own drawings and designs of the home’. Providing a full that you own something you’ll and particularly love working on interior design service, from love for many years to come.” floorplans, windows and other concept to completion, alongside What does she enjoy most joinery. I designed kitchens for measuring services for curtains about her job? “I love working on people and our own houses and blinds, Susie Watson designs… it’s exciting when they very early on. I also had an art Designs also provides handmade finally come together and I enjoy gallery and started to develop art products for the home… the whole process of getting objects for the home alongside everything you need to create there. I work with a wonderful selling paintings. It’s evolved, the perfect room, with talented graphic designer here, and I love so it’s hard to be exact on when designers on hand to help. working on design in India with Susie Watson Designs was “I founded Susie Watson the people who make it. I work founded, but we started by doing Designs on the belief that ‘using out there a lot, which is essential.” fairs in early 2000s and opened beautiful things everyday can our first two shops in 2008.” be an unexpected source of z SUSIE’S SUCCESS SECRETS The phenomenally- pleasure’,” says Susie, who With no-one else on the high successful business now describes her highly-successful street handmaking products boasts numerous showrooms, company’s signature look on such a large scale, Susie serving Salcombe, Marlborough, as “elegant, but relaxed and describes her products as “little Marlow, Alresford, Chichester, informal.” She says homes are works of art” and frequently finds Tunbridge Wells, Saffron Walden, for living in, not just looking at. them featured in titles such as Harrogate and Sherborne. “Maybe contemporary classics ‘Country Living’, ‘Period Living’, would best describe what we ‘Country Home & Interiors’ z CHIC CERAMICS do. I always say that the relaxed and ‘The English Home’. From mugs and jugs, to teapots nature of my collection means What gives her the edge over and tiles, Susie’s perfect pottery that our designs work for kitchen her competitors? “We create all pieces showcase her love for living and modern family life, our own designs and have quite a great pottery. What fired up her creating looks that are warm unique look. Our showrooms are interest in the craft? “I wanted and welcoming, yet stylish.” really lovely places to visit, where ceramics for kitchen living. The With an emphasis on colour, customers get all the attention options were very limited in her handmade collections and help they need to put things the late 90s. I love the feel of

www.craftbusiness.com THE BIG INTERVIEW 31

handmade pottery and the lovely suffering husband is unlikely to colours. Watching the pottery tell you it can be redone! Hence, being painted is fascinating!” we all agonise before making She says it was the idea of these decisions and sometimes “art in the everyday” that inspired can be a little too cautious.” her first pottery collection. “A She says designing a room beautiful mug can bring you as is a little like painting a picture. much pleasure, if not more, than “First, create the background a piece of art on your walls.” with a beautiful colour paint or Susie’s renowned handmade wallpaper and a curtain fabric pottery collection is dishwasher that either blends in gently with and microwave safe, thanks to the walls or adds colour that the extremely high temperatures compliments them. You can that the products are fired at. Her either start adding in the detail favourite pieces? “I honestly don’t with richly-coloured throws know which design I like best... I and cushions for a warm and love the effect of mixing different cosy look or keep the room pale patterns together on the table. It’s and elegant. In a bedroom, you fun and informal and much more could add a lovely quilt. At this decorative than one pattern on its stage, it’s easy to experiment own. For more formal occasions, with everything that can be I mix fewer patterns together.” changed until you have achieved Her top pottery tip? the look you are after.” “Mix designs!,” she says. z HOW IT’S MADE IN INDIA z ENGLISH COUNTRY With the collections designed in GARDEN & INDIAN Wiltshire, the bespoke sofas and INSPIRATION armchairs are made to order in Susie says old buildings inspire a small workshop in Lancashire, her work. “I never used to go out with almost everything else painted in our small Sri Lankan to appreciate handiwork is a latest designs of Guinea Fowl without a tape measure in my bag handmade by Susie’s teams of studio, where candlemakers challenge, but we try and lots and Foxglove require 13 screens and have always been fascinated talented artisans in India and Sri employ expert techniques.” of customers now do, too!” each and were a massive project by proportion and scale. There Lanka. Each product is made Susie has a deep-rooted for our graphic designer. She is very little new in the world. A with much dedication and care belief in trading fairly, showcased z AUTUMNAL & FESTIVE has done an exceptional job!” visit to Egypt is possibly the most by highly-skilled individuals who in the fascinating behind-the- OFFERINGS Susie’s extensive ranges inspiring thing I can think of.” take great pride in their work. scenes ‘how we make it’ videos Susie continued to make the also include greeting cards and It’s also the palette of the “We’ve worked with our on her website. “We strive to most of outdoor living during our personalised gifts, and you’re English garden and countryside, charming little fabric factory in produce products at a price that wonderful Indian summer this more than covered for any along with her inspiring travels Karur, in the heart of the cotton is fair to both the manufacturer year, enjoying the colours that occasion with her gorgeous to India and Sri Lanka, that weaving area of Southern and to our customers. Our autumn brings. “The leaves are gift wrap, boxes and bags. have hugely influenced her India, for many years. Their videos bring this to life.” stunning now… Hydrangeas go a She recently collaborated cosy chic country interiors. This artisan craftsmen and women She says, to be sustainable, wonderful rosy pink at this time with Biscuiteers, to create a very combination makes for unique, understand our fabrics perfectly a business has to work for of year and dahlias can be lovely. tasty Advent Calendar… “Our interesting designs that although to help us achieve the best finish everyone, whether they are If it’s warm enough, October is handmade advent calendars look influenced by her travels, always on our cushions,” explains Susie. working here in the UK or a lovely time to eat outside.” beautiful hung on the back of a have an English feel. “We are “Mr Ravi and his delightful family overseas. “We believe this must Her autumn product launches door, filled with goodies. It makes lucky enough to have a wonderful have shown us expert techniques be the basis of success and include Akansha hand-block sense for us to be working with mature garden, if a bit wild and to help create our unique designs. would love to see the end of printed fabric, hare cushions and Biscuiteers, who understand the unkempt, full of wonderful trees. It would be hard to exaggerate the discount culture, which is a charcoal lampshade. Several real joy of something handmade. I particularly love the colours the extraordinary skill and care obviously at odds with this. We recent projects have proved The collaboration is inspired of nature; they are the basis of that goes into the handcrafting of are lucky to work very closely particularly tricky… “Designing by advent traditions for the most of our colour palette.” our pottery. Each piece is hand- with our factories and the the new furniture collection was modern family Christmas.” Her favourite materials to painted by skilled artisan painters artisans have become friends. challenging. There are always work with? “Anything natural, in Sri Lanka, and every detail on They are very much part of lots of issues around using real z THE IMPORTANCE but I prefer wood to stone.” our candles is delicately hand- our team. Teaching people woods but I hate laminates. Our OF CRAFT So, when it comes to z CREATING THE sustainability, Susie “seams” PERFECT LOOK “Making things is a wonderful way to use to have things sewn up. What The Susie Watson Designs look would be the main message is perfectly suited to the way we time. It’s all-consuming, and is therefore an she would like to get across live now – relaxed and informal excellent way to switch off. It would be great about craft? “Making things is a with an emphasis on kitchen wonderful way to use time. It’s living and beautiful colour. to give more people, especially children, the all-consuming, and is therefore Alongside bespoke interior an excellent way to switch off. design schemes, Susie’s chance to get involved in making things” It would be great to give more impeccable interiors’ offering people, especially children, the includes handmade furniture chance to get involved in making collections hand-carved from the things. Until you try it, you cannot finest natural hardwood or hand- know the joy of it, so lots of built using carefully-selected people are probably missing out. beech timber and high-quality Obviously, it’s not going to appeal upholstery components. From to everyone but there may be lots hand-printed fabrics, paint of people who have just never and wallpaper and rugs and had a chance...” She says craft cushions, to glassware and can help hugely with wellbeing. mirrors, candles and candlesticks “Being creative undoubtedly and lampshades and prints, makes people happy!” you’ll even find lovingly-made beds, coats and bowls for man’s best friend, the dog! Susie says a home should FACTBOX: be a place that is warm and z For further information, visit: welcoming. “Making decisions www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk about decorating a room, or a Discover how Susie’s whole house, is undoubtedly teams create the products racking! Unlike the dress you wish in her fascinating ‘How you’d never bought, it cannot We Make It’ videos: www. be stuffed in the cupboard and susiewatsondesigns. forgotten. You live with it every co.uk/how-we-make-it/ day and even the most long-

www.craftbusiness.com 32 VALENTINE’S DAY Put some thought and love into your Valentine’s craft Claire Hamer, Hunkdory trade sales manager, looks at what to stock and which workshops to deliver ahead of February 14

z Billed as the most romantic It’s worth considering stocking you can decorate the initial of plenty of pretty examples around day of the year, Valentine’s these but also promoting items your loved one and decorate – try https://www.youtube. Day is the perfect occasion to that are available all year but have with hearts. However, this com/user/MaremiSmallArt. celebrate the ones that you a nod towards Valentine’s Day. could also be your own initial or Start with an MDF heart love. It doesn’t just have to be the Anything heart shaped, coloured that of a child or friend. Match and then layer paints, inks, traditional love of your life that red or incorporating roses are with florals or bright colours texture pastes, findings and you craft something for. It can great products to feature at this depending on the recipient. finishes. The finished product be a gift for a friend or to show time. Also core items such as Paint a papier-mâché heart can look so much more than the love of a family. With that card blanks and MDF shapes box and fill with chocolates what you started with. in mind consider the products are good basics to upsell or to - These could we handmade Stamping workshop – create that you’re going to buy in and incorporate into workshops. using chocolate moulds a set of cute notelets to remind promote for this occasion, along or shop bought depending the one you love that you care them with co-ordinating with workshops you could offer. z WORKSHOPS on the types of workshops on any day of the year and not fabrics, buttons and detailed HUNKYDORY 1.4 3 COL_ADS 29/10/2018 16:47 Page 1 There are many ideas available you run. Remember if it’s a just Valentine’s Day. These can stitching. These look great on z PRODUCTS for Valentine’s Day workshops chocolate workshop you’ll need also be great if the kids are door handles or stuffed with Many companies will offer and I’d make them as open as to be aware of the hygiene sending each other cute notes lavender they make great items products specifically aimed at possible, so that your customers standards that are applicable. for the occasion at school. to hang in your wardrobe. Valentine’s Day with a love theme. can opt to make the item(s) in an Make a mixed media heart Felt hearts – bust out your Family scrapbook page alternative theme, not just “to the – mixed media is becoming die cutting machine and cut out – for those not wanting to one I love”. Here are a few ideas: increasing popular and not some felt hearts. These can be celebrate the theme in the Decorate a papier-mâché all mixed media needs to be sewn together and made into traditional sense a family CYGNET YARNS 1.8 2 col_ADS 01/11/2018 15:35 Page 1 letter – for the Valentine flavour brown and grungy, there are 3D hanging hearts. Decorate scrapbook page may be more appropriate. This could be a wedding, an engagement, “Anything heart shaped, anniversary, birth of a child or a family party. These can coloured red or incorporating be framed in box frames to be given as a gift. roses are great products to Personalised cushion covers – if you stock material, feature at this time.” why not run a workshop making cushion covers and personalise them with applique letters or hearts. You could get your students to pick their own material, so they can make their cushion to suit the recipient. So whatever your craft there’s plenty of options to make gifts or cards for the ones you love.

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Remember you have to protect what is yours Paul Clapham examines the issues of safeguarding your intellectual property z So just what is intellectual issued at Ford and its lawyers, on its own is not intellectual I said above that almost Protection you have to apply property and why does it matter marketing agencies etc. property. Basically you have everybody has created intellectual for and pay for includes trade to a small business like ours? Quite recently Apple had to to do some mental or physical property. That’s true but they marks, registered designs and Surely this is just something for pay out over $100 million for a work. The idea for a musical, won’t own it if the creation patents. Trade marks are typically big rock stars like Elton John similar legal infringement. Once brilliant though it might be, was done on work time. In for product names, logos, and the mega-rich business again you can but assume that doesn’t count – you have to that case the employer would jingles and the like. Registered owners like Elon Musk. a lot of heads rolled. Even for write some lyrics and music. own it, not the creator. If the designs over the appearance of No, sir, madam, this is for the world’s first trillion dollar You own intellectual property creativity is done out of work a product including the shape everyone. You can take that company, $100 mill ain’t hay. if any of the following applies: you time, it predictably becomes packaging colour scheme and quite literally – pretty well So what’s included? It’s created something and it meets more complex, especially if overall appearance. Patents are everybody has created intellectual actually quite a lot. In essence it the requirements for copyright or the product created could right for inventions and products. property at some time and very is something which you create a patent; you bought intellectual be deemed competitive with That could be anything from a few of us have done anything as a unique thing. It has to property rights from the creator the employer’s products. brand new machine, through a to protect it, or even know have physical form – an idea or previous owner; you have a If you are self-employed the machine part to a box specially why and how they should. problem goes away, although not designed for its purpose as Making proper protection “Consider getting the help entirely. You can have a contract applied to one client of mine. is simply another form of effectively forced upon you that You won’t be surprised insurance (yet another!). It of an expert. Certainly find says that your product becomes to learn that this is not an is about stopping someone the property of your paymasters instant process – nor should from stealing or copying such out what that would cost – and this is legal. Of course, you it be. It can take up to six as the following: the names can refuse the contract but months, longer if your product of your products or brands; it could save you sleepless good luck getting any work. is particularly complex. your inventions (i.e your ideas So you protect your Consider getting the help turned into reality) the design nights and save money intellectual property. You do of an expert. Certainly find out or look of your products; things too in the long term” this in various ways, some what that would cost – it could you make, produce or write. free, some not. Since free is save you sleepless nights and Here’s an example: when Ford product that has a well known everybody’s favourite price save money too in the long launched the Sierra lawyers for and established brand name. we’ll start there. Copyright and term. Start by looking at the a little known company called Intellectual property can design right are both automatic. IP Equip service to make clear Dutton who made kit cars came be owned by more than one The former covers written what sort of intellectual property calling. In broad terms they person. It can also be owned works, art, photography, films, you have. Consider talking to said “Ahem did you not know or by a business. It can be sold or TV, music and web content. a lawyer who specialises in indeed check that there is a car ownership transferred to a new Design right is more complex trademarks or patents; initial on the market called the Dutton owner(s). I have read however since it covers the shape of consultation is usually free. Go Sierra?” The number of noughts that agreeing a valuation on objects. Some of this can be to the British Library Business on the cheque appears to be intellectual property can be the sort of rat’s nest that makes and IP Centre, Bloomsbury, a well kept secret but it would extremely difficult – it is by lawyers rich if two parties decide London. There are local events have been many. One may also definition unique, which the seller to fight. Approach with care if addressing IP – ask the British assume that a lot of P45s were wants reflected in the price. you believe yourself cheated. Library what’s available to you.

www.craftbusiness.com 34 CAMPAIGN Sew Saturday 2019 another big success Unicorns and social media add a boost to a great campaign

z Sew Saturday saw stitchers like-minded stitchers and come out in force to support encourage both old and new their local stores. customers into the stores. The campaign was initially The event, which was launched four years ago by Sew held on October 6, lived up magazine and its sister titles, to expectations as stores Crafts Beautiful, Make It Today reported an uptake in Dressmaker, Let’s Knit, Let’s Get business and customers. Crafting and Craft Business. This year, the event was In an age of online shopping, supported by Janome, Flatter the idea is to show people by Soak and Vanessa Bee what’s great about going to Designs, and unicorn mascots a bricks-and-mortar store – were made up for the event. being able to see and touch The Sew team went along Thanks to all who took part... fabrics, ask the staff for advice, to Gilly Bee Designs in Norwich, roll on Sew Saturday 2019!” take part in workshops, meet where Gilly herself was holding This year’s Sew Saturday saw a bag-making workshop and new mascots – unicorns Spirit had a Sew Saturday cake made and Unity – wow customers to celebrate the occasion. as they were available in Sophie Demetriades, deputy pincushion, toy, patchwork and editor of Sew magazine, said: quilt designs, to cater for all “Sew Saturday was a huge skill levels, ages and interests. success! My team and I had a Social media was also SEARCH PRESS 1.2_ADS 29/10/2018 16:49 Pagegreat 1 time at Gilly Bee Designs awash with images from the - we hope everyone enjoyed the the day as the #SewSelfie day just as much as we did!” props proved a big hit.

www.craftbusiness.com RETAIL 35 New features on revised website Jane Supple, website manager at Groves, explains the improvements made to their online offering z Over the last 18 years, the Groves website has become an important aspect of the service offered to our customers, allowing them to easily access and order the full range of 60,000 plus products easily, and at any time. It was not too long after the launch of the last website, in 2014, that we were already looking at ways of improving what we’d created back then. We strongly believe that feedback from customers is the most valuable driver when considering different that customers would frustrating exercise, unless the layout to remove levels we will not be displaying where to direct our energies and be inconvenienced by having to the product code was known. where possible, reducing trade prices to anyone other investment when undertaking get used to a whole new way The new sites search clicks necessary until than logged-in users, but such a project. After reviewing of finding products and placing function has improved products are displayed. this feature allows retailers the responses from a target orders. We all know how change in the following ways: z We have changed the way to show the entire range to group of customers, together with can sometimes be a hindrance • Users are able to apply filters can be applied to a the consumer without the thoughts and ideas from Groves when time is of the essence, a search to a specific selection of products, making prices, which we hope will staff who use the site heavily, we so we needed to incorporate area of the site as well as the interface clearer by be a useful selling tool. were able to settle on a number the new aspects of the site in applying it to the entire site. getting rid of unhelpful detail, In addition, the resulting of enhancements which we an interface which was largely • Search now understands and making relevant and increase in traffic through the were confident would bring real familiar and comfortable. the use of speech marks helpful filters more visible. site will generate sales, with improvements to the customer’s These are the key new to search for an exact z We’ve introduced better our Sales Office directing experience while using our site. features of the new site: string of characters. sorting criteria to rearrange consumers to retailers. Our previous site had been z Our site uses a responsive • More product data is now how a list of products is z Stock levels on the website running successfully for four design template, allowing referenced when searching, displayed to the user. are updated around every years but it was time to upgrade it to work on all types of giving more relevant results. z Our customers can now five minutes, ensuring the e-commerce platform/ devices. The increase in • We are working on see ‘recently viewed’ items, an accurate reflection of framework, to the latest version the use of mobile phones is making sure key words to help with returning to true stock availability. which would bring the benefits of very much evident amongst are in place to improve items which they’ve recently z For our customers based increased site speed and stability, our customer base and we the relevance of results. been interested in. in Europe, the site can improved reporting features, wanted the site to work on • Commonly misspelt z Improved features now be viewed in Euros. better security as well as allowing a hand-held device just as words are auto-corrected. on the basket and z The site continues to work us to develop the site to include easily as on a desk top PC. • It is now possible to checkout pages are: best when used in conjunction a number of new features which z A major area of improvement turn images off when • You can now see your most with our barcode scanning we wanted our customers to is the way in which Search searching, giving a very frequently ordered items, system, and here we have benefit from. At the same time works on the site. Previously, compact list of products. which can act as a memory streamlined the interface to it was important that the new searching for a particular z We have made the site aid prior to checkout. make it even easier to use. site was not so dramatically product may have been a easier to navigate by refining • It is easier to edit the z There is a much improved basket by deleting items Resource section where or changing quantities retailers can easily find a host within the basket of product information, project • We now have a ‘Save for ideas, shade cards, product Later’ area, which allows demonstrations, videos customers to save items and reviews. As our social which may be out of stock media presence continues or not required immediately. to increase we aim to create When next ordering, the links between postings and user can easily select the resource section. items which have come As always, we continue with back into stock and add our overriding aim of delivering them to the main basket. exceptional service to our z Customers can now make customers, both in terms of better use of their My Account stock availability, and speed of area as details of all orders delivery with minimal errors. We can be viewed here. Orders aim to deliver between 24 and can be exported to CSV file 48 hours after placing an order, format from here, and from although this may be longer for emailed order confirmations, customers outside the UK. and now include both pack I think that we have managed size and barcode information, to achieve our objectives with making this data more very little disruption to our useful to retailers. This is customers, and that the new particularly helpful when site has been welcomed by introducing new ranges and the majority of customers products onto retail systems. who appreciate the subtle z The site can now be viewed improvements and new features. by anyone, not just Groves Groves New Trade Website account holders. Of course, - www.grovesltd.co.uk

www.craftbusiness.com 36 RETAIL Travelling the globe to pick up new trends Shiris Jain, vice president of marketing at KnitPro, looks at what will be hot next year

z KnitPro has been supplying the knitting and crochet industry for more than eight years from our factory based in Jaipur, India. Our skilful staff and development teams take pride in the products we bring to markets all over the world, but this takes a lot of research by us and our preference and budget. We network of craft experts that feed have also created a range in ideas throughout the year. As of small circulars perfect we travel to shows across the for sock knitters that prefer to globe we are always on the look knit in the round in this way. “We have seen a growth in out for new trends in knitting and crochet to ensure our products and more designers and yarn z CROCHET the trend for colour pooling remain innovative and exciting. companies entering the market, Crochet is still increasing in with a limited number of from main stream to indie popularity and has a younger KNITPROz 1.2_ADSSOCKS 29/10/2018 16:47 Page 1 dyers, we see this continuing. age profile than that we yarns, but we believe this Socks continue to be much We offer DPNs in all our ranges see in knitting. From basic loved by crafters and with more to take in to account personal blankets, which are great entry will grow in importance”

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level projects, crocheters are progressing on to more complex projects such as garments and some very challenging Crochet Alongs. Alongside Thousands flock to the our range of hooks, which are available from 2mm to 35mm in the Jumbo Birch range, we Highlands for Loch Ness have some great accessories that are indispensable to more complex projects such as locking stitch markers and our Knit Fest 2018 Needle and Crochet View Sizer. z WELLBEING z Thousands flocked to the Highlands from 20 z COLOUR It seems you can hardly open different countries for the annual international Colour is extremely important a newspaper without there knitting festival, Loch Ness Knit Fest 2018. to crafters. Fair Isle knitting and being an article about how craft The four-day event, held on October 18- crochet are a particularly strong contributes to your wellbeing 21, was a great success pulling in crowds trend that reflect what has been – something that knitters and of over 2,000 from all over the world. seen on the catwalk. From crocheters have instinctively The programme included 30 workshops and garments to hats and even socks, known for quite a while. This presentations, main-stage entertainment with it seems everyone has been trend has been championed by a comfy Knit’N’Natter lounge, demonstrations bitten by this bug. To really bring Betsan Corkhill, of Stitchlinks, in the crafting village, ceilidh, knitting cruise on out the beauty of your Fair Isle and we believe it is a new way Loch Ness, highland feast and more. For the our Blocking Mats and Rainbow for people to find their way in to duration of the event, Inverness Leisure Centre Knit Blockers are just the ticket. craft. Having a broad range of was used as the vibrant Loch Ness Knit Fest hub Keeping your yarn untangled and products to help the beginner and was filled with wool and fibre enthusiasts, organised is also very helpful, feel comfortable is something connecting people with a mutual love for knitting. so our range of knitting bowls, we pride ourselves on. It all kicked off with sightseeing tours taking yarn dispensers and boxes are groups of American, Scandinavian, Canadian and definitely worth considering. z VALENTINE’S DAY European guests on an unforgettable adventure We have seen a growth in At this time of year we are in the local area. On Friday there was a full- the trend for colour pooling also thinking about Valentine’s day of workshops led by esteemed teachers with a limited number of yarns, Day and what could be nicer sharing their skills and knitting techniques such but we believe this will grow in than bringing some knitting as Shetland lace, fairisle, spinning, ganseys importance. For successful colour or crochet romance to your and shawl shaping. Knit Fest goers were then pooling in crochet it is particularly favourite person’s life? We welcomed to Inverness Town House for a VIRIDIAN 1-8 2 col_VIRIDIAN 30/10/2018 12:27 Page 1 important to work with two or have super-cute, heart-shaped Civic Reception with Provost Helen Carmichael three hooks in different sizes Amour Stitch Markers in the while others attended a performance and focused events each year and Loch Ness Knit at a time to make sure you collection to go with our Magnetic ceilidh with the Blazin’ Fiddles in Beauly. Fest is most definitely a highlight. Our group of can accurately bring out the Knitters Necklace. The Knitting After three years of growth, the festival is volunteers work to inspire people to have a go. patterning. Our new Zing crochet Charms we launched earlier now well established and sought out by both From weaving to spinning and felting, there’s hook set is perfect for this with this year make a lovely gift and fibre pros and newbie visitors for its outstanding skills we want to pass down the generations and nine hooks to accommodate are oh so useful. Finally, what makers’ market, featuring vendors offering the keep alive, events like Loch Ness Knit Fest help a variety of yarn weights. could be more romantic than finest wool, fibre and yarns as well as finished us do that by gathering people under one roof.” a ring at this time of year? Our items. This year’s celebration offered something Renowned knitwear designers such as Row Counter Ring is elegant for everyone including hands-on activities for Christel Seyfarth, Jo Storie and Di Gilpin and fantastically practical to the kids and demonstrations from the Highland took to the main stage with models walking KING COLEhelp 1.8 keep 3 COL_ADS track of a pattern.20/09/2018 15:23 PageGuild 1 of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers (HGWSD) their garments in the annual fashion show. Whatever trends begin in the crafting village. While over 500 donations Followed by talented musicians and performers to emerge, rest assured of beautifully knitted garments and blankets such as Spud the Piper, Cheryl Heggie that we will be developing piled up for the charity partner SCBU (Special School of Dance, Wilson Noble, The North products in our ranges with Care Baby Unit –Raigmore, Inverness). Atlantic Project, 3 Musicteers, Carma Duo, your customers in mind. Stephanie Hoyle, from the HGWSD, said: “We Astar Band and Iain Gordon MacFarlane. KnitPro will be showing support and demonstrate at at least six fibre- Cecilia Grigor, Loch Ness Knit Fest Director, their new range for 2019 at h+h said: “After three years of experience with Cologne from March 29-31. this event, we’ve focused on the feedback to continuously improve our offering and it’s really been noticed. It was an ambitious and full programme, but we feel that we have been able to provide plenty of variety to participants. Initial feedback has been incredibly positive with people stating Loch Ness Knit Fest 2018 was the best one yet with a great venue and attention to detail.” UK Distrubutor for: Sock Yarn Specialists The dates for Loch Ness Knit Fest 2019 • Opal • Eucalan are October 16-20, at Inverness Leisure Centre. Tickets will go on sale early next year.

Merry Christmas from everyone at King Cole Does your Shop have a Craft Department? Have you thought about adding Knitting Supplies to your store? Check For 1 metre of space, you could have Yarn, Pattern, out our Leaflets and a selection of Needles at a January Sale! Total Cost = £512.95 | Total RRP = £1220.90 Total Profit = £707.95 Stand, Pattern Book & Needle Rack all supplied Free of Charge with order. Knitting Needles & Accessories TRADE ENQUIRIES: E: [email protected] T: 0117 300 5244 T: 01756 703670 E: [email protected] W: kingcole.com www.viridianyarn.com

www.craftbusiness.com 38 RETAIL CLINIC Watch out! Overcoming common pitfalls of growing a craft business

Sara Davies, MBE, founder at Crafter’s Companion, CRAFTERS COMPANION mini_ADS 30/10/2018passes 09:19 Page on 1 her top tips

z Many craft businesses are Companion was a fledgling hard work. With all the passion born out of a passion for business over a decade ago. and will in the world, if what crafting, with the business Thankfully, I managed to navigate you’re offering/selling isn’t owner wanting to turn their the bumps in the road and my financially viable then it’s not hobby into a business. This business lives to tell the tale! So, going to be successful. Your can be a great thing when this month, I thought it would time has a monetary value, so failure. Who are you aiming your made from unique materials? it comes to maintaining be useful to highlight some of firstly, you need to work out products at? What do they want Is it ethically produced? enthusiasm for your day-to- the most common pitfalls of what hourly rate you are willing from you and how much are they day work, but lack of business growing a craft business and to work for and see if your willing to spend? For example, z IMAGE experience can lead to costly how you can avoid them. business can accommodate it. if you’re focusing sales around Image is everything, so don’t mistakes if you’re not careful. a high value artisan product miss out on potential sales As a business owner myself, z HOW MUCH z RESEARCH and trying to pitch it to low by displaying your products I’ve been guilty of making the ARE YOU WORTH? Next, don’t forget your research! income audience you’re setting poorly. Ensure items are wrong calls now and again, Running a business is incredibly it’s so important to identify yourself up for a fall. Learn presented as professionally, particularly when Crafter’s rewarding but requires a lot of your target audience to avoid to take constructive criticism and as visually appealing, as and advice as a positive thing possible. If online, make sure rather than taking it personally your images are the best they – certainly don’t get stubborn can be. If your budget won’t and defensive and disregard stretch to paying for professional your research in favour of your photography, aim for natural own emotional attachment light and plain backgrounds. to your product/offering. Don’t skimp on your brand - Similarly, don’t fill your packaging and labelling must be business with everything as pleasing as possible. You want you like – it shouldn’t be an your customers to recognise extension of your own personal your brand instantly and want to craft stash. You may prefer own something of yours. Make soft colours and muted tones, buying your items a pleasurable but if, for example, you’re experience - think of buying selling crocheted and knitted perfume and how beautifully it’s products you must cater for all wrapped. Even if you buy it for tastes and styles so offer up a yourself you still feel as though rainbow-full of coloured yarns! you’re unwrapping a gift.

z PLANNING z CUSTOMER SERVICE Don’t forget to plan your stock Never underestimate the power carefully. Ensure that you have of excellent customer service to an appealing offering all year the success of your business. round by buying/producing staple If you have your own premises, items that your customers will always smile and engage in always need and appreciate. conversation. If your business is Then, add a selection of seasonal online then ensure you reply to stock to boost sales around queries promptly, with warmth key calendar dates, for example and have a feedback feature Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, on your website. If you are Halloween and Christmas. producing your own products, However, don’t go overboard on then it is also nice to share any these items as you don’t want customer feedback/imagery of to be left with an abundance of products placed in homes via Santa-inspired products that your social media channels. By you have to discount heavily thanking them publicly it shows come January. Likewise, choose a great level of appreciation stock and designs that have for their business and has the more than one application added bonus of encouraging – eg: stars and hearts. Don’t others to explore your products! ‘go mad’ over a trend that you Equally, add personal touches know is going to be a fad. where you can. A handwritten message on a delivery note, or z PRICING an extra free gift/discount code Once you have your stock sorted, in a delivery box, all help to make you need to price your products. the consumer feel valued and Believe in what you’re selling and encourage repeat custom. the value that you attach to it. Don’t be modest and undersell z YOU ARE NOT AN ISLAND as this can send out mixed Finally, don’t think you can do messages – customers may it all on your own. Ask for help question the quality and its worth and advice when needed, and if priced too low. If you have a remember, failure to plan is high value product you need a plan to fail so keep in mind to ensure that your customers these pointers and I’m sure know why – what’s the product’s you’ll enjoy much business ‘story’? ie: is it handmade? Is it success – good luck!

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RETAIL 39

DOING THE easy things BUSINESS… EDITOR Mark Hayhurst you can do to… 01206 508618 5 [email protected] HEAD OF EDITORIAL (BUSINESS) Fae Gilfillan BOOST SALES [email protected] HEAD OF ADVERTISING PR guru Joshua Walker looks at how to increase your online business (CRAFT) Martin Lack 01206 505940 z When even your auntie who lives down in Kent has an etsy store as a side-hustle – that brings [email protected] her a tidy sum each month to pay off her credit card debts – it’s difficult not to wonder how you ADVERTISING MANAGER can boost your own sales in this cluttered ocean of online sellers. It’s easy to get down about it… Danielle Harris but snap out of it! 01206 505954 The struggle may be real when it comes to the problem of boosting in sales, but when there’s a [email protected] will, there’s a way. When it comes to PR, it’s safe to say Joshua Walker PR have thrown the rulebook ACCOUNTS in the shredder. Founded three years ago by Joshua Walker, the ex-journalist-turned-PR-supreme is Anne-Marie Hartley today bringing his five easy things you can do to boost you (or your client’s) sales. 01206 505902 SUBSCRIPTIONS MARKETING Share, share, share your Email newsletters can be your Holly Rayner 01206 505965 products/services on Social best pal – use your shiny and [email protected] Media – and we’re talking regularly sent-out (we hope!) here across all social media newsletters to better promote THE BAR RATE UK £28.00 1platforms. You may feel it’s just your 2your current offerings. Have a new line Overseas €40.00 grandma that still uses it, but Facebook released? Promote it. Event happening is invaluable to brands for promotion. in a couple weeks? Promote it. A list of PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Helen Tudor The same goes for Twitter, Instagram, subscribers that you email are sales gold and Snapchat. By building followers because those folks who hit the subscribe DESIGN: across the big four, you better spread the button are invested in your brand enough MS Typesetting and Design word about how cool what your brand to want to hear from you from time to Printed in England offers is, broadening your potential to time; capitalise on that. Give them a PUBLISHED BY: bring in more sales in the process. nudge to buy something sometime. Aceville Publications Ltd 21-23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY

©Aceville Publications Ltd Offer glitzy Do some housekeeping on DISCLAIMER:The views expressed in this discounts or your product listing/website publication are not necessarily those of the special gifts – if you need to spike up publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the veracity and integrity of the companies, to returning your sales have a look at persons, products and services mentioned 3customers – 4your analytics. Where is your traffic in this publication, and details given are believed to be accurate at the time of whether it’s a referral coming from? Are people coming going to press. However no responsibility code that bags them back? Are backlinks all working? Are or liability whatsoever can be accepted and their pal a discount off your product, people engaging with the website? for any consequence or repercussion of responding to any information or advice or a bonus freebie as a reward for Are product descriptions up to date? given or inferred. sticking around, treat your loyal Use the answers to maximise traffic customers. Consider emailing returning sources and streamline your website customers codes as thanks, giving a to keep users for longer – and working nice sales boost. their way to the check out page!

Give your customers payment options – now, you’d actually be surprised how many brands don’t actually offer PayPal on their site. PayPay is, let’s be real, for those whose debit cards are downstairs and they can’t be bothered to go fetch it. So, if a website doesn’t have PayPal as a payment option, they might ditch the 5buy out of sheer laziness. On top of Mastercard and Visa, keep payment options nice and varied; broadening how many people can buy from you.

WANTED Fabric & Haberdashery & any other clearance stock To advertise in considered for immediate Suppliers of Card Making, Scrapbooking, Craft and Bridal Supplies collection. Please contact Martyn please call Danielle on [email protected] www.www. 01206 505 954 07902 700 780

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