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£3.50 ISSUE 142 SEPTEMBER 2019 CraftBusinesswww.craftbusiness.com The leading trade title for the craft industry

KNITTING/CROCHET JEWELLERY INTERVIEW Who is Luxury jewellery Ditching infl uencing Made In the granny you? Chelsea image! P21 P42 P36 2 NEWS

Welcome

T Mark Hayhurst T @craftbiz T [email protected]

T I don’t really want to say it but the nights are drawing in! Summer is on the wane and the children will soon be back in school. So, crafters’ thoughts are now turning towards, yes I am going to say the C-word, Christmas. Festive celebrations are on the mind and it’s time to turn your thoughts to the holidays. In this issue we have some top tips on holding a Christmas card workshop and creating the perfect gift bundle for your customers. Jessica Rose, founder of the London Jewellery School and the Jewellers Academy, offers her top tips of making the most of your products online in the run up to the Christmas gift buying season. We also chat with crochet icon, Jane Crowfoot, about the ethical use of yarn, teaching at Vogue Knitting Live Show in New York, her new knitting and crochet holidays in India in collaboration with Knit for Peace. Also, we take a look at who’s infl uencing the knitting and crochet markets. I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Craft Business! Crafter’s Companion hits 200 staff mark ON THE RECORD T Global craft supplier, Crafter’s Companion, is also experienced outstanding growth here in the celebrating the fi rst half of an impressive year UK. Therefore, our recruitment strategy to “I wanted to by hitting the 200 staff mark. support the company has become integral to our inspire This year alone, the company has employed a ongoing evolution. total of 28 people across its marketing, TV, trade, “We have been expanding our team on a imagination warehouse and product development teams, in global scale and the calibre of staff that we have addition to its retail stores to support its at Crafter’s Companion is phenomenal. As an and nurture ambitious global growth strategy. employer, I am so proud that we are able to creativity” As part of the growth plans, Crafter’s continue to recruit so many amazing people who Companion has also invested in developing its believe in the company and are actively invested UK, US and new EU ecommerce websites, its in its vision to create inspirational, educational SARAH CRESSALL video-selling platforms and its in-house TV studio. products for craft enthusiasts everywhere. Sara Davies MBE, founder of Crafter’s “Three years ago, we announced that we had Companion, said: “At the beginning of the year, hit the 100 staff mark and the fact that we now we announced that our US team was moving to have double that amount in such a short space a larger head offi ce space because it had of time is so overwhelming but absolutely outgrown its premises ahead of time and we’ve fantastic.”

Craft BUSINESS SARA DAVIES SHORTLISTED IN NATWEST AWARDS 2020 GREAT BRITISH ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS T Sara Davies MBE, founder of Crafter’s Companion, has been shortlisted in the Creative Industries of the Year category at the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards. The Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate the stories that have taken entrepreneurs to where they are today, regardless of size or turnover. You’ve got to be in it to win it There are 60 fi nalists across the North East region in 11 categories, including Creative 12 The Craft Business Awards 2020 Industries, Disruptor, Scale-Up, Start-Up, and Young, as well as new additions; Food & Drink and Health & Beauty. The event will take place on October 29 in Newcastle and regional winners will progress to the national awards ceremony. Sara Davies MBE, founder of Crafter’s Companion, said: “When I set up Crafter’s Companion from my university bedroom 14 years ago, I knew I had really great idea but I never imagined that the company would grow to the size it is today. “I’m so thankful that as an entrepreneur, I’ve had a strong support system. It started with my family always being there when I needed them and now I have the support of my fantastic, dedicated staff. I’m so thankful that I’ve been counted as a fi nalist among so many brilliant entrepreneurs but I would love to win this award to celebrate all of our achievements so far, as well as all of the exciting things that are yet to come.”

Happy Anniversary! 28 It’s the big 4-0 For GMC Feature your product for free in The Collection T Don’t miss out on the craft supplier, manufacturer to www.craftbusiness. chance to enter your products and distributor the chance com/craftcollection into The Collection. to submit one product to The Collection will come The Collection is a new be included for free. free with every copy of the destination publication from “If you then want to add Craft Business October/ the creators of Craft Business more there are a number of November issue (mailing date that showcases the most paid for options available.” September 27), just in time exciting new products that For an additional product for shops to start thinking our industry has to offer. the price is £100 plus VAT, about what they want to Mark Hayhurst, Craft for three additional items it’s stock for Christmas. You’ll Business editor said: “ We £200 plus VAT or you can grab also fi nd it distributed at top Start preparing for want the publication of this a great deal for fi ve products craft trade shows up and 32 the festive season book to become a highlight in at only £250 plus VAT. down the country throughout How to run a Christmas card workshop

In this issue every buyer’s year so to ensure For all the details on the year and available to this is the best publication how to get your products download for free from possible, we’re offering every featured head along www.craftsbusiness.com

www.craftbusiness.com NEWS 3 Another year of strong growth for Hobbycraft T Hobbycraft, the UK’s leading achieved through leveraging our They will continue to open arts and crafts retailer, has broad product range which meets new smaller format stores in announced full year results for the needs of core hobbyists, relevant locations across the the year ending 17 February families and everyday makers, United Kingdom to drive 2019. with continued focus on profi tability and brand awareness. Key fi nancial and operational delivering value to our customers. This is coupled with their plans to highlights include: “Our focus remains on great increase E-commerce T Total revenue increased by customer service and colleague participation through investing 5.4% to £177.7 million engagement as we seek to further in their online experience T E-commerce revenue grew by provide help and inspiration to as well as driving Click and 22.7% customers in their local Collect growth. T Strong growth in Adjusted communities. Our in-store They intend to continue to EBITDA* of 27.8% from £9.5 workshop programme plays a key drive footfall to stores through an million to £12.2 million role where our colleagues increase in their in-store demos T Five new stores opened demonstrate their incredible and workshop programme where during the year bringing total knowledge and passion for they taught 100,000 customers store portfolio as at year end crafting while helping customers last year. They are fast becoming to 94 with their projects. the social centres for craft in their T Hobbycraft Club, the UK’s “Looking ahead, while we local communities. largest craft database, grows expect the retail environment to Hobbycraft’s multi-channel cent) and drive to support the exceptional items, share based to over 3.9 million members remain challenging we are well channel growth is also supported wellbeing and development of payment charge or credit, the Hobbycraft Chief Executive, placed to continue to execute our by the Hobbycraft Club which their colleagues has helped movements in fair value of Dominic Jordan, said: “We are growth plans, with initial trading now has 3.9 million members, as improve their colleague fi nancial instruments, any pleased with our performance in the fi rst quarter of this year well as their growing social media engagement to 90 per cent. impairment charge or write back and how our offer has improved ahead of the prior year.” community which has now over *Management consider that of tangible and intangible assets, over the past year. We continue to Hobbycraft delivered another 650,000 followers. Adjusted EBITDA refl ects the any income statement charge or pursue our plans for multi- strong year of growth with total Their focus on all aspects of trading performance of the Group, credit in relation to the onerous channel growth as we target our revenue increasing by 5.4 per customer service has directly excluding the impact of capital lease provision, shareholder strategy to improve the broader cent and online growth of 22.7 increased their Net Promoter investment. Adjusted EBITDA is monitoring fees, depreciation and appeal of our brand. This is being per cent. Score to 86 per cent (2018: 82 per operating profi t/(loss) before amortisation.

T Multi-channel home shopping retailer, Ideal Shopping Direct, have partnered with ITV to broadcast live shopping hours from Ideal Create and Craft World. Sue Baker Integrated producer broadcaster ITV’s vision is to be, ‘more than broadcast live on ITV1 TV’, building upon ITV’s unique and winning combination of creativity brings own and commercial strength, driven by investment in data and technology. This partnership will allow Ideal Shopping Direct the opportunity to brand products broaden the reach of its two fl agship brands, to a new audience. Jamie Martin, CEO, Ideal Shopping Direct, said: “ITV 1 is the to Create and premiere and market leading entertainment channel in the UK and I am delighted that Ideal World and Create and Craft will be broadcast on Craft TV the number one TV channel in the UK. “Ideal World and Create and Craft will be the fi rst TV shopping T Create and Craft channel in the UK to broadcast in true High Defi nition as specifi ed by TV has launched a Sky and the multi-million pound investment in HD equipment is all part brand new range of of Ideal Shopping Direct’s multi-channel retail strategy as the company branded paints and navigates the digital waters of media proliferation.” multi-media craft Ideal Shopping Direct started simulcasting broadcasts to ITV from products from craft August 1, 2019. designer, Sue Baker. Sue Baker, a familiar face of craft TV shopping, has been crafting for over 25 years and has launched several successful, well-known Stylecraft launches new CAL with Jo Smith brands into the craft market. Sue is a T Designer Jo Smith has created an The central motif in Sun and Stars passionate crafter who has exclusive Crochet Along for Stylecraft was inspired by tapestry crochet as Jo successfully launched her own chain launching at the beginning of September explains: “I wanted to make a sunburst of home-décor and craft shops while called the Sun and Stars CAL. pattern. Then the triangles were added as simultaneously running her own Well-known as a regular contributor to an experiment and fi nally I softened the craft manufacturing business. Sue UK crochet magazines with an exceptional overall effect with circles which looked has worked with many famous eye for colour, Jo has designed a stunning like more planets to me. The result is a names and is passionate about blanket featuring bold graphic shapes set wonderful blanket that reminds you of a inspiring, innovating and educating. in harmonious borders. stunning fl oor tile.” Sue Baker, Founder, said: “This She has put together two colourways The My Vintage colourway features inspirational collection of products is called My Sun and Stars, using saturated less literal shades, reminiscent of a vintage the culmination of many years colours of Batik and Life DK, and My tile or carpet. Jo said: “This is not my usual working with products in the craft Vintage, using delicate shades of Batik, colour palette so it was both intriguing and market. I wanted to produce a Batik Elements and Life DK. There is a exciting to challenge myself and extend collection that everyone can use in third colourway available called My my usual colour range. I love it.” their day to day crafting.” Country Garden, which has been Heather from The Patchwork Heart Rebecca Huxtable, Buyer at specially curated by Blogstar Heather explains how she came to her special Create and Craft, said: “Sue’s Leal, from The Patchwork Heart using colourway: “It has long been my dream to stunning new product range features Special DK. live in a cottage, growing fl owers to fi ll dies, stamps, stencils and more, with Jo begins her design process by jugs for my home. Picking shades for a wonderful adventure as they work with a fantasy theme and mixed media surrounding herself with colour – colour recipe which evoked this dream, the My Country Garden colour recipe.” infl uences. We feel this is a great sometimes up to 20 balls – arranging gave me weeks of pleasure, as I hooked The Sun and Stars CAL launches addition to the channel, adding them until she has a shortlist of shades these pretty shades together. It is my on September 3 on the Stylecraft variety and originality to our ever which she can start to crochet with. hope that crocheters too will have a website and runs for seven weeks. expanding product range.’

www.craftbusiness.com 4 NEWS

Gorilla Glue launches into the stationery Hobbycraft rolls out market with brand new product range custom crafting areas z Industry leading adhesive best combination of features to brand Gorilla Glue steps into meet the consumer’s needs.” z Hobbycraft will roll out its ‘Custom Crafting’ areas to the stationery and craft market Gorilla Mounting Tape selected stores across the country, following the success of with the launch of the new Squares is an innovative new the trial in Crawley. Gorilla stationery range. product which will feature in the The ‘Custom Crafting’ area is a space designed to inspire Gorilla Glue has enjoyed Gorilla stationery launch. Aimed shoppers as well as encourage them to try out products and widespread success within the at every day adhesive users, crafting techniques. DIY market, since it first launched these pre-cut adhesive squares As the personalisation phenomenon continues, with into the UK in 2008. The business are designed to provide an easy Hobbycraft seeing almost 10,000 searches per month of the is now leveraging on the strength and incredibly versatile way to term ‘personalisation’, this new area will have a specific focus of the brand and its success, to instantly mount and hold a wide on products that support the trend. A main area of focus will be launch a new range of products range of surfaces together. size of 1x3g as part of the on digital cutting and includes an expansion of the now into the growing stationery/ Gorilla Mounting Tape new Gorilla stationery range. infamous Cricut Machines, tools and vinyl products. craft market, for the first time. Squares ultimately deliver The final product extension Initially launched in the US, Cricut has taken off with Gorilla will be launching the strength and durability to be developed for the stationery unprecedented demand, and is set to follow suit in the UK. a brand-new product as consumers have come to market is Gorilla Super Glue Within the ‘Custom Crafting’ areas, customers can test drive part of this range along with expect from Gorilla products Brush & Nozzle, now in a 10g a number of machines before purchasing, as well as receive three extensions of their in an incredibly user-friendly bottle, which is perfect for expert guidance from trained colleagues in store, who’ll be on best-selling super glues. format. In addition to the launch those projects which require hand to teach the art of customising to crafters of all abilities Sean Jackson, Gorilla of the new Gorilla Mounting extra precision. This innovative with tops tips, advice and project ideas. Glue’s VP of Marketing, said: Tape Squares, the brand has product can be applied using Following the success of the introduction of Custom “The UK Stationery market is developed extensions to some of either the precision tip nozzle or Crafting in Crawley, Hobbycraft has started to roll out the experiencing incredible growth the bestsellers from its adhesive with the fine bristle brush which concept further. rates and is predicted to grow range, specifically tailored gives the user ultimate control. Joel Pickering, Head of Marketing at Hobbycraft, said: “We to £2.1 Billion by 2021. This is for the stationery market. Sean Jackson added: are a creative retailer and pride ourselves on being able to clearly an exciting and growing Gorilla Super Glue, the “Breaking into the stationery inspire customers and help them learn a new skill or craft. This market that is crying out for quick-setting, Impact Tough market is the logical next is evident with the success of the new ‘Custom Crafting’ area in versatile, premium products glue which is perfect for a wide step for the Gorilla brand as Crawley and we anticipate that our customers will be just as that the Gorilla brand offers. range of household projects, research shows that 49 per excited at the launch of the spaces in future stores.” “The launch of the Gorilla will be available in a smaller cent of adhesive purchases are brand into a new category 1x3g pack size – perfect for made in high street retailers doesn’t happen overnight. the everyday adhesive user. and supermarkets, and 67 per We have carried out in-depth Gorilla Super Glue Gel, cent of all shoppers purchase consumer and category which offers the same benefits adhesives from stationery aisles. research prior to this launch, but with a thicker and more “Our research has enabled us to ensure that the new Gorilla controlled formula, will also be to understand the key differences stationery range delivers the available in the smaller pack between DIY and stationery consumers and we have listened to our new stationery/ craft consumers and adapted our packaging to appeal to STOCK SHOT this new consumer profile. We have developed a stationery/ craft branding with a softer feel Make Christmas and alternative messaging.” Profitable with these Stunning Global reach at CHSI Stitches 2020 z CHSI Stitches 2020 will be a two years and will continue to heart of the craft industry truly international showcase evolve for the 2020 show. for more than 40 years. The Christmas Kits of the latest products The Craft Report will be back trade event also features a released to the market with with further details to be released catwalk show, Trending Now companies from across the in the Autumn. The 2020 show showcase, and a dedicated globe booking stand space. will fill hall 12 and there will be Bright Sparks area for the To date, exhibitors one main entrance, a change newest designers and attending the 2020 trade from the dual entrance of the creative companies and over show come from America, past few years. The entrance 200 key industry exhibitors Germany, Holland, France, hall will have a fresh new look from across the world. Scandanavia, Finland, Russia, and a ‘Trending Now’ area CHSI Stitches 2020 Lithuania and India, with more will showcase the very latest takes place from February companies securing the limited products from exhibitors, giving 16-18, 2020, at the NEC, available stand space daily. buyers a taste of what’s inside. Birmingham, UK. The show continues to Organised by ICHF Events, For more information strengthen its international CHSI Stitches has been at the visit www.chsi.co.uk. reach. Simon Burns, ICHF Events managing director, said: “We are acutely aware of the need for the UK’s craft industry z These Christmas Kits from manufactured in the UK. to be strengthening its links Creative World of Crafts Choose from Eliza Elf, with international markets. We (CWOC) are an extension to Christmas Stockings, are proud to be a global show the vastly popular Knitty Character Baubles, attracting both exhibitors and Critter range, that has taken Countdown to Christmas buyers from across the world. the market by storm. Advent Calendar, Roody The developments that continue Customers are going to love Reindeer, Festive Friends or to be rolled out, including our them. Christmas Gift Card Holders. exclusive industry research They have everything on the UK’s craft industry, needed to complete the drive this forward further.” projects, including easy to 0116 271 3131 As part of the development follow instructions. All the kits [email protected] of the show a programme of are designed and creativeworldofcrafts.co.uk refreshed and new features has been under way for the last

www.craftbusiness.com NEWS 5

Crystal Art Cards scoop Bizziebaby Gold Award Craft Buddy hosts sell-out z Craft Buddy Ltd, designer and place coloured crystals onto an manufacturer of innovative, adhesive template, to create TRADE OPEN DAYS art, craft and hobby products, stunning, sparkly Crystal Art is thrilled to have been Cards. Each of the reviewers at z Craft Buddy Ltd invited new and existing awarded GOLD by the team Bizziebaby, which enjoys almost trade customers to visit their at online family platform 300,000 unique visitors annually Buckinghamshire headquarters over the Bizziebaby, for the best-selling and over 3M page impressions to course of three days to gain an exclusive Crystal Art Card kits in the date, commented on the insight into the companies new and exciting Arts & Crafts category. high-quality materials and the ranges. With a technique similar to good value for money of the kits. Visitors to the open days were full of painting by numbers, crafters The activity struck a chord praise for Craft Buddy’s impressive array of with the reviewers, rating the arts and craft products, highlighting the concept on average 4.5 plus out popularity in their stories of top product of 5. One enthusiastic reviewer ranges such as Crystal Art, Pretty Gets Gritty commented: “Very good quality. Mixed Media and Forever Flowers. Nicely packaged. I think it’s a Many of the retailers focused upon the reasonable price for what you get success of the Crystal Art range with one and [I like] the quality of it.” saying that “most people have not seen Gary Wadhwani, co-director anything like it,” and that customers to their relationships knowing that they are a vital part at Craft Buddy Ltd, said: “We are stores are looking for the “unusual products, of the continuing success of the company and thrilled that the Crystal Art Card the different products, rather than what they days such as these are just as much about kits have been awarded the already have.” Others spoke of how they them, as they are about Craft Buddy. Bizziebaby GOLD award, and are themselves had fallen in love with the product, Gary Wadhwani, co-director at Craft Buddy PAVILIONdelighted 1.4 3 COL_ADS with the comments14/08/2019 10:59 Pagestating 1 “my therapy is to make the pictures”. Ltd, said: “We have had a wonderful time from the reviewers which echo With free workshops on the agenda, meeting with existing retailers and new the sentiment we have received retailers were treated to the wide portfolio customers at our headquarters, and showing from retail testimonials.” offered by Craft Buddy as their expert team them the extensive Craft Buddy range. guided them through a range of new crafts “Here at Craft Buddy we put a lot of time and including Die Cutting, Stamping, Crystal Art, value into developing partnerships with our and Flower Making – as part of Craft Buddy’s retailers and it was fantastic to see them and newest range Forever Flowers. The hands-on hear from them about their experiences with us experience was well-liked by retailers. and our products. It was heart -warming to hear STOCK SHOT With guests from all over the UK, and the success most of our retail partners are having several from abroad, the trade open days were with Crystal Art, as it vindicates the huge amount the perfect opportunity for Craft Buddy to of time and effort we’ve poured into this brand.” display their own new products but also to For more information about Craft Buddy’s Fall in love with gain valuable feedback from retailers. different ranges and merchandising solutions Despite the rapid growth of the company, contact [email protected] or visit Mabel and friends Craft Buddy continues to focus on its retailer craftbuddyltd.co.uk z Fall in love with these oversized toys, then crochet them all, including three mini versions. Who could resist these loveable toys and their babies? De-stress by snuggling up with Mabel Bunny and her friends oversized crocheted toys, perfect for giant cuddles and little hands. Not just for children, the soft, chunky yarn and floppy limbs will appeal to all, so make them for yourself or give as gifts (if you can bear to part with them). hand-crafted. She has been Mabel makes a great reading crafting for relaxation and fun companion and at about for over twenty years. In 70cm tall from head to paws, 2015, Claire left her career as the animals sit comfortably an NHS Director to launch her on a shelf or at the end of new business, Wool Couture, your bed. which specializes in knitting, As well as fifteen different crocheting, weaving and animals to crochet and love, macrame. She quickly got her including a dragon, a polar DIY craft kits on the shelves bear, a red panda and a pig, of retail giant John Lewis and, you can also make a mini in 2017, secured two Mabel, octopus and koala, Dragons’ Den investors, which are 30-40cm tall. The Touker Suleyman and Tej projects are pitched at Lalvani, to help her pass on beginners to improvers and her passion of crafting to the are suitable for someone who next generation. Adding a has mastered the basics of modern twist to age-old crochet. So be inspired, pastimes knitting and choose a pattern to start and crochet, Claire uses giant, be prepared to fall in love chunky yarn and oversized with this collection of knitting needles made in her adorable toys. own factory. Mabel Bunny & Co by Claire ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gelder Claire Gelder loves all things RRP: £12.99 hand-made, hand-woven and ISBN 9781782217336

www.craftbusiness.com 6 NEWS

GMC Distribution acquires new list from Tuva Publishing z GMC Distribution announces new Tuva Publishing’s books will now Michael Robb, GMC’s sales addition to their client portfolio, be available to all UK and worldwide director, said: “We are delighted to which already includes Sterling customers (excluding North America/ welcome Tuva Publishing and we Publishing, The Taunton Press and Canada). Established in 2004, Tuva look forward to introducing our selected Penguin Random House Publishing is a Turkish publisher of a customers to their strong range of US imprints. wide selection of craft books, all contemporary craft titles, across a highly illustrated in full colour and wide range of topics. The inclusion featuring comprehensive of this list is a positive sign of our instructions. growth as a distributor and why Their specialist titles cover crafters and retailers alike should popular subjects including knitting & look to us for their craft book needs.” crochet, sewing & quilting, Comprising new titles for the embroidery & cross stitch, painting & autumn and a solid backlist, over 70 lettering and origami & papercraft, in books are now added to the list. addition to a new range of children’s Highlighted titles include; Baby project books. Knits, Hand Lettering, Brush They work with expert authors in Lettering, Floral Watercolour, Paper their interest fields from around the Cutting, Dinosaur Origami, Paper world to offer the best quality titles to Drone, Cutest Crochet Creations, their readers. GMC is a leading Over 120 Crochet Flowers and distributor, selling an extensive range Blocks and Children’s Creative Craft of books across both traditional trade Projects. and specialist craft & gift markets. Tuva’s list of authors include The Tuva list is a welcome addition to notable craft names Susie Johns, both categories, particularly their Jodi Godfrey and Suzana Lima. A targeted Art & Craft catalogue, where launch catalogue featuring the it brings a wider selection of cross complete Tuva list will be available stitch and papercraft titles. from September.

Manuscript in the Limelight PRODUCT PANEL with purchase of UK stationery Lou Merry, Groves Product Development Manager, distribution company showcases their new festive Trimits range z Manuscript Pen Company z has acquired multiple NEW FELT CRAFT KITS award-winning distributor, We have introduced new trend designs to our bestselling Trimits felt kits: Lime Stationery & Art, and its Mistletoe, Swan, Dashund, Robin and Prosecco. These are ideal craft kits for subsidiaries in the UK. While continuing to develop beginners as they come with pre-cut and pre-punched felt shapes to sew together. The world’s largest their own award-winning global Each kit includes EVERYTHING you need to make the hanging decorations as well calligraphy brand has grown brand, Manuscript will benefit as step by step instructions. These kits make a perfect secret Santa present and extensively over the last five by selling a selection of Lime’s look adorable decorating a Christmas tree or garland. years in the global market. By own distribution portfolio adding in UK Brand within the UK including giving Distribution it will give them access to new market z CROSS STITCH DECORATIONS Manuscript more diversity, sectors. Learning from the successes of our wooden cross stitch strength in the domestic Charlie Stockbridge, boxes and decorations in 2018, we have continued to expand market and ability to grow as a Managing Director of on this trend in 2019/20. Especially for the festive season, we business. Manuscript, said: “This a key have created a Christmas jumper, Christmas tree and winter The deal, which has been step in the growth plans of mitten cross stitch blank set. As well as a hanging decoration in the pipeline for several Manuscript as a brand and the for the tree or around the home, these can be made in to months, was rubber stamped company as a whole. The jewellery, key rings and personalised present gift tags. at the beginning of August. purchase of Lime Stationery Manuscript and Lime will made complete sense, due to now trade under one their reputation, strong UK z NEW POMPOM z ADVENT CALENDAR RIBBON company. Previous owners sales presence and network of KIT DESIGNS Designed by our product development team at Michael Owen, Tracy Owen contacts. We have added four more festive Groves UK, this exclusive ribbon design has been and Jon Sumner will continue “They join the Manuscript designs to our best-selling designed to enable you to make your own advent to sell on behalf of family and I can’t wait to see pompom kits: Elf, Gingerbread, calender. You can cut each numbered square out Manuscript/Lime, ensuring a where this acquisition takes us. Robin and Christmas Pudding. individually to create advent calender smooth transition for existing It’s a real opportunity, for both These are ideal craft kits for boxes, banners and hangings. It supply chain and customers. Manuscript and Lime, to beginners as they come with can also be used for present Completion of the expand and increase its everything you need to make the wrapping and card making. purchase will allow Michael footprint in an ever-changing hanging decorations as well as and his team to focus on their industry.” simple instructions. These kits strengths as being one of the Michael Owen added: make a perfect gift to teach the best sales agencies in the “We’ve known Manuscript for kids a new skill and get them off industry. over a decade and seen how their screens over the festive they have developed and season! With the growing grown. They are one of the popularity of ‘Elf on a Shelf’, we most forward thinking foresee our cheeky little Elf making companies in the industry and an appearance in many households our combined skills and throughout the festive season. knowledge will be a perfect match. We’re excited for what For further details please contact [email protected] the future holds and looking or visit the website www.grovesltd.co.uk. For further inspiration forward to working together.” follow them on Facebook (@GrovesLtd) and Instagram

www.craftbusiness.com CHRISTMAS 7

Promotions and products to boost your Christmas Sam Kemp, Artcoe Sales Director, takes us through their plans for Christmas

z What can we expect from so they can take advantage of this development I am sure Artcoe this Christmas? those early sales with consumers will excite trade customers As traditional Christmas retail looking for something new and and consumers alike! sales get later and later every exciting at a reasonable price. To further support trade year, Black Friday is becoming customers and following the increasingly popular. Therefore, z How will you be success of the incentive in our we are supporting trade supporting retailers? ‘Back to College’ promotion, we products and brand partnerships z What do you think will be your customers by launching our In our 2019 Christmas promotion will be implementing a pre-order so we can bring these to you hot items this Christmas? Christmas promotion earlier, we will launch to market over incentive for our Christmas and your customers. We look That’s easy! Frisk Kraft and Grey 30 new products. In our own promotion this year. Customers forward to sharing many more Pads. Available in A3, A4 & A5. brand Frisk, we are launching that place a pre-order in exciting developments with the new and eagerly anticipated October, for delivery anytime up you over the coming months, z What are your plans kraft paper pads, grey paper until December 22 will receive continually striving to deliver for the future? pads as well as waterbrushes a further discount of five per our goal of becoming your go-to 2019 is not over just yet… we and a masking fluid marker. cent off the total invoice price! trade supplier of fine art, craft, are concentrating on supporting Essdee have recently launched graphic and stationery materials. customers for this peak trading their brilliant new Linocut Taster z Do you have any new period, with our excellent Kit. Our latest partnership products in the pipeline? z What are you most excited Christmas promotion and with Slice will see all products Christmas is such an exciting about for the holiday season? market leading service. In 2020, featured for the first time - all time, it’s a time to create Gifts! Consumer insight and we will bring to market many something new! Over the last demand drives our investment/ more new Frisk products. As our 12 months, through continued product development and as customers’ businesses change, consumer insight and business a business we are in double so will ours and so will our supply ARTCOE 1.2_ADS 14/08/2019 10:56 Page 1 investment, Frisk has launched digit growth, this is indicative partners, thus working together to market over 35 new and of creating products in demand and collaborating is more key revamped products, we will that consumers are looking now than ever before, while we continue to develop new Frisk for in our customers’ stores. also forge new partnerships.

www.craftbusiness.com 8 NEWS

Mitsubishi Pencil Company UK cuts its plastic

z Mitsubishi Pencil Company free packaging. Repackaged The pack’s board is climate- the dampening solution is UK (MPCUK), commonly pen lines include its flagship neutral; made from 100 per cent applied directly to plate, enables known as uni-ball, is renowned uni-ball Eye – one of the world’s PEFC certified (Programme non-alcohol printing using the for innovation and quality most popular rollerballs – and for the Endorsement of Forest minimum amount of water. when it comes to its pens. its attractive Air pens, in two, Certification) – the world’s What’s more the company Now the company is three and five-piece packs. largest forest certification has used the same UK-based applying that same diligence As you’d expect, the system for sustainable forest printer to produce the new and expertise to help the company have thought management. The new packaging – requiring minimal planet, by reducing the through every aspect of packaging’s inks are vegetable set-up and reducing air-miles. use of single use plastic in the new packaging. As well rather than mineral-based, Paul Smith, Director of Sales its product packaging. as being plastic-free the the latter often being derived & Marketing, Mitsubishi Pencil The new plastic-free new packs are completely from fossil fuels. The packs Company UK, said: ‘Following packaging launched with biodegradable and recyclable. use a non-toxic, water-based two years of consumer insight, stationery retailer Ryman in Every effort has been made blister varnish that does not research and development, July 2019, marking a change from sourcing to manufacture affect composting or cause we are delighted to launch from plastic blister cards to 100 to ensure the packaging environmental damage, plus its our new packaging with per cent cardboard, plastic- reduces its carbon footprint. gloss UV Varnish uses energy Ryman - as part of our Back to efficient UV light to finish. School & College campaign. The result? Fantastic looking “For the first time our packaging that’s completely customers will easily be able recyclable, biodegradable to fully recycle our packaging and compostable. and reduce their consumption While the packaging looks of single use plastics’. great, with a consistent, high Kypros Kyprianou, CEO quality litho print finish, the print Ryman, added: “We’re delighted process has been designed with to see our suppliers innovating eco-concerns at its heart. The in this way and welcome this print pre-press uses chemical initiative from Uniball. The new key ranges, it will eventually free Kodak computer-to- packaging was well received expand to cover the uni-ball plate technology. Packaging by our customers during a pen range. The company is printed using the Komori recent trial and we look forward have also introduced a suite Press, which boasts one of the to welcoming many more of green initiatives across shortest press set-up available sustainable developments in its shipping, delivery, office anywhere; this significantly cuts our sector, that will help us to and warehouse management paper and water waste while be part of the difference.” to fulfil its goal to become vastly reducing the use of press The new packaging is just more sustainable and consumables. Plus, its direct the beginning, while currently environmentally conscious in dampening system, where available across the company’s every aspect of the business.

THOUSANDS OF STICKY NOTES WITH New “Paperworld Office Village” for brand manufacturers FEEL-GOOD MESSAGES SURPRISE z With “Paperworld Office presentation platform at well received by customers BIRMINGHAM SKATE PARK VISITORS Village”, the paper, office the heart of the Paperworld in the Paperworld Office supplies and stationery office area. What makes the Village. From where we z Thousands of feel-good messages written on coloured sticky trade fair offers a new Paperworld Office Village so stand, the Village is very well notes appeared at a Birmingham skate park ― covering skate ramps concept for exhibitors special are the fully equipped placed to make an important and climbing walls in uplifting words of kindness. from the office world. booths. This service makes contribution to Paperworld. Visitors to the Creation Skate Park in Moseley were given the In a purpose-built area, participation even more We look forward to a opportunity to write their own ‘Note of Kindness’ to add to the companies have the opportunity convenient for the exhibitor.” successful 2020 exhibition collection, or to pass one along to someone in need of a pick-me-up, to present themselves in a Matthias Schumacher, season in Frankfurt.” encouraging the ongoing spread of kindness and positivity. high-quality environment. Director of International Personal contact Stationery brand Staedtler was behind the stunt and it’s all part of Companies such as Edding Sales, Tesa SE, said: “We look with customers is also its ‘The Power of Stripes’ marketing campaign, designed to encourage International GmbH, HAN forward to the fair’s new Office important for Torsten Jahn, young people to use the power of its iconic yellow-and-black ‘Noris’ Bürogeräte GmbH & Co. KG, Village concept. A ready-to- Managing Director of Pelikan pencil for good in the lead-up to Back-to-School. Pelikan Vertriebsgesellschaft go area, which we and other Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH & Supporting the cause is anti-bullying charity, Kidscape, which offers mbH & Co. KG, Schneider manufacturers can also use, Co. KG. He said: “Paperworld practical support and advice to families across the UK who are affected Schreibgeräte GmbH and Tesa minimises costs and focuses remains an important forum by bullying. Staedtler is calling on people to donate £1.00 to Kidscape SE are already on board. us even more on direct for engaging in dialogue for every Note of Kindness shared. The “Paperworld Office exchanges with our customers. with business partners Natalie O’Rourke-Jones, marketing manager at Staedtler UK, said: Village” is a whole new concept A perfect space for networking.” from all over the world. The “Back to School can be a very scary time for many children and teens that will be implemented for the Jens Magdanz, Marketing Paperworld Office Village across the UK as they get ready to make new friends and change first time from January 25-28, and Sales Manager of HAN offers us an invaluable classes or schools. 2020. In addition to the exhibitor Bürogeräte GmbH & Co. opportunity to present our “As one of the UK’s leading school stationery suppliers, we wanted booths, the area in Hall 3.0 will KG. is also an enthusiastic latest innovations in a small to help make the process a little easier this year by working with offer an info point, lounges and supporter of the new concept, space, and to offer our guests UK-wide anti-bullying charity, Kidscape, to spread some kindness meeting rooms for networking and said: “We highly welcome an attractive meeting place through our Power of Stripes marketing campaign.” as well as a catering area. this new show format, and in the centre of Paperworld Lauren Seager-Smith, CEO at Kidscape, added: ‘Kindness is Michael Reichhold, Director would be delighted if it was at the same time.” obviously a key tool in combatting bullying – and to help those who are Paperworld, said: “We created suffering to feel cared for, and better about themselves. A small, kind this concept to provide message can really go a long way in these situations, and if we can manufacturers with an encourage more people to spread kindness the movement could have attractive a huge impact. “It’s fantastic to see a household brand like Staedtler using their product for good and we’d really encourage people that take part to donate just £1.00 to Kidscape which will allow us to continue to provide much-needed practical advice and on-the- ground support to families affected by bullying.”

www.craftbusiness.com NEWS 9

The highs and goodbyes in crafting 2018/2019 Hobbycraft, the UK’s largest arts and crafts retailer, reveals the rising trends in crafting and a new-found interest amongst millennials spurred on by the digital era

T THE RISE OF THE T Paint by numbers is the new T POUR YOUR HEART clearly evident as the UK looks to T Sales of screen printing MILLENNIAL MAKER chosen craft to help stimulate INTO IT advance their painting skills. tools increased over a third Hobbycraft has seen a mindfulness and relaxation, A relatively new trend rising in T To date this year, water colour last year broadening appeal of crafting with sales soaring over 80 per popularity amongst crafters and pencil sales have increased amongst millennials, with cent in 2018 novices alike is, ‘pouring’. The 20 per cent and 30 per cent T MAD FOR MACRAMÉ increasingly younger generations technique creates a striking increase LY Macramé continues in embracing their creativity. This is T RETRO REVIVAL patterned effect achieved from T Sales of canvas (LY 13 per popularity both on and offl ine. refl ected through the growing Hobbycraft has uncovered repeatedly ‘pouring’ paints. cent, YTD 20 per cent) and Recent macramé dedicated rise of crafting conversations unlikely opponents rivalling the T YTD sales have increased easels (YTD 51 per cent) are posts have seen uplifts in both and communities on social modern gadgets. 17 per cent also on the rise reach and engagement. channels driving the enthusiasm, T Traditional jigsaws are up ten T Over 500,000 people have T 20 per cent YoY uplift in and the introduction of per cent YTD shared ‘insta-perfect’ T IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS engagement on Facebook revolutionary digital crafting T Children’s jigsaws sales have creations using #pouring The rise of social media platforms T The Facebook Live with tools. increased a third this year has ultimately impacted the art of Isabella Strambio had a T Hobbycraft has seen a huge so far T WATERCOLOUR party planning as people get total of 6.6K views, a 30K 60 per cent growth on T Model kits saw a 15 per cent ME HAPPY creative to achieve aspirational reach and 949 Instagram YOY, Facebook ten increase in sales and Despite watercolour being one of ‘insta-friendly’ pictures. engagements per cent, Twitter 17 per cent modellers paints rose 20 per the more challenging painting Sales of customising T Sales have increased 324 and Pinterest 25 per cent cent during 2018 crafts, the rise in popularity is ‘accessorising blanks’ have per cent respectively boomed over 123 per cent T 36 per cent of followers on last year T WHAT’S NOT Hobbycraft’s specialist “It is anticipated that digital Inevitably as new trends and instagram platform T THE PERSONAL TOUCH markets emerge, some @knitcrafthq are aged crafting tools will only further Personalisation remains ever traditional crafts decline in between 25-34 prevalent as a craft trend. popularity. Interestingly, the rise T Digitally driven crafting tools rise in popularity as updated T The ‘Meghan Markle’ effect of fast fashion has had a such as the Cricut machines continues to drive sales of detrimental impact as jewellery are really taking off – almost technology is introduced in calligraphy sets, with almost making starts to decline with 60 per cent increase in the UK market.” double the sales LY and a minus fi ve per cent sales vs LY. machine purchases and 124 14 per cent further increase The shift to digital cutting per cent sales increase in JOEL PICKERING, HEAD OF MARKETING TD TY has also impacted long- digital cutting tools to date standing tools with minus 14 this year per cent sales in fabric paints so far this year. T FIND WELLBEING Joel Pickering, Head of IN WOOL (AND Marketing, said: “Each year we OTHER CRAFTS) see the trends in the crafting Crafting has long since been industry shift and while we are proven to have a positive effect seeing a revival in retro trends on health and wellbeing. In and hobbies such as jigsaws particular, the rhythmic and and model making, at the same repetitive technique of knitting time, digital tools and social and crocheting is a relaxing way platforms are really driving a to distract the mind from younger customer to turn their everyday routine and anxieties. hand to crafting and share their T Crocheting is the new textile creations amongst online craft trend - sales of crochet communities. patterns to date TY have “It is anticipated that digital increased 179 per cent crafting tools will only further T Crafting creates communities rise in popularity as updated – over 100,000 workshop technology is introduced in the attendees in the past year UK market.”

www.craftbusiness.com 10 ADVERTORIAL Magic, cosiness and lots of sparkle! Michael Armstrong, Rico Design Managing Director, reveals the new Rico Design Christmas collection

z Christmas magic, cosiness There is a simple black and beautiful Nostalgic and lots of sparkle: The white theme enhanced with a Christmas gift papers or put new Rico Design collection, mustard tone and golden hot in a gift box or bag. Adorned Nostalgic Christmas, celebrates foil, a modern pastel version with a paper tag and gift-card Christmas with festive designs. with pink and powder tones, and from the same collection will Rico Design is known for finally a classic colour scheme put huge smiles on faces. their rich and unique collections, in red and green. All designs Moreover, postcard pads in which beautifully link a range are perfectly matched and are all three colour palettes allow of products to a mutual theme, a harmonious combination. you to send warm Christmas creating a lovely coherence All Rico Design paper craft wishes to family and friends. throughout their assortment. The products from this new collection Also, Rico Design offers collection Nostalgic Christmas are perfectly suited for many beautiful Window Art template includes stationery, party types of DIY craft projects. maps for Christmas. Together products, fabrics and embroidery, Design your own Christmas cards with the help of Rico Design chalk which inspire with classical and Christmas party invitations markers, windows and glasses symbols with a nostalgic look. with Rico Design motif cardboard, can be easily decorated with Look forward to wreaths, twigs motif paper pads, stamp sets fantastic festive motifs. All maps and nostalgic Christmas tree and tapes. The lovely stickers include three templates with a decorations, which will deliver the that also include 3D effects are practical size 864x607mm. You Christmas spirit to your home. not just stationery must-haves, simply glue the template onto “The collection Nostalgic Rico Design Nostalgic but can also easily be used to the window on one side and Christmas stationery assortment embellish your cards and gifts. paint the motives using Rico Christmas includes is available in three colour Christmas is all about giving. Design chalk on the other to palettes, each of which creates Bring joy to your loved ones with get the fantastic wow effect! stationery, party products, a beautiful Christmas look: a little something wrapped in All template maps include fabrics and embroidery, instructions with step-by-step- pictures and helpful tips and which inspire with tricks. With Rico Design Window Chalk Art template maps and classical symbols with a markers you can bring the mood of Christmas into your store nostalgic look” with ease. Paint your windows and glass doors to create a includes detailed templates for shades with red accents and unique Christmas feeling. cross stitch motives and simple metallic effects, ‘Black/White/ In addition to these paper embroideries in stem, satin and Gold’ inspires with precious classics, there are matching straight stitch. It not only includes contrasts and ‘Nostalgic Froebel stars sets, cardboard counted patterns for pillows, Colours’ combines pastel in the size 50 x 70cm and blankets, table runners and shades with colour coordinated garlands to sew in star and doilies but also place mats, wall metallic effect yarns. This stripe form, which create a hangings, pictures and pendants. colour theme includes three beautiful Christmas decoration The book presents festive modern Punch Needle projects at home. The Rico Design designs that range from classic made using stranded cotton. Nostalgic Christmas collection to modern: wreaths, candles, Finally, this year for also includes sticker sets with Santa Claus, deer and many other Christmas, Rico Design launches the numbers 1- 24 as well as forest animals are combined with their first ever Rico Design 24-piece gift tag sets to create modern motives and Christmas Crochet Along. ‘The Twelve Advent calendars in no time at all. tree hangings in playful shapes. Days of Christmas’ is a Ricorumi Rico Design also offers a Just like the stationery Crochet Along with a modern new embroidery book No. 168 products from this collection, the twist, which gives crocheters the in the Nostalgic Christmas Rico Design Nostalgic Christmas possibility to crochet 12 super collection, which is full of embroidery book is split into cute and fun Ricorumis. Each inspiring embroidery ideas for three colour themes: ‘Classical Friday, starting September 6 home accessories. The book Colours’ shows green and earthy and over the following 11 weeks, Rico Design will launch a new free pattern for a Ricorumi figure on the Rico Design Website. The Crochet Along ends in early December so that your customers will have lots of time to finish their projects for Christmas decoration, gift giving or simply to enjoy during the holiday season. Everybody can participate – beginner or advanced – and is invited to share their progress under the hashtag #ricorumiXmasCAL and stay in touch at @ricorumi. For more information contact your local Rico Design sales person or our UK/Ireland customer service team on +44 (0) 2030 249009 or at www.rico-design.co.uk.

www.craftbusiness.com ARTS AND CRAFT 11

Take a look at what’s on offer to fill your shelves and entice loyal customers to take Bookshelf up a new craft or improve their skills CraftBusiness EDITOR’S PICK

Craft Bombs Embroidered Embroidered Life A Super Stash of Awesome Art to Country Gardens The Art of Sarah K. Benning Spread Kindness, Joy and Create beautiful hand-stitched floral by Sara Barnes Happiness designs inspired by nature by Leisure Arts by Lorna Bateman

ISBN: 9781464777462 ISBN: 9781782215783 ISBN: 9781452173467 Edition: PB Edition: Paperback Edition: Hardback Pages 112 Pages: 160 Pages: 144 Publisher: Leisure Arts Publisher: Search Press Publisher: Abrams & Chronicle RRP: £11.99 RRP: £17.99 RRP: £17.99 WHITEWORK EMBROIDERY Create 30 beautiful projects with a modern touch By Ayako Otsuka

z 30 beautiful whitework projects to make using traditional stitches and techniques. This sumptuous book by accomplished embroiderer Ayako Otsuka is full of incredibly delicate and beautiful whitework embroidery of all kinds. Whitework is simply embroidery worked in white thread on white fabric, and it is renowned for its calm beauty and simplicity. An ancient form of embroidery that was popular in the Middle Ages, Ayako has brought whitework completely up to date with her gorgeous examples. Get Started in Hello, Crochet Friends! Knit Vibe The projects include such items as a Jewelry Making Making Art, Being Mindful, Giving A Knitter’s Guide to Creativity, sampler, a tea cosy, a teddy bear cushion, 16 Accessories You Can Make in Back: Do What Makes You Happy Community, and Well-being for a christening gown, a ring bearer’s pillow an Evening by Jonah Larson & Jennifer Larson Mind, Body & Soul and a table runner. Some items are more by Leisure Arts by Vickie Howell complex than others, and there is a ISBN: 9780999143704 comprehensive techniques section with ISBN: 9781464773518 ISBN: 9781419732799 detailed step-by-step instructions, clear Edition: Paperback Edition: Hardback Edition: Hardback photographs and diagrams to guide you. Pages 78 Pages: 48 Pages: 208 Featuring drawn thread work, Schwalm Publisher: Leisure Arts Publisher: KWiL Publishing Publisher: Abrams & Chronicle embroidery, Ajour embroidery and Hedebo RRP: £11.99 RRP: £12.99 RRP: £22.99 embroidery, among other techniques, there is a wealth of information here for the keen embroiderer and 30 very beautiful projects to choose from. BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION FROM LIFE Embroidery designer Ayako Otsuka A visual guide to observing, drawing and painting plants is the director of Embroidery Studio Ecru and a member of the Japan Association of by Isik Güner Linen Spinners. She has been immersed in the world of embroidery since childhood, z Observe, draw, paint, explore and master the art of botanical learning from her mother, a designer of illustration. Award-winning botanical artist Isik Guner shares her passion Japanese and Western style embroidery. for drawing and painting living plants from around the world. Her work is Ayako is the author of several both artistically accomplished and scientifically accurate, and will inspire books about embroidery published you to master the skills you need to produce your own botanical in her home country of Japan. illustrations from life. z Discover how to select, preserve and position your specimens. ISBN: 9781782216896 z Develop your understanding of perspective and composition. • Edition: Paperback • Pages: 160 z Learn the techniques of drawing and watercolour painting. • Publisher: Search Press With the help of Ekin Ozbicer’s striking photography and numerous illustrations by Isik and other renowned botanical artists, this visually stunning book bridges the gap between science and art .

RRP: £14.99 ISBN: 9781782218067 • Edition: Paperback • Pages: 208 Publisher: Search Press • RRP: £17.99

www.craftbusiness.com 12 AWARDS

z This year’s Craft Business Television presenter and bigger picture. This was a Awards are being sponsored former Blue Peter presenter reminder that we’re going in by The Creation Station. Anthea Turner and knitwear the right direction and the Sarah Cressall, founder of Designer Debbie Bliss. recognition from our peers the franchise business, is also The Craft Business and the industry has been a the newest judge to join the Awards are in their 15th year, real boost. We’re all very proud ranks of the illustrious panel. getting bigger and better each of everything we’ve achieved Sarah said “We are thrilled year and are highly relevant to so far at Hawthorn Handmade to be a part of Craft Business the industry. and awards like this give us Awards, creativity is such a Winning a Craft Business the energy and drive to keep vital attribute, and celebrating Award can mean a lot to on bringing new ideas to the these amazing craft businesses. Not only do they craft world and our wonderful businesses, is in turn receive a trophy at a customers.” celebrating creativity. I am champagne reception at CHSI Eighteen of the categories honoured to have been invited Stitches but they can also look are free to enter, including to be a judge, and thoroughly forward to extensive coverage Best Independent Retailer, look forward to the ceremony.” in Craft Business magazine because although this is a The Creation Station and its accompanying website judged category, Craft believe that greatness is and social media. Business remains committed already within each and The Awards operate on to supporting retail. This year everyone of us. Sometimes it simple lines: there are four Industry Elite just needs a little love and z Companies, Brands, categories whereby on SEARCH PRESS 1.4 3 COL_ADS 14/08/2019 11:01Get Page 1 on board for recognition to really let it Businesses (or their entering and being shortlisted, shine. They help unleash the customers) can nominate your product, campaign or wonder within, through fun on line at the Craft brand will have the chance to the Craft Business and educational arts and Business website be put in front of one of our crafts, classes, parties, events z Once the nominations esteemed judges. The cost and products. have been made they are per entry for these categories Awards 2020 The Creation Station are a shortlisted and then is £100 (plus VAT). multi-award-winning, five-star thrown open to the voting Simply nominate your rated company, and inspire process online brand or product on our Find out who the new sponsor is and who’s over 14,500 children and z The Elite Industry Awards website at www.craftbusiness. families every week with their are judged by a select com/awards and if your entry on the judging panel creative arts and crafts panel is shortlisted, it will either be experiences across the UK. This makes the winning of voted for by the Craft Their journeys of discovery, one truly valuable, but what do Business readership or judged exploration and development the winners of Craft Business by our elite panel of industry unlock ideas through their fun, Awards have to say? experts. hands-on activities, products Stephanie Carswell, owner Nominations close on and of course a little bit of of Hawthorn Handmade and September 6 with the shortlist sparkly glitter. winner of the Craft Business announced and voting stage Completing the panel are Awards 2019 Best Emerging opening on September 27, renowned actress and Craft Brand, said: “It’s given us 2019. Voting will then close on presenter Julie Peasgood, something to shout about and December 13, 2019. who has an extensive be proud of and we’ve seen a background in craft and is the direct response from Anthea Turner Debbie Bliss Julie Peasgood founder of Supercraft Cruises, companies getting in touch to work with us and stock our kits. “I was truly over the moon! It’s often very hard working in a small company with a lot of pressure and little time to Craft step back and see the BUSINESS AWARDS z THE CATEGORIES: 2020 Elite Industry Awards judged by our panel (paid for): z Best overall product z Best small business z Champion brand z Best Craft book z Best Beading & Jewellery Free to enter categories: Manufacturer/Supplier/ z Best Independent Retailer Distributor JUDGED READER VOTED z Best Support & Service z Best Papercraft READER VOTED Manufacturer/Supplier/ z Best Chain Craft Shop Distributor (changed from Best READER VOTED Shared Retailer) z Best Stitching & READER VOTED Haberdashery z Best E-tailer Manufacturer/Supplier/ READER VOTED Distributor z Best British Brand READER VOTED READER VOTED z Best Creative Stationery z Best European Brand Manufacturer/Supplier/ READER VOTED Distributor z Best American Brand READER VOTED READER VOTED z Best Social Media z Craft Influencer of the Year READER VOTED READER VOTED z Best Trade Website z Best Craft Book Publisher READER VOTED READER VOTED z Best Emerging Product z Best Knitting JUDGED Manufacturer/Supplier/ z Best Sustainable Craft Distributor READER VOTED Company JUDGED

www.craftbusiness.com CREATIVE SPARKS 13 Create, connect and inspire! Meet out new columnist Sarah Cressall, best selling author, multi-award-winningRICO mini_ADS 14/08/2019entrepreneur, 10:59 Page speaker, 1 founder and CEO of the Creation Station and Craft Business Awards 2020 judge z LIFE’S NOT A SAUSAGE services to and products to in fun and engaging ways. To help introducing workshops for activities in your area, or would MACHINE – LET’S UNLEASH charities. I do a lot of key note with positive mental health in families at its 2019 Autumn love to get involved and run your THE WONDER WITHIN! talks, and I also like to ask education, we have developed our Creative Craft Shows in, own reward and flexible Creation Have you ever met two people questions and learn more about creative Student Wellbeing Manchester, Exeter, Birmingham Station franchise visit www. exactly the same? It’s not usual is how we can develop and make a programmes, and are rolling this and Glasgow. We are offering a thecreationstation.co.uk it? However, my husband is an bigger difference. out during Autumn 2019. series of free workshops for Over the next 12 months, I identical twin and I have generally Creative Craft Show attendees look forward to sharing with you, been able to tell them apart, but z BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS z COLLABORATIONS from framed pebble art, canvas top tips and ideas to help spark there was that one night in the Ah! Doing something I love and We love collaborating with positive creations, hands-on slime making creativity and unleash the wonder 100 club in London….! helping others find fulfilment by creative brands and work with to creating robots. Attendees can within yourself and others. Anyway, apart from the doing something they love too. Disney, Lego, Usbourne and book to receive a free children’s Here’s to inspiring futures! occasional oversight, we are all Being mum to my three wonderful Hasbro to name a few. workshops with their ticket. z Twitter: @sarahcressall different. We have different young men! I started the business The Creation Station has also If you would like to find out z Facebook: @sarahjcressall interests, skills, abilities, because I wanted to spark their partnered with ICHF Events, more about local creative z Instagram: sarahcressall confidences and much more. It is own curiosity and journeys of this mix that makes our world learning. Now they help me and such a diverse and vibrant place. others and I’m so proud of them. By nurturing creativity, we provide My book ‘Creative Sparks opportunities for children to own - mishaps and hurdles to inspire their learning and enable you and yours’ reaching number wellbeing in all ages and within one on Amazon! Wow! It took me our communities. over two years to write it, and it’s This is why I established The rewarding to think people have Creation Station back in 2002. I found it helpful. wanted to inspire imagination and Creativity is often just nurture creativity. Together with associated with the arts or being our family of fabulous franchise artistic. I feel that together with owners we’ve been privileged to our fabulous family of franchise inspire over a million kids and partners, our wonderful creative adults through creative art and hub head office team and the crafts award-winning experiences. support of my husband and kids, The creative activities include we’ve been able to help develop baby keepsakes, preschool and creative intelligence in all ages. holiday classes, after school This helps us think, connect, clubs and school workshops, arty create and feel inspired. Whether parties, adult crafternoons and this is in early years development, evenings, workshops for our in science, technology, senior citizens and event engineering and maths, in the entertainment. arts, or in wellbeing and mindfulness, I feel very privileged z PURPOSE and humbled to be part of My purpose is to bring creativity something bigger than myself. into all areas of learning, leisure and life. I work with great people, z PLANS FOR THE FUTURE organisations and brands, to Ooo we have lots of developments! create positive differences I’ve got a brilliant team and that through creative experiences. This frees me to really drive our involves me working with innovation and creativity to the nurseries, schools, universities, next level. We have developed an event and PR agencies, leisure exciting programme bringing the and entertainment centres, care arts into Science, Technology, organisations and companies to Engineering and Maths for the mention a few! early years and Key Stage 1 and 2. We are mindful of reducing We are working to bring creativity our impact on our environment back into childhood and support and contribute our creative teachers to deliver the curriculum

www.craftbusiness.com 14 ADVERTORIAL

An explosion of dazzling crafts firing up children’s limitless creativity Ben Cornwell, from Creativity International, gives us the low down on Crayola’s expanding line

z Crayola is expanding portable chests feature a huge one easily accessible place. Due z AFFORDABLY PRICED Chests to keep the kids busy. its partnership with collection of mind-blowing to their clever design, they are AND SUPPORTED Recommended for children Creativity International to bright and colourful crafts and a great solution for containing BY VIBRANT ages four plus and priced at inspire creativity through accessories. They’re brimming excess parts and reducing POINT OF SALE RRP £6.99 and RRP: £13.99. new crafting kits. over with terrific ideas including storage mess for parents and Geared toward children To find out more Crayola has fuelled the beads, poly-shapes, paper, teachers. The chests are easily from age four plus, families, information about the ranges imaginations of children since felt sheets, pom-poms, pipe portable too, because of their grandparents, teachers and and to place an order, please 1903 with its array of spectacular cleaners, egg-shaped foam, clever construction, complete godparents will doubtless contact Ben Cornwell at colouring accessories, craft pieces, lolly sticks, decorative with comfortable handle. rely on these affordable Craft [email protected] products and numerous creative stars, glitter, and jam packed full items. Through its partnership of the types of vibrant jewels with, Creativity International Ltd, that excite kids of all ages! Crayola has developed a robust business in crafting basics. This z SO MANY CREATIVE PRODUCT PANEL autumn, Creativity International PLAY IDEAS! will expand its line to include new The chests are designed to z CRAYOLA CRAFT CHEST exceptionally exciting extensions encourage children to craft with This fabulously large Craft Chest by Crayola is a and inspire endless creativity. no limits, and to help inspire fantastic box of goodies that will deliver hours of Since the late 1990’s the designers of the future! fun, day in, day out. The box contains an abundance Creativity International Ltd has Children will use the Crayola of bold and vibrant craft accessories so children worked with children, teachers, Craft chests to conjure up their from the age of four plus will quickly be bursting educational establishments own unique creations to their with imaginative ideas, keen to get started on their and more to bring out the best hearts’ content. The Crayola creations! The generously sized plastic box has a in children and give them the product design team behind comfortable handle making this box easy to carry opportunity to develop their own the timeless Craft Chests have around and it contains craft sticks, poly shapes, inventiveness, inspiring talent included everything a child wiggly eyes, foam shapes, sequins, pom-poms, tissue, and ingenious ideas alike. The could possibly need to allow coloured paper, card, beads and chenille stems. There’s opportunity for a collaboration their imagination to run riot so certainly enough to keep the little ones occupied over between the two companies they can dream up beautiful the school holidays, on a rainy day and whenever began in 2018 with the launch pictures, 3D models, ingenious they need to express themselves. RRP £13.99 of an extensive collection characters, greeting cards, of crafting basics and value posters, displays and more – priced pegged craft kits. Right the possibilities are endless. z CRAYOLA CRAFT BOX from the start the collection For children from the age of four plus the smaller size proved successful solving an z CRAFTING FOR Crayola Craft Box is full of thrilling creative accessories to unmet need in the market. KIDS, ANYTIME, ANY fuel children’s imagination and encourage ingenious play! The extension of Craft Chests PLACE, ANYWHERE Ideal for taking to friends, going on holiday or just to carry build upon the current success Superb gifts, ideal for school around when off to the grandparents, it’s got everything and provide new solutions for holidays and for any time of a child could possibly need to entertain themselves and the home and classroom. year – take them outdoors, use their friends! Featuring an abundant keepsake box with them indoors, there’s plenty a comfy, brightly coloured handle, there’s z INTRODUCING CRAYOLA of scope. The lightweight a myriad of items that a young designer CRAFT CHESTS chests are suitable for home will adore, including felt, coloured paper, The Craft Chests’ mission is use, kids’ clubs or even in the craft sticks, chenille stems, wiggly eyes, clear, to engage, empower and classroom and are the perfect pom-poms and more (contents inspire young minds. The handy, place to store everything in might vary). RRP £6.99

z CRAYOLA CRAFT TUBS We never stop creating new, exciting products to stimulate crafters of all ages. By keeping our craft supplies on trend with what’s important to you and your child, we not only keep them interested in art, but hopefully also help them stay engaged and excited about exploring their own creative impulses. Check out our new Mixed Craft Tub and Assorted on trend Foam Tubs now.

z HOW TO MAKE A CRAYOLA FLOWER POT WIGGLY EYES Making Crayola Flower Pot Wiggly Eyes always a huge hit with kids of all ages! Easy enough for toddlers, but cute enough that the big kids always want to make them, too! All you need is an old flower pot, coloured sand, Crayola Coloured Craft Sticks, Crayola Coloured Match Sticks, Crayola Large Wiggly Eyes and Glue.

www.craftbusiness.com CREATIVITY page_ADS 15/08/2019 09:16 Page 1 16 INTERVIEW Minutes With... Alison Macgregor We caught up with Alison, Product Development and Studio Manager at West Design, for a quick chat about the all- important Christmas ranges

T What’s your job role and constantly working hard to bring 5how did you become involved them diverse collections that they in product development? will enjoy. It’s great to see product I work as Product Development that you’ve created out on the and Studio Manager at West, and shelves and I always get a buzz if with a couple of teammates and I’m out shopping and see a group of incredibly talented someone buy something I’ve designers, I get the pleasure of worked on. developing and delivering some beautiful collections throughout T What projects have you the year. been involved in? I studied retail management The latest range I’ve worked on is at university and after graduation our new Simply Make craft kits, I moved to London to take a job which I’m really excited to see in at Burberry in their childrenswear the shops this Christmas. product development team. After Working on the Simply Make a couple of years in the London project was great fun because it and whether it’s something that be including new products in the recently, especially in rat race, I decided it was time to was a completely new brand for makes sense commercially – not range, or adapting its theme. homeware. With the market start a new life – moving to us and something that we were only to us, but retailers as well. If a new collection performs craving more, we wanted to Dorset to open my own gift and able to see develop from an initial We also keep a close eye on the exceptionally well out in the transfer this into our latest homeware shop. With this, my idea in a meeting room, to latest trends so that with every market, then we’ll look to move Enchanted Swan collection – love for products only grew, and physical product in shops. It’s a new range or product, we’re a this into our core range so that providing a beautiful, whimsical fi ve years later I found myself range I’m really proud of and the step-ahead of the market. customers can continue to enjoy it range of papers, decoupage, working for West - helping to feedback has been amazing! all year round. embellishments and develop all the great products you T When you already have sentiments to fulfi l every see in store. T What’s the most an established range, how T Within your ranges, how do customer’s desire of winter important thing when do you keep it fresh and you develop the themes? crafting. T What’s your favourite launching a new range? appealing to consumers? Before we decide on a theme, we thing about your job? The most important thing when Taking our Create Christmas often attend a few craft and T Getting in the Christmas My favourite thing about working launching a new range is digging range as an example, we’re homeware tradeshows to gain spirit, what’s your favourite in the product team at West is deep and fi nding out exactly what always looking to update the some inspiration and get a feel for activity over the holidays? probably the number of new consumers want and how they range by including new additions the colour palettes out in the I’ve always been known to products and projects I get to want it. With every new product, that, ultimately, keep consumers market. We quite often fi nd that create an extravagantly work on! With consumers always we invest a lot of time into the interested and engaged. craft trends follow on very closely decorated cake. And you should wanting something new, we’re research behind its conception, Consumers love newness, so we from homeware trends. Taking this see our family dinner table - it’s fi nd keeping a fresh range really as inspiration and combining it with piled with homemade crackers helps to drive continued sales in our customer research means we and every one receives a hand “The most important thing shops. Before we start, we’ll look can offer crafters the opportunity wrapped table gift. at how the range is currently to match their craft projects with when launching a new range performing, and we’ll then get the the aesthetic of their home. T If you could only listen to one team together to bounce ideas Christmas song for the rest of is digging deep and finding around the room to fi gure out T What trends should we look your life, what would it be? out exactly what consumers how the range can be improved out for this Christmas? ‘The Pogues – Fairytale Of New and the best way to meet our We’re really seeing a lot of muted York’ without a doubt! Got it want and how they want it” consumers’ needs; whether this colour tones gain in popularity stuck in my head now.

www.craftbusiness.com WEST DESIGN page_ADS 14/08/2019 16:14 Page 1 ROYAL TALENS dps_ADS 14/08/2019 10:59 Page 2 ROYAL TALENS dps_ADS 14/08/2019 11:00 Page 3 ROYAL TALENS dps_ADS 14/08/2019 10:59 Page 2 ROYAL TALENS dps_ADS 14/08/2019 11:00 Page 3 20 ADVERTORIAL Tracey inspires us with Dragons

Tracey Dutton, founder of z YOUR LAST RELEASES z WHERE DO YOU GET into a design suitable to be LOOKED VERY GOTHIC. YOUR INSPIRATION? produced into a stamp. For me Lavinia Stamps Ltd, unveils IS THIS NEW RANGE I have always had a passion it’s about quality not quantity, INSPIRED ALONG for drawing fairies and fantasy the image needs to be perfect her latest designs THE SAME LINES? from a very young age. If I every time regardless of how Our previous range proved to wasn’t drawing them, I would long it takes me. Some images be so popular with everyone be reading about them. The are instant and others I revisit z TELL ME A LITTLE BIT we decided to keep a similar flow of inspiration never stops, time and time again This can ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS theme going. I have really it’s not something you can sometimes take months. Lavinia Stamps are an enjoyed working with this range, just switch off. It’s the magical established British company dragons and maidens. Things element that I love, it allows offering a whole range of are always evolving, it’s so very you to enter a different world, distinctive and inspirational exciting, I am already thinking a place of freedom that’s products. I am recognized for about our Christmas range, the uplifting and enlightening my passion in fairies and fantasy imagination is running overtime. and actually very spiritual. which is clearly reflected in our Maybe my style is recognised stunning range of products z WHEN WILL THESE NEW because there is part of me Lavinia Stamps pride DESIGNS BE RELEASED? in everything I draw, it’s who I ourselves on designing Our new designs will be released am., it’s all incredibly personal. everything from start to to the public (retail) on August finish. These images are all 22. However, the new designs z HOW DOES YOUR hand drawn which give them will be launched for trade DESIGN PROCESS WORK? their uniqueness, offering customers on September 2. The images I draw are from the something different each time heart. I have a huge passion Lavinia Stamps aim to take z HOW CAN RETAILERS GET for drawing, always have done. crafting to an artistic level, we THEIR HANDS ON THEM? The images I initially draw are have a passion and drive to Our trade customers will order quite large. I always start with inspire people and produce any new products through pencil to paper then pen to products that have an achievable market place, ensuring our range our website, we have an easy paper. Photoshop and illustrator result, appealing to all crafting constantly evolves in line with online facility to put orders are two computer programs LAVINIA capabilities.1.2_ADS 14/08/2019 We thrive 10:58on new Page 1 current demands. Lavinia Stamps through. We are always I have worked with in the last ideas and ventures, bringing is growing internationally, we now updating our website to make 25 years. These programs help original innovations to the have followers all over the world. shopping easy and enjoyable. turn my hand drawn image

www.craftbusiness.com MESSE FRANKFURTHER skyscraper_ADS 14/08/2019 11:48 Page 1

Loopy for Crochet & Nuts About Knitting!

Angela Sara West chats with influential crocheters and knitters about their passion for the crafts, pushing the boundaries, their success secrets and talk-of-the-town trends z Looking for some yarnspiration? finest of mohair, to super chunky brights, beautiful The crochet and knitting worlds are overflowing ribbons and sparkling tinsel, all bursting onto the with inspiring new trends this year and, with the craft scene and being impressively combined. comeback crafts of crochet and knitting now Knitters have also been getting us in a spin with officially über-cool, modern crochet has kicked off their ultra-creative knits, introducing terrifically- its 1970s vibe garment heritage, while knitting has a complex stitches to create new texture and drama. whole new celebrity fanbase getting their knit on, And it’s not just garments crocheters and and more and more designers are creating knitters are having lots of fun with – it’s also garments inspired by today’s catwalk. accessories and homeware. Now frequently referred to as “yoga for yarn Designers are busy adding exciting lovers”, crochet’s finally gone contemporary, with embellishments to anything and everything, and experts experimenting with every different kind of there’s some fabulous mosaic colour work out yarn, from cool cotton and jersey tape yarns and the there, too! Edward Griffith – LoveCrafts z After seeing the makers The London-based crafting with he loved struggling to find community and marketplace independent materials and patterns online, is known for its “disruptive designers, Edward Griffith, along with business model”, reviving the offering co-founders Cherry Freeman crochet, knitting, cross stitch crafters not & Nigel Whiteoak, launched and embroidery scenes for only inspiration, but over the unique e-commerce and today’s digital audiences. 50,000 patterns and more dynamic craft platforms “We focus on the joy that than 30,000 yarns, needles, LoveCrochet and LoveKnitting, making brings to crafters. hooks and accessories. which have now been brought From learning the basics Their new home, together to form LoveCrafts. and drawing inspiration from LoveCrafts.com, attracts com. “Many of our makers designers, to choosing yarn, millions of visitors every reached out to us to ask for threads and supplies and month, while with a thriving other crafts and to be able to sharing with other makers community of 365K Instagram shop, learn and be inspired in around the world on the followers and 450K Facebook one place,” Edward, explains. Community platforms, our fans, the team constantly “As we were already known as ethos is simple; be inspired, collaborates with amazing LoveCrafts behind the scenes, connect, share and create!” designers on their social it just made sense! We’ve At the centre of the crafting channels @lovecraftscom, kicked our new craft world off community, the world’s first @lovecraftscrochet and by welcoming embroidery and dedicated crochet, knitting, @lovecraftsknitting. cross stitch to the family and, as sewing, cross stitch and z Instagram followers: 365K we add more crafts, our makers embroidery site profiles z Facebook followers: 450K will be able to shop more of the popular knitting and crochet z Website: www.lovecrafts. crafts they love in one place.” brands and suppliers, along com

www.craftbusiness.com 22 KNITTING & CROCHET INFLUENCERS

Alberto Bravo – We Are Knitters Sarah-Jayne Fragola

z We Are Knitters (WAK) wants years. With a whopping one – Bella Coco Crochet the world to slow down. The million fans on Facebook, and manufacturer and provider of boasting over 450k followers on z Happily hooked on arts knitting kits, patterns, videos Instagram, in 2018, they were and crafts since childhood, and more is an international included in the Forbes 30 under Nottingham-based content source for knitting kits and 30 list, recognising the influence creator, Sarah-Jayne Fragola, yarn, great-quality clothes, and and impact their brand has had is the brains behind Bella an active, online community on so many people’s lives. “One Coco, a comprehensive for knitters and DIY lovers - a of the things we are more proud hub for “all of your crochet much-loved fashion and lifestyle of is the community we have needs.” She says she has brand which revolves around created around the brand,” says always enjoyed experimenting. the “experience” of knitting. Alberto. “People are not used to “I’ve tried my hand at crochet, In fact, the international making things with their hands sewing, knitting, card making company has helped transform any more, so when you realise and jewellery making. I find the ancient craft of knitting into that you can knit and actually inspiration in pretty much an accessible, fashion-forward wear what you have created for the coming season! We anything! I love reading other the British Knitting Awards hobby for the modern woman or even gift it to someone, you don’t want to give away a lot blogs, browsing Pinterest for the third year running. (and man), who now see it as feel so proud of yourself that since we need to have some and interacting with the She’s particularly proud of stylish and cool. Promising ‘All the first thing you want to do is surprises, but we are very lovely world of Instagram.” her new collaboration with the the Happiness in a Kit’, it’s a to share it on Instagram. This excited to announce that we Her much-loved YouTube Crochet Society. “It’s a dream go-to resource for 100 per cent has helped us a lot to grow and will publish our first ever book crochet tutorials have made her come true for me!” she says. wool and cotton knitting kits and make the brand well-known of patterns in the autumn!” a favourite of the crochet world, “Each month, I invite some so much more for the modern among crafters, and most Entitled ‘We Are Knitters - and she’s racked up over 580k of my favourite designers in and cosmopolitan crafter. importantly, non-crafters. We’ve Knitspiration to Take Anywhere subscribers and an impressive the community to design for Founded by Pepita Marín taken care of our followers and Everywhere’ (published 65m views since 2014. With a a subscription box for the and Alberto Bravo in 2011, their since the very beginning, so that by Abrams & Chronicle and further 45k followers across Crochet Society. Collaborating ‘passion project’ evolved into has led to a very engaged WAK distributed by Search Press). Instagram, Facebook and with them has been great!” a thriving multi-million-pound community on social media.” z Instagram: 450k+ Twitter, and a Facebook group z YouT ube: 585k subscribers & global business and online What’s next for WAK? “We z Facebook: 1M with 60k fans and growing, the 65m views community in just a few short have a lot of things planned z www.weareknitters.co.uk Bella Coco crochet community z Facebook, Twitter & is teeming with creative and Instagram: 130k+ combined inspiring people. Her lifestyle followers (both crochet and blog about her personal life, lifestyle) meanwhile, inspires over 70k z www.bellacococr ochet.com followers across Instagram, (crochet) Facebook and YouTube. “My z www.bellacoco.co.uk viewers often say that they (lifestyle) like my style and speed, which is what keeps them coming back for more. I was also one of the first online teachers to include both UK and US crochet terms, which I feel was a great advantage as it can be very confusing for beginners.” Accolades include winner of ‘Best Lifestyle Blog’ and ‘Content Creator of the Year’ at the 2017 UK Blog awards, along with finalist for ‘Best Lifestyle Influencer’ at the Cosmopolitan Influencer Awards 2016. Having clinched third place in 2017 and 2018, Sarah-Jayne has this year been shortlisted for ‘Best Crochet Blog’ at Rohn Strong - Rohn Strong Designs z Award-winning American Rohn Strong Book Club. “July and patient approach to crochet designer/author/ 2019 was our first month and, motivating, nurturing and instructor/broadcast so far, it’s been great! I came up inspiring via print, video and personality/internationally- with the idea while working with social media. Published in renowned blogger, Rohn Debbie Macomber on my ‘Listen practically every crochet Strong, says 2019 “has been While You Stitch’ blog post. I magazine Stateside, he’s also quite the year!” Not only is he had such a great response that the crochet and loom knitting now a JOANN Brand Influencer, I decided to make an audio/ expert on PBS’s Emmy- he’s collaborated with Lion physical book club!” Rohn’s new nominated ‘Knit and Crochet Brand Yarn on new crochet kits, Punch Needle Rug Hooking Now!’ TV series with Deborah and is currently writing his sixth kits have added yet another Norville and is a designer for book. “I’ve also filmed a number crafty string to his busy bow. major brands including Red of episodes for Annie’s Creative “Punch needle is my new love Heart Yarns and Premier Yarns. Studio, which is a wonderful and it’s caught my business eye Inspired by Japanese online streaming platform, as well. I started selling punch crochet and knitting, he’s perfect for all kinds of makers. needle rug hooking kits in June continuing to enjoy the I’ve had the honour of working 2019, and will continue through resurgence of Tunisian crochet. to learn advanced techniques line of quilt patterns. 2020 with Debbie Macomber on her the publishing of my next “Tunisian crochet is seeing and complex designs.” is the year of quilting for ‘Knit One, Bless Two’ campaign, book, also on punch needle!” such a boom! While its roots What’s next for Rohn Rohn Strong Designs!” too. It was such a joy!” With over 300 designs, four may be mostly unknown, its Strong Designs? “Along with z Instagram: 7.5k He’s also started a online classes and five best- future is bright! I’m excited my new punch needle book, z Facebook: 3.6k / 900 group new chapter in his crafting selling books, he’s loved for his to see that crocheters and due out in autumn 2020, I’m members adventure, by launching the accessible, inclusive knitters are pushing their limits working on launching my new z www.rohnstrong.com

www.craftbusiness.com KNITTING & CROCHET INFLUENCERS 23

Mari-Liis Lille – lilleliis z Former piano teacher, Mari- 2009, she has also been busy publishing house, Meteoor Liis Lille’s amazing journey making for many others. Her Books, was born. Following the with amigurumi began when company is the first, and probably international success of her first she fell in love with the craft largest, specialising in crochet book, the designer dreamt up while expecting her third toys and patterns in her native 15 brand-new animal toys for child. “Having played the piano Estonia, with parents all over another title for Meteoor, and all my life, I never imagined I the globe flocking to purchase ‘Cuddly Amigurumi Toys’ was could do anything else,” she her well-known lilleliis toys and published in January 2018. She says. But her life changed patterns. “Initially, the main CWOC 1.4seamlessly 2 COL_ADS showcased 14/08/2019 step-by- 10:57 Page 1 completely when, having focus was on the handmade step how to create cute cuddly tried knitting and sewing as a toys but, under the pressure of companions for babies, toddlers hobby, she brought home her my fans, I soon started writing and schoolchildren. From starry- first crochet hook and a book instructions in both Estonian eyed Sara the horse and Lars teaching the basic stitches. and English to sell worldwide,” the little dragon, to Klaus the “That was the beginning of a she explains. “My patterns were bashful bunny, Teddy Theodore passion... It was love at first a great success, so the focus and Teele the elephant, Mari-Liis with the design, I immediately up my hook and start all over sight!” She soon discovered slowly moved towards more says the sensational soft animals started writing the pattern and again. It took several weeks amigurumi, along with the designing and pattern writing.” spark so much love and fun. finished it in a week. I was about until I found enough strength “endless joy” of creating In 2014, her first amigurumi Her latest super-cute bird to send it to the pattern tester in myself to continue with it.” gorgeous toys for her children. and crochet book, ‘Magical rattles designs have been flying when my computer crashed and z Facebook: 23K Since conceiving her Amigurumi Toys’, in collaboration off the shelves, following a I lost all the materials... It was z Instagram: 40K own craft business, lilleliis, in with small international difficult launch. “I was so happy devastating. I simply couldn`t pick z www.lilleliis.com

Tatsiana Kupryianchyk - Lilla Björn Crochet

z Belarus-born Tatsiana reviews of books, magazines, Kupryianchyk is the talented yarns and crochet tools. crochet designer and fibre Recently, she has artist behind Lilla Björn translated mandala making Crochet. Taught to crochet into garment design and at kindergarten at just five released several round-yoked years-old, she says her top down sweaters and inspiration lies in graphic cardigans. She combines art, architecture, paintings, overlay and mosaic crochet photography and textile with knit-look crochet prints. “I mainly design interior stitches for a modern look decorations. Making mandalas and gorgeous drape.” is my greatest obsession, In her quest to live her but I’ve recently been looking own creative life, she tries into garment design more.” not to compare her work to from other crochet offerings Tatsiana’s original crochet other designers’. “For me, on the market at the time. patterns are available via success stems from the true Even now, after four years Ravelry, Etsy and LoveCrafts, passion and strong belief in of intense designing, overlay and she runs a blog from what you do, without looking crochet mandalas remain her home in the Czech elsewhere. From the very my most popular patterns.” Republic, which she moved beginning, I’ve been using the Tatsiana says working to 11 years ago. Offering overlay crochet technique with the right people has also articles and insights into (introduced to the crochet been key to her success. her creative process, it also world by Melody McDuffee “I’ve been collaborating with gives crochet tips and tricks, in 2003) and mandala art Scheepjes yarn company tutorials, free patterns and helped me to stand out for five years, giving me a massive push in both the designing and marketing aspects. I have also found my “own tribe” of crochet and knitting designers and craft bloggers, who give me friendly support and inspiration!” z Blog subscribers: 28K+ z Facebook: 32K+ followers z Instagram: 36.9K+ followers z www.lillabjorncrochet.com

www.craftbusiness.com 24 KNITTING & CROCHET INFLUENCERS

Julie Desjardins Claire Gelder – Wool Couture Company - ACCROchet z Having spun a great Since z French Canadian fibre artist project enters yarn on BBC Two’s setting Julie Desjardins is totally the world.” ‘Dragons’ Den’, former up her first devoted to crochet. Based in “My original NHS Director Claire online store Montréal, Québec, she quit her goal was to bring crochet into Gelder’s successful with Etsy, she has job in advertising a few years its own in my own province. pitch enabled her successfully combined her business ago so that her entire world Francophone crocheters had brand to expand acumen with a pastime she is could revolve around crochet few resources when I came exponentially and passionate about and now heads and communications. “On my on the scene. That goal has iron out any woolly up the UK’s leading chunky and terms! I’m super excited about changed and evolved over issues. “We increased giant knitting company. Standing where that’s leading,” she says. time, and while I still have our business turnover out from the crowd with their “Crochet gives me an excuse a soft spot for my French by 75 per cent in supersize range of knitting needles, to watch a lot of Netflix and crocheters & designers, I the following 12 crochet hooks and weaving looms, not feel guilty about it because now aim to be a resource for months!” she says. Wool Couture makes traditional I have an item or two to show crocheters everywhere.” Claire left her crafts modern and fun, inspiring for the binge! I’m a huge fan of And her crochet company career as an NHS artisans all around the world to crochet socks – fell into them is ever evolving. “In the last Director in 2015 take up the centuries-old pastimes after knitters tried to convince year or so, I have grown my to launch her new of knitting, crochet, weaving and me they couldn’t be as cool or collective of French-speaking business, Wool macramé by giving these timeless comfortable as knitted ones.” crochet designers to 21, Couture, which hobbies a 21st-century makeover. ACCROchet is Julie’s with a public group of 3,300 specialises in Adding her own contemporary crochet design, instructor and members on Facebook. My knitting, crochet, weaving and macramé. She twist to age-old crafts, Claire uses giant, communications business, business has grown into soon delivered her DIY craft kits to the shelves chunky yarn and oversized knitting needles offering crochet patterns, book a tech-editing, translation of retail giant John Lewis and, in 2017, secured made in her own factory. “It’s all about taking and tool reviews. “ACCROchet and coaching business to two Dragons’ Den investors, Touker Suleyman a traditional craft and saying, ‘So, how does was born because crochet was accompany the design side.” and Tej Lalvani, to help her pass on her passion this look today? What is today’s take on, for regarded as the ‘ugly’ craft. z Facebook: 15k of crafting to the next generation. “I now have example, needle felting? We’ve just created That’s now changed and the z Instagram: 2.5k my very own business encyclopaedia. Both a needle felting range, and it’s a little funky focus is now on the beauty z Newsletter subscribers: Dragons gave me a team that I can access for range with rainbows and clouds, octopus and of our stitches, the magic we 400 French, 250 English- anything I need, and I can literally pick up the gnomes. It’s great, it’s different and it’s quirky!” create with beautiful yarn, and speaking following a re-start ‘phone and ask ‘How do I’? They are amazing!” z Instagram: 23k GORILLA GLUEthat moment1.2_ADS of 14/08/2019 delight when 10:57 Pagethis 1 year. Living and working in Wakefield, Claire is z Facebook: 5.5k a new completed crochet z www.accrochet.com proud to be continuing Yorkshire’s textile tradition, z Twitter: 2k with passion, integrity and a ‘can do’ attitude. z www.woolcouturecompany.com

www.craftbusiness.com KNITTING & CROCHET INFLUENCERS 25

Vanessa Mooncie Susie Johns z London-based artist and stitcher Susie Johns is a - Kissy Suzuki hugely-successful author z Itching to express your inner been making of crochet, knitting, sewing animal instincts? We know her mark on and craft titles, with dozens the very crafter to bring out the crochet world of books under her creative the ‘beast’ in you! Known in the with her countless creations belt. The wonderfully- craft world as Kissy Suzuki, and books on crocheted inventive designer also has celebrated crafter, Vanessa animals, sea creatures and articles published regularly in Mooncie’s awe-inspiring creations monsters to adorn and brighten mainstream crafting magazines. enchant both children and adults up our walls, injecting lots How does it feel to be an alike. The East Sussex-based of loopy fun into our lives! influencer? “I enjoy passing contemporary craftsperson, artist She also works with the on my knowledge, skills and and author studied fashion and Guild of Master Craftsman ideas through books and magazine articles that I have textile design and has worked Publications, producing a range written, and also through teaching and running workshops as a children’s wear designer, of craft books covering a variety at places like Kew Gardens and Cambridge Botanical Jessica illustrator and interior designer. of creative disciplines. Vanessa’s Gardens and demonstrating at various events. Being She specialises in silkscreen work impressive titles for GMC include an author is quite a solitary pastime, but teaching and Carey – The and designing contemporary ‘Tea Cozies’ and her bestselling demonstrating gets you face-to-face with your audience.” crochet jewellery and producing book ‘Animal Hats’. A follow-up Susie’s latest book, ‘Fat Quarter: Vintage’, is Hook Nook modern accessories for the full of fun’n’fabulous crochet published in September. “So, I’ll be promoting my latest wardrobe and home. projects to top off your outfit book on Sewing Quarter and I’m currently working z Oregon-based Jessica Carey is Producing contemporary with more adorable animal on an embroidery book for the same publishers, the founder, owner and creative pieces inspired by the rich magic, ‘Crocheted Animal GMC Publications, due out next spring. I’ve also been designer behind The Hook tradition of knitting, crochet and Hats’ presented 15 projects to doing a series of workshops at Kew Gardens, making Nook. She began her business stitching through the history keep cool heads warm’n’toasty knitted vegetables inspired by their allotments, and after viewing various YouTube of fashion, she’s most recently in the form of eye-catching I’m teaching an embroidery course in the autumn.” videos on her mission to learn to creatures. The extensive Though she’s a crochet. “After several months techniques section includes keen Instagrammer, of growing my skill, and friends how to add a fleecy lining for Susie says she and family asking to purchase extra cosiness. Her ‘Monster hasn’t yet built up my products, I opened up an Etsy Hats: 15 scary head warmers a big following. shop in February 2012, selling my to knit’, meanwhile went down “But I’m working finished goods. After a couple of a monster storm. ‘Crocheted on it! I tend to rely successful years, I chose to cease Wild Animals’ was another on my books and production of finished items to roaring success, offering no magazine articles focus on pattern designing.” fewer than 14 feral friends from to communicate The crochet fashion designer all around the globe to choose with like-minded has since grown a loyal Instagram from, complete with fascinating people and spread fan base of over 100k followers, facts to learn about these my enthusiasm for alongside establishing great untamed beasts along the way. knitting, crochet working relationships with several z Instagram: 5.4k and sewing.” well-known brands and companies, z Website: www.kissysuzuki. z susieatthecircus. including JOANN stores, We Are com typepad.com Knitters, Lion Brand Yarn and Furls Crochet. She also posts on Pinterest and has a Ravelry store. Jessica loves making for the modern woman. “Creating Sarah Shrimpton - Annaboo’s House pieces that are far from the z Sussex-based blogger, of course, and I’m just so glad that crochet traditions most people freelance crochet designer people enjoy what I love doing.” are accustomed to, and more and author Sarah Shrimpton She has contributed to geared towards today’s styles. has been described as a Hobbycraft, SewandSo and Crocheting isn’t just for your “crochet rock star”. Designing LoveCrochet.com blogs, too. grandma anymore!” And she for DMC Creative World and “I’m still thrilled to be working boasts a very fashionable famous some of the UK’s leading with Stylecraft as one of fan. “Sutton Foster from Younger crochet and craft magazines, their Blogstars, and I’ve got even made one of my designs - along with monthly crochet a great project lined up for The Jessica Top - and wore it to subscription service Little Box of the Blogtour this year!!” a Vogue Knitting Live event!” Crochet, she has also featured Sarah’s YouTube tutorials for From crochet patterns and DIY in The Sunday Telegraph’s beginners demonstrate how to with SewandSo. “So far, things projects, to words of wisdom and Crafting and Collecting series make the basic crochet stitches, are looking great. I’m so proud relatable life stories, The Hook Nook and on Craft Daily TV. while her Amigurumi Monkey of this next one and can’t wait to is a “maker community”, featuring “After teaching myself tutorial is guaranteed to give see it in print!” She says readers makers from all over the world on to crochet a few years ago, I you a cheeky crochet kick! can expect “everything you’d the THNLife blog, who enjoy sharing quickly realised that I liked to The author of ‘Beginner’s ever want to know about modern their crochet or knit patterns, craft tinker around with patterns and, Guide to Crochet’ and ‘Supersize crochet – tips and tricks, stitches projects, maker stories and more. before long, was designing for Crochet’, her forthcoming book, and exclusive patterns, of course”. “We have officially worked with myself. People seemed to like ‘Modern Crochet Bible: Over 100 Along with other designers over 100 makers since February what I was making and I started contemporary crochet techniques Anna Fazakerley, Claire 2018, inviting them through our writing the patterns and selling and stitches’ is out this November Wilson and Medus, Sarah also quarterly Maker Calls. I’m so excited them.” Alongside patterns, she contributed to the title ‘Crochet to work with many of these talents sells natural hand-dyed yarn in Barefoot Sandals: 8 Crochet to create this platform where her Etsy shop. “But I still like to Patterns to Make Your Feet everyone can gather, inspire and offer free patterns on my blog; Happy’, published by David learn from one another in ways it’s my way of thanking my loyal and Charles a few years ago. that can truly make a difference.” followers and customers.” She recently launched a new As a collective body, Jessica Her blog about all things online publication - Instagram’s donates a portion of proceeds crochet, Annaboo’s House, was first crochet magazine. to local charities such as Liberty recently voted in the Top 100 “‘CrochetZine’ has been amazing House and ABC House, who Crochet Blogs by Feedspot. How and we are thrilled at how work with children, youth and did it feel to make the HIBS100 people love it! We’ve already their families to overcome the TOP 10, and to win the Top Blog hit 10k followers and can’t wait crisis of abuse and neglect. Award and been voted a Top 10 to publish every month.” z Instagram: 121k Instagram Influencer by Feedspot z Instagram: over 53k z Facebook group members: 10.5k last year? “A bit overwhelming, to z https://annabooshouse. z www.thehooknooklife.com be honest!! I’m completely thrilled, blogspot.co.uk

www.craftbusiness.com 26 KNITTING & CROCHET INFLUENCERS

Janine Holmes - Maya Kuzman - Little Treasures z An English teacher by social media as an invaluable, Moji-Moji Design profession, Macedonian crochet influential and inspirational tool, and textile artist, Maya Kuzman, has avalanched it even more!” z Amigurumi aficionado, later this year. says she is “incurably in love Maya’s a much-admired Janine Holmes, designs “I can’t share with crafts.” The Skopje-based crafter who has recently been imaginative crochet patterns the pictures yet, but designer “with a bohemian making her mark big-time in the for cute’n’quirky creatures. can tell you that Sheena the heart” became a passionate Macedonian crochet world. “I’ve Having knitted, woven and sheep, Hilda the highland cow blogger of her crafty adventures had the honour and pleasure felted since she was eight, and Gertie the gecko are all a decade ago, sharing patterns of being featured in the ‘Artful the Worcester-based designer feeling very honoured to be and tutorials showing how to Blogging’ magazine and on first picked up a hook only included in the latest edition create the boho designs that the ‘Folt Bolt’ website, closely seven years ago. “My life of this ever-popular series!” she loves. “The past year has followed by the collaboration was transformed forever New patterns out in been extraordinarily successful with Anchor Crafts and the and all other crafts have her Etsy shop this month, in terms of presenting my work ‘Sewing Box’ magazine. I have and crocheting other items of since taken a back seat!” meanwhile, include a Clowder on a higher level. And, using appeared on a local TV show clothing, which is what I plan She spent a large chunk of of Cats. “There can never be and been interviewed for a to focus on in the future. Other last year creating a collection too many cats! There’s also a local online website, too.” crochet trends which have made of ten animal designs to compilation of ‘Ocean Buddies’, She says “a little twist” in her their mark on Maya this year? feature in a kit book called featuring a narwhal, whale, work lately has been influenced “Tapestry crochet and mixing and ‘Super Cute Crochet’ for dolphin, shark and starfish. I’ve by current trends in the crochet matching different patterns to Thunder Bay Press, an imprint seen a big trend for fantastical world. “Great names in the world achieve a mind-boggling texture.” of Printers Row Publishing creatures of the imagination of haute couture have given z Facebook: 4k+ Group. “The designs include a recently. Drake the Dragon – rise to crochet pieces, so this z Instagram: 1k+ sloth, a unicorn and a llama, who originally featured in a trend has prospered this year z Pinterest: 12k+ and the book comes with all book called ‘Unicorns, Dragons and really inspired me to turn to z the-little-treasures.com the tools notions and yarn and More Fantasy Amigurumi’ experimenting and making tops. z Blog: thelittletreasures. you’ll need to make the koala - and my Tippy Toe Monsters I hope to evolve in designing blogspot.co.uk and penguin patterns. It was from the ‘Amigurumi Monsters quite a thrill to see it listed 2’ - both released last year on Amazon after all those by Meteoor Books - are all months of hard work.” selling very well. There seems Kerry Lord – TOFT Janine’s currently to be a collective yearning working on three brand new for escapism these days, and z Warwickshire-based Kerry how fast I could make 3D CYGNET YARNS 1.8 2 COL_ADS 14/08/2019 11:47patterns Page for 1 the upcoming what better way to fuel your Lord is the founder and shapes. Before I knew it, I’d ‘Zoomigurumi 9’ book, own flights of fancy than by creative director of the crochet made an elephant, quickly released as part of the creating your own mythical and knitting brand TOFT, born followed by several more Zoomigurumi series of creatures or crazy monsters?” in 2006 and a product of the animals… and I’m still adding amigurumi-packed offerings z Blog hits: 1,706,300 successful Toft Alpaca Stud to the collection today.” from Amigurumipatterns Net, z Instagram: 10.6K farm upon which she grew up. Alongside ecologically published by Meteoor Bvba, z mojimjidesign.com Kerry taught herself to and ethically-sound product crochet using YouTube while launches every other week, pregnant with her first child. “It TOFT is both a retailer and felt great to discover amigurumi wholesaler of beginner-focused and I instantly fell in love with crochet kits and home to the best-selling Edward’s Menagerie collection of over 300 animals, birds, monsters and dolls, plus giant animals which we take six accompanying crochet to shows and display at TOFT books, including the brand new HQ, including the 8ft Morag ‘Edward’s Menagerie: the New the Highland Coo and Dougie Collection’. “We’re addicted the EYF Ram we crocheted to ‘newness’ at TOFT! We for Edinburgh Yarn Festival.” also love working together on z Instagram: 63k larger projects, such as the z www.toftuk.com Monica Russel - The Knit Knacks z Maestro maker Monica Russel lots of samples to try out. “I am her? “Kaffe created The Knit Knacks in most proud of my new book Fassett, 2010 when she designed her on Fair Isle,” she reveals. “The nature first tea cosy. “I’d always knitted, challenge was the writing as I and art. I but the design element was new had to research for information. was very to me. I developed the idea of The book took three years influenced ‘the tea theme’ by making cake to write and I had to be very by the stands using vintage china, committed the whole time.” West Coast and expanded my range of tea She once designed a of Scotland for my colours in cosy designs. I then started my Christmas stocking for Marks my book.” She keeps things collection of tea-time china and & Spencer’s highly-anticipated fresh by frequently coming up began renting it out for parties.” annual Christmas advert, and with new ideas. The secret to Hailing from a teaching says it feels “great!” to be an her success? “Perseverance, background, she decided to influencer. Who and what inspires being lucky and hard work.” use her teaching experience to The Knit Knack’s yarns run workshops making cake are spun in the UK using the stands, which proved particularly worsted process. “This exploits popular. She also started to the natural properties of alpaca teach knitting at Oak Studio and fibre, giving a smooth, strong privately for customers, from yarn that shows off the natural the complete novice to those brightness of the fibre.” Made to looking to develop their skills. the highest specification and of What can crafters expect a consistent quality, the yarns from Monica’s forthcoming book are processed at traditional for Search Press, ‘The Ultimate mills in the north of England Guide to Fair Isle’? “Guidance, and have traceable provenance step-by-step information, a back to British alpaca farmers. good range of patterns, and z theknitknacks.co.uk

www.craftbusiness.com KNITTING 27 Sustainability, inspiration, joy and the magic of Nordic nature

patterns in warm autumn Daniela Yrjö-Koskinen, CEO of Novita, explains the ethos of the colours to inspire crafters. Furthermore, after the company and their plans for the future tremendous success of the first two Novita x Moomin pattern books, the third pattern book Novita x Moomin Little My’s z TELL ME ABOUT have yarn manufacturing in favourites will also be launched THE HISTORY OF Finland where we employ in September. Moomin fans will THE COMPANY? around 80 people. We believe be presented with 7 adorable Ernst Gylfe, the founder of Novita, in the professionalism of Moomin patterns made of left for Britain at the age of 50 design and sustainable Novita x Moomin yarn. to study the manufacturing of craftsmanship from Finland. worsted spun yarn in Bradford, z WHAT ARE YOUR known as the birthplace of z WHAT NEW PLANS FOR THE UK? the European yarn and textile PRODUCTS HAVE YOU You could say that the circle industry. On his return to Finland, RECENTLY BROUGHT has closed, as Novita has z WHAT PLANS DO YOU he founded Novita Oy and TO THE MARKET? started exports to Britain, HAVE FOR THE FUTURE? started spinning yarns in 1928. We have just launched a the same country where We believe the future looks Today, Novita is the largest new chunky, yet light and the founder of the company bright. The knitting industry is in manufacturer of hand knitting airy single-ply 100 per cent travelled 90 years ago to learn good shape and the handicrafts yarns in the Nordic countries and wool yarn called Hygge more about yarn spinning. tradition lives on, even in the tech- publishes more than 200 knitting Wool. This gorgeous yarn Novita started cooperation with oriented world we now live in. The patterns annually. The purpose of made in Finland is suitable the internationally-renowned knitting industry is in good shape. Novita is to spark joy and inspire for easy knits, accessories, John Lewis department store Knitting and crocheting have makers to create and share. garments and home décor. chain in autumn 2018 and gained great popularity all over Novita created an own online we are now also working with the world. We believe we are only Daniela Yrjö-Koskinen and her father z HOW IMPORTANT IS Ernst Gylfe video workshop consisting online partners like Deramores, at the beginning of a long rise. SUSTAINABILITY TO YOU? of seven episodes, teaching Hobbycraft, LoveCrafts and At Novita we are at a turning For us here at Novita, We use the finest materials to beginners the basics of Wool Warehouse. We are point, moving from a local to a sustainability has always been produce exquisite quality yarns knitting and creating their very pleased with the sales global company. Our launch in very close to our hearts. Reducing and unique Nordic design. own lovely chunky beanie. and all the interest shown in the UK was highly successful, the environmental load of our Making your own clothes from You can find the workshop Novita yarns and designs, and and a launch in Japan is operations to a minimum is of yarn, instead of buying factory- on www.novitaknits.com/ we’re proud to have entered scheduled for this autumn. uttermost importance for us. made clothes, is a sustainable en/en/newtoknitting the British market, with its Knitting is a truly global hobby, We invest heavily in renewable choice for any consumer. We have also launched Novita very long tradition of knitting and we’ll continue to explore energy sources in our production Novita works hard to maintain 7 Brothers Korpi which is a culture and yarn production. new markets and possibilities. facilities in order to be as energy the tradition of handicrafts. printed aran weight wool- efficient as possible. We also blend yarn that draws its purchase our raw materials z HOW IMPORTANT ARE inspiration from nature. The from nearby regions such as YOUR NORDIC ROOTS? printed colours in wonderful Britain, Finland and Norway. The Finnish heritage is very complementary tones take Together with our customers important for Novita. We are their cue from tree bark, and partners, we participate in inspired by the magic of Nordic flowing water and meandering various charities and charitable nature - the peacefulness, the forest paths. 7 Brothers Korpi projects every year to promote never-ending space and the contains 75 per cent wool causes that are close to quietness to hear yourself and 25 per cent polyamide. our hearts. This year we are breathe. Our designers draw their In addition to our new yarns, cooperating with the WWF to inspiration from timeless Finnish we will also launch two unique protect arctic nature and animals. folklore classics as well as pure pattern books this autumn. Another view on sustainability and simple Nordic aesthetics. Each book features eight comes from our product itself. I am proud to say that we still Nordic knitting and crochet “We use the finest materials to produce exquisite quality yarns and unique Nordic design.”

www.craftbusiness.com 28 INTERVIEW It’s the Big

for4-0 GMC! Angela Sara West speaks with Jonathan Bailey, GMC Publications Publisher for the past 11 years

z From its humble beginnings magazines and two popular as a specialist craft book photography magazines, and magazine publisher, the ‘Outdoor Photography’ and Guild of Master Craftsman ‘Black+White Photography’. (GMC) Publications has grown In 2008, the imprint exponentially over the last four Ammonite Press was set up to decades, expanding into a multi- produce illustrated reference, been well-received and, since Sasquatch amongst others.. Production Manager. Having imprint, multi-genre and multi- guide and gift books on setting up as a trade distributor The last few years have seen heard about all the buzz around award-winning publishing house photography, history and pop over a decade ago, business a dramatic growth in the sales dot com development, I moved bringing high-quality, design-led culture, while 2012 saw the has increased to include clients of foreign language rights for to a web developer called books and magazines to market. launch of the popular children’s publishing into evermore varied many of GMC’s bestselling Fortune Cookie, where I worked Established by Alan Philips in book imprint, Button Books. genres, now encompassing all books to publishers in China, as a Project Manager. It was 1979, GMC Publications is home Coupled with a recent kinds of illustrated non-fiction, Korea, Germany, France, Russia exciting and good experience, to over 3,000 titles, covering rebrand, a returned focus to the children’s books, as well as and elsewhere, including but I decided I wanted to return everything from woodworking, fun ‘n’ creative company’s roots some fiction and classics. titles by celebrated crafters to traditional publishing. After knitting and jewellery making, to in non-traditional markets lately With an international sales Vanessa Mooncie and Sarah taking a year out to go travelling paper crafts, upholstery and DIY, has brought further success, force covering all major territories, Keen, and the Alain Grée and around the world with my wife, and is enjoyed by professional expounded by a specialist family-run GMC Publications Mibo children’s books. we moved out of London to East craftsmen and women, along with in-house sales team, a list of is distributed by its sister- As the company continues Sussex, where I got a job with keen amateurs. The original GMC exciting non-book products, company GMC Distribution to celebrate 40 fantastic years Bridgewater Books, part of what imprint offers a broad collection and ever-closer links with trade and now also represents its of publishing, both the birthday was then the Ivy Group based of specialist subjects, ranging and specialist accounts. With a clients worldwide, alongside candles and the future look in Lewes. I worked in various from basic ‘how-to’ and children’s developing trend for book sales covering global distribution for bright for the GMC family! departments within the Ivy Group craft books, to technical guides in specialist markets outside of its high-profile client publishers, for seven years before moving and books on creative projects. the traditional book trade, sales including Rowan, Leisure z You started out in magazine to GMC Publications in 2008. GMC’s magazines, meanwhile, also remain very strong due to Arts and recent addition Tuva publishing working for Highbury include the bestselling, award- significant progression in the gift Publishing, not to mention Barnes House Communications. Tell me z So, how did you become winning mindful magazines market and, in particular, in the & Noble subsidiaries Sterling a little about your career path involved with GMC? KNITPRO‘Breathe’ 1.4 5 COL_ADS and ‘Teen 14/08/2019 Breathe’, 14:10 Pageart, craft1 and hobbies market. and Lark Crafts and Penguin I worked for HHC for around I did a little packaging work for the first UK colouring magazine GMC’s new lines of stationery Random House subsidiaries six years, mainly in production, GMC while at Ivy and got to meet ‘Zen Colouring’, six leading craft and wooden kits have already Watson-Guptill, Pottercraft and working up to the role of the team and was offered a role.

www.craftbusiness.com INTERVIEW 29

z What are a few of the festive z How is technology impacting z What have been a few offerings in store for us from the company, and how does of the proudest moments GMC this Christmas? GMC use the power of social of your career? We’ve got titles on needle felting, media to boost business? Seeing some of our products pom pom making, paper flowers Our marketing department is becoming bestsellers in their and sugarcraft flowers, knitted very good at regularly posting markets, meeting people who have cars and trucks and polymer to our Instagram and Twitter loved our products, and launching clay miniatures, plus lots more! feeds and this is becoming a Button Books, our children’s list, more and more important part and seeing my own children’s joy z How does it feel for the of how we promote all of our at reading books I’ve created. company to have expanded titles. People also love to share into a multi-imprint, multi- images of their creations on all z What would be your advice genre and multi-award- social media platforms, which for someone looking to winning publishing house? spreads the word about the get into the industry? We are so busy creating books great things people can make. Be passionate about it - don’t go and magazines, and the publishing into publishing for the money! industry is so challenging at the z With sustainability a hot Be persistent and learn all you z What are the most rewarding Birds’ by Vanessa Mooncie moment, that we don’t really topic, how is GMC doing can about the crafting market. aspects of your job at GMC, have been very well received. have time to pat ourselves its bit for the planet? and the most challenging? on the back, but occasionally Whenever possible, we print on z And how about readers Seeing an idea transform into z With a number of traditional when I look and see where the FSC (The Forest Stewardship who have a book idea a physical book, and being crafts flourishing, which titles business has gone since I’ve Council - the standard for to offer to GMC? able to create products that are reflecting those crafts joined, it makes me very proud. responsible forest management, I’m always excited to see new help people create things for which are back in favour? endorsed by WWF & The craft trends and talk to new themselves, is hugely rewarding. Crochet titles seem to be z How does GMC Woodland Trust) papers and authors about subjects that they In terms of challenges, working particularly popular and have develop the brand? only use responsibly-sourced think will sell. We’re always keen with passionate and strong- been for a while. We are also We attend a lot of book fairs, products. We are currently to hear from anyone with their willed authors, designers and seeing a continued demand for big and small, but we also have looking at recyclable packaging book ideas and suggestions, so illustrators, and ensuring we titles on slightly more obscure fantastic partners around the for our books and magazines, please feel free to get in touch. ultimately get the book we subjects, such as macramé. world who push our brand forward and we also recycle as much originally commissioned! - most of whom we have been as possible in our offices. z How has the industry z GMC’s Sales Director, working with for many years and changed since GMC first z What’s at the heart Michael Robb, mentioned we feel are part of the family. z Which authors/ launched and how do you of the company? the continued growth in craft crafters inspire you see the industry evolving? Our ethos is to create quality and books for children when we z And how does it feel to have personally and why? The craft book market is more fun books to educate, entertain spoke to him earlier this year. become the exclusive book Authors such as Vanessa competitive than ever and and help people create. Our Is this trend set to continue? supplier to the UK’s largest art Mooncie, Sarah Keen, Susie unrecognisable from the early heritage as a family-owned and Parents love anything that will and craft chain store, Hobbycraft? Johns and Emma Varnam days of GMC. It’s very difficult independent publisher is very help keep children away from As we distribute for many continue to produce a fantastic to predict what the future holds, important to us and something screens! We’re continuing to top craft publishers, we can and quite diverse range of particularly outside the EU. All we’re very proud of. We’ve been in develop titles aimed at keeping offer Hobbycraft an exciting books for us and we’re working we can really do is continue business for 40 years this year – children away from technology range of books to go with the on several really exciting titles to listen to our customers and no small feat in this day and age! and occupied with all manner fantastic array of products that with these authors. They produce craft books that inspire of crafts. We also always they sell. We very rarely go to are all full of inspirational crafters all over the world to z What gives GMC the edge try to include educational Hobbycraft without coming out ideas and we love working continue doing what they love! over its competitors? elements, wherever possible. with a big bag of goodies. with such creative people! Listening to our customers and z Finally, how has GMC readers and reacting to new z Are you creative yourself? been marking its milestone trends, but also being willing to “Our ethos is to create I really enjoy working with anniversary this year? take a risk and do something creative people and following With a lot of cake at The London nobody else is doing. We have quality and fun books to relevant trends. I have been Book Fair and a dinner with too very strong sales and marketing known to undertake some much wine! We’re also having departments who are able to educate, entertain and help woodworking-related projects, a summer party with more help and advise on what our and this is an area I would like cake and plenty of beer from customers are looking for. In people create” to develop my skills in further. our local brewery, Harvey’s. turn, our customers are grateful that we listen to them and repay us in sales of our books. z How crucial is it to understand your brand and to stay innovative? People know and trust our brand, and this is helpful not just when selling to the book trade, but also in generating overseas business. That said, it’s also vital to keep things fresh and to adapt when new trends emerge. z What trends have you been seeing coming through lately, and what are the most popular categories and your bestselling craft titles? There seems to be a lot of macramé and punch needle embroidery coming. There’s also a lot of popularity in quick and simple project-based books, so we’re doing a number of titles along these lines. The increase in environmental public awareness is something we’re also factoring in when commissioning new titles. In terms of our current bestsellers, ‘Crocheted Succulents’ by Emma Varnam and ‘Crocheted

www.craftbusiness.com ICHF page_ADS 14/08/2019 10:58 Page 1 31 Christmas Must Haves Make sure you add some of these to your list for Santa this year!

Incredible shrinking art Create your own shrinkable designs with Grafi x Shrink Film! It’s as easy as Design, Cut out and Bake. Your creations will shrink to 20 per cent of their original size and become nine times thicker. Great for making ornaments, personalised jewellery, card embellishments, paper crafts, and much more! Shrink Film is a fun and creative medium to use for all ages and would make an exciting gift! www.grafi xarts.com

Felt Baby Penguins Kit by Corinne Lapierre FIMO leather-effect This adorable best-selling kit by Corinne Lapierre will Ideal for making personalised Christmas gifts or indeed delight crafters of all ages! The kit contains everything to to give as a creative present to a crafty friend or relative, make three soft baby penguins: wool mix felt, DMC FIMO leather-effect is the versatile new polymer embroidery threads, toy fi lling, a needle and ribbon. The modelling clay that looks and feel just like leather, even instructions and full-scale templates are clear and easy after baking. Launched earlier this year, FIMO leather- to follow, even for beginners. Made in Yorkshire and effect opens up a whole new world of creative presented in a recycled cardboard box with window, this opportunities for both experienced FIMO users and those kit makes the perfect Christmas decoration or present who are new to crafting. There are 12 vibrant colours, all with a retail price of £14.40 (trade price £6.00). presented in a neat, countertop display with samples of View the full range on www.corinnelapierre.com. All the fi nished effect. There is also a colour pack containing trade orders receive free POS, including sample packs. half blocks in each of the colours. [email protected] www.staedtler.co.uk 0113 2460403 0845 600 5930

Get cute this Christmas Wow the with these delightful stamps kids with Hand-drafted and digitally crafted stamps which have adorable been released as digis and were downloaded over 60 crystal cards times in the fi rst week of release, with only organic Craft Buddy’s Crystal reach via Facebook. There has been a great positive Art Cards range has feedback so far with the major focus on “cuteness”. got a whole lot cuter Since they are never out as rubber or clear stamps, the this holiday season. most popular question received was whether to be or Their brand-new not to be. Animal Club http://shop.swedishhousecrafts.co.uk International licensed range features their iconic super-cute, loveable Take all the guess work out animals in a shinier of matching colour! Crystal form. With animals including WOW! Trios take all the guess work out of what deer, horses, kittens, puppies and polar bears these colours match, each hang tag contains three designs work superbly with the Crystal Art format and Embossing Powders/Embossing Glitters or/and are the perfect gift for your crafty loved one. Sparkles. They’ve even teamed up with Catherine Designed especially with children aged 8-12 in Pooler and created Trios to match her fabulous mind, the exclusive Animal Club International range inks, perfect for creating that upsell! With 16 Trios includes Cards and Stickers, with RRP’s ranging from to choose from (and more on the way) these have £2.99 to £5.49. been one of their most successful launches [email protected] alongside their Refi ll, Conditioning and www.craftbuddyltd.co.uk Freestyle Tool. With an RRP of Just £8.25 they make the perfect stocking fi ller. trade.wowembossingpowder.co.uk

www.craftbusiness.com 32 CHRISTMAS/PAPERCRAFT Preparation, variety and creativity Adam Newhouse, Director of Hunkydory Crafts, gives advice on how to hold a Christmas Card workshop

T START EARLY T CATER TO DIFFERENT Die-cutting is also a popular Christmas is the biggest time of SKILL LEVELS technique, but make sure to ask year for card makers, so it’s no Holding workshops which crafters to bring in their own wonder that crafters like to get appeal to a wider range of machine if you can’t provide started with their Christmas people will increase the potential them. You also need to make crafting early. With that in mind, of customers coming, and will sure that whichever technique it it’s a good idea to hold your ensure all crafters feel is that you choose, you or your Christmas card workshops from accommodated. You could do teacher knows it inside out. autumn to ensure the best this by offering different attendance and to satisfy those techniques within your T GET CREATIVE early birds. This will also ensure Christmas card workshops, or If you have the right products, that if your workshop is very holding workshops which are consider getting a little creative popular, you can schedule plenty differentiated by skill level such with your workshop offering. more in. as beginner, intermediate and Perhaps crafters could make advanced. T ADVERTISE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN T INCLUDE A VARIETY OF Make use of your website, blog, voucher to spend in store. This in advance of the start time to PAPERCRAFT social media channels and email will signifi cantly increase the ensure you’re ready to go! TECHNIQUES platform to advertise your event reach and engagement of your If you’re able to run more than and spread the word to as many efforts and hopefully get more T HAVE A PRACTICE one workshop, it is a great idea people as possible. Ask local people into the workshop. RUN FIRST to feature as many papercrafting shops if you can put up posters If it is the fi rst time you have ever techniques as you can to appeal and if your budget allows, you T SAVE TIME AND BE held a workshop, it’s totally to more crafters. Stamping is could also look into advertising PREPARED understandable if you’re feeling a particularly popular and fun, and through local newspapers or It’s best to save yourself and your little daunted by it! Teaching can be made suitable for both radio. crafters’ time on the day, so make others and answering questions beginners and more advanced THERMOWEBYou 1.2_ADS could even 14/08/2019 run a like 11:02 and Pagesure 1 you have lots of pre-scored can be nerve-wracking, so it might crafters. You could make share competition on a social card blanks, all the materials you help to have a practice run with backgrounds, do heat post which advertises the event, will need and plenty of adhesives friends and get a feel for your embossing, colouring, use mica with the winner receiving a and embellishments. Set up well teaching style. powders and much more.

www.craftbusiness.com CHRISTMAS/PAPERCRAFT 33

pretty gift boxes or a nice range of gift tags to coordinate with their handmade cards. This ensures your crafters’ makes are that little bit more unique and Hey, come on allows them to go the extra mile to personalise Christmas gifts for their friends and family. let’s bundle! T BE COST EFFECTIVE Ensure that you price your workshops competitively but Putting together bundles for Christmas ensure you are covering your presents is a great idea and these can appeal costs and making money. You can research craft workshops to all levels of crafters across all different local to you to get an idea of prices as a starting point, but markets. Claire Hamer, Trimcraft UK Trade there is other things to consider. Make sure to factor in the Account Manager, gives us her top tips costs of all the little extras like adhesive and embellishments, as well as your planning and teaching time. It would be helpful Presentation to make a sample up of the In your store, wrap the bundles in cellophane and fi nished project to see how much a big bow to make them look like perfect gifts and material each crafter will need, so offer gift wrapping for a small additional charge. Offer1 a wish list service, so that the crafter gets what they you can cost this effectively. You can also build in a want on Christmas day. takeaway item to the cost to add more appeal, such as a stamp set to take home and keep. This Card making gives crafters an extra benefi t to For beginner card makers consider a tool pack to Journaling/planners Stamping booking a workshop with you and get them started. A bundle containing a trimmer, For crafter’s that love their A beginner’s stamp bundle also gives you more to talk about scissors, card blanks, envelopes, adhesives, a paper planners and journals their could include a stamping when advertising your event. 2pad and some sentiment toppers make a great starter pack. nearest and dearest will platform to make stamping If you can make a couple of sample cards and include a 3be looking for the newest designs easy4 and give the recipient the VIRIDIAN 1-8 2 col_VIRIDIAN 18/04/2019 10:05 Page 1 T HOLD CHILDREN’S picture of them in the bundle, along with some instructions, and 2020 calendar pages and skill to get good results from the WORKSHOPS then this is great added value and extremely useful to get the accessories. A great bundle would very start. Match this with a set If you have the time and the beginner crafting. include a journal, pens and stickers. of stamps, some ink pads and budget, holding a children’s For the more experienced crafter, put together a bundle If possible, offer a pick and mix on good quality stamping card. Look Christmas card workshop could containing a collection with a paper pad and coordinating the stickers and journal bundle to at stocking matching stamp and be fantastic for your business. decorative elements, along with matching cardstock. This make the gift as personal as dies stamps for intermediate This can open a whole new gives the recipient the option to get creative with their possible. stampers. There’s plenty of choice market, as parents often look to crafting and use the elements with their existing stash. of suppliers for these products. fi nd fun and stimulating activities to do with their children at the weekend. Crafters could even Scrapbooking Colouring bring their own children or In addition to offering bundles including albums and Colouring is probably one of the grandchildren, allowing for quality papers with matching embellishments, it’s also worth easiest crafts to get into and one time together. talking to local photographers to work together to offer of most affordable. A simple There are lots of papercraft bundle6 of a book and colouring pencils, a5 photography course or reduced-price photograph printing. products out there that will tied together with ribbon can be a great appeal to children so the gift. Alternatively, bundle several similarly possibilities are endless. themed books together for those that Stamping in particular is a fun are already have the colouring bug. technique for children and has the added fun of letting them get a little bit messy – just make sure you have baby wipes on hand!

T TAKE TIME TO CHAT TO YOUR CUSTOMERS So you’ve got your customers in store and your Christmas UK Distrubutor for: Sock Yarn Specialists workshop is going swimmingly. • Opal • Eucalan But the work isn’t over yet! Make sure you take the time to have a chat to your customers. Getting to know them and making them Die cutting feel special will ensure they have It’s worth considering stocking higher ticket priced items to a really positive experience and sell as Christmas presents. Put together die cutting bundle that they want to come back to dies that contain a manual or electric machine with a couple your store. It will also provide you of7 core die sets, such as nesting shapes, tags, sentiments or with invaluable feedback as to alphabets and for those looking to upgrade to the next level offer your customers’ interests and them a bundle including an electronic machine such as the Cricut or desires, helping you shape your Silhouette with SVG fi les collections available on USBs. workshop efforts in the future. “A beginner’s stamp bundle could include a stamping platform to make stamping easy and give the recipient

Knitting Needles & Accessories the skill to get good results TRADE ENQUIRIES: E: [email protected] T: 0117 300 5244 from the very start” www.viridianyarn.com

www.craftbusiness.com 34 CHRISTMAS/JEWELLERY Ten top tips to stand out on social BEADALON mini_ADS 04/07/2019 13:00 Page 1 media this Christmas

Jessica Rose, founder of the London Jewellery even daily) helps people find but they could help you appear you, see you and remember in a search. Also check out School and the Jewellers Academy, offers her you. You can work out the best other makers accounts and time of day to post if you have a see which hashtags they advice of making the most of your products online business account on Instagram. are using as there may be A business account is free to some you haven’t heard of. have and you can easily change Focus on Instagram then I suggest you concentrate your account to business by Themed photos When it comes to selling, Right now Instagram is the your efforts on Instagram over tapping on account settings and and videos Christmas should be your 1 place to be for jewellers the pre-Christmas period. ‘switch to business profile’. This 7It’s a good idea to do busiest time of year. But how and handmade artists. If you’re will then allow you to see the some themed photos or do you make sure you have the doing well on Facebook and Post regularly best time of day to post via the mini videos to catch people’s best sales ever? How can you Twitter then, by all means, carry It may sound obvious insights by tapping audience. eye for Christmas. Think stand out on social media? on but if you’re not seeing much 2 but being on there and Christmassy props and fun! interaction on social media posting a few times a week (or Please don’t describe your product! Decide whether 3 It may sound you’re going to do a counterintuitive but an 8 Black Friday promo Instagram post is not the same Black Friday is November 29, as a sales page on your website. this year. Designer makers Instagram is for the step before have found it a good time to that - getting people interested do promotions to boost your in your work so don’t simply sales. However, if it’s handmade repeat your product description. we never compete on price so So what should you share on do think carefully about other Instagram? Tell a story. Why promotional options e.g. free did you choose that gemstone? p&p, free luxury packaging etc How did you go about making this piece? Why is it one of your Use promoted posts customer favourites? Engage It can be worthwhile people don’t just sell to them. 9 using promoted posts on Instagram around Christmas. Connection is key Take a look at your posts Yes, posting on Instagram from the previous week and 4 is important but promote the one that had the connection is the key to being most engagement to boost memorable and making sales. your following and interaction. In the run-up to Christmas, it’s important to spend some time Be clear about interacting with people. Reply to your deadlines their comments. Find people you 10 Make sure you think may be interested in your know your order deadlines work by doing a hashtag search for bespoke pieces, overseas for something you think your postage and postage in your customers will be interested in country for arriving before e.g. #handmadeisbetter. Make Christmas. Share these sure you tap ‘latest’ to see posts regularly and do reminders from those that are posting as the deadlines approach. right now. Compliment people Remember, not everyone sees and be specific about what every post from you so don’t they’ve posted. They will want be afraid to share the same to know who you are and will information more than once. tap on your account to find out. Good luck with your sales Use Instagram stories this Christmas. I hope that A lot of people are it’s a record year for you. Do 5 bypassing the Instagram follow us on Instagram for feed and watching the stories more tips @jewellersacademy so make sure you’re posting and if you’d like to learn more there too. Stories disappear I have a free Instagram course after 24 hours so you can I’d love you to join me! https:// feel a bit more relaxed about learn.jewelleryschoolonline. what you share and can make com/p/instagram-for-jewellers- it more fun and engaging. free-online-course Note: the hints Hashtags and tips are good Hashtags are a way of for any business, 6 being found by people you don’t who don’t currently follow you. have to be Give https://www.all-hashtag. a jeweller com/ a try and see which to get hashtags they suggest. You something don’t have to use all of them from it.

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Add texture and a little sparkle to your holiday makes

Dawn Gehring, Creative Director Therm O Web, tells us what they have too; you don’t need to run a full make-n-take, just a simple to offer crafters over the holiday season demo to show how easy it is to achieve these results. As far as the product itself, we displayed little stacked towers of the Glitz z With the summer drawing That lovely die-cut snowflake is z What’s in the new shine, Glitter Gel and Deco Foil Metallix to a close crafting thoughts from Tim Holtz; we embellished Gina K. Designs Stamp or Deco Gel in our booth at Creativation; move to the colours of autumn it with gems and pearls n Stencil System? Foil Transfer Gel and flock it added a pretty pop of colour and a festive Christmas. using our new all-purpose The Stamp n Stencil System for softness. The creative and shine. Either of these items What new products do Therm UltraBond Liquid Adhesive. comprises three elements, a options this year are endless! could be displayed with assorted O Web have coming out to For fast, fun foiled effects, Clear Stamp Set, a coordinating holiday stencils and stencilling catch the crafter’s eye? we are launching our first- Detail Stencil, and a set of z What are the colours of tools like our new Deco Foil This time of year is such a ever Halloween and Holiday matching Craft Dies, all sold the new Deco Foil Flock Stencil Pal wide-width applicator. source of inspiration, not only for collection of Deco Foil Designer separately. The stamps may Transfer Sheets range? crafters, but also for our Therm Toner Sheets from Brutus be used on their own with all The new colours are Tuscan z What would your top O Web product designers. We Monroe. Designer Christopher types of ink or paired with Gold, Teal Waters, Ruby festive projects be? are particularly excited about this Alan has created a fantastic the Detail Stencil and any of Red, Emerald Green, Blue While all of these products year’s fall and holiday releases. range of artistic designs that are Therm O Web’s amazing new Sky and Pink Carnation. work so beautifully for card Following the delighted response printed onto white card and clear gel mediums to add sparkle, making, my personal favourite to our new, no-mess Deco Foil acetate using the highest quality shimmer, shine or z I am sure Gina K. Designs new is embellished gift tags. Tags Flock Transfer Sheets, we are toner ink for flawless foiling softness to stamped designs: Stamp n Stencil System and the are an easy way to express releasing six new colours for results. The white sheets may Gina’s Glitz Glitter Gel for sparkle, new Deco Foil Flock Transfer your creativity and even “brown fall and holiday projects. The be coloured with inks, sprays air-dry Deco Foil Metallix Gel Sheets colours will go down a paper packages ties up with flock sheets may be used as or paint, while the clear sheets for metallic shimmer, Deco Foil treat. Alongside the traditional string” can benefit from a touch textured paper with dies, stamps may be tinted with alcohol inks Transfer Gel and foil for metallic seasonal card making of sparkle, shimmer and shine. and embossing folders, but the and more. The toner sheets what else could crafters Oooh . . . can you envision plain flock will also transfer to our make quick backgrounds and use these products for? brown paper dressed up with Deco Foil Transfer Gel and Deco overlays for cards, as well as We are constantly surprised by stamped and stencilled designs? Foil Foam Adhesive, opening embellishments and 3D projects. the incredible range of projects I might need to try that next! up opportunities to add a soft, Our final release builds on created by our own Therm O Christmas crafting is definitely velvety texture to all sorts of the success of the new Stamp Web design team, the Gina K. one of my favourite things! projects without the mess of n Stencil System released at Designs design team and the traditional flock powders. Creativation in January. Gina Brutus Monroe design team. z If you wanted to entice In the top left photo, we first Krupsky, of Gina K. Designs, All three design team blogs a Christmas crafter used Deco Foil Transfer Gel to introduces two new collections are a must-visit inspiration what products would stencil the gorgeous Harmony for fall and holiday creativity, destination. Fall and holiday you put together in a Mandala from our friends at Autumn Wishes and Wishing home décor, mixed media art gift bundle and why? Stencil Revolution onto green You Joy. She will also be pieces, gifts, food packaging I think it’s always best to bundle card. After peeling away the flock debuting three new holiday and partyware have been items that work together to help sheet from the stencilled design, colours in the Glitz Glitter shared. Visit all of our talented the customer achieve success revealing that magical flocked Gel range, bringing the total designers online, or contact in the fewest number of steps. finish, we were able to simply number of Glitz shades to 12. us for demo and class ideas. For example, you might bundle trim the sheet down and use it to Ultra-sparkly, no-mess Glitz a Deco Foil Adhesive Pen with create a “negative” background has been a top seller since z How best could retailers tubes of Deco Foil Transfer design for our snowflake card. it debuted at Creativation. display these products to Sheets and a package of plain tempt a Christmas crafter? gift tags, or bundle a package We know that physical sample of Deco Foil Foam Adhesive, “While all of these products projects are a must, particularly a package of Deco Foil Flock work so beautifully for card for these glitter and metallic Transfer Sheets, plain gift tags finishes, since photography and a holiday die. The Gina K. making, my personal favourite doesn’t always reflect the true Stamp n Stencil System is an beauty of the products. In-store obvious choice, too, bundled is embellished gift tags” demonstrations are helpful, with a jar of the Glitz Glitter Gel.

www.craftbusiness.com 36 CROCHET Conscious crafting and ditching the granny image! Angela Sara West chats with crochet icon, Jane Crowfoot, about and, while I do not create an actual item, I do, via my crochet the ethical use of yarn, teaching at Vogue Knitting Live Show and hand knit patterns, create a reason for people to want in New York, her new knitting and crochet holidays in India in to purchase yarn. So, this is a huge dilemma for me. collaboration with Knit for Peace I totally understand the backlash against man-made fibres, but this topic is a real minefield and I am constantly Keen to rid crochet of its design consultant for the past z Tell me a little about hearing things that change my ‘Granny’ image, Jane Crowfoot 15 years have seen her work your love of crochet can help retailers and customers, mind about what is ethical and enjoys giving crochet creations closely with Debbie Bliss and I really love designing for the too, such as free downloadable what isn’t. Within my business, a modern-day spin, alongside Rowan Yarns. With a main focus home interior - things such colour sub documents for passing on her passion for the on designing items for the home, as blankets, cushions and some of my designs, free PEAK DALE 1.8 2 COL_ADS 15/08/2019 09:32 Page 1 craft through teaching and from beautiful blankets and accessories like bags where technique downloads and educating on the downsides comfy cushions, to sensational I can throw loads of design links to YouTube videos. of fast fashion and the shawls and throws, she adores aspects and colours in without importance of sustainability. adding pops of colour, beads having to consider how the z You focus a lot on conscious Well-known in the craft world and stitch combinations to items might look on a body! crafting and the ethical use as Janie Crow, although she her beautiful creations. Current fashions in knitwear of yarn. What would be your originally trained as a machine What’s more, she’s also a are quite pared back and plain message to readers about knit designer, Jane defected to bestselling author, having with intricate stitch details and making better crafting choices crochet design around a decade written a number of popular texture, so I am not sure that for the sake of our planet? ago and attributes her ‘crochet craft titles including ‘The my technicolour designs would As a crochet designer, I am gene’ to her great grandmother, Ultimate Crochet Bible’ fit into a fashion market! not a yarn producer, but I am Alice. Having been taught to knit and ‘Homespun Vintage’ supported by quite a few; some as a child, after discovering her (both published by Collins z Where do you source of whom are mainstream, and flair for art in school she went & Brown), ‘Kaleidoscope’ inspiration? some of whom are smaller indie on to complete a foundation (Inspired Minds Publishing), I am inspired by art, design and dyers. I am conscious of making course in art and design ‘Finishing Techniques for surface pattern, often basing the right decisions about yarn before doing a degree in textile Handknitters’ (Barron’s my designs on specific themes and packaging going forward design at Winchester School Educational Series) and ‘Two and visual imagery. I believe of Art, where she specialised Stitch Knits’ (Reader’s Digest in the importance of teaching in constructed textiles. Association). Voted the ‘UK’s and passing on knowledge, so Now both an accomplished Favourite Crochet Designer’ I also tutor workshops, give knitter and crocheter, she at the Craft Awards 2018, demonstrations and inspirational specialises in contemporary more accolades and honours talks, and also exhibit my work. crochet design, having have been rolling in over the established her successful past year, including Runner- z You recently split Janie crochet and knit company, Janie Up - ‘UK’s Favourite Crochet Crow from the larger Crow, in 2011, while her activities Designer’ at the Let’s Knit enterprise you previously as a freelance designer and Knitting and Crochet Awards. ran with your husband. How has that worked out? Making the decision to split Janie Crow from the bigger business that I previously ran with my husband, Andy, was a big decision, but I have already seen many positives and hope that the move means there is a clearer perception of the Janie Crow brand.

z Tell me about your new website Early this year, I launched a new Janie Crow website which acts as a showcase for my design. The site focuses on my projects and includes patterns and my blog, alongside lots of other exciting areas, including Crochet Along (CAL) projects for crafters all around the globe. The site is more of a ‘welcome to the world of Janie Crow’ than a retail selling site, and I have invited other retailers to stock my products rather than actively sell yarn kits, hooks and notions myself. This means that stockists within the business can stock my patterns to accompany yarn packs and to support crochet sales. We have a couple of areas on the site that

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I meet and hear from people hopefully the ‘Granny’ image who won’t use yarns that have is less and less prevalent. come from animals, that are Many crocheters are now heavily processed or made from looking for complicated and synthetic fibre, or are intensively intricate designs that will farmed (such as cotton). Fibre push them technically and choice is very personal and I help them build on existing am happy that crocheters and skills. Crochet Along projects, knitters can make their own although available in abundance, decisions about which yarns are still really popular. they want to use to make my Crochet features quite projects. Handmade items heavily in beach fashion trends tend to have a longer lifespan and this has led me to question than ‘throw away’ fashion, and the ethics of buying handmade I think that items for the home, crochet items, so I wrote an such as blankets and cushions, article on this on my blog. I create little impact whatever the have also introduced a new yarn choice is as they have an feature, entitled ‘Discovery of the ‘heirloom’ quality and thus have Month’, which focuses on ethical long lifespans and are rarely ‘everyday’ items, as well as knit washed. Designs like mine, and crochet-related things that which include lots of techniques I have found over the month. and more complicated stitch The advertising for the combinations, will also take current fashion for net-like longer to complete than more crochet items, which feature “My work creates lots of dilemmas in regards straightforward patterns, so heavily in the trends for this I see this as a benefit, too. summer, make a point of them to making green choices and I have been being handmade. Crochet can z What other eco-practices only be mimicked by machines looking at various other ways of lowering my do you have in place? and not reproduced as an My work creates lots of dilemmas exact copy like knitted items carbon footprint” in regards to making green can. Sometimes, things are choices and I have been looking described as crochet when they z You’re now stocked a charity that aims to help so want to hold group tuition in at various other ways of lowering are, in fact, a form of stitching internationally and also many diverse groups, rather store. I also have a forthcoming my carbon footprint. We have and overlaying, a little like fake teach overseas. How did than focusing on one - and I Climbing Rose CAL. The design recently introduced paper lace, but it is a sad fact that the Vogue Knitting Live love the fact that the knitters is based on William Morris packaging and have ditched the when you see a crochet item Show in New York go? and crocheters who donate fabric designs and I have been plastic mail bags for almost all in store that says ‘handmade’ Teaching at VKLive New York items to be sent to where they looking at the Arts and Crafts of our post. We also reuse a lot it will have been. I say ‘sad was a long-standing ambition are needed also benefit via movement for many of my of the packaging that comes fact’ because when you think of mine, so having a stand the therapeutic and beneficial current designs. I think Morris’s into the studio and I am hoping about the price point on many at the show, too, was like the effects that their crafts have ethics link well into all the that download patterns might handmade items in relation to icing on the cake! It was really on them whilst they create. things going on at the moment further reduce our use of paper. the amount of time they have interesting to see the differences I have taught on this trip – with a move away from mass However, it is at home that I have taken to make, it doesn’t take a between a UK, European and twice previously, and am really production and fast fashion! been making the biggest changes maths genius to work out that US show – we had a stand at looking forward to going to I’ve also started work and, I have to say, it has been the person who handmade the KreaDoe in The Netherlands Mysore again in January 2020. on designing a new blanket incredibly gratifying to see the item will not have been paid in the autumn. Doing shows We stay at the beautiful Green crochet along project for difference these are making. adequately for their time. outside of the UK has been Hotel, which was previously a Stylecraft Yarns, which will The textile industry is the really beneficial to the business, royal palace, and knit and crochet be available in spring 2020. z What trends have you been second largest polluter on the especially as a large percentage in the garden each weekday I love designing CAL-style seeing coming through lately planet, so perhaps the point I of my web traffic comes from morning before heading off to projects and really enjoy the in the crochet world? am best to make here is that if overseas. We have spent the sightsee or visit some of the learning aspect of them, with Cake-style yarns that change you fancy a lovely beach sun-top last year updating my patterns charity’s projects in the afternoon. many less able crocheters colour as you work have been or lacy cover-up, rather than go to UK and US terminology and For 2020, I am going to prepare being enticed in by step-by- really popular over the last year. out and buy a crochet item, you have also translated many of two small projects; one knit and step images and detailed Many hand-dyed colour effect would be better off, in mind, them into the Dutch language. one crochet that include lots of pattern instructions to attempt yarns don’t work for crochet as body and soul, to have a root techniques. There are still spaces projects that they may have the change in shade is often through your stash and make z Tell me about your on the workshop so please do seen as out of reach in regards too short to get a nice effect, so something yourself. There are collaboration with Knit for join us! https://knitforpeace. to their skill levels. I’m also crocheters have been looking at loads of inspiring images of sun- Peace, and the exciting org.uk/mysore-india-2020/ hoping to design some smaller yarn sets or large balls that can tops and beach wear, with many knitting and crochet holidays ‘stash busting’ style projects offer transitional colour changes patterns showing up on free in Mysore, India, that you have z Finally, what’s next over the next year or so! to make shawls, in particular. online pattern sites. You could planned for crafters next year for Jane Crowfoot? For further information, I think the skill level of also take a look through old I’m a big fan of the work of Knit I’m considering doing a workshop visit Jane’s website: crocheters is improving and that pattern books and magazines. for Peace – it’s great to support tour next year, should any retailers www.janiecrow.com

www.craftbusiness.com 38 SEWING Just a Saturday – no a week! Sew Saturday expands to a six-day extravaganza for 2019

T The success of Sew fabrics, ask the staff for advice, expect bumper project packs, Saturday has seen the event take part in workshops and amazing machine deals and grow to boost business meet like-minded stitchers. plenty of freebies! This year’s for six whole days. After four successful years exciting new event is sponsored The original campaign was of Sew Saturday, this weekend by Husqvarna, Pfaff, Janome and initially launched fi ve years event is expanding into a six-day the London College of Fashion. ago by Sew magazine and its celebration, from September Sophie Demetriades, deputy sister titles, Crafts Beautiful, 30 to October 5. Sewing Week editor Sew Magazine, said: “After Make It Today Dressmaker, encourages crafters to head four successful years of Sew Let’s Knit, Let’s Get Crafting down to their local shops, show Saturday, we’re delighted to reveal and Craft Business. their support and take part in that we’ve expanded this annual In an age of online shopping, stitchy activities. As well as the event into a six-day celebration, the idea was to show people usual dose of exclusive in-store from 30th September until 5th what’s great about going to discounts, competitions and October! Sewing Week is a great a bricks-and-mortar store – giveaways that were received way to support independent being able to see and touch with Sew Saturday, you can now craft shops, as well as get to know like-minded people within your local community. T MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY T Plus, your daily dose of “We’re providing the signed- Sewing Week starts here! discounts and giveaways! up stores with the tools they need This day is designed to Throughout the day, Sew will to make the week a success, help customers reach new also choose a selection of their including our exclusive llama sewing heights with a FREE favourite pictures to share on their mascots project, #SewSelfi e downloadable project that Instagram story, so make sure printables, plus plenty of can be whipped up in just a you tag @sewhq and include the promotional material. As well crafternoon. Plus, you can print hashtags, #motivationalmonday as exclusive in-store discounts our motivational poster as a and #sewingweek. and giveaways, customers can gentle reminder to keep creative! also expect bumper project What you can expect: PATTERN TUESDAY packs, astounding machine T FREE motivational poster Introducing day two of Sewing deals, workshops and regular for your sewing room Week! This is your chance to updates about the event T Inspirational pattern to delve in and discover the latest online @sewhq. The week print out and keep and best looks from our favourite will see each day themed, T #motivationalmonday independent pattern designers. culminating on Sew Saturday.” Instagram challenge They will also be giving away

ANN GODDARD WINS Mary Palmer and Anne Kiely win THE INAUGURAL VLIESELINE FINE ART Best in Show at The Festival TEXTILES AWARD of Quilts

T Artist and maker Ann T Irish quilt artists Mary Goddard has won the Palmer and Anne Kiely have inaugural The Vlieseline won The Handi Quilter Best Fine Art Textiles Award for in Show Award at The her work, On the Brink. Festival of Quilts for their The Cheshire-based Two Person Quilt category- artist’s work explores the winning quilt, Who Will Tell crossover between the Bees? sculpture and textiles. Her The collaboration was winning entry is a 3D made in linen, cotton and wall-hanging made from wool with etchings translated bark cloth, sticks, digitally onto fabric, entomology pins and wire, constructed by hand and and was informed by the quilted by machine. It offers a effects of human activity on window on the world and of Grace Company) categories. The T Group Quilts (sponsored by nature. global environmental chaos artists were presented with Bombay Stores Fabrics) – She said: “The piece aims to raise awareness that not just on the brink. £3,500 in prize money at The Cowslip Workshops, UK, Over mammals and birds are endangered. Recent research reveals a Judges said: “We liked the Festival of Quilts Awards the Hills and far away massive decline in insect populations, with 40 per cent of insect theme, good combination of Ceremony on Thursday, August 1, species worldwide in danger of extinction within the next few different elements and how it 2019 at the NEC Birmingham. T Miniature Quilts (sponsored decades. Although small, insects are vital to the health of the really tells a story. Brilliant! A Winners of The Festival of by Baby Lock) – Sandra planet. Pollinators such as butterflies and moths are amongst fabulous example of Quilts’ competition categories Newton, UK, Embrace this day those most affected. interpretative long-arm were: “Using materials and processes as metaphors, the quilting, entirely appropriate T Modern Quilts (sponsored by chrysalises that feature in the piece have been formed from to this magnificent quilt.” T Art Quilts (sponsored Pfaff) – Robyn Fahy, Northern Ugandan bark cloth, the production of which is also endangered The pair won three by Madeira) – Betty Busby, US, Ireland, Fractured Circles due to deforestation.” awards in total, scooping first Vertex Ann Goddard was presented with her award and a £5,000 prize in the Two Person Quilts T Novice Quilts (sponsored prize at The Festival of Quilts Awards Ceremony on August 1. (sponsored by The Craft T Contemporary Quilts by Cotton Patch) – On the Brinkwill be on display at The Knitting & Stitching Shows Cotton Co) and Best use of (sponsored by Janome) – Katarzyna Plesniak, Poland, in London and Harrogate this autumn. Longarm (sponsored by The Claudia Pfeil, Germany, Fractal Pieces of memories I

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a FREE dressmaking pattern You can’t beat popping along to brands, which includes from our archive, which is to your local brick ‘n’ mortar fabrics, patterns, habby available to collect from selected store to get practical hands- essentials and much more. stores* all across the UK. on advice and guidance from What you can expect: What you can expect tutors. If you’re looking to take T Astounding discounts in T FREE Sew exclusive pattern* the next step, they also have stores across the UK T #PatternTuesday comprehensive information T Magical machine deals Instagram challenge on courses and degrees to help you save £££s* T Plus, your daily dose of What you can expect: T #discountthursday discounts and giveaways! T Follow-along workshop and Instagram challenge You can also get involved step-by-step instructions* *Available online and online! Share a selfi e wearing T #workshopwednesday at selected stores your favourite indie pattern Instagram challenge outfi t and Sew will choose T Plus, your daily dose of T FAT QUARTER FRIDAY their favourite pictures to discounts and giveaways! Bags, toys, quilt blocks... share on their Instagram story. *Available online and There’s just something about Tag @sewhq and include the at selected stores a fat quarter that’s fi lled with hashtags, #patterntuesday endless stitching possibilities! and #sewingweek. T DISCOUNT THURSDAY Offering huge variety at a low *Available at Hands up if you love a bargain! price, this day will show you selected stores only Whether you’re looking for a little how to make the most of treat or investing in a dream this versatile fabric form with T WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY machine, Sew have pulled an exclusive downloadable It’s day three of Sewing Week, together some astounding project, plus bonus discounts and it’s celebrating workshops! discounts from your go- so you can stock up your stash once you’ve fi nished. What you can expect: T FREE fat quarter project* T #fatquarterfriday Instagram challenge T Plus, your daily dose of discounts and giveaways! *Available online and at designs for kids, and a colourful T #SewSaturday selected storesd stores patchwork cushion for grown- selfi e challenge up stitchers, too! You’ll also T In-store discounts T SEW SATURDAY fi nd fun #SewSelfi e booths, and giveaways, plus Now in its fi fth consecutive plus delicious tea and cake. much more! year, Sew Saturday is back with What you can expect: If you’re a store that wants a bang! For this year’s event, T Exclusive llama mascot to get involved in Sewing Week, signed-up stores will be provided workshops run across the UK head over to https://www. with an exclusive event pack T Delicious tea and cake sewmag.co.uk/sewingweek containing patterns for Sew available at selected stores to sign up! Alternatively, call Saturday’s new llama mascots, T The chance to meet some of Anna, 01206 505932, or along with embroidered felt your favourite sewing celebs Hannah, 01206 505495.

T Pictorial Quilts (sponsored with a theme of ‘Memories’ by The Quilters’ Guild) Anna Baptiste, Event Director from all over the world. 2019 by Juki) – Juana Castañeda – Beatrice Varley, UK, was Taj Mahal at Sunset for The Festival of Quilts, said: highlights included 800 hung Romera, Spain, De Oriente Rainbow Fairy Memories by Pippa Wardman which “Jan has committed her life competition quilts,spectacular a occidente la mas also came second in The to textiles, is an international galleries by internationally- T Young Quilter/Young Quilters’ Guild Challenge. award-winning quilter, teacher, acclaimed textile artists T Quilt Creations – Lynne Embroiderer 10-13 Category lecturer and writer, a former including Michael James, India Barker, UK, Chest (sponsored by Brother) with Winner of The Festival of Quilts’ President of The Quilters’ Guild Flint and Eszter Bornemisza, a theme of ‘Memories’ – new Lifetime Achievement and a recipient of a City & Guilds an extensive programme of T Schools & Groups of Young Naroa y Nahia Sevilla, Spain, Award (sponsored by eQuilter. Medal of Excellence. She has workshops, talks, lectures Quilters – Primary/5-11 Hermanas por el mundo com) was Janice Gunner. The been a long-time champion and demonstrations, artists (sponsored by Brother) with award recognizes and celebrates of textile artists and was at work in a live studio a theme of ‘Memories’ – T Young Quilter/Young the commitment, achievement instrumental in creating The environment, a daily Trunk Shenley Brook End School, UK, Embroiderer 14-18 Category and dedication that a specifi c Festival of Quilts. We’re honoured Show by YouTube quilting Memories: the Mind is a Puzzle (sponsored by Brother) individual has made to the to present her with our fi rst ever star Jenny Doan, a Japanese with a theme of ‘Memories’ quilting community throughout Lifetime Achievement Award.” Pavilion, an Innovation Station T Schools & Groups of Young – Kyle Long,Ireland, My their life – either through The Festival of Quilts takes showing latest equipment, Quilters – Secondary/12-16 Memory Timeline own work, their teaching of place annually at the NEC The Quilters’ Guild 40th (sponsored by Brother) with a ALAN PROVISORothers or 1.8through 3 COL_ADS their lifetime 04/07/2019 Birmingham12:57 Page 1and is the biggest Birthday Party, social events theme of ‘Memories’ – Atelier New for the 2019 quilt devotion and enthusiasm patchwork and quilting event in and shopping with over 300 de Couture Magique, Belgium, competition were two overlay for the world of quilting. Europe. It attracts 25,000 visitors specialist craft suppliers. Years over the sunset categories which recognise the different skills involved in T The Quilters’ Guild Challenge work made using a longarm (sponsored by Bernina) with quilting machine and work that a 40th anniversary theme is hand quilted. Entrants in any of ‘Four Decades – One competition category were moment’–Kate Dowty, UK, eligible to enter the new overlay Forty Shades of Green categories. Winners were: Great collection of trimmings for furnishing craft and sewing T Traditional Quilts (sponsored T Best use of Longarm including braids, cords, tassels and piping along with a full by Clover) – Gwenfai Rees (sponsored by The Grace haberdashery range, visit website for more details Griffi ths, UK, Pennsylvania Company) - Mary Palmer and Anne Kiely, Ireland, T Two Person Quilts (sponsored Who Will Tell the Bees? by The Craft Cotton Co) – Mary Palmer and Anne Kiely, Ireland, T Best use of Hand Quilting Who Will Tell the Bees? (sponsored by Aurifi l) - Andrea Stracke, Germany, Ruby T Young Quilter/Young Embroiderer 5-9 Category The winner of the Visitors’ (sponsored by Brother) Choice Award (sponsored www.4trimmings.com | 0844 9109711 | [email protected]

www.craftbusiness.com 40 RETAIL Why bricks and mortar are still important to global retailers Natasha Necati, Crafty Arts Business Development Director, explains how a move online still required a physical presence

z Crafty Arts is a business that needed the security of knowing sells hobbyist materials to the that we could be at the premises general public, established for as long as we wanted and in 1991 in Hornchurch, Essex could make as many changes by husband and wife duo as we wanted. In April 2014, we Nik and Lorraine Necati. purchased our very first property. Lorraine used to be a sign writer for shops like Fortnum and z LOOKING TO Mason. She always struggled to THE FUTURE find art materials and decided to “Closing the other premises and open an arts shop. After a few fast forwarding to today, online years in Hornchurch, they took has grown to be the main source the opportunity to have a stall in of income for the business. We the Lakeside Shopping Centre. are proud to have gone through The interest for craft increased, two recessions and grown to and so did their product line with become a multimillion-pound the introduction of their own independent organisation. At brand craft decoupage sets. In Crafty Arts, we class ourselves 1999 they took the opportunity as a multi-channel entity with to open a shop in the Bluewater over 10,000 product lines. Our Shopping Centre. A few years strategy has always been to later, they opened a shop on market and sell to customers Brentwood High Street. anywhere around the world. In 2001, Crafty Arts opened We achieve this by not only their first website, a brochure selling through our own website website giving information (Crafty Arts) but through selling about their shops and product on multiple channels, e.g. selection. Nik’s son, Jay created Amazon, eBay and many more. the first Crafty Arts e-commerce “Now we proudly own our website, where he would add Warehouse, Shop Front and products to the website in his Training Room, also known bedroom on the weekends. as the Creative Hub. Where In 2007, Jay left his job people come from all skill sets to join Crafty Arts full-time to learn how to paint, make and head the online side of cards, after-school workshops, the business, which started half-term and summer holiday above the Brentwood shop. programmes. We have learnt Natasha married Jay in over the years that not everyone 2008, a year later she joined will automatically know what the family business. The online to do with the products that side of the business continued we sell, so we teach and show to grow rapidly, overtaking people that it is possible for the shops one by one. anyone to be creative. Natasha said: “Over time we “Crafty Arts over the years e-commerce has still got a purchase by only making a few become a full replacement for had to find a larger premise, as has come a long way and long way to go. She added: clicks and in some cases have an your desktop. With this, it means the top of the Brentwood shop we have gained a wealth of “E-commerce is constantly hour slot delivery to their door. that the mobile user’s needs was no longer big enough to customer-based skills which growing year on year. However, to be slicker and smarter and, support the growing numbers has given us knowledge and there is still room for more z MOBILE FRIENDLY therefore, we as a business of orders. So with this, we took awareness of the type of growth. It still only represents a “Customers will over time, have had to think outside of the a major decision and moved to experience that customers small margin in comparison to spend more on their mobile’s box. By ways of making pages a warehouse in Romford. Two really want and need. We feel retail on the whole. This shows and in the long term, it will with over 100 colour options years later we expanded by that this gives us the edge us that it will only continue to overtake tablet and computer easy to use on the mobile have leasing another warehouse next on our competitors who are grow within he decline of the purchases. Smartphones are made a significant difference. door. With a lot of warehouse online only or shop only.” high street shop. I believe that becoming more intelligent and Websites, in general, are now locations being knocked down Looking to the future, this is purely down to ease for more honed to our needs and being designed with a “mobile to build flats, we knew that we Natasha believes that the customer. Being able to in some cases, have already first” mindset across the board.”

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But despite the burgeoning - The customer that likes to go power of the internet and into the shop, to see, touch and digital spending, Natasha feel the product. So we ensured firmly believes that the that we had a shop available for business needs a physical customers to visit. As we came presence for its customers. to the end of our lease after 15 She said: “I feel that it is still years at the Bluewater Shopping important to have a bricks and Centre, we were online only for a mortar shop. We can support year. But figured out quickly that our local community and we needed to cater for all. So customers that don’t want to opened our shop in September shop online but want to visit us 2014 in front of our warehouse in store. Customers generally opposite a large Tesco. feel more stable about an online “Type two - The customer business when they know that that wants the shop experience it has a shop; it gives a sense but doesn’t need the face-to- of stability and presence. face interaction. Their main “Customers know that you focus is speed and would like are real and that you are at the access to Telephone Orders, end of the phone if needed. Click & Collect and Live Chat. The service provided in a shop “Type three - The customer should be the same service that that wants to order online the a customer receives online and way they want. We have our vice versa. We had a period of multi-channel website, which about 15 months where we didn’t means that we have our own “Customers generally feel more stable have a bricks and mortar store website, and also sell on other and we noticed the difference. channels like Amazon and eBay, about an online business when they know Customers wanted to come to name a few. We also offer and view products or come in multiple payment methods on that it has a shop; it gives a sense of stability for their click and collect orders. our own website; customers and presence.” Having both is ensuring that we have the opportunity to pay can service all customer types.” using Amazon Pay, Paypal, with the additions of other And what does the future had to make mistakes along for more growth is limitless, z KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS alternatives. Online payment hold for Crafty Arts? Natasha the way to get us to where we and we are excited about what With 28 years of experience in is an area that instills trust in concluded: “This year we are are now. From having one shop our future holds. Our plan for business, running both a retailer you as a retailer so we wanted proud to say is our 28th birthday to now being a multimillion the next few years has had to and an e-commerce business, to ensure that all customers and we are bigger and better pound entity, times are changing factor in situations like Brexit Natasha has noticed differing had a method of payment than before. We have gained a are we’re right at the forefront to ensure that we have the types of customers: “Type one that they felt safe with.” wealth of knowledge but have changing with it. The room success of another 28 years.

Nearly half of SMEs believe society will stop using cash by 2024

z Nearly half of SME decision makers in the UK and Ireland believe that society will be at least virtually cashless by 2024, according to research by Close Brothers Invoice Finance. In total, 47 per cent think we will live in a cashless or virtually cashless society. A further 36 per cent believe that the split between cash and card will remain the same and only 17 per cent think the use of cash will increase. Even today, digital cent) also say the technology channels are the most makes accounting easier. common way for businesses However, SMEs also note to be paid. Two fifths (39 per that cashless business could cent) of SMEs say they mainly create some challenges. take payments online using The top concerns are online cards and 13 per cent say security and hacking issues David Thomson, CEO of Close chip and pin currently comes (53 per cent), technology Brothers Invoice and Speciality Finance out on top. In comparison, failures (33 per cent) and that a quarter find that cash is new technology could make now expect to be able to pay used most frequently. immediate sales more difficult by card, whether online or Many businesses to complete (nine per cent). in person, and not offering recognise the benefits of David Thomson, CEO of Close this option could make it using electronic payment Brothers Invoice and Speciality more difficult for smaller methods, with over half Finance, said: “Historically, SMEs companies to thrive. (56 per cent) reporting that decisions about whether to offer “As cash is used less using less cash makes electronic payment options have frequently and bank branches them feel safer. Considering often been based on fees and the close, electronic payments the positives of a cashless management of digital processes. could offer additional company, many feel that However, today, businesses could convenience for both payments are more secure risk being left behind if they do SMEs and their customers, (40 per cent) and that the not invest in these systems. as well as providing an threat of physical theft “The way people pay opportunity for financial is reduced (23 per cent). for products and services is inclusion in a perpetually Nearly a third (31 per changing. Many customers developing marketplace.”

www.craftbusiness.com 42 THE BIG INTERVIEW Luxury Jewellery Made In Chelsea Rosie Fortescue chats with Angela Sara West about her hugely-popular fashion blog, and her own highly- successful jewellery brand, which is fast becoming a celebrity fave!

PICTURES: RUTH ROSE

z Trendsetting TV star and style adviser, Rosie Fortescue, is not only a famous fashion influencer, but a first-class luxury jeweller, with fashion royalty including American businesswoman Olivia Palermo, the Kardashian clan, and actress/model Amy Jackson all big fans of her brand. Born and bred in London’s affluent Chelsea, reality TV star and acclaimed fashion blogger- turned-jeweller, Rosie Fortescue, beyond. “Whether it’s meeting their own fashion empires, with was always set to shine. With really inspirational people, going Rosie setting up her highly- her enviable, trendsetting fashion to premieres or the fashion blog successful, trend-setting blog, sense, she has been a go-to for that I’ve been able to create, AtFashionForte, all about her fashion and style advice and I’m so grateful to have been love of fashion, style and art, inspiration for years, having fallen given these opportunities off in 2011 while still finishing her in love with fashion and jewellery the back of the show, and its degree, which coincided with at a very young age. “I’ve always viewers have really been great in her beginning filming for ‘Made adored contemporary art and supporting all of us as we launch in Chelsea’. With her passion for fashion photography and have products and collaborations.” fashion and photography, she been a magpie for as long as I started focusing on self-styled can remember!” she tells me. z AN ENVIABLE street style for her blog and Rosie’s sparkling career WORK ETHIC began partnering with well-known started while on our screens in Along with her twin sister, brands, from Valentino and Heidi E4’s BAFTA-winning TV show, Lily, Rosie went to prestigious Klein, to the more affordable, ‘Made in Chelsea’, which saw her Downe House in Hampshire, such as JustFab Clothing. hobnobbing with the heirs and an all-girls boarding school in She opened her wardrobe heiresses of the Chelsea social Berkshire which Kate Middleton, to ‘Made In Chelsea’ viewers, set, the fun-loving 20-something Duchess of Cambridge, also posting pictures of the outfits she residents of West London and briefly attended, and where other wore on the show on her blog, South West areas of London’s alumni include actress, Miranda seeing AtFashionForte evolve Belgravia, King’s Road and Hart, and model, Sophie Dahl. into an authoritative one-stop- Knightsbridge. Since bringing Rosie went on to study a History shop for fashion advice. It’s also her fashion blog into the media of Art degree at Goldsmiths, led to coveted collaborations, limelight in 2011 as one of the University of London, before with desirable fashion, lifestyle original cast members of the various work placements at and beauty brands including popular reality TV show, the style contemporary London galleries. Victoria’s Secret, Bicester Village, starlet has seen her blog bloom The twins’ parents instilled a Huawei and Jo Malone London. and says one of the most exciting strong work ethic in both Rosie parts of appearing on ‘MIC’ was and her sister. “It’s great to have z A JEWELLERY the amazing opportunities that a sister who is creative because STAR IS BORN presented themselves during her we bounce ideas off each other,” One of Rosie’s very first seven years on the hit show and says Rosie. They’ve both built memories is trying on her mother’s jewellery, and she’s been fascinated with the shiny stuff ever since. As a child, she dreamed of crafting her own delicate pieces, leading to a collaboration on a collection with luxury British jewellery brand, Laura Gravestock, in 2013. “The Dreamy collection comprised delicate 18ct gold, silver and black rhodium-plated pieces, scattered with dainty four-point star motifs, with the hand-scribed word ‘Dreamy’.” Following the success of her first foray into the scintillating craft, she went solo in 2015, launching her own eponymous jewellery line, R F Jewellery. Rosie is on mission to make luxury jewellery affordable and accessible to all. “I love being

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creative and want my brand to demanding at times.” Having be worn by all jewellery lovers initially had help from her mum, who like to experiment with Rosie retains full ownership and their jewels,” she says. “I really control of her business herself wanted to start my own jewellery although, due to demand, she brand and work for myself, so says she’s reached the stage launching R F Jewellery was where she can no longer be a my childhood dream come one-woman band. “I have an true!” Self-funded with earnings intern now, who started recently, she made from the TV show, but I’m still posting orders Rosie has worked relentlessly every day at the post office, to create collections that are on top of everything else!” affordable, fun and playful. “My When it comes to design mum always advised me to do and fashion blogging and what I love, so I’d then love what sharing, she says she likes I do – and it’s true!” she explains. to show what’s relatable and “So, I thought, I’ll save up the has worked with numerous money that I’ve made from brands on her fashion blog. “I ‘Made in Chelsea’ and will start love to know what people like my jewellery business. I work all (and don’t like). I don’t have hours for my brand but, because so much time at the moment I love it so much, I hardly notice.” for my blog as my jewellery Describing her jewellery style business has taken over, but I as “simple, colourful and elegant,” really like to share everything her own taste in jewellery about running a business, too. inspires her stunning pieces. The highs AND the lows!” “I wanted to create pieces She says every day is a that I wanted to wear – great- have seen the jewellery star learning curve. “My factory still quality jewellery but at a more “I wanted to create scoop a Professional Jeweller makes mistakes, or there are affordable price, that you can Hot 100 accolade, while delays at customs, suddenly wear every day and which will affordable luxury jewellery her pieces have featured leaving me unexpectedly out last for years.” Her first collection, in numerous publications, of stock… But I’ve learnt to comprising 38 pieces including which looks a million from ‘Luxury London’, ‘The understand that some things stacking rings, delicate bracelets Sunday Times Style’ and ‘The are unpredictable and out of with multicoloured gemstones dollars, but won’t break the Telegraph’s Stella’ magazine, my control, so I need to relax and ear jackets, proved a big hit bank, and that lasts.” to ‘Professional Jeweller’, and let them happen, rather with influential luxury retailers ‘Grazia’ and ‘Red magazine’. than stress over the details.” Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, Her successful brand along with super-cool luxury z BEJEWEL YOUR BODY! in her new collection is pricier z A TOP BLOGGER TAKING keeps her so busy that she lingerie/swimwear/resort A big fan of body jewellery, she than previous pieces purely THE WORLD BY STORM works around-the-clock. “I can’t wear and jewellery boutique, adores designing her beautiful due to the products’ weights. Rosie is signed to top just switch off and work 9-5 Rumpus Resort in Cheshire. body chains. “I introduced body management agency, Storm. - I need to always be working Now a credible jeweller, chains just before Christmas z A ‘HOT 100’ “They are great to work with and with my business, promoting gifting for bloggers and and love wearing them all- PROFESSIONAL JEWELLER really see my vision of where my jewellery brand, replying celebrities was a big push for year-round… over a bikini or With her gorgeous ranges I want to go in the future.” The to Instagram comments, and her second collection, which under a low-cut dress!” stocked in high-end stores CEO of both AtFashionForte and so on. But, thankfully, I truly was heavily influenced by her The Chelsea jeweller just Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, Rosie Fortescue Jewellery says love what I do and don’t mind own personal style and loves, launched her latest jewellery she’s also secured luxury there have been many challenges late nights in the office or resulting in A-list attention. “I collection at the end of May. department store, Fortnum to starting up and running her weekends on my laptop because sent Kendall and Kylie Jenner Epitomising the edginess of her & Mason as another supplier. own businesses. “The long hours I am determined to make my my hand cuffs!” Rosie reveals. brand, the range is, of course, Prestigious awards, meanwhile, and working solo have been jewellery brand a huge success!” “That was incredibly exciting!” totally Insta-worthy, and is rainbow and star heaven. “I z MIX’N’MATCH introduced emerald cut stones YOUR METALS into this new collection, which I Rosie’s bang-on-trend jewellery love as they look so expensive brand has become such big and chic. The rings and earrings news that she’s gone on to have been such a huge success. release several subsequent Of course, the rainbow stones ranges, celebrating each launch are a huge eyecatcher, too! I at prestigious venues, including also introduced a new style Brown’s Hotel in London’s of hand cuff with three stars, Mayfair, where her pieces were which is super cute and a beautifully displayed with Maison great addition to the brand.” de Fleurs’ fabulous flowers. Her third fashion-forward z QUALITY, collection, launched at premium QUALITY, QUALITY… womenswear trade show, Scoop, Rosie’s collections speak for held at the iconic Saatchi Gallery themselves. She uses a variety of in Chelsea, offered a bold range stones which suit different skin of geometric designs, inspired tones and also uses sparkling by Rosie’s love of angles and Swarovski diamond stones to add architecture, and a slightly a little dazzle. Tried and tested more vintage vibe than her by Rosie, she says the quality of earlier pieces. “They all have her jewellery is “amazing”, and a timeless elegance, but this she spent an entire summer collection was a little chunkier dripping in jewellery, wearing and more statement,” she says. her pieces every day to ensure Alongside cuffs and that they wouldn’t tarnish. She FACTBOX Heartbeat earrings, the range says the quality, combined with Rosie Fortescue Jewellery: included single-band rings with her price point and style, form www.rosiefortescuejewellery.com a vintage feel, “inspired by one her company’s USP. “The quality Rosie’s fashion blog: of my mother’s rings which I was really important to me. I www.atfashionforte.com used to try on as a child.” All of wanted to create affordable the rings can be stacked - Rosie luxury jewellery which looks a Follow Rosie on Instagram: believes “the more the merrier” million dollars, but won’t break @rosiefortescue/@ - and her silver rings have the bank, and that lasts.” The rosiefortescuejewellery proven so phenomenally popular busy businesswoman wants to Twitter: @RosieFortescue that she’s since introduced keep her brand accessible and / @RFJewellery them in rose gold, too. makes it clear that jewellery

www.craftbusiness.com 44 BUSINESS ADVICE

Great expectations – keep ahead of them! Return on Experience: UK retailers set to reap benefits if they can keep pace with rapid rise in customer experience expectations

z New research conducted cent) and a short-term focus by Klarna across 2,000 UK on sales (30 per cent). consumers and over 250 retail decision makers, reveals z SHOPPERS that retailers are struggling DEMAND MORE to retain their customers as This new research gives retailers consumers today increasingly some of the insights they need have zero tolerance for a to help win the loyalty stakes and poor retail experience. deliver the standout shopping Forty per cent of shoppers experience demanded by say just one bad experience consumers. It reveals that while would stop them returning to the traditional drivers of loyalty a brand. A third (32 per cent) remain important, it is no longer say shopping isn’t as fun as enough to only deliver value for it used to be, with 36 per cent money, quality products and a feeling that what shoppers today good online user experience (UX). have gained in convenience, Shoppers today want more - they’ve lost in experience. craving things like brand values Where brands used to think they can align with (40 per cent), of loyalty in terms of reward human engagement (35 per cent) schemes or points, the findings and flexible payment options (26 show that for today’s shopper, per cent). This is especially true “As consumer expectations continue to grow the drivers of loyalty run much of millennial and Gen Z shoppers and the role of experience becomes increasingly deeper than a transaction or offer. who care less about value for And when it comes to what drives money, and more about brand important, getting this right will be vital to disloyalty, a bad returns process image (20 per cent, compared (30 per cent), and a drawn out to 13 per cent of over 45 year success in a competitive retail market” online checkout without payment olds) and flexible payments (30 options (21 per cent) rank per cent, compared to 25 per LUKE GRIFFITHS – MANAGING DIRECTOR AT KLARNA UK much higher for shoppers than cent of over 35 year olds). retailers perceive them to be. curated experience (37 per cent) or curated experiences that ahead in a tough environment. Retailers are recognising z CAN RETAILERS and brand content (34 per cent). put the fun back into shopping. The problem is that ‘customer this shift and starting to evolve KEEP PACE? Luke Griffiths, Managing As consumer expectations experience’ is a term that can the way they think about loyalty. These insights demonstrate how Director at Klarna UK, said: continue to grow and the technically cover every aspect of Forty-one per cent of retailers important it is for retailers to “Loyalty is no longer a ‘points’ role of experience becomes a retailer’s proposition. Identifying agree that loyalty is no longer focus on these broader concepts programme. It’s clear that increasingly important, getting where to focus resource is a solely driven by rewards and of experience to win back loyalty. consumers want to align this right will be vital to success challenge. This research shows 76 per cent say they have It’s encouraging to see forward- themselves with brands who can in a competitive retail market.” that understanding the drivers to work harder than ever to thinking retailers are already offer them a deeper connection Andy Mulcahy, Strategy & of loyalty that will work for a retain customers. But, many starting to invest in these ‘newer’ and understand how they want Insight Director at IMRG, added: specific retailer is important (33 per cent) are struggling elements of experience. The top to shop. Retailers need to be “Shopper confidence appears for keeping ahead today.” to keep pace with changing areas for investment over the investing in the right drivers to be in a suppressed state and Holly Stewart, Head of consumer expectations around next 12 months are a smooth of loyalty for their customers - many retailers are under pressure Brand, BEAUTY BAY, said: “We’re experience and are being held online UX (39 per cent), additional whether that’s flexible payment to enhance the customer constantly evolving what we back by outdated tech (33 per payment options (38 per cent), a options that fit with their lifestyle experience they offer to keep do to ensure we’re hitting the right drivers of loyalty for our customers. For example, being an online brand doesn’t mean only existing in the digital world and we know our customers want IRL experiences that allow them to feel truly connected to the brand. That’s why activations like beauty master classes with pop-up shopping help us create deeper loyalty and long-lasting brand advocates. “We’re also now seeing payments as crucial differentiator in the shopper experience, and we recently introduced Pay in 3 for customers to split payments into manageable chunks with no fees or interest. Our customers have loved this flexibility and it’s driving new customer acquisition, increasing loyalty amongst existing customers.” For more insight on the research and advice on how you can create a standout experience, download our full report - Experience is the new loyalty – here: https://www.klarna. com/uk/business/new-loyalty/.

www.craftbusiness.com BUSINESS ADVICE 45

top digital tips for your 5 business Adam Newhouse, Director of Hunkydory Crafts, explains how to grow your business with digital technology

z The digital age is upon us and awareness. Ultimately, a blog shows no sign of slowing down can drive more traffic onto your and digital technology continues website which could increase to be one of the most effective your sales. Try to feature a range ways to reach customers. With of informative posts that offer that said, it’s essential for any hints and tips and relate to the SME to utilise digital media to needs of your demographic. You grow your business and increase can also promote your products sales. Take a look at our top tips within your blog, such as on posts for growing your business online. featuring tutorials or how-to’s. Blogging can even increase ENSURE YOUR your chances of appearing on the WEBSITE IS search engine results pages when EASY TO USE people search a craft related If you have a website, query. To increase the likelihood 1making sure it is the best it of this, SEO optimisation is key. feedback. It’s worth doing a little building emails is simple – you your customers, build customer can possible be is essential in If you’re a novice to SEO, there research into your demographic just need quality imagery and loyalty and encourage sales. growing your business. Your is a multitude of helpful advice to gauge the platforms that they graphics. As aforementioned, website is the home of your and tips online to get you up to frequent, but Facebook is an it’s worth investing in a graphic MAKE USE products and the best place to scratch in no time – it’s easier great place to start with 2.41 designer and/or photographer if OF DIGITAL showcase your offering and than it sounds! Alternatively, billion active users at last count. you’re not able to do it yourself INFLUENCERS encourage customers to buy from there are lots of digital marketing Make sure to post frequently - freelance designers can be The phenomenon of you and not your competitors. agencies who deal with both SEO and give your followers relevant a great alternative to the high 5digital influencers is an excellent You should ensure your websiteKING COLEand 1.8blogging 3 COL_ADS should 14/08/2019you wish 10:58content Page 1 – high quality photos costs of hiring someone. way to increase the reach and is fast and responsive and to have the work outsourced. and videos go down particularly Be sure to craft subject awareness of your business. features clean and simple well on social media so it’s lines which entice people to There is a plethora of craft navigation so customers can UTILISE THE POWER definitely worth investing in that click. You can even do split bloggers out there, many of find what they’re looking for. With OF SOCIAL MEDIA side of your business. Social testing with variations of which are happy to feature more and more people using Social media is essential media advertising can also content and subject lines to product reviews for free. All you different devices to shop, you for any business hoping offer highly targeted ads, so if see what works best with your need to do is send products should also ensure your website 3to grow their presence. It offers your budget allows this can be audience and gives the highest for them to try out and keep. is mobile and tablet friendly. incredible reach and the potential a fantastic tactic to explore. It’s open and click through rates. You can easily find relevant for great engagement with fairly simple to set up advertising Email programs such as bloggers through an internet PUBLISH A BLOG customers. Building an engaged but there is plenty of help online Mailchimp and Dotmailer search or through hashtags Creating a hub of following can give you that should you need hints and tips. also offer email automation, if you’re on a platform like informative, inspiring competitive edge and ensure so you can send automatic Twitter or Instagram. When and relevant content is a your customers stay loyal to you. BUILD AN emails to your customers contacting influencers, be sure 2fantastic way to create a better It also offers you the ability to EMAIL LIST offering purchase incentives, to personalise your outreach relationship with your customers communicate one to one with Whilst it takes investment such as discount codes. and tell them what you like and increase your brand customers and gain valuable – both financially and Typical examples include about their blog and why you 4time-wise – email is a crucial tool offering a discount code in a think your products would to reach your customers. Email birthday email or reminding connect with their audience. “Creating a hub of informative, offers direct access to customers customers they have added You should also make sure who have shown interest in an item to their basket but to ask influencers to feature inspiring and relevant content your products and gives you the not checked out. Automation a link back to your products opportunity to connect with them. offers so many unique too – the more backlinks on the is a fantastic way to create With a little patience and practice, opportunities to engage with web to your site, the better! a better relationship with your customers and increase your brand awareness.”

www.craftbusiness.com 46 RETAIL CLINIC Lights, camera and action!

Sara Davies MBE, founder at Crafter’s Companion, explains how to use video

CRAFTERS COMPANION mini_ADS 14/08/2019to 11:06 amplify Page 1 your craft blog

z When thinking about ways to everyone immediately ditches YouTube and then integrated appeal to both current fans of step-by-step projects and onto your platform. In fact, your blog, as well as brand- informative instructions, videos your audience will probably new visitors, it’s important can make projects come to life. find it more endearing if you’re to think outside the box and We all know people who prefer to facing the camera live from out of your comfort zone. read the book rather than going your craft room, than being After all, with more than 500 to the cinema to watch the film filmed at a swanky studio. million blogs around today, craft and vice versa, so wouldn’t it be There’s no better way to or not, we need to think about good if we could cater to both? connect with your audience than what we’re doing successfully looking down the camera at and what we can change or the crafter, ready and waiting to utilise to make our platform z MAKING AN IMPACT recreate your project. It enables stand out from the crowd. AND A CONNECTION people to gain a bigger insight If you haven’t already used A video doesn’t have to be a into the mind behind the blog and them, videos are a great way to Hollywood production to make allows your personality to really take your blog to the next level. an impact on your audience. shine in person, as well as across Crafting is so visual, and Basic content can be filmed the pages. Bloggers with the while I’m not suggesting and then uploaded using largest followings are successful because their content is good title too, key words are easier but also because they have to find so try to be precise. loyal fans who feel like they know the host inside out. z Natural light: Secondly, if you’re shooting inside, pick z TIPS, REVIEWS a room which has a lot of AND TUTORIALS natural light and add additional Videos can also provide viewers lighting where you need to. with valuable information including how to tips, reviews z Sections: Try to shoot and tutorials. When it comes smaller segments, especially to craft, education and if you’re filming something inspiration are really important that’s a little longer. It leaves and sometimes, being more room for mistakes and physically shown how to do preparation, and can be easily something or what a product edited together or reshot in does, is what works best. smaller sections, rather than Now we’ve looked at why having to start from scratch. it’s a good idea to include video every now and again, here are z Round-up: If you’ve used some useful tips to consider a number of products in when creating something new. your post, include them and a short round-up of what z Short and snappy: Keeping you’re demonstrating in videos as short and snappy as your video’s description. possible will encourage higher engagement. No one wants to z Good sound: Finally, if your miss out on valid information videos prove to be popular but at the same time, we it might be time to invest probably don’t need to know in a decent microphone. what you had for breakfast that Videos might be visual but day! This goes for your video bad sound is unforgiving.

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BUSINESS ADVICE 47

DOING THE Beginners’ guide for VAT rookies BUSINESS… EDITOR Tax preparation specialist and director of DSR Tax reported on for VAT purposes Mark Hayhurst although you should still record 01206 508618 Claims Ltd, David Redfern, has provided a handy them in your general business [email protected] records. Goods and services HEAD OF EDITORIAL beginner’s guide to VAT to bring clarity provided to charities can benefit (BUSINESS) from a reduced rate of VAT. Emily Seddon to business and consumer confusion Businesses are required to [email protected] register for VAT if they have a ADVERTISING DIRECTOR surrounding the business tax charge VAT-taxable turnover of £85,000 Owen Cook or more. A business calculates 01206 505939 [email protected] its VAT-taxable turnover as the total value of all the goods and ADVERTISING MANAGER z VAT is seen as one of the Businesses which are classed as zero-rated. Goods and services it sells which are not Danielle Harris most confusing taxes for registered for VAT must charge services which are classed as VAT exempt. 01206 505954 [email protected] both small businesses and VAT on their taxable goods and zero-rated must still be reported Unlike other taxes, this is a consumers in general. services and are obliged to send on in your VAT return but you rolling 12-month threshold, not a ACCOUNTS While it is a familiar part of a VAT return to HMRC on a must charge a zero rate of VAT on fixed period such as a tax year Anne-Marie Hartley 01206 505902 daily life, due to its regular quarterly basis. them. Examples of zero-rated or accounting period. This appearance on till receipts and Most taxable goods and goods are children’s clothing and means that if you believe your SUBSCRIPTIONS MARKETING invoices, consumers are often services are taxed at the standard shoes as well as motorcycle turnover is close to the Holly Rayner unaware of why it is being rate of VAT, which is currently 20 helmets. Goods exported to threshold, you need to keep a 01206 505965 [email protected] charged. Meanwhile, a per cent. The standard rate has non-EU countries are also close eye on it and register for governmental review for the remained at 20 per cent since zero-rated. VAT when it exceeds the THE BAR RATE Office of Tax Simplicity showed April 2011, although historically it In addition, there are certain £85,000 threshold. You can UK £28.00 that many small businesses used to change each April. goods and services which are register for VAT voluntarily even Overseas €40.00 find VAT a barrier to growth. Certain goods and services, exempt from VAT, such as if your business is below the PUBLISHING DIRECTOR VAT, or Value Added Tax, is such as child car seats and medical and care services, threshold if you believe it will be Helen Tudor a business tax charged on domestic fuel, are chargeable at a education and vocational services advantageous to your business DESIGN: certain goods and services. reduced rate of five per cent while as well as burial and cremation but you won’t be required to do MS Typesetting and Design VAT-registered businesses are certain goods and services are services. These don’t need to be so. Once registered you must obliged to charge VAT on their charge VAT on your non-exempt Printed in England business sales of good and goods and services. PUBLISHED BY: services, as well as when hiring “Unlike other taxes, this is a Once registered, a business Aceville Publications Ltd or loaning goods, selling will be required to submit a VAT 21-23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, rolling 12-month threshold, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY business assets and when return to HMRC every three making commission payments. not a fixed period such as a months, reporting on their total ©Aceville Publications Ltd These are known as taxable sales and purchases, how much DISCLAIMER:The views expressed in this supplies and a business which tax year or accounting period” VAT the business owes and how publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure is registered for VAT is required much it can reclaim on business the veracity and integrity of the companies, to charge the relevant rate of purchases. Businesses must persons, products and services mentioned in this publication, and details given are VAT on these taxable supplies. submit a return even when there believed to be accurate at the time of However, you cannot charge is no VAT to pay or reclaim. A going to press. However no responsibility Final VAT return will be due if or liability whatsoever can be accepted VAT on your goods and for any consequence or repercussion of services if you aren’t registered you cancel your VAT registration. responding to any information or advice for VAT with HMRC. While nearly all consumers given or inferred. While most taxable are aware of VAT, fewer are supplies are to be expected, aware of the circumstances there are a few which may when it is chargeable which can come as a surprise - for lead to confusion. For small example, VAT is still chargeable businesses and start-ups, the on goods which aren’t sold for idea that they would have to cash but are bartered or register for VAT can prevent part-exchanged instead. Items businesses from growing to which are sold to employees their full potential. While are also classed as a taxable increased simplicity would be supply and must be subject to welcome, greater awareness will VAT if your business is hopefully take some of the registered for VAT. complexity out of VAT. WANTED Fabric & Haberdashery For any information regarding & any other craft clearance stock advertising in Craft Business, considered for please call Danielle Harris immediate collection. on 01206 505954 Please contact Martyn or email [email protected] [email protected] 07902 700 780

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