ROYAL TALENS front cover V4_ADS 17/08/2018 15:13 Page 1

£3.50 ISSUE 134 SEPTEMBER 2018 CraftBusinesswww.craftbusiness.com The leading trade title for the craft industry

Behind The Nib Ink can be used on different surfaces such as: Plastic - Ceramic - Stone - Metal - Rubber - Wood

INTERVIEW STITCHING AWARDS

Savile Row An artist’s Get Craft BUSINESS to Sewing quilting ready to AWARDS 2019 Bee life nominate P34 P31 P3 2 NEWS

Massive honour as Turner Welcome enters Hall of Fame z UK crochet extraordinaire Pauline Turner has z Mark Hayhurst z @craftbiz been awarded a great honour. z [email protected] The educator, designer, author and well- known industry professional has been inducted z Everyone loves a party and here at Aceville Publications we into the Crochet Guild of America Jean have been celebrating a great milestone. Leinhauser Hall of Fame, the first person in the It gives me great pleasure to wish our sister title Crafts UK to be given this honour and the first non- Beautiful a happy 25th anniversary! American resident. Britain’s market leading craft title first hit the shelves way Pauline was also made a Life Member of the back in 1993 and has gone from strength to strength. And I am Crochet Guild of America – only the third person sure that all of you in the industry would like like to pass on your to receive this honour in 24 years. congratulations and wish them another successful 25 years. Pauline received the honour on July 28 at And talking of celebrations, if you look to your right, you will Chain Link, the annual conference of the Crochet see we are launching the Craft Business Awards 2019. It’s time to Guild of America, held at the Sheraton Airport mobilise and get your nominations in and this year we are also Hotel, Portland, Oregon. introducing the Elite Industry Awards – so something new to Gwen Blakley Kinsler, the inspiration and look forward to. founder of the Crochet Guild of America 24 years And while we are looking forward – It’s Christmassssss! ago, presented Pauline with the award following Well not quite. But this is our festive bumper issue. With her 45-minute presentation to approximately 350 membership of the Knitting and Crochet Guild UK is everything from products to stock to workshops. people after the banquet. quite overwhelming.” And also take a look at our extensive list of Christmas She said: “After picking up a crochet hook for Pauline began her career in crochet as a teacher, influencers – who look to put their mark on the holiday period. the first time 45 years ago, and despite all the before putting her indelible stamp on the crochet Enjoy the September issue of Crafts Business accolades and testimonials I receive from around world. She has brought the craft to people across the the world, I did not believe I had done much for world through education and her publications, which the crochet world. Being inducted into the Hall of have been translated into many languages. One of her Fame has given me an amazing feeling of long list of books, Beginners Guide to Crochet, first ‘arriving’. To then be honoured with Life published in 2005, has been reprinted every year until membership of CGOA to go with my life 2015 when they changed the look of it to Crochet for ON THE RECORD the Absolute Beginner. She has travelled the world, from Alaska to New “I can’t remember Zealand, extolling her craft. Pauline set up Crochet a time when I Design, a retail and education business, before selling off the retail side to Threads of Life so she could wasn’t obsessed concentrate on education. with looking Pauline was also responsible for developing and supervising The International Diploma in Crochet, smart” which has students around the world. Rita Weiss and Jean Leinhauser, who for many PATRICK GRANT years were the duo that were the American School of Needlework, set up the Hall of Fame in 2011, which strives to reward and show appreciation for those who have made lasting contributions to the world of FIONA LLOYD APPOINTED NEW VICE crochet. On the Death of Rita Weiss, the CGOA took over PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL MARKETING AND the administration of this prestigious award and it was PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AT ELLISON renamed as the CGOA Jean Leinhauser Hall of Fame. z Ellison, parent company of its operations to be a leading craft brand Sizzix and omni-channel provider across education brand Ellison all continents. Education, has announced Richard Birse, CEO of Fiona Lloyd as its new Vice Ellison Global, said: “After a Create & Craft owners, Ideal President of Global Marketing thorough review, Ellison’s and Product Development. current Marketing Director for Founded by LaDorna and Ellison Europe, Fiona Lloyd, was Shopping Direct, have been sold Robert Eichenberg in 1977, clearly identified as the natural Ellison Educational Equipment successor to be the company’s z Ideal Shopping Direct has employs around 800 people and strong position in two has grown into a vertically next Vice President of Global been bought by AURELIUS and is headquartered in distinct and growing markets integrated global business. The Marketing and Product Alpha Limited. Peterborough, where it has within TV shopping; craft and business has developed multiple Development for her proven The listed pan-European dedicated facilities for the general merchandise, global brands and supply chain skillset, market knowledge and mid-market investor, acquired production and transmission of presenting a compelling networks that uniquely position experience. the multi-channel home its shows as well as the investment opportunity for “Fiona has been pivotal in shopping retailer, from creation and distribution of Aurelius. We look forward to building a strong strategic Blackstone. Financial terms of products to customers. working alongside ISD’s marketing and product the deal were not disclosed. Following the acquisition, experienced management development platform in the With over 600,000 Aurelius will work alongside the team to provide the operational UK, Europe and ROW regions customers and FY17 revenues company’s existing and financial support needed to and she will now lead that of £145m, Ideal Shopping management team to help the business meet its messaging and delivery from a Direct sources, designs and implement a transformation potential.” global perspective.” sells lifestyle and crafting programme focused on driving Bill Adams, CEO of ISD, Lloyd said: “I am delighted products to consumers via a operational improvement at the said: “We are very pleased to be to undertake this new role and variety of dedicated interaction business, boost its UK brand partnering with Aurelius, an lead the strategic deployment channels including TV shopping recognition and enhance the investor with proven experience for all global marketing and channels, social media breadth and quality of its in the craft, TV shopping and product development initiatives. platforms, websites and live customer offering. omni-channel retail space. Its “The next phase of Ellison’s events. Tristan Nagler, UK operational expertise and global growth is an exciting The company has two Managing Director of hands-on approach will prospect and it is a pleasure to flagship channels, Ideal World AURELIUS, said: “Ideal significantly benefit ISD as we work alongside such talented and Create & Craft which Shopping Direct is a dynamic seek to reposition our business and devoted teams at Ellison, deliver video content across company with a loyal customer and achieve our growth who continue to develop our both the UK and the US. ISD base, established infrastructure objectives going forward.” business in diverse and innovative ways.”

www.craftbusiness.com NEWS 3 They’re back - bigger and better than ever

It’s time to nominate your businesses and brands for the industry’s 10 Who influences you? Find out who Santa will be checking most important prize – the Craft Business Awards 2019 in with this Christmas

❚ The Craft Business Awards, ❚ FREE TO ENTER brought to you by Craft Business CATEGORIES: magazine, are open for • Best Independent Retailer nominations, so why not make • Best Support & Service this year the one your brand or • NEW! Best Chain Craft Shop business leader gets recognised Craft (previously Best Shared for their fantastic work? BUSINESS Retailer) The Craft Business Awards, AWARDS • Best E-tailer in their 14th year, are back and 2019 • Best British Brand 32 Scandinavian style are bigger and brighter than ever • Best European Brand Five Minutes with Arne Nerjordet before. With new categories • Best American Brand and Carlos Zachrison (including our new Elite Industry • NEW! Craft Influencer of Award categories) and a the Year glittering panel of star-studded • Best Craft Book Publisher judges, these standard-defining • Best Knitting Manufacturer/ awards not only mean status for be put in front of some of the Supplier/Distributor the winners, but better business most exciting names in the • Best Beading & Jewellery too. And now’s your chance to industry. Manufacturer/Supplier/ nominate your brand or product The Craft Business Awards Distributor for an award. are split into 22 categories that • Best Papercraft Winning a Craft Business cover everything from Manufacturer/Supplier/ Award can mean a lot to you and independent shops and Distributor 36 What’s your day like? your business. Not only will you products, right up to big brands • Best Stitching & 24 hours with Corinne Lapierre receive your trophy at a glitzy and marketing campaigns. Each Haberdashery champagne reception at CHSI category aims to celebrate and Manufacturer/Supplier/ Stitches in February, enjoying the recognise excellence within our Distributor chance to meet not just the Craft vibrant sector. • Best Creative Stationery Business magazine team, but the Last year’s awards received Manufacturer/Supplier/ entire Aceville craft department’s over 26,000 votes and reached Distributor journalists, but you can also look over 115,000 people. • Best Social Media forward to extensive coverage in Eighteen of the categories • Best Trade Website Craft Business magazine and its remain free to enter, including accompanying website and Best Independent Retailer, ❚ ELITE INDUSTRY social media. because although this is a AWARDS (PAID FOR) Editor Mark Hayhurst said: judged category, Craft Business JUDGED BY OUR PANEL 39 What was hot “The Craft Business Awards have remains committed to OF EXPERTS: in Salt Lake City? become bigger and better every supporting retail. This year, for • Best Sustainable Craft Alexandra Stapleton reports back from the AFCI’s Mixed Media Show year, engaging not only the the first time, we have Company In this issue industry but your customers as introduced six Industry Elite • NEW! Best Emerging well. The awards honour the hard categories whereby on entering Craft Brand work everyone puts into their and being shortlisted, your • Best New Product companies and products, and product, campaign or brand will • Best Children’s Product is shortlisted, it will either be voted announced as we move toward they offer a feel-good factor that have the chance to be put in • Best Craft Book for by the Craft Business the closing date. Nominations make handing out the prizes a front of one of our esteemed • Best Marketing Campaign readership or judged by our elite close on October 26 with the real highlight of the team’s year.” judges. The cost per entry for Simply nominate your brand panel of industry experts, including shortlist announced and voting And, new for 2019, if you’re these categories is £100, with an or product on our website at Linda Barker, Interior Designer and stage opening on November 16. one of our Industry Elite Awards early bird offer of £75 which www.craftbusiness.com/awards, Television Presenter, and Debbie Voting will then close on entrants, your product or idea will closes on September 28. from August 24, and if your entry Bliss MBE. Further judges will be February 1, 2019.

“What has winning the 2018 Craft Business Award for Best Start-Up meant to me? Recognition. Validation. Momentum.” DEANNA RUSSO, INVENTOR, FOUNDER, OWNER OF BOW K ❚ Validation from a respected in-person meetings with executives and placement was another opportunity to association serves as a critical boost buyers. The traction that I received from share my story about the universal for any start-up, especially for a the award was definitely a key supporting appeal of Bow K. So, essentially, while the one-woman company. Craft Business’ factor in the rise of Bow K sales recently. Best Start Up award gave me legs, it was Best Start-Up Award 2018 gave Bow K Following the award, Bow K shipped out up to me to run with it. Being a sole credibility and also gave me confirmation its first large purchase order to a brick proprietor of a new company, it is that I was on the right track. and mortar craft retail chain here in the important to seek out your own Winning this award helped open US; with more large retailers expressing accolades, whether it be through numerous doors for Bow K. It may have interest. contests, media exposure, or networking been a UK award, but the impact easily Craft Business was responsible for groups and then promote yourself translated to the US market. I leveraged providing Bow K with a second important whenever you can. the win as Best Start-up to gain access to marketing tool. They picked my Best The Best Start-Up Award and Craft some of the highest-level decision Start-up win as an opportunity to Business Magazine have played a key role makers in the retail industry. I not only spotlight Bow K in a full-page feature in building the Bow K brand. They helped incorporated the award into publicity and in Craft Business Magazine. I reprinted Bow K gain momentum in the crafting promotion on social media, but I shared the article for handouts and posted it on markets by introducing the brand to the the news in numerous emails and my website. This successful media industry in a highly positive fashion.

www.craftbusiness.com 4 NEWS

Five-year search over as fabric and craft retailer opens in Shrewsbury New gift sets z Fabrics, hobby and home from Faber-Castell retailer Abakhan has opened its first Shropshire store z Faber-Castell are releasing a new range of stunning gift sets which in Shrewsbury, creating embrace new trends, as well as their commitment to characteristic and more than 17 jobs. timeless design. The store on Market Street A new trend so in sync with the world of stationery shouldn’t be is the family-run company’s ignored and with the up and coming release of the Faber-Castell Bullet tenth bricks and mortar store Journaling Starter Set, the quality Art and Graphic products manufacturer and it’s furthest south. certainly hasn’t turned a blind-eye to the latest phenomenon. Featuring a wide range The new gift set from Faber-Castell contains everything a budding of dressmaking fabrics Bullet Journalist needs to ‘track the past, order the present and design the (including Liberty prints), home future,’ including PITT Artist Pens, a Pastel Textliner, a Goldfaber Graphite furnishings, haberdashery Pencil and a 42-page booklet with dotted paper. and knitting yarns, the The Faber-Castell 2018 Gifts collection expands with some desirable Shrewsbury store will have a new products. The Mixed Media Polychromos and Castell 9000 and the specialist workshop area, with Albrecht Dürer Magnus Watercolour Pencil sets, both with matching a programme of sewing and accessories make the perfect present idea for both artists and graphic craft classes, taster sessions designers. and free demonstrations. Abakhan offers a wide range of dressmaking fabrics, home furnishings, The Goldfaber and Goldfaber Aqua Pencil Rolls are great value sets William Abakhan, Sales haberdashery and knitting yarns. for students, and the PITT Hand Lettering Starter Set releases just in time and marketing director, for crafters to start making their seasonal greetings cards. explained that the company programme of workshops positions for experienced All these and more will be available to purchase from West Design had been interested in and demonstrations.” sewing and craft tutors. Products from October 2018. West Design Products are the exclusive PEAK DALE 1.8 2 col_ADS 13/08/2018 15:36 openingPage 1 a shop in Shrewsbury The Shrewsbury store The family firm, which distributor for Faber-Castell Art & Graphic products in the UK. for a number of years. offers a made-to-measure was founded in the 1940s Find details of these ranges on www.shop.westdesignproducts.co.uk He said: “We initially curtain and blind service, by William’s grandfather, looked at Shrewsbury in 2013, where customers can select Russian rug maker, Michael but couldn’t find the right base. fabrics from the store and have Abakhan, acquired its first However, this location – the them handmade by Abakhan. site in Mostyn in North Wales former Maplin store – on There are also plans for free in 1973, which is now the Market Street is perfect for us. weekly knitting and craft company’s flagship store. “Shrewsbury is an amazing groups, as well as offering a It has since opened market town and we have space for parties and events. shops across the North a lot of visitors to our other The 17 new posts West, including Liverpool, stores from this area. created with the opening Manchester, Hanley, Chester “It also has a flourishing of the Shrewsbury store and most recently Altrincham arts and crafts scene, range from managers as well as further afield in which we plan to contribute through to shop assistants, the Baltic states, and now to by holding a regular there are also freelance employs 280 people. Abakhan also has an online shop with around 20,000 products, including everything from fabrics and soft furnishings to knitting yarns and craft accessories. There will also be a special launch of the new store in September, that will include a weekend of craft and sewing demonstrations, taster Abakhan has opened its doors in Shrewsbury. workshops and opening offers.

ExaClair makes its TV debut with new Exacompta and Rhodia campaigns z On August 17th, ExaClair launched its first TV advertising campaign, to run over a six week period and include two commercials, one for the boutique stationery brand Rhodia and the other for office products brand Exacompta. advertising showcases Rhodia’s tended to focus on the The advertising was stylish, bright, bold and funky products themselves – in our aired on premium channels range of notebooks, stationery manufacturing processes, including Dave, ITV, Sky and desktop accessories to premium materials and paper, One, Sky Atlantic, E4, Film great effect.” design and expanding ranges 4 and More4 with the aim The Exacompta to meet the latest trends and of reaching millennial, advertisement highlights the consumer requirements – so it professional audiences. range’s commitment to quality, is fantastic to now be investing Mark Daisley, Managing aesthetics and functionality, with in promoting the Rhodia and Director of ExaClair says it was the goal of increasing brand Exacompta names even the right time to raise the awareness among young further.” profile of these brands: “The professionals. Key stockists feature on Rhodia range has doubled in “We’re excited to see the both ads including Rymans, size in recent years to meet impact of both of these WHSmiths, Office Outlet, the demand of the new campaigns,” adds Mark. Bureau Direct, Cult Pens and boutique stationery buyer. The “Investment in these brands has Paperchase.

www.craftbusiness.com MESSE FRANKFURT skyscraper_ADS 13/08/2018 17:17 Page 1

STOCK SHOT A perfect gift z Speedball’s NEW Calligraphy Fountain Pen Gift Set is the perfect holiday item for any appreciator of beautiful penmanship. Housed in a sleek and modern carrying case, this set includes two high-quality Calligraphy Fountain Pens and two ink cartridges and is the PERFECT gift for the letterer in your life! https://www.speedballart. com/our-product-lines/ speedball-drawing- lettering/speedball- calligraphy-fountain-pens/

Student Stationery Design Competition winners announced

z Students from Staffordshire University managed a clean sweep in the inaugural Student Stationery Design Awards, managing to win all three placements – with entries from one hardworking student being chosen twice! Leanne Haycock, a third year student in Graphic Design, created entries for both the Portico Design and Paperchase design briefs, and was rewarded by being chosen by both design directors as their placement winner. “Leanne’s work stood out for idea of taking a pause during a supporting this first competition being well-presented, well working day and making writing a and we’ll continue to back The thought out, with two distinct letter or note a pleasurable Paper Library in their quest to styles and solutions for each experience – resonates well with develop a placement brief,” said Iona Purchas, creative the lifestyle products we are programme for students and manager at Portico Designs in developing at Caroline Gardner,” alert them to the opportunities Bath. said Nicola. within the stationery industry to Gemma Parris, pattern This is the first time The use their skills,” said Vanessa design manager at Paperchase Paper Library and Stationery Fortnam, head of content & PR, agreed, saying “Leanne’s entries Show London have collaborated for Stationery Show London. were certainly the most to encourage stationery suppliers Debbie Wigglesworth, commercial and we look forward and retailers to support student co-founder of The Paper Library, to working with her.” design. The competition attracted also acknowledged the three The entry from Zoe Benjamin, entries from Universities in partners saying: “The designers also a third year student, but Cardiff, Bath, Birmingham and from Paperchase, Portico studying 3D Design Ceramics, the University of the West of Designs and Caroline Gardner was selected by Nicola Breen, England in Bristol as well as have been wonderful – their Q&A design director for Caroline Staffordshire. session with students at the Gardner. “We’re very grateful to London Stationery Show earlier “Zoe’s design experience, and Caroline Gardner, Paperchase this year was candid and hugely her entry, which championed the and Portico Design for inspiring. Their support has already encouraged other stationery companies to come forward and register their interest in getting involved.” The students arranged to take their placements over the summer, with each being asked to record their experience however they wished – via video, diary, planner or blog – so that it can be shared with the next batch of hopefuls. Any stationery retailers or suppliers who would like to support students, either by offering work placements, or other prizes, are encouraged to get in touch via vanessa. [email protected] or [email protected].

www.craftbusiness.com 6 NEWS

STOCK SHOT CHSI Stitches announces major industry report to be revealed Wildlife Wonders z Millie Marotta’s Wildlife Wonders is a collection of favourite at 2019 show illustrations from the number one bestselling colouring book z ICHF Events has confirmed that it will release PIRIKA 1.4 2 COL_ADS 14/08/2018 17:24 Page 1illustrator Millie Marotta. A bumper volume of 120 images, this is the ultimate Millie Marotta colouring book, bringing together a major new craft industry report at CHSI illustrations from all her Stitches 2019. books, including Animal The inaugural Craft Report was revealed at the Kingdom. We’re invited to 2018 show, providing exclusive industry insights add our own colours to and trend predictions. The 2019 Craft Report has wonderful wildlife, from the just been commissioned and will see an entirely African elephant to the tiny new report produced with the research announced field mouse, exclusively at the trade event in February. the flamboyant flamingo to Dominic Fleming, CHSI Stitches show director the wide-eyed bush-baby. said: “The Craft Report was welcomed by Pavilion is distributed by professionals across the industry in 2018. It’s GMC Distribution and clear that this level of in depth market research Search Press. has a key role to play in the development of the For sales queries contact industry. Things move rapidly so it’s imperative that reports such as this keep up, hence ICHF [email protected] Linda Jones, Partner, Linda Jones & Associates www.pavilionbooks.com Events commissioning brand new research to be presenting the Craft Report at CHSI Stitches 2018 revealed at the 2019 show.” The 2018 report was based on data collected and reliable market research plays a key role in from more than 3,000 people in the UK. Covering understanding consumer behaviour and how to topics such as increasing consumer spend, best meet their needs. This research is vital to marketing opportunities around wellness, the any retailer in the creative craft industry.” importance of social media, the new face of craft To register your interest in the show visit and how to be a source of customer inspiration, www.chsi.co.uk/contact/register-interest PAVILLION 1.8 2 col_ADS 15/08/2018 10:18 PageThe 1 Craft Report presentation provided the CHSI Organised by ICHF Events, CHSI Stitches has Stitches audience with key action points to take been at the heart of the craft industry for more away and apply to their own businesses. than 40 years. The new report for 2019 will include The trade event also features workshops and qualitative and quantitative research covering key seminars, a catwalk show, new product showcase new trends, industry predictions, new and and The Next Big Thing for the newest designers expanding markets and consumer insights. and creative companies and over 200 key Leading market research company, Linda Jones industry exhibitors from across the world. & Associates have been commissioned to CHSI Stitches 2019 takes place from research and produce the report. February 17-19 at the NEC, Birmingham. For Linda Jones, said: “It’s a pleasure to be more information visit www.chsi.co.uk. For up to working with the craft industry again. In such a date trade show news follow Twitter vibrant and ever-changing marketplace, robust @CHSIstitches.

z Sarah Hurley has confirmed the continuation of the Sarah Hurley and Create groundbreaking ‘The Pitch’ programme with Create and and Craft TV announce Craft TV after an initial six-month trial run. Sarah said: “The Pitch has ‘The Pitch’ extension been such an eye-opening process. I’ve seen people up and down the country and all over the world and we’ve found some exceptional talent. We’ll be working with them to bring them to the channel and develop new things with them, we can’t wait to find more!” Lindsay-Jane Vines, Create and Craft Managing Director added: “Here at Create and Craft, something we are really passionate about is giving small businesses and crafting innovators the stepping stone they need to progress in the industry. Whether you have a brand new craft product idea, small business start-up or are already an established brand, we want to help you get to where you want to be.” If you’re looking to gain expert feedback on your product ideas, receive mentoring from leaders of the craft industry, register online, at www.createandcraft.com/ gb/the-pitch. Successful applicants will then be contacted with further details on the time and location of their ‘pitch’.

www.craftbusiness.com NEWS 7

Craft Yourself Silly weaves its way to success in the US z Craft Yourself Silly, a Tyneside worth around £4bn every year, “My advice to anyone craft supplies manufacturer, is while in the US, the value of the thinking about exporting for the set to launch a new selection of market is ten times that size. first time is to get in touch with patchwork products in the US “We’ve managed to tap into DIT at the earliest opportunity.” later this year in a bid to increase that demand with great success. David Coppock, Regional Director for the North East at the its share of the $44bn North KNIT PRO 1.4 2 COL_ADS 17/08/2018 12:27 PageBut the 1 process hasn’t been American hobby market. without its hurdles. After securing Department for International The North Shields-based our contract with JOANN, we Trade, said: “Craft Yourself Silly business, founded in 2013, will use found ourselves needing to fill has managed to turn a traditional the Quilt Market Houston trade traditional ’proggy‘ technique to (DIT) to showcase its products at shipping containers instead of North East art form into an show to unveil its new ‘Tessepatch’ make soft toy animals, fabric the Creativation trade show in pallet crates and had to very international bestseller through range to the US market. accessories and decorations, Phoenix, Arizona. quickly get to grips with US ambition and drive. Craft Yourself Silly found early selling its products online and in The firm’s products are now customs processes, labelling “We know that two of the success through its use of a stores like Hobbycraft, as well as stocked in 865 JOANN stores requirements, and safety main barriers preventing traditional North East craft in a major US craft retail chain. across 49 US states. Last year, standards. We also needed to companies across the region method known as ’proggy rag In 2014, the firm won a exporting accounted for almost a learn about variations in laws and from exporting are the perceived rugging’, where scraps of material £300,000 contract from JOANN, third of the company’s total regulations, which can differ from difficulties with legal and tax are pushed through holes in a one of the largest chains of craft revenue. state to state. requirements and finding woven fabric. and hobby stores in the US, after Founder and Managing “DIT was on-hand to help us at suitable buyers or trading Today, it manufactures DIY receiving support from the Director Hayley Smith said: “In the every step of the way, offering partners. We can assist firms kits that allow crafters to use the Department for International Trade UK, the craft and hobby market is expertise and guidance to make with both of these, and far more everything as smooth as possible, besides.” in addition to introductions to new Firms looking for support suppliers. can visit great.gov.uk. Paper Boutique sees record growth in 2018 z Create and Craft, the UK’s leading multi- The Paper Boutique brand first launched with channel craft home shopping retailer, are Create and Craft in November 2015 with their thrilled to report the continued success that highly popular paper pad collections, and has supplier brand Paper Boutique, part of the gone from strength to strength with the addition Creative Crafting World group, has seen with of their own die ranges too. the company in 2018. Lynda Chapman, Creative Crafting World Working closely together over the past year, Creative Director, said: “We have seen a Paper Boutique sales on the channel have seen a staggering growth in sales through Create and massive 1,190 per cent growth YTD. Craft with our Paper Boutique range, we have Creative Crafting World’s journey began back been strong in innovation and well supported by in 2010, and since then they have built a Create and Craft. The working partnership is very reputation in the industry as a craft supplier customer focused and we work together to bring PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS 1.4 3 col_ADS 01/06/2018specialising 09:46 inPage Card 1 Making and Paper Craft. quality products to the passionate audience.” Create and Craft’s partnership with the company With even more exciting product launches in over this time has seen them develop and launch the pipelines for the Paper Boutique range for the new brands and product ranges on the channel, remainder of 2018 and beyond, Create and Craft including Paper Boutique. expect this growth to steadily continue.

Leading Craft and Papercraft Supplier, 30,000+ products

• Card Making • Journaling • Scrapbooking • Papercrafting • Planners (card stock, envelopes, dies, toppers, embellishments, parchment, planners, punches, rub-ons, stickers, scrapbooks and more) General Craft Tools/Accessories: (stamps, stencils, inks, paints, glues, glitters tapes, ribbons. scissors, decoupage, storage solutions, moulds, clays and more) Merchandising Display Stands (paints, inks, decoupage and more) • Kits Personal Impressions (Part of the EM Richford Group), Curzon Road, Chilton Industrial Estate, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2XW. Tel: +44 1787 375241 | [email protected] www.personalimpressions.com

www.craftbusiness.com 8 NEWS

The stark reality Demand is strong of copying on social for Creativeworld media platforms z Early demand is strong for of trends and incomparable Creativeworld, with 300 creativity from all over the world. z On British Intellectual Property Day 2018, Duncan and manufacturers already Michael Reichhold, Director Nessie Maclay, of ThisisNessie, travelled to Westminster to registered for the world’s Creativeworld and Paperworld, join a national event organised by the Alliance for Intellectual leading trade fair for the hobby, said: “Our concept has proven The trade fair is a magnet Property to celebrate the IP upon which theirs and others art and craft supplies sector. its worth and been accepted by for the wholesale, retail and within the creative industries thrive. All national and international both the trade and industry. specialist trade, as well as For artist Nessie Maclay it is her creative skill as an artist key players, numerous Creativeworld is the ideal home-improvement markets which formed the basis of a successful IP-rich small business newcomers and prominent business, trend and order and garden centres, the internet called ThisisNessie. returnees will be represented in platform, and the creative and mail-order trade, and They joined Ministers, parliamentarians and those Frankfurt am Main from market place for the sector.” commercial consumers, such representing song writers, musicians, authors and film makers, January 26-29, 2019. In addition to the attractive as art academies, training and just a small part of the array of vastly talented creators who With the echo from the blend of well-known brands and care facilities. make the UK creative industries the envy of the world! positive and atmospheric young companies, the Moreover, products such as ThisisNessie is a successful growth company supporting 12 impressions of Creativeworld Creativeworld complementary creative and hobby materials in employees, their partners and children. But success has been 2018 still reverberating, the programme of events offers user-friendly complete sets marred by daily and significant challenges through insidious, preparations for the coming great added value for visitors represent an interesting blatant copies of their artwork and products for sale on social event are already in full swing. thanks to its focus on supplementary product line for media platforms and through the larger online marketplaces. Every year, Creativeworld brings workshops and trends and the the toy and book trades, food This is theft. together an unrivalled spectrum popular Creative Impulse Award. retailers and drug stores. ThisisNessie Managing Director Duncan Maclay said, “I spoke to our constituency MP Sam Gyimah who is also the Minister for Intellectual Property and showed him the stark reality of what we face every day. “He instantly agreed to visit our studio to witness for himself the devastating effect that this is having on our business and Pirika UK announce new suppliers discuss ways in which government can help. Our IP is the most z Pirika UK are bringing a valuable asset in our business and when this is compromised creative Christmas to your there is a price to pay. customers. “At the close of the last financial year, a projected growth of Amanda Mason, General 20 per cent had become a contraction and we had to lay off three Manager Pirika UK, said: employees. The redundancies have affected the business directly “Christmas is such an exciting as we have less resource to direct at the development of new time and a time to create products. something new! As distributors “Never far from our minds at times like this are the partners for Jacquard Products and and children whose lives are affected by these redundancies.” bande we are able to offer some Dids Macdonald, ACID’s CEO said “Anti Copying in Design fantastic new products to the UK (ACID) is intent on working with Government, policy makers and market.” the industry to insist on solutions for cost and time effective Jacquard Products have enforcement to address blatant copying on social media been the leading manufacturer platforms and online marketplaces so that growth is not impeded of artist materials for fabric for by theft. Intellectual property is at the heart of the design sector over 35 years. Family owned and and must be protected!” operated, they offer top-quality materials at great value suitable for anyone from professional artists, craftspeople to home crafters, children and hobbyists. stationery brand by Nishikawa remove and reposition the Amanda Mason said: “As the Communications based in individual stickers. The bande official distributor of Jacquard Japan. As bande’s authorised Christmas range includes a wide Products in the UK we are proud distributor for the UK, Pirika are variety of designs, Christmas to make their products available pleased to introduce their new characters, Christmas to our customers, bringing range of Japanese Washi Tapes/ Townscapes, Wreaths and Metallics and Pearlescents to Roll Stickers. Made from Washi, Poinsettias.” NEEDCRAFT 1.4 5 COL_ADS 08/03/2018 12:27 Page 1 your Festive Creations. a traditional Japanese paper, this For all the Christmas “Another new product range award-winning tape offers more inspiration you need go to comes from bande, who are a flexibility by allowing you to www.pirika.co.uk/christmas

NEW for 2fNEW 2018180or ManufactureractufManu e the rangeange of cr craftraft kits ththata yt youou can use with WallWall Art Kits, SewingSewing Bin Kits, MaMakek & Pe Paintaint Kits youry fabrics,four textilesetabrics, xtiles and papers to mat make cko creativetiaere pvti productsre for afoducts aroundror ound and LED Lighting range.r .eangr the home.homethe . WWee supply pproductsr foducts foror rretailers,etailers, The kits areaT the perfectperrhe ect pproductpfe rect oduct partnership forfoor Haberdashery Haberdashery retailersretailers wholesalers, didistributors,ttribus ors, to crossct soro sell yourys fabricfour abric stock.ock.tsabric wworkshops,orkshops, manumanufacturersractuf ers and Our currentcurrOur rangerent ange of kits include: educational eaeduc establishments.stional tablishments. Lampshades, TableTable Lamps, Kit pripricescKit start fses fromom onlyonlyrtart +vatav+ t T&C’ss apply’&CT apply Floor Lamps, Lanterns,Lan erns,erns,t £2.62 with ffree delirwith delivery.vee .yer Clocks and Bins. www.dannells.comww c.dannells.ww omc +44 (0) 1919929 70000 31172 311

www.craftbusiness.com TECHNOLOGY 9

try new techniques and skills to broaden their knowledge base. YouTube is full of how-to videos The importance of video that detail how to try new techniques like Macramé or inspire audiences to try well-known techniques like Crochet or Knitting. No matter marketing in 2018 what skill a maker wants to learn, they will be able to find a video that details exactly how to Fiona Lloyd, VP of Global Marketing & Product Development for Ellison do it. Makers are sharing their own and the brand Sizzix, looks at the impact video has on marketing and knowledge with creative communities online through how it’s changed the way companies engage with its audience video too. Whether it’s reviewing the latest product they have bought or showing off a new z Video has become a staple way to showcase not only how it new products and ideas is unlike imagery is vital in helping to project they have created. It’s part of our lives, from TV to should be used but also its anything else we can create convert sales and encourage providing them with a platform social media, it’s the most benefits to a consumer. online, which is valuable for us decision making in potential to share their own inspiring viewed media form at present Our creative community rely and our consumers. consumers. It helps capture their ideas easily, without a need for and is only set to grow in on video to learn new skills and imagination, as they get to see a lengthy text or lots of imagery. popularity. By 2019, Diode Digital complicated techniques. It helps z BOOST CONVERSIONS product’s possibilities and it have predicted that video traffic them understand how new Studies have shown that 74 per allows them to think about how z PERSONAL INSIGHT will account for 80 per cent of all products work and what they are cent of people who have watched they could utilise those benefits Video and social media have consumer internet traffic, making best used for, providing them with an explainer-video about a themselves. allowed businesses to provide a it 600 per cent more effective lots of inspiring ideas of how they product have subsequently more personal insight into their than traditional offline marketing could utilise that new product. bought it. The insights that video z EFFECTIVE SOCIAL brand. Through videos like techniques. The insight that video provides for can provide compared to text and MEDIA CONTENT Instagram Stories and Facebook Video is convenient, efficient YouTube has over one billion Live, businesses can invite their and engaging for consumers and users, which is almost one-third consumers to see what goes on provides businesses with an of total internet users. More than behind the scenes and get a effective promotional tool to 500 million hours of videos are better understanding of the reach its audiences. It’s exciting watched on YouTube every day brand, offering the feeling of to see how quickly video media which showcases just how face-to-face interaction. Creating has grown, especially how much of an impact video has on this kind of real-time content creative audiences are utilising it everyday life. Social networks helps build brand trust with to expand on their skills and have now developed to consumers and encourages techniques, learning about new incorporate more video, with them to positively engage with products and sharing their latest features like live, 360 video and the brand, not just the products. projects and ideas. stories being a prominent Video has provided Video has become a feature. businesses with an opportunity prominent part of our According to Impact, social to engage audiences with promotional toolbox, providing us video generates 1,200 per cent informative and inspiring with vital social media content more shares than text and content that helps build brand and inspiring media for our image, making it a vital tool for trust and boost conversions. I’m audiences to engage with. It’s engaging new audiences and looking forward to seeing how made a big impact in the reinventing how we video content grows over the marketing industry and has communicate with our next couple of years and how completely changed how we consumers. If our community prominent a marketing tool it interact with consumers. enjoy a video and engage with it, becomes for the craft industry. they are much more likely to It’s an exciting time for digital z PRODUCT INSIGHT share with their friends and marketing which in turn can only Video can explain anything! It’s family than they are with text bring exciting prospects for much more efficient in explaining and image posts. creative industry. exactly how something works For more information about than words and text. When z INSPIRING CREATIVITY Sizzix visit www.sizzix.co.uk or launching new products and For our creative community, follow them on LinkedIn – concepts, it’s the most effective videos are inspiring makers to Ellison Europe Ltd.

www.craftbusiness.com 10 CHRISTMAS Simply having a wonderful Christmas crafting time Angela Sara West chats with Christmas craft influencers about their favourite festive creations and tips, tricks and trends. Okay, it’s only September, but we’ll have you feeling festive in no time!

DEBBIE SHORE z Derby-born Debbie From amazing advent calendars, Shore, lives in no-sew wreaths made from scrap fabric, to Lancashire and is the gift boxes and festive placemats, Debbie’s UK’s best-selling mega-seller title, Half Yard Christmas, craft author. covers numerous themes, from rustic and Alongside designing traditional, to contemporary and products for Crafter’s monochrome, even kids. Companion, she pops up Her favourite styles and makes for the on shopping channels, including Create and festive season? “My house is decorated Craft TV, illustrating her unique brand of partly traditional with reds, golds and friendly guidance while demonstrating all greens, but my living room is contemporary manner of machines, kits and more. silver and white. I love anything sparkly but I The self-described “accidental sewer” keep the decorating simple, I hate it when writes projects for sewing magazines and the house looks bare after they come down! loves sharing her knowledge with other We have a holly bush in the garden and I sewists at needlecraft shows at Earls Court, love big displays and wreaths. A few years Olympia and the NEC, and via her video and ago, I made Christmas trees for friends, written tutorials for YouTube (to which she fluffy cone shapes with built-in lights. My has nearly 200k subscribers) and her most challenging make was a spotty- Facebook channel. When it comes to printed oilcloth tree with branches… one of writing books, she’s second-to-none. With those projects I wished I’d never started! I’ll her contemporary, inspiring and achievable be making a table runner and place mats birds and dragonflies, and it’s fabric that dressmaking and quilting.” Still busy with style, Debbie’s Half Yard series (published this year, too.” inspires my projects. I’ll see a certain fabric books, two more launch in early September. by Search Press) has proved phenomenally Debbie’s now working on a Christmas and imagine what I can make with it.” “A new concept called ‘Build a Bag Books’, successful. “Becoming a craft author was range of quilting fabric, alongside her range She’s also launching an online sewing then I’m working on my next four!” one of the most exciting turns in my career for next summer. “It’s based on sketches of site, the ‘Half Yard Sewing Club’. Facebook: 12,000 followers and, even after 17 books, it’s still as exciting! my garden again, but very different to the “Subscribers will be able to follow videos Instagram: 1,700+ followers I’m so proud of the books and the feedback current range. My garden was the and instructions for a wide range of You Tube: 190,000+ subscribers I get from readers.” inspiration behind my fabric range, flowers, projects, including techniques such as www.halfyardsewingclub.com

JANE MEANS z London and Singapore- various CLAIRE DONOVAN - HEART HANDMADE UK based gift-wrapping guru, folding z Enjoying social media hits of make paper chains for days… back in Jane Means, works as an techniques over a million, Belfast-based Very little has changed!” 2009, but adviser for luxury brands with fabric.” Claire Donovan loves to share She starts making Christmas I was too such as Harrods and Dior, as The handmade items, craft ideas, gifts in August and still loves nervous well as for A-list celebrities secret to this free Christmas patterns and making decorations for her and afraid and royals. She’s lent her genius gift-wrapper’s success? inspiring home décor via her house. “Whether it’s a garland, to tell my meticulous eye for detail to “To stay in front of easy-to-follow craft tutorials, a paper village or decoration followers about Kirstie Allsopp as a judge on competitors, it’s vital to be a home décor guides and blog. for my tree. Crochet is probably my medical conditions until Channel 4’s Kirstie’s leader, not a follower and Christmas superfan Claire one of my favourite crafts for 2016. The response blew me Handmade Christmas and always have something new to says her first memory was making because I know people away. I got emails from all ages regularly teams up with TV’s offer.” of the festive period. “Where hold on to those. I’m most around the world telling me that The Crafty Beggars, Julie She says double-sided crafting and Christmas collided…. proud of making an afghan - my they’re in a similar situation, Peasgood and Wendy Turner. tape and giftwrap Watching my dad hang a paper winter crochet gift to myself!” that they felt so alone and Inspired by her travels to embellishments, such as holly, angel ornament I’d made on the Claire set up Heart asking for tips or just sharing places such as India and Iran, ivy and twigs, are key to make tree was the proudest moment Handmade UK after she was about their lives. It filled me she says Japan has been her presents stand out in a pile I can remember. Construction forced out of work by illness, with joy and such gratitude.” biggest inspiration. “It’s where I and personalisation is a huge paper, glitter glue and sequins leaving her housebound. How Pinterest: 1m + views learnt basic origami and trend in the Christmas with a little yellow yarn hair does it feel to inspire others in a Facebook: 46,700+ views gift-wrapping world. to match my own blonde similar situation and encourage Instagram: 20.8k views Her biggest wrapping locks. I was five and would them to get crafting? “I got sick www.hearthandmade.co.uk challenge? “A rocking horse live in front of an audience.” Jane’s blog is bursting with creative wrapping ideas and she’ll soon be launching a new collection of embellishments. Catch her and her wrapping team in luxury London stores and at her workshops in the run-up to the big day. Twitter: 8,000 Facebook: 4,000 Instagram: 6,000 Pinterest: 2,000 www.janemeans.com

www.craftbusiness.com CHRISTMAS 11

SACHIYO ISHII - KNITS BY SACHI TOP DRAWER z Born and raised in Japan, time materialising AND CRAFT best-selling craft author my ideas and z Sachiyo Ishii became a money making someone Top Drawer and Craft will be back broker on Wall Street and in smile at the end. It at Olympia, London, between 9–11th London before discovering is very rewarding.” September 2018. “Introduced in doll making, dressmaking and How has her January 2014, Craft has confidently knitting in her thirties. childhood in Japan grown with each edition, proving Sachiyo lives in Sussex and influenced her crafting style? “I to be a successful and popular says felt is the first craft she grew up in the 70’s, when the addition to Top Drawer, the UK’s fell in love with in at school. Japanese economy was leading international design-led “Sewing felt mascots became growing more rapidly than ever trade event,” says Alejandra Campos, a big trend in our classroom. I before. Sanrio, the company Show Director of Top Drawer. spent every penny on felt well known for ‘Hello Kitty’, “Top Drawer refreshes its offering squares and made little stuffed certainly influenced my ‘cute, every season by incorporating animals and dolls almost every quirky and Japanese’ style.” new concepts and segments. It day. We exchanged end results Sachiyo’s work regularly (both published by Search embraces trends including lifestyle, as gifts for Christmas. I appears in knitting magazines Press) are veritable feasts of homewares, fashion and global market remember giving my favourite and her delightful books Mini festive creative ideas and developments, presenting brands that to the boy I had a crush on and Felt Christmas and Sew Your inspiration. From felt tree inspire whilst offer commercial appeal. he really liked it! I love spending Own Felt Advent Calendar decorations and fun penguins Top Drawer has become the chosen to larger-scale projects such as platform for leading design-led brands a fabulous felt Christmas to showcase their new collections. countdown, gorgeous From independent shops and concept gingerbread house or Santa stores to museums, department complete with sleigh and stores and online retailers, each reindeer… even the complete edition attracts the most successful Christmas Story! Step-by-step retailers from the UK and overseas. photographs and templates large knitted Advent calendar The launch of new initiative across clearly guide you through. last year which took me a few the show, together with our well- A few of her favourite weeks. It has 25 knitted established new talent area, SPOTTED, Christmas makes? “It was such pockets with numbers and is part of our commitment to promote a delight to create scenes with each holds little knitted toys. and support start-ups and new the felt dolls and animals I Pockets and toys were not too designers – the young entrepreneurs made for ‘Mini Felt Christmas’. difficult, but making the of today are the elite of tomorrow.” THERMOWEB 1.2_ADS 13/08/2018 15:39 Page 1 I also have a knitted/crochet calendar board and attaching Instagram: 32,200 followers version of these projects. You pockets with even space Twitter: 20,500 followers can tell Christmas is one of my required some effort.” www.topdrawer.co.uk favourite themes! I made a www.knitsbysachi.com

www.craftbusiness.com 12 CHRISTMAS

BISCUITEERS z Harriet Hastings co-founded foodie advent Biscuiteers with her husband, calendar is Stevie Congdon. “We came up no mean with the idea for Biscuiteers on feat! Every a weekend away in New York. Christmas We were sure that there were we send out lots of people as passionate thousands about biscuits as we are and that of our Jolly there was a real opportunity to Gingers, each with their own set up a biscuits gift business personality. Santa is my favourite!” online that was completely Will Biscuiteers be different from anything else incorporating any trends in their in the market – biscuits that Christmas bakes? “We keep a would look as beautiful as they close eye on colour schemes tasted, biscuits that people and trends which we anticipate would want to talk about.” for the year to ensure that our eager icers through the creation seeing those who have taken a characters, but also a more Using the very best natural biscuits fit perfectly into the of some of their most iconic class with us previously return modern Day of the Dead style. ingredients, they create witty, festive home, whilst still making tins. “This year, this includes for festive favourites, as well We’ll also be at the Spirit of beautifully-decorated biscuits a statement. We’re incorporating our Nutcracker, Snowman and as welcoming new icers who Christmas in the autumn and look galore. Her favourite Christmas very trendy colour schemes into Winter Wonderland designs, are keen to be Biscuiteers!” forward to meeting biscuit fans designs? “I love the intricacy of the our Christmas 2018 ranges – as well as a construction class What’s next for the there, where they can pick up Advent tin which accompanies our our bauble design, in particular, for our DIY Gingerbread house Biscuiteers? “Exciting new some of our festive favourites!” cloth advent calendar, this year is blue, green and red with a – all allowing you to take your launches this autumn include Twitter: 21,600 designed in partnership with Susie shimmery finish this year.” masterpiece home afterwards. our Beatrix Potter designs and Instagram: 74,000 Watson – hand icing 24 individual Biscuiteers’ Christmas Our boutique teams adore our Halloween ranges which Facebook followers: 36,000 biscuits to create the ultimate workshops are designed to guide running these classes and love feature both traditional spooky www.biscuiteers.com

ZACK MCCLAUGHLIN z Zeena’s partner, Zack Mclaughlin, meanwhile is also a maker and something of an Instagram sensation, having clocked up over 31,000 followers. The crafty couple collaborated on a Christmas project for Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas show last year, combining print making and paper cutting to create a giant handcrafted paper garland. “It was hot, sweaty and nerve racking but I had a ball and somehow won the competition, which was incredible!” He and Zeena were asked back the following year to judge the wreaths. Inspired by nature, paper and wood artist Zack’s high-end clients include Ralph Lauren Paris, Barbour International, the BAFTAs nominees party, De Beers and Ascot Racecourse, along with shopping malls in Hong Kong and South Korea. What does he love so much about his favourite material? “Paper has so many qualities to it that just add so much to each piece I use it on. It is inexpensive, light, delicate yet strong, infinitely versatile as well as plain beautiful. My favourite technique is scissor Competition 2018. “It felt absolutely amazing! cutting paper; it’s just so satisfying and I It was such a fun dream project to work on.” love the textures you can create with it.” Zack’s blog will soon be supplemented by Zack once created an endangered Gouldian tutorials and videos and his ‘build your own Finch out of paper and wood for his hero, Sir bird kits’ are currently being refined and will David Attenborough. “My proudest moment! be back in time for Christmas. He also runs To see the photos of him holding and playing paper bird workshops, making mini Barn owl or with what I had made was so surreal…” He’s life-size hummingbird sculptures, while his wire ZEENA SHAH also created bespoke sculptures for luxury sculpture-making workshops see his wonderful z Hackney-based printed textiles “I’ve always enjoyed doing a brands including Ralph Lauren and De Beers, wire robins a huge hit during the festive period. designer, maker, illustrator, bit of everything and for me, and collaborated with Jo Malone London to turn Instagram: 31,000 author and tutor, Zeena Shah, different projects have grown their Regent Street store into a handmade paper Facebook: 3,584 found her calling while studying my business organically.” secret garden, for which he won the People’s Twitter: 868 at the Chelsea School of Art. “I Serving up cocktails on Choice Award at the RIBA Regent Street Windows www.paperandwood.co.uk studied textile design, specialising arrival, her cracking Christmas in print design and instantly fell in cracker workshops demonstrate love with print making. The how to make uber-cool crackers immediacy of screen printing was containing goodies from the addictive. You could transform a London Transport Museum. plain piece in fabric in minutes “I’ve always made crackers using torn paper. I enjoyed so, for me, the class was an experimenting and having fun with extension of my Christmas design and was drawn to fabric. preparations at home and I’ve always loved print and pattern, it’s really lovely to share my but also the tactility of cloth, and skills. I love sharing my love the way it is made, can be of printmaking, and showing fascinating.” people how simple it is to do She launched her own and the wonderful affects you business ‘Zeena’; in 2010, selling can achieve. It’s so rewarding to her collection of hand silk inspire this kind of creativity!” screen-printed and handmade Pinterest: 74,000 home accessories, along with Instagram: 11,000 embroidery kits, internationally. Facebook: 1,841 Although print making’s her Twitter: 3,834 go-to, she’s a crafty all-rounder. www.zeenashah.com

www.craftbusiness.com CHRISTMAS 13

ROSIE BREWER z Rosie Brewer creates unique wooden work using CATHY ELIOT a variety of wood species, all sustainably sourced, z London-based embroidery Shop & Do in FSC certified, with each sleek and minimalist piece expert and teacher, Cathy Kings Cross. “If handmade in her Devon workshop. Eliot, learnt the craft as a people are Her love affair with wood started at six, when child. “My aunt taught me inspired to try her parents bought a Devon sawmill. She made embroidery but I only picked it embroidery because boxes from the offcuts, and turned some into up again a few years ago. I of me, that’s great! Embroidery bird boxes. Studying 3D Design at college, she love how tactile it is!” is really meditative, so I hope it discovered her calling and found her way back to Her beautiful mini brings people some peace in woodwork, honing her skills in the world of wood. embroidery Christmas tree this hectic world. If a workshop Specialising in unique wooden kitchenware, she’s decorations were a winner on can distract people from their featured in Period Living and Vogue Germany Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas worries, give them a sense of magazines, and stars as ‘designer-maker of the last year. “It felt amazing to be achievement and a chance to month’ in this month’s issue of Country Homes. asked on to the show and the meet some like-minded people, “Being featured in a magazine is always a buzz of day spent filming was a lot of then that’s perfect!” excitement, but being designer-maker of the month fun. Winning was the cherry Cathy plans to exhibit at a was extra special. I was very grateful to be selected She has spotted a few trends in the world of on top.” few of London’s Christmas and to be featured amongst such other great wood carving lately, which she’s featuring in a few of Cathy holds classes for markets and hopes to hold designers really boosts my confidence so that I can her Christmas makes. “Many people are kids and adults, both beginners Christmas themed mini-hoop actually consider myself a professional in this field. I incorporating more texture into their pieces, more and intermediates, at Fringe workshops, teaching various find that the more places I am featured, the easier it deliberate and bold carving strokes, showing the 108 in North London and Drink, stitches and providing is to get other opportunities, press and otherwise. I marks from the tools and using light to show the templates for handmade think it somehow adds to my credibility.” highlights and shadows of each piece. I think it festive gifts. Her favourite A few of her favourite Christmas makes? “The reminds people that this work has been hand carved Christmas designs? “The mini mini serving boards, which feature every festive and not made by some slick machine. I used to sand hoops, especially the reindeer. season in a variety of ways, from serving little out all of the troughs and facets that my tools would The most challenging ones to individual cheeses on Christmas Day to cutting up a leave and am not doing that so much at the make are the felt decorations lemon or lime for preparing gin and tonics for friends moment. People seem to be responding well to it. It’s – they’re quite fiddly!” and family. I have also been experimenting more all part of a more honest approach in showing how Instagram followers: 12,500 with carving recently and am currently coming up pieces are made and the process behind each one.” www.cathyeliot.com with a range of hand carved mini salt, pepper and Instagram: 1,600 followers spice pinch bowls, ideal for festive gatherings.” www.rosiebrewer.com

Designer makers of high-quality British contemporary craft and design are gearing up for Gifted GIFTED Contemporary Christmas Market, at the National Centre for Craft & Design (NCCD)

HELEN RUSSELL – HELEN RUSSELL CREATIONS z Exhibitors this year include Yorkshire- so wildlife documentaries are also a great as the supermarkets etc. can offer a far based Helen Russell, who loves nothing source of inspiration.” cheaper alternative to my hand decorated more than sharing stories and happy Demonstrating her “fun, naive, work. I think I’m better walking my own memories through her homeware, celebratory” craft style, what are her path with a nod to trends and customers surface pattern, illustration and favourite Christmas designs? “I love who buy into what I do for what it is.” sculpture. drawing penguins, so anything from my Helen’s blog gives the lowdown on her After ten years working in arts Poles Apart collection.” work. “My work is about celebrating marketing, the heat of the kiln beckoned Any trends she’d like to bring to the everyday life. I don’t really launch anything and Helen Russell Creations was launched kiln? “There seems to be a big move I’m not happy with as I find I can’t sell at the British Craft Trade Fair in April 2011. towards textural imagery and traditional things I don’t believe in, so the most With her love of illustration, animals, the materials finely finished with simple challenging thing about my work is great outdoors and storytelling, she decoration or a splash of colour, probably getting myself to the stage spends much time in mountains and particularly metallics. I think trend work where I’m happy to launch a product. I forests, all in the name of research! “Most presents a fine line for me with my own have a licensing project going through at Facebook: 1,500 likes of my ideas come when I’m up a hill or in a branded work, becoming too mainstream the moment which I’m really excited Twitter: 2,500 followers forest. I like to play with the similarities commercial and directly on trend about. Better keep that under the Instagram: 800+ followers between human and animal behaviours, potentially puts me in a weaker position Christmas wrapping for now though!” www.helenrussellcreations.com

PAUL AMBLER – BIG FISH JEWELLERY ADELE BILLINGHAY - AB GLASS ART z Another Gifted exhibitor, Lincolnshire-based jeweller Paul z Also looking forward to exhibiting at Gifted is exceptional glass fuser, Adele Ambler, took many decades to find his vocation.“I remember Billinghey, who first discovered glass fusing on an Art and Design course and being in awe of my mother’s spherical opal ring when only five went on to pursue it further with a three-year Contemporary Decorative Crafts or six. I would always ask to see and hold it. It just took me degree. Graduating with a BA 1st Class Honours, a subsequent commission by the another 40 years to actually start making my own pieces of Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts gave her the confidence to set up her own workshop. treasure. And that is how it feels, that you are making treasure, Adele uses old discarded glass, often thrown into landfill sites, and enjoys for someone to be able to keep.” recycling and creating something new to continue its story. “I love the alchemy of He loves using uncut stones. “I would describe my style as the material in the kiln as it turns from solid to liquid then back to solid, with all the uncut and raw. It allows so much flexibility in the designs. I also magical changes that occur in between.” Based near Lincoln, the gifted glass artist’s handmake a presentation box for each piece I make out of favourite Christmas designs include little decorations with tiny mice, wrens and recycled wood.” robins. “It always makes me feel festive when I start making them! My favourite His inspiration? “Jill Herlands, based in New York, produces Christmas makes are items fused with winter tree designs – simple, but very incredible designs with uncut stones and often, oddly enough, atmospheric. I’m most proud of my antique cutlery pieces concrete in her jewellery.” created for an exhibition entitled ‘Feast’, as they were Any Christmas crafting confessions? “A couple of years completely different to any other work on show. They take ago, I was enjoying a glass of beer while pickling some quite a long time to create, and so are quite challenging.” jewellery in a similar glass. Not paying attention, I took a Adele’s piece ‘ Hidden Treasure’ was ‘Highly mouthful from the wrong glass. Quickly spitting it out, teeth Commended’ in The Glass Prize 2016 UK for the enamel just still intact, lesson learnt!” What’s in the works for category ‘Other Glass’ and she held her first solo festive Big Fish jewellery? “I am looking to incorporate uncut show at Harding House Gallery earlier this year. diamonds into some new pieces for Christmas. A girl’s best Instagram: (100+ but new, so still building!) friends are always diamonds!” Facebook: 380 followers Instagram: 148 followers www.abglassart.co.uk

www.craftbusiness.com 14 CHRISTMAS Giving audiences their festive craft fix Christmas craft influencers from the Create and Craft family include:

ALI REEVE z Known for her ‘Stamps Away’ much-loved materials to use. “I Her top home décor show and Clevercut adore MDF with texture paste and tip? “Don’t be shop, Buckinghamshire-born Ali gesso.” afraid and Reeve has crafted since she was What can we look forward to don’t give up on a small child. “I love that you can from Create and Craft’s Christmas a project before create something truly special offering this year? “Lovely taking another step. and unique. I just have a passion dimensional decorations. We look A rub of gilding wax or a glaze of and enjoy sharing it with like- to create projects that are embossing powder can transform minded people.” timeless and always look to create a project from bland to special.” Her favourite Christmas something different, something Currently working on a book of makes? “I love 3D Christmas that hasn’t been brought to the projects and techniques, she has a decorations and adapting things craft market before.” big Christmas crafting confession. such as fish bowls into beautiful Her inspiration? “Believe it or “I hoard everything from the Christmas scenes. My favourite not, walking the dogs... I see previous Christmas, just in case!” is a large Christmas scene snow textures and patterns that spark Facebook – 4,886 globe.” the imagination and gather natural Twitter – 1,054 Describing her style as embellishments to complement Instagram – 1,025 “upcycled mixed media,” she has our products.” www.clevercut.co.uk HANNAH OXBERRY z Hannah Oxberry discovered her passion for mixed media after a friend took her along to a crafting workshop three years ago. “It was my lightbulb moment! I have always enjoyed art and making things, and my friend introduced to a whole world of fun and expression. Suddenly, I had an outlet to pour my ideas into!” The passionate craft teacher came into the Create and Craft fold as a guest demonstrator earlier this year, after being part of the DecoArt Design Team. She’s also on Andy Skinner's Creative Team and works on the Design Team Tando Creative. Hannah runs her own workshops, plus an online art supplies shop, in the beautiful Norfolk countryside. Specialising in art and mixed media, she enjoys experimenting with different mediums, techniques and colours, adding a feminine touch and sentimental feel to her “grungy, quirky makes”. She also loves jewellery making and has recently been discovering the endless possibilities papercraft has to offer. Her top Christmas craft tip? “Christmas is a brilliant time to introduce friends and family to crafting, from handcrafting Christmas cards to creating unique gifts. This year has seen a huge resurgence in stamping and home décor projects - why not combine these elements and create personalised wall art for your loved ones? I know I will!” Facebook: 1,150 followers Instagram: 700+ Blog subscribers: 1,550 www.hannahoxberry.com

ANGELA JOHNSON z “As far back as I can remember, I would mixed with big bows. have had glue and glitter in my hair and The recent Christmas paint on my clothes… and not much has trend of silver and changed!,” says London-born guest teal is my favourite presenter at Create & Craft TV and creative colour combination.” guest at Create and Craft USA, Angela She loves to Johnson. recreate flowers using Her crafting journey started over 25 years different types of paper from tissue, crepe ago in the US. “Whilst on holiday, I took my and other textures. “Especially poinsettias boys to paper making and silk painting at Christmas time, to decorate gifts or classes, and got hooked! I also took up paper items around the home.” quilling. It’s good to see it becoming popular Angela’s taught arts and crafts to both again - this is a great way of making 3D adults and children for many years and Christmas decorations.” recently become an ambassador for one Her favourite things to craft at Christmas of her favourite brands, Elizabeth Craft are decorations for the home. “As I have a Designs. “This has enabled me to passion for flowers, the best crafty item I combine my passion for nature and love have ever owned is the Bow K – an ingenious of crafting.” way of creating big bouquets of flowers Facebook followers: 2,000

www.craftbusiness.com CHRISTMAS 15

TRACEY COLLETT z Coventry-based card maker, Christmas as it's so magical, new stock Tracey Collett, demonstrates especially for children. I love items for my various types of craft styles cute characters as they always Christmas for companies including make people smile, and making fair stalls, Create and Craft, Hobbycraft, the elf doors for Christmas Eve and the Kanban Crafts and Docrafts. boxes. I ran a workshop once new products Creating bespoke greeting where a group of ten had to paint by The Paper Boutique for cards and stationery, she loves and decorate wooden advent Christmas are amazing.” secondary processes such calendars in just two hours. Trend-wise, she says she’s as stamping and embossing. That was a bit of a challenge!” been seeing much more of a Since bringing her “colourful, Favourite techniques include traditional feel to Christmas neat and fun” style to the Create stamping and 3D projects. “My designs. “Like Nutcrackers and and Craft clan, she’s been a favourite materials are my inks ornate decorations. I've seen busy bee behind-the-scenes and huge paper pad collection.” some amazing new stamp making samples for companies What is Tracey excited about sets, which will be on the way including Fabscraps, AC making this festive season and very soon, and I will definitely Moorework and Memory Box. what can we look forward to from be trying to incorporate a Her favourite Christmas Create and Craft this Christmas? more traditional feel into my designs? “I love crafting at “I'm looking forward to making Christmas creations this year.” Any emerging brands on her Christmas radar? “Little Red Boots’ illustrator, Kathryn Coyle, is busy working on designs and has a new collection out which is amazing. I love Stamps by Me designs and Toni's library of stamps, which is going from strength-to-strength.” Facebook: nearly 900 followers Twitter: 600+ followers DALI GRAHAM - DALIART www.facebook.com/ z Buckinghamshire-based Dali maybe a canvas with colours UnicornCraftsHandmadeCards Graham is an “enthusiastic, and embellishments that remind tenacious and passionate” me of the year just gone. I love crafter and the owner of to work with different materials DaliART. Having created a which allows me to express and fantastic brand for all levels of show depth in my work using crafters, she’s joined forces with many techniques. Scrapbooking Create and Craft to inspire and is another passion, as it educate with project-led, kit-led captures memories new and old, demonstrations and products and with the beautiful Stamperia and bring the world of mixed paper pads, this is a must.” media to the channel’s viewers. Where does she head for Her favourite Christmas inspiration? “I love interior WOW EMBOSSING 1.8 3 col_ADS 05/07/2018 10:51 Page 1 creations? “I still like the design and textiles, which Henna ‘East Meets West are inspiration for designs, Range’ Christmas baubles, colours and much more. tree and stocking stamps I love going to Europe, to that I created back in 2016. all the different Christmas “I love crafting at Christmas as These are very popular as they fairs and seeing so many represent the beautiful henna beautiful finished products.” it’s so magical, especially for designs with a modern twist.” Showcasing her innovative, DaliART Facebook children. I love cute characters experimental “fusion” style, – 1,573 followers Dali’s love for texture, depth Email news and blog circulates as they always make people and colour shine through. “So, to 5,716 addresses (post stencils and pastes are probably GDPR) smile, and making the elf doors top of my favourites list, but Stampers World Wide for Christmas Eve boxes.” then we have so many lovely (Stamperia 3,091) rice papers and pads, too. It’s Stamperia Facebook: 68,579 tricky, but it does mean that Pentart Facebook: 20,508 no two days are the same for CORRINE ROBINSON me and I get to play a lot!” You Tube Channels “I love home décor and Stamperia: 5,882 z Nottingham-based guest expert for Create making items as gifts. I often Pentart: 19,110 and Craft, Corrine Robinson, discovered her create something from scratch, http://daliart.co.uk passion for craft at a cardmaking workshop. “I didn’t know what to expect and was immediately hooked… and have been ever since!” Illustrating a “simple, colourful, uncluttered” style, her first-ever card to appear in a magazine was a Christmas card. “I remember being very proud of that.” Her favourite Christmas Freshen up your craft store this Why not combine Embossing Powder, designs and techniques? “Personally, I don’t think you can beat a Summer with our brand new Embossing Glitter and Sparkles traditional Christmas. I love multi-layered projects featuring die Spearmint Fab Foil ! for some really dazzling effects? cutting. My favourite Christmas makes will always involve the old tried and tested traditional Christmas colours - lots of reds and greens – and, of course, the white of the snow that we never seem to have at that time of the year!” What can we look forward to from Create and Craft’s Christmas offering? “I think we’ll be taking the traditional theme and then giving it an exciting and intriguing little twist.” She’s been enjoying a few of the festive trends coming through recently. “I’m seeing lots of poinsettias, holly and ivy, and the traditional Christmas colours. I’m really looking forward to trying to find the time to have a go at more découpage styles, which I absolutely love.” Facebook – 2,000 Instagram - 400 followers trade.wowembossingpowder.co.uk

www.craftbusiness.com ROYAL TALENS dps_ADS 17/08/2018 15:54 Page 2 ROYAL TALENS dps_ADS 17/08/2018 15:56 Page 3

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

PEN-TOUCH Get to know MARKERS Pen-Touch markers make it possible to mark and decorate Sakura, the inventor of the gel ink technology, has on different your pensdeveloped an extensive range of gel pens with the surfaces. most impressive colours and effects. Gelly Roll, a Available in rollerball that fits comfortably in your hand and writes extra fine, fine and medium wonderfully well. Gelly Roll gives your work a nibs to ensure personal touch. With six ranges of Gelly Roll pens; you get the Startdust, Metalic, Moonlight, Souffle, Glaze and perfect finish. Basic, the possibilities are endless!

Pen-Touch markers are perfect for marking, decorating and embellishing various grounds. The Christmas GELLYROLL pure white, dazzling gold and silver glow wonderfully MARKERS on dark grounds and truly catch the eye on light Gelly Roll's unique gel ink materials. Pen-Touch markers are also available in a technology full range colours allowing a personalised craft ensures a exactly to your taste. smooth results lettering when writing and colouring. Available in 6 colour ranges to suit your style.

Decorating and embellishing many different grounds and surfaces is possible with personality and style. Pen-Touch Calligrapher makes professional calligraphy simple with multiple nib and colour choices these are great for a beginner calligrapher or someone more experienced and are perfect for personalised gifts.

PEN-TOUCH CALLIGRAPHER Pen-Touch Calligrapher makes professional calligraphy easy. Decorate and embellish a variety or surfaces with personality and style.

www.royaltalens.com Contact: Yogesh Karia | [email protected] ROYAL TALENS dps_ADS 17/08/2018 15:54 Page 2 ROYAL TALENS dps_ADS 17/08/2018 15:56 Page 3

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

PEN-TOUCH Get to know MARKERS Pen-Touch markers make it possible to mark and decorate Sakura, the inventor of the gel ink technology, has on different your pensdeveloped an extensive range of gel pens with the surfaces. most impressive colours and effects. Gelly Roll, a Available in rollerball that fits comfortably in your hand and writes extra fine, fine and medium wonderfully well. Gelly Roll gives your work a nibs to ensure personal touch. With six ranges of Gelly Roll pens; you get the Startdust, Metalic, Moonlight, Souffle, Glaze and perfect finish. Basic, the possibilities are endless!

Pen-Touch markers are perfect for marking, decorating and embellishing various grounds. The Christmas GELLYROLL pure white, dazzling gold and silver glow wonderfully MARKERS on dark grounds and truly catch the eye on light Gelly Roll's unique gel ink materials. Pen-Touch markers are also available in a technology full range colours allowing a personalised craft ensures a exactly to your taste. smooth results lettering when writing and colouring. Available in 6 colour ranges to suit your style.

Decorating and embellishing many different grounds and surfaces is possible with personality and style. Pen-Touch Calligrapher makes professional calligraphy simple with multiple nib and colour choices these are great for a beginner calligrapher or someone more experienced and are perfect for personalised gifts.

PEN-TOUCH CALLIGRAPHER Pen-Touch Calligrapher makes professional calligraphy easy. Decorate and embellish a variety or surfaces with personality and style.

www.royaltalens.com Contact: Yogesh Karia | [email protected] 18 CHRISTMAS/PROMOTION Bring metallics, quality, innovation and tradition to your celebrations Amanda Mason, General Manager Pirika UK, gives us their festive lowdown

• 01527 592952• [email protected] • For more information, inspiration and videos on how to use the products follow us on social media Facebook and Pinterest

z Pirika UK are introducing new products to their range, providing great new options for your customers this Christmas. Amanda Mason, General Manager Pirika UK, said: “Everybody at Pirika UK is passionate about being creative and we are proud to provide a range of new products that Step 1 – Completely paint over will inspire people to make bauble and all embellishments beautiful Christmas craft items.” with Lumiere. Allow 30 minutes to a couple of hours to dry. z CREATIVE EXCELLENCE Step 2 – Once dry, stick For over 35 years, Jacquard embellishments onto the bauble Products has been the leading using Lumiere 3D. Allow 24 hours manufacturer of artist materials for the Lumiere 3D to dry. You can for fabric. Family owned and also add textures and designs operated, they are committed using Lumiere 3D. to offering top-quality materials Step 3 – Once Lumiere 3D has at great value, all manufactured dried, Brush Pearl Ex powder onto in Northern California, suitable your creation to add a two toned for anyone from commercial metallic effect to your project. studios, professional artists, craftspeople to home crafters, do-it-yourselfers, z BRING METALLICS AND PEARLESCENTS TO YOUR This mixed media bauble with children and hobbyists. As embellishments was created using Lumiere the official distributor of FESTIVE CREATIONS -564 Metallic Copper, Lumiere 3D – 204 Jacquard products in the Lumiere is of the most versatile Another Jacquard product Warm Gold, Pearl Ex – 691 Solar Gold UK, we are excited to add and wide-ranging assortment of that will appeal to crafters this their products to our growing metallic and pearlescent acrylics festive season is Lumiere 3D, range of creative tools. available, these stunning light a metallic/pearlescent paint We’re particularly excited bodied paints, brush on smoothly that doubles as a powerful about Jacquard’s Pearl Ex and are formulated to last. They adhesive. It can be used as a which is a powdered pigment can be used whenever a metallic bead glue, shoe glue, a super- that can be used to add or pearlescent effect is desired strong fabric glue or to firmly a metallic or pearlescent including fine arts, craft, home attach ‘jewels’ or other objects appearance to acrylics, oils, décor or textile applications. They to practically any surface. Based inks, glues and clay. You won’t crack, peel or chip, even on Jacquards popular Lumiere can also add Gum Arabic on flexible surfaces like fabric, line, this dimensional paint is to create a watercolour or leather, vinyl or rubber. Soft perfect for embellishing, painting calligraphy ink. It’s a strong to the touch and washfast on and writing on T-shirts, greeting and safe pigment that has fabric, Lumiere paints also have cards, scrapbooks, fabric, remarkable colourfastness. unparalleled adhesive properties, ribbon, leather, shoes and much This universal pigment comes even on non-porous surfaces more. It is completely washable in 32 different colours. like ceramic and metal. They after drying for 72 hours. are lightfast and weather resistant and their high z AWARD WINNING, HIGH they have specialised in a great variety of individual pigmentation provides QUALITY TRADITIONAL printing techniques for stickers for Christmas crafters. excellent coverage, even MATERIAL WITH AN books and magazines A crafting essential, ideal on dark backgrounds. INNOVATIVE TWIST using high quality paper. for adding fun embellishments bande is a stationery brand by As bande’s authorised to your festive crafts! Add Nishikawa Communications distributor for the UK, we’re stickers to wood, paper, card based in Japan. Since 1906, pleased to introduce their and more. An overall crafting new range of Japanese Washi must-have that’s ideal for use Tapes/Roll Stickers. Made with Christmas cards and gifts. from Washi, a traditional At Pirika we pride ourselves Japanese paper, this award- on being passionate about our winning tape offers more business, being creative and flexibility by allowing you to most importantly being able to remove and reposition the supply you with quality products. individual stickers. Add to Our team is keen to ensure we that, a wide selection of high provide you with the widest quality, sophisticated designs range of products and the fastest and these stickers are ideal for delivery. Our Christmas products paper crafters everywhere. are available and ready to ship! The Christmas range To view our full range of includes a wide variety of Christmas products go to designs, Christmas characters, www.pirika.co.uk/christmas Christmas Townscapes, Don’t miss out, call us today Wreaths and Poinsettias giving to place your festive order.

www.craftbusiness.com CHRISTMAS 19

Sparkle and Shine at Christmastime Laura Ells, of Creative Beadcraft, gives her advice on making the most of the festive season

z The winter/festive season, bracelets or necklaces when is a great opportunity to make covered in peyote strips with a splash with your brightest geometric designs and linked and most sparkling beads together – or try embellishing and show off ideas for some peyote strips with small jewellery making. beads and pearls for a more Rich, jewel-like colours ornate look. There are also are always popular in some good free patterns widely this season so make sure available for make Christmas- these are on display, whether themed seed bead jewellery. you’re selling online or in a Christmas charms are shop. Opulent colours such CREATIVE BEADCRAFT 1.4 3 COL_ADS 16/08/2018always 15:57popular Page as are1 easy as scarlet, emerald, royal blue ideas for small gifts and and topaz add a luxurious look decorations. Angel decorations line or in a shop as Christmas have a website, large jewellery to jewellery while prismatic or for Christmas trees are very kits so that customers have images will really help by inspiring back-lit colours in beads such as easy to make with lucite flowers everything they need on a plate. customers and showing them diamonduos and nib-bits give a fine chain. If you have a shop while a few sparkling Swarovski This season also gives plenty how they can use different brilliant gleam of varying hues. it’s well worth making up a few beads make lovely little angel, of promotional opportunities beads, as will highlighting free Sparkling beads are also jewellery samples – they’re easy Christmas trees, Santa Claus whether on-line or in shops. patterns and design ideas. popular and what could sparkle to make and will really catch and snowman earrings. Festive offers help draw It’s also worth setting up more than Swarovski crystal! the eye. Swarovski flatbacks are Snowflake wire forms in attention to suitable products. a Festive Shop section on Swarovski jewellery also gives great for blinging up and adding sizes from 3.75” to 6” are some It’s also worth providing free your website where you can that touch of luxury in the festive a personal touch to clothing of our best sellers and make instructions for small easy to show off a good selection of season. Swarovski produce like jeans and accessories great decorations. They’re easy make Christmas decorations. beads, pendants and charms some great jewel colours such as shoes, bags and belts, to make up using sparkling Kits for decorations like and promote gift ideas such including their two newest especially at this time of year. facetted glass beads in different snowflakes, angels and festive as gift vouchers and pliers colours, scarlet and majestic blue The ever-popular Czech shapes such as fire-polished earrings can work well. sets. Newsletters and social as well as lovely shimmer effect glass beads now come in lots beads, bicones and crystal If you have a shop, media such as Facebook and beads, pendants and stones of gorgeous finishes and effects puffy rondelles. Beaded baubles themed-workshops are good Instagram also provide some Check out their latest and will match or tone with many also make a wonderful display. promotional aids, as are displays good promotional opportunities collection for winter and festive other beads. The facetted fire- These can also be packaged on of beautiful jewellery. If you at this busy time of year. ideas. The “Light and Shadows” polished beads are great value Innovations which included and the rainbow, nebula and the stunning growing crystal Picasso effects add a rich touch pendants were extremely popular to jewellery. The smooth surface last Christmas – just add a of the round Czech glass beads necklet chain to make a beautiful shows off the Picasso, nebula present that won’t break the and lustre colours particularly bank. The recent “Wanderlust” well and are an alternative collection included the sparkling to semi-precious beads. classic cut pendants which More ornamental designs make fabulous elegant earrings are also popular as customers • Over 7,500 quality beads, findings, tools and accessories when attached to a length of minds are focussed on making jewellery for parties and • Very competitive trade prices presents. Elaborate and/or • Dedicated wholesale website for trade customers tasselled earrings are still very much on-trend while Czech • Huge selection of Czech glass beads glass multi-hole beads are • Swarovski beads, pearls and stones great for creating interesting and glamorous jewellery and • Czech and Japanese seed beads there are plenty of free patterns • Loose beads, strings, hanging tubes and candy tubes available on websites to show you how to use them. The • Retail-ready packs, strings & hanging tubes CzechMates range has lots of • Starter Selections inspirational patterns available, • Friendly service and advice including winter-themed designs such as snowflakes and stars • Please quote CB0918 for free trade pack which would make beautiful decorations as well as jewellery. Les Perles par Puca multi-hole beads are also good creating for easy but beautiful jewellery. The new large Preciosa 3.5x13.5mm Bow beads are ideal for making quick but striking pieces. As well as the opportunities offered by these fancier beads, don’t forget that seed beads can also be very versatile. The on-going trend for carrier beads www.creativebeadcraft.co.uk gives plenty of creative options for Miyuki delica lovers. These 01494 786924 [email protected] 2-hole 17x9mm carrier beads are great value and make striking

www.craftbusiness.com 20 CHRISTMAS Christmas Must Haves

Make sure you Felt French Hen add some of Mini Kit these to your This felt French Hen embroidery kit is part of the 12 Days of Christmas list for Santa series by Corinne Lapierre. Made in Yorkshire and presented this year! as an individual kit in a box, it contains everything needed to complete the project: luxurious wool mix felt, ribbon, 1toy filling and needle. The instructions and templates are very clear and easy to use, even for complete beginners. With a retail price of £7.20, this makes the ideal gift. There are 13 kits in the collection. 0113 2460403 [email protected] www.corinnelapierre.com

A Twilight Christmas Hunkydory’s Twilight Christmas range showcases captivating Christmas scenes in a magical land filled with fairies, elves, unicorns and even Santa Claus himself! The enthralling Christmas artwork includes spellbinding unicorns enjoying the snow, festive fairies3 frolicking around the Christmas tree, Santa 5Speedball riding his sleigh into the night and much more. Calligraphy Eye-catching midnight black foiling adorns the Fountain Pen imagery for an extra touch of magic, adding depth Gift Set and dimension and allowing for stunning contrasts within the artwork. Speedball’s new www.hunkydorycrafts.co.uk Calligraphy Fountain Pen Gift Set is the perfect holiday item for any appreciator of beautiful penmanship. Housed in a sleek and modern Get festive carrying case, this set includes two high-quality with glitter Calligraphy Fountain Pens Non-toxic Polyester glitter and two ink cartridges (1/128”) 40g per square and is the perfect gift for plastic container with screw the letterer in your life! cap and sprinkler top available www.SpeedballArt.com in Gold, Silver, Green, Red and Blue and 35g in Rainbow White. Also available with the same colours in 100 4g containers and 70g in Rainbow White. Two Perspex displays are available, large with 12 compartments and six assorted colours, 36 large and 60 small jars or small with six compartments and six assorted colours, 18 large and 30 small sizes. Six brand new colours - Pink, Turquoise, Purple, Black, Copper and Antique Gold - are now available in 40g and 100g square jars. www.jakar.co.uk

www.craftbusiness.com CHRISTMAS 21

STAEDTLER adds violet to metallic marker range Appealing to both GIFTS FOR general users and hobbyists, STAEDTLER’s metallic markers are THE ART LOVER now available in six brilliant colours – gold, silver, pink, green, 2blue and the new violet. A new space-saving, counter-top display holds 100 loose pens and Speedball Intermediate Screen Printing Kit encourages customers to try before they buy. ❚ For artists ready to tackle both Speedball Wooden Screen Frame; a bottle of Speedball Sensitizer; a 4oz www.staedtler.co.uk the Drawing Fluid/Screen Filler and Red Baron Squeegee; two 4oz jars bottle of Speedball Photo Emulsion 0845 600 5930 the Photo Emulsion Methods of of Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Remover; a 4oz bottle of Speedball screen printing to print on paper, Ink (one each Black, Red); a 4oz Speed Clean; a Round Brush; two this kit is an excellent find and bottle of Drawing Fluid; a 4oz bottle Craft Sticks and a Speedball Screen great value! The Speedball of Screen Filler; a 3.3oz bottle of Printing Instruction Guide. Intermediate Kit includes: a 10”x14” Speedball Diazo Photo Emulsion; a www.SpeedballArt.com

Speedball Calligraphy Collector’s Set Incredible ❚ A celebration of Speedball’s artists the ability to create beautiful C2, C-3), four pointed pen nibs proud tradition of fine pen- works with superior tools. (#101, #102, #512, #513EF), three shrinking art making that began in 1899, the The Speedball Calligraphy 12ml jars of Super Pigmented Create your own Speedball Collector’s Set is an Collector’s Set is housed in a Acrylic Inks (Black, Red, Blue) and shrinkable designs with ideal addition to any lettering premium wooden box and features: a 12ml jar of Pen Cleaner. This Grafix Shrink Film! It’s as artist’s collection. Featuring an a Standard Penholder, an Oblique premium set also features the easy as Design, Cut out array of Speedball’s most popular Penholder, a Crowquill Penholder, favourite resource of all lettering and Bake. Your creations pen holders, nibs and pigmented a Black & Gold Classic Penholder, artists, The Speedball Textbook. will shrink to 20 per cent of acrylic inks, this set provides four broad edge nibs (A-5, B-6, www.SpeedballArt.com their original size and become nine times thicker.6 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.grafixarts.com

www.craftbusiness.com 22 CHRISTMAS Get personal for the perfect gift ImpressArt’s Laura Avitabile explains how to stamp your way to festive fun

z ImpressArt understands that metal letter stamps, and five consumers are tired of mass aluminium practice blanks. produced gifts and decor, and is The program will launch with honing in on this with a new the following project kits: giftable hand-stamping ❚ Holiday Ornaments program, set to launch in ❚ Gift Tags autumn 2018. ❚ Bookmarks This program is designed to ❚ Bottle Openers make it easy to create exactly ❚ Cheese Markers what consumers want…some of ❚ Cupcake Toppers the trendiest personalised items ❚ Garden Markers found on Etsy and Pinterest. ❚ Golf Ball Markers Included in the program will be ❚ Key Chains the Metal Stamping Starter Kit ❚ Pet Tags Ornaments and Gift Tags are The Metal Stamping outside the box and create more and an assortment of ❚ Wine Charms the most popular. Holiday Starter Kit paired with these unique, personalised items. corresponding project kits. Just in time for the holidays, Ornaments make for heartfelt, eight new project kits is a ImpressArt offers an arsenal The starter kit contains the this new program will expand personalised gifts, while great way for those new to the of educational materials on essential tools needed to the art of hand stamping the Gift Tags add an extra craft to get started. Once new their website including videos, kick-start a hobby (or even a beyond jewellery, and help special touch to just about hand stampers refine their tutorials, and inspiration pages career!) in hand stamping makers integrate a fresh form any packaging. Both makers skills, they can get even more that make hand stamping including the Ergo-Angle Metal of personalisation into an and consumers will love the creative with the hundreds even more accessible. IMPRESSStamping ART 1.2_ADS Hammer 17/08/2018 (designed 12:26 Pagearray 1 of different projects. degree of craftsmanship of stamping blanks that are Visit ImpressArt.com for specifically for metal stamping), When it comes to Christmas, and personalisation offered available through ImpressArt more information and to view the a steel block, a basic set of the stampable Holiday through this new program. that will inspire them to think entire ImpressArt project range.

www.craftbusiness.com CHRISTMAS 23 Festive Fun with Hobbycraft Angela Sara West caught up with Samantha Shiers, Seasonal Buyer for Hobbycraft, to findBEADALON out mini_ADS what’s 17/08/2018 in store 14:58 for Page this 1 festive season z What do you love most customers to get inspired and on the Hobbycraft blog, too, z Finally, what would about Christmas crafts? excited about all the things they at blog.hobbycraft.co.uk be the main message With the hustle and bustle can make and do at Christmas. you would like to of Christmas, we love z What have you been busy get across about that crafting brings the z Hobbycraft’s Papercraft making for Christmas? What are Christmas craft? family together. With so Category Marketing Manager, your favourite crafts/techniques/ Our aim is to get many crafting projects and Aisha Cluitt, last month materials to use? Any craft Britain crafting and techniques to suit the told us about your trends you're itching to try? what better time to do whole family, not new and exclusive Felting is a technique I love it than over the festive one project will Christmas papercraft because it’s easy to do and very season! The quality time be finished in the collections. What rewarding. For our avid crafters, you get to spend with same way. It also else can we look I would say give pyrography the family is priceless allows people to forward to from a go. A little patience goes and the satisfaction of a create meaningful Hobbycraft's a long way and, again, the handmade Christmas is personal personalised festive craft results are very rewarding! and unique to every family. gifts and cards offering? for people that are Again, listening to completely unique. our customers and colleagues in store has z What Christmas craft meant we have developed and trends have you been seeing extended ranges of product coming through this year? categories that are already our Creating your own fillable tree customers’ favourites. This year, decorations is a huge trend for our focuses have been glass us that is just getting bigger and fillables and mini resins, ceramic bigger. It’s an affordable project blanks and wood blanks. to complete, and a make that can be enjoyed with the whole family. z Any forthcoming in-store Christmas crafting projects z Where do you source / demos / workshops etc? inspiration for your products? Our popular ‘12 Makes of Our colleagues and customers Christmas Countdown’ is back are so talented that a lot in 2018 for the second year. of inspiration comes from Customers can join us in store feedback and ideas they have. or online to create festive makes, Alongside this, we spend a lot ranging from advent calendars of time at consumer shows and and Christmas Eve boxes to local craft markets, as well as wreaths and fillable baubles. attending a number of trade and Each week in the run-up to consumer shows throughout Christmas, our expert in-store the year, to ensure we stay colleagues will host workshops on top of the latest trends. and demos, with something for every skill level. And, if you can’t z How does it feel to be get to store, all the projects will such a huge influencer? be available on the Hobbycraft We believe our edge over blog and Facebook page. The competitors is the fantastic ‘12 Makes of Christmas’ begins customer service we offer, and on Saturday 29th September our colleagues’ crafting expertise. and runs through to Friday 21st Our in-store colleagues are December. Be sure to book attentive, passionate and creative online as our current summer and this shines through when workshops are getting booked you visit a store. Alongside this, up fast! Look out for over 60 we offer hands-on demos and creative Christmas projects workshops in stores to allow

www.craftbusiness.com 24 CHRISTMAS/PROMOTION

Putting the sparkle into Christmas z With Scandinavian style and of forest animals and flora on pastel shades on trend, the We take a sneak peek at West Design Products’ a wintry toned background two new paper collections of sage green and icy blue. from Papermania combine festive-themed Papermania collections, the ever-expanding Jonathan said: “When we were quintessential winter motifs designing the range, we loved with the key stylistic features range of Papermania Bare Basics products and their the look of the stags, deer and of both trends. On creating the hare among the berries, fir new ranges, Jonathan Harris, all-new Simply Make Craft Kits cones and snowflakes. And to Head of Product at West Design really catch the eye, we decided Products, recognised the to add a flash of coral.” need for both a modern and a • Find details of these ranges on www.shop.westdesignproducts.co.uk Within the collection, crafters traditional design, which is why will discover everything they he and his team decided on the need to create a huge range Scandi-inspired Winter Woodland of winter-inspired projects. and the more traditional At Papermania’s At Home with haves. Recognising the popularity “These craft kits will help people Both the 6x6" and 12x12" Home with Santa as the two Santa brings to life the festive of the range, Jo Bray, Managing to easily and conveniently paper packs are brimming with themes for each collection. season’s favourite couple, Director Marketing and Sales at create a variety of homemade stunning artworks, perfect for Aimed at more trend- combining the jolly spirit of Mr West Design Products invited items. Each box includes all the creating Christmas cards and conscious crafters, the & Mrs Claus with fashionable the opportunity to expand the materials they will need and gift tags and the A4 Ultimate Papermania Winter Woodland pastel shades. Jonathan and collection to include a more simple step by step instructions.” Die-cut & Paper Pack provides collection is about embracing his team chose to connote the versatile array of craft essentials. Jo and Jonathan talk us crafters with endless ideas the popularity of Scandinavian quintessential colours of the “We are particularly excited through the new collections for potential festive creations. style, with Jonathan mentioning, festive season through the pastel about our new concrete lettering, in more detail below. Jo said: “This pack is perfect “developing a range of materials shades, keeping the authenticity which will appeal to the interior for both expert and novice that drew upon the flora and of the holiday period intact design and events market.” z WANDER THROUGH crafters. It’s full of die-cut tags, fauna of the Nordic forest while still making the range Realising the potential of the THE WINTER WOODLAND boxes and sentiments which while keeping in line with the attractive to the modern market. craft kit market, Jo has also taken Taking inspiration from the clean, are ideal for Christmas card character of the trend were September’s additions to the opportunity to bring a brand- elegant lines of Scandinavian making and present wrapping.” the rules that we followed Papermania’s Bare Basics range new range of products to the styling, Winter Woodland draws Those looking for a different when designing the artwork.” offer plenty of crafting must- West Design Products portfolio. the gaze to charming illustrations way to count down to Christmas

Winter Woodland

www.craftbusiness.com CHRISTMAS/PROMOTION 25

this year should keep an eye out for The Village Advent Calendar, Simply Make which comes complete with Craft Kits all the materials required to construct 24 miniature houses for stashing away advent chocolate. For detailed projects, Jonathan and his team have created a decorative undergrowth of Felt Animals, Confetti Snowflakes and Snow Tipped Mini Trees, while both the Bauble Decoration Kit and the Pop Out Card Kit contain plenty of materials for hours of holiday entertainment. z ENJOY A TRADITIONAL SLICE OF CHRISTMAS WITH THE AT HOME WITH SANTA COLLECTION Two of the biggest names in Christmas headline the Papermania At Home with Santa collection. Set upon a background of soft pastel shades, the white haired and rosy-cheeked Mr & Mrs Claus blend the joyful spirit of Christmas with an all- round contemporary design. “For this collection, it was all about the towers of presents, the Christmas puddings, the snow-covered trees and the heart-warming sentiments.” In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, Jonathan and his team designed the artwork on a background of coral, mint Candle Making kits. Whether green and light blue – a cooler “We are particularly excited about our new they’re for a birthday or version of the red, green and blue concrete lettering, which will appeal to the Christmas, Jo believes that colour palette usually associated hand-decorated items will with the festive period. interior design and events market.” always be well-received. The The 6x6" and 12x12" kits come complete with either paper packs are jam-packed JO BRAY – MANAGING DIRECTOR MARKETING AND SALES AT WEST DESIGN PRODUCTS tumblers or flutes and special with beautiful designs – paints to personalise them. perfect for putting together Jo added: “The versatility be able to combine the cork around the home or making gifts New parents, keen home handmade Christmas cards of the range will make it a coasters with the likes of to send to friends and family.” cooks, embroiderers and and gift tags – and with 26 popular choice among crafters Artiste Acrylic Paints and Mini All the materials needed collectors are also catered for in glittered papers included, craft and interior designers, not Binder Clips from the up and for the project are included in the range, with the likes of the projects will certainly have that only for card, home office and coming Noteworthy collection the kit. Jo believes the new Newborn Imprint, Pyrography element of festive sparkle. stationery decoration but for to create funky-looking wall kits are likely to be bought by and the Chalk Painting kits great “We’re especially pleased table accessories at weddings art that also helps to keep crafters for personal use and options for those searching with the At Home with Santa and special occasions. notes and loose paper tidy. as gifts, giving them a much for unique gift ideas. A4 Ultimate Die-cut & Paper “For example, the concrete more universal appeal. Easy to Another highlight is the range Pack,” said Jo. “It has so much letters are a unique choice for z SIMPLY MAKE – follow step by step instructions of Needle Felting Kits. There material for beginner and table decorations. Crafters CONVENIENT CRAFTING are also included, so anyone are seven adorable creatures to expert crafters. Our designers can combine them with FOR EVERYONE from experienced crafters to make, including a penguin and have done a fantastic job, acrylic paint and the new Bare Simply Make kits make it easy total novices can get involved. a polar bear, which are ideal for creating die-cut tags, boxes, Basics Fantastic Flowers for anyone to pick up and learn West Design Products are also the up and coming winter season bunting and Christmas crackers range to personalise them new skills while working on a releasing a range of festive Simply and are a must-buy for those so people can make really for any event – a wedding, a high-quality end product. Talking Make kits. Jo said: “Crafters will who love to handmake their own standout Christmas cards.” christening or birthday party.” about the reasons why the be able to sew detailing onto Christmas tree decorations. The At Home with Santa Paper notebooks, clipboards company decided to invest in this Rustic Stockings, create Sweet The Papermania Winter Collection also includes a number and coasters provide a blank new range, Jo said: “Sometimes, Heart Hanging Decorations and Woodland and At Home with of Decoupage Card Kits; crafters canvas on which to create the thought of crafting for the there’s a choice of two Advent Santa collections, the extended will be able to deck their halls personalised stationery and first time can be a daunting Calendars to make, too.” Bare Basics range and the all- with adorable handmade hanging interior design features. one, especially when it comes For all year-round gift ideas, new Simply Make Craft Kits are decorations and create festive Stationery aficionados will to creating items to display there’s the Glass Painting and available from September 2018. pillow boxes – the perfect way to package special stocking fillers. z PAPERMANIA’S BARE BASICS – A CRAFTER’S STAPLE COLLECTION Jo feels that the success of the Papermania Bare Basics collection comes from the versatility of its natural or ‘bare’ appearance: “Crafters love the embellishments. They can be left bare or decorated with the likes of acrylic paint and glitter.” To add to the range of Bare Basics embellishments already available, September’s release sees the collection expand to include an array of craft products made from MDF, cork, bamboo and even concrete. Bare Basics At Home With Santa

www.craftbusiness.com 26 CHRISTMAS

If you're making a list – start it now! Lou Merry, Groves Product Development Manager, talks about being unseasonably seasonal

z At Groves, we have just we stay in stock with healthy launched our AW Christmas buys on all our bestselling catalogue, a very strange lines and have introduced six thing to do on August 1, when new on trend designs for the temperatures were soaring season, including Llamas, up to 33 degrees. But, it is the Elves, Christmas Jumpers, same story each year, and like Polar Bears and Nutcrackers. or loath the ‘C’ word, now is Demand for beginner and The Christmas fabric trend CORINNE LAPIERRE 1.4 3 col_ADS 14/08/2018the 10:18 time Pageour customers 1 start intermediate sewing kits shows continues with a nod to heartland their peak season buying. no sign of slowing, as younger and heritage themes; classics like Our customers have consumers are starting crafting hessian, linen prints and tartans continued to ask us for Christmas- and sewing hobbies at an earlier continue to be the timeless themed items to make wreaths, age. Our Trimits range of cross bestsellers. Our Trimits range table decorations, Christmas stitch felt and card designs, offers a range of fat quarters, day place names and centre continues to grow and in house, rolls and sheets, perfect for small pieces, so we have launched a we have originated a further four pickups and bulk buyers alike! new ‘Occasions’ collection for Christmas designs, focusing Pompoms continue to Christmas. This is made up of on Gingerbread characters be another really accessible competitively priced Robins, and Nordic themes. These trend and our range offers Poinsettias, Holly, Ivy, Mistletoe, have been successful, with already made, make yourself Pine cones and Feathers. independents and multiples alike. and more advanced kits to QUICK SCAN ORDERING - Our Trimits felt kits go from The kits come complete with create your own Christmas strength to strength each season. everything you need to make novelty animals and pets. The simplest and fastest way At Christmas, our customers the whole project and cards With the success of its buy them to give as gifts to their and hoop mounts for their final introduction last year, we to reorder Groves products. crafty loved ones, or to make presentation. The finished kits have just launched a new and themselves for tree and home make perfect Christmas Cards improved Hemline advent decorations. Many of these and gifts, so these are great kits calender. A fantastic alternative Andrew Groves, Managing are also perfect to applique on that sell well earlier in the Autumn to the chocolate stash and to ‘make your own’ Christmas season to give crafters enough a perfect gift to a loved one, Director, explains their Opticon jumpers! We have ensured time to make them into gifts. or a treat for yourself. scanner ordering system z The lightweight and compact Opticon scanner saves hours of tedious work and allows you more time to run your business. Having followed some very simple instructions on the Groves website to install a scanner app on your PC, you can then walk around your store and scan the barcodes of the products you need to reorder. Simply scan each item required, (scan once for one pack and twice for two packs) then connect to your computer via the USB cable and upload your orders to the Groves website. Groves can supply you with the easy-to-use scanners and can also provide you with sticky barcode reorder labels to help make reordering easier and more efficient. After a few weeks of use, most retailers get very comfortable with the system and start to develop their own methods and ways of working. For example, they may start to build an order on a Monday after a busy weekend, and steadily work through the store, metre by metre, on Monday and Tuesday as time allows in between serving customers. With the scanner hanging on a Hemline branded lanyard, it is kept handy and safe for instant use. The scanned barcodes are safely stored on the scanner until they are downloaded to the PC via the USB cable. When the order is placed and a confirmation received, the scanner is cleared by holding down the small button for a few seconds. It’s now ready for use again. Many retailers develop the scanner reordering process further. When dealing with products on the roll (for example ribbons) where there is no hang-sell barcode label, the shop staff create a simple system where empty spools are retained in a bin for the weekly reorder. When the regular reorder day arrives, the empty spools in the bin are scanned and then discarded and then the main hanging stock reorder is started. Retailers often comment, that by using the scanner system, it helps them to make the store steadily more organised as each month passes. With all stocked product well labelled, it makes it easier to keep ranges intact and empty unlabelled hooks do not proliferate. For more information on the Quick scan system, please contact Jane Supple, Website Manager, at Groves on 01844 258110 or [email protected]. Of course, you can also ask your friendly Groves representative.

www.craftbusiness.com CHRISTMAS 27

Do you know how to hold a Christmas Workshop? Claire Hamer, Hunkydory Trade Sales Manager, passes on her top festive tips

z We often get asked what’s the best way to hold a Christmas workshop? In the world of papercrafting and card making there’s a couple of ways that I’d tackle a Christmas workshop. z A BOX OF CARDS A full or half day workshop where you make a set of cards and a matching box to either keep your cards in until you send them to your friends or family over the festive season or give the box as a gift or even sell at a craft fair. Making a set of cards can mean quite a lot of preparation for a class tutor. However, there are some ways to make this as efficient as possible, depending on the level of your students. Use pre-cut card blanks and mirri mats cut to size as a colour options giving different Many soft crafts are perfect starting point for your cards, looks and so much more. for this kind of project, for both this will reduce the amount of beginner or more advanced cutting before the class and z ADVENT PROJECTS crafters. These projects are also means that supplies go There’s an array of Advent normally more substantial and a long way. Also using die-cut projects you can cover in your will be full day workshops. toppers will reduce the amount Christmas workshops, from This a great way to get people of cutting preparation required. decorating 3D MDF Christmas into your shop and have them See how many cards you trees to paper bunting or even an there for the whole day. can get out of a topper set. Advent hanging pocket calendar. It’ll probably be three or four z CHRISTMAS WREATHS cards per set. It’s a great way You can run a Christmas wreath to show your students how workshop in less than an hour far a topper set and a couple and it’s a great way to use lots sheets of card can go. of bits and pieces. Supply Introduce items such as a wreath and then let your acetate or snowfall acetate to customers go wild decorating stretch kits that little bit further. wreaths with pinecones, Adding the box making wooden stars, artificial berries, to the workshop elevates it dried oranges, wired ribbon, above a standard card making cinnamon sticks, bells and class. It allows you to use a many other items you have scoreboard and teach technique available in your store. Try to in your workshop. It’s also a use hot glue guns to attach great way to show customers the items to the wreaths. what an essential piece of This is probably one of the equipment a scoreboard is. easiest Christmas Workshops to run and everybody will leave z ONE STAMP SET – FIVE with a fabulous project. DIFFERENT CARDS Teaching a stamping workshop z REMEMBER THE COSTS can seem daunting both from It’s important to make sure a preparation point of view and your workshops are making also the cost aspect. One way money for your business or at to tackle this is to use a single the very minimum, not losing stamp set to make a number money. If you’re using items that of cards. Build the cost of the would be useful to the crafters stamp set into your workshop build them into the price of the and let your students take workshop. Also remember to the stamp set home with build in the cost of sundries them. This is a great way not such as glues and inks and to be left with multiples of of course any costs that the same stamp set open you’ve agreed with the tutor. in your workshop area or alternatively, making z BOOK EARLY students share one set of Many crafters like to get stamps between them. well ahead for Christmas, Techniques to consider so run your festive include using stamps to workshops in early autumn. make backgrounds, heat That way if they’re very popular embossing, decoupage with you have plenty of time to run stamped images, different more before Santa is on his way.

www.craftbusiness.com 28 CHRISTMAS/PROMOTION

z SIMMI z INDRA, This image was designed Indra the Indian Moth based on the bride at the was so enjoyable to wedding Tracey and her draw, it took Tracey a husband were lucky enough while to perfect the to attend. The colour, the image. The couple went detail and the beauty needed to a place in Amritsar to reflect the bride herself. where they used block £8.80 and measures printing with Paisley 8.9 x 7.3 cm designs, which reminded her of wings. So she immediately took pen to paper and started to come up with some new ideas. £9.40 and measures 10.6 x 10.7 cm Take a festive trip to India z SEBASTIAN. Lavinia Stamps’ new sub-continent This Beautiful seahorse has proved really popular, Tracey inspired range will be a must on stampers’ was incredibly influenced by Henna artists while she was in Christmas lists India. She found the detail and freehand art mesmerising. £9.80 and measures z Lavinia Stamps are an established British She said: “We aim to take crafting to an Artistic 11.4 x 6.7 cm company offering a whole range of distinctive and level, we have a passion and drive to inspire people inspirational products. and produce products that have an achievable result, • The new designs are LAVINIA STAMPSTracey 1.2_ADS Dutton Artist/ 14/08/2018 Designer, 14:36 recognized Page 1 for appealing to all crafting capabilities.” available to buy now and her passion in Fairies and Fantasy, transforms her Her new range, inspired by a trip with her can be viewed at https:// detailed hand drawn imagery into unique and husband to India, including a wedding, will make laviniastamps.com detailed stamps. ideal Christmas presents this festive season.

www.craftbusiness.com CHRISTMAS 29 Get set for festive fun 2018 style: latest trends, yarn kits and workshops Alexie Shackleton, Cygnet Yarns Marketing Manager, advises on how to boost your business in the run up to the most wonderful time of the year

z 2018 TRENDS metallic sheen. With two new website. A great marketing tool is With Christmas 2018 fast shades launching for the to print out our free patterns and approaching, it’s important to festive season, Rose Gold and offer them out as kit bundles. table settings, to more get ahead of the game with Lithium, this is set to be a big Knitted socks are the gift specialised skills such as yarn the season’s trends. The 2017 hit for Christmas garments, of the moment and Cygnet’s wreaths, weaving and macramé. festive season was all about homewares and accessories. Truly Wool Rich 4 ply Range is It’s also worth considering metallics and this trend looks set What festive season would now also available in fabulous hiring experts to run the more KING COLE 1.8 3 COL_CRAFTS BUSINESS 17/08/2018to 12:29 continue. Page It’s 1 not all about the be complete without some printed, self patterning shades specialist workshops. The standard silvers and golds either: glitz and glam? Glittery yarns with a great selection of free fees you can charge for the head to any high street retailer are perfect for adding sparkle patterns available on the workshops more than cover and their shelves and window to any accessories and lend website (www.cygnetyarns. their fee and it’s a great way of displays are filled with metallic themselves perfectlyVIRIDIAN to knitted 1-8 2 col_VIRIDIANcom/patterns). 16/08/2018 You can 16:23 put Page 1 forging a relationship with new fuchsia pinks and bold blues. Christmas decorations. Cygnet’s together a sock kit with an RRP customers (and not to mention Rose gold and copper hues Glittery DK range is available of less than £10 which makes a bit of upselling at the end!). are also still a firm favourite. in super festive shades and it an ideal gift idea for crafters. With technology taking over, Why not wow passing trade with our new Fairydust DK range is A great gift idea is also it’s essential to get to grips with a bright metallics Christmas the perfect option for babies’ starter kits for beginner knitters social media. Make sure your display using Cygnet Seriously and children’s Christmas party or crocheters. Put together kits making another purchase…or shop’s Facebook page is up to Chunky Metallics? This yarn is garments and accessories. with around four to six of your three. date with any seasonal offers, unique in that, unlike a glittery most popular DK or chunky Knit and Natter groups are new products and workshop yarn, it has a luxurious, truly z GET CRAFTY WITH KITS shades, with a couple of hooks perfect for getting regulars to timetables. Also be sure to join In the run up to Christmas, or needle sets and some easy pop in and catch up, but why not local ‘What on’ groups to share crafters are on the lookout for patterns, pop them in a pretty try some more specialist any events you’re holding, as quick and easy handmade gifts. package and even add a loyalty workshops as shoppers are well as joining other knitting Scarves, gloves and socks are card or gift voucher for your shop more likely to travel further afield and crochet groups. Group just some of the quick makes to make sure the newbie returns for something more unique. pages are a much more cost that are top of every knitter to you once they’re hooked! Christmas decoration effective way of spreading the and crocheter’s wanted list. workshops are ideal to run word as you don’t need to pay This is a great time of z WINNING AT throughout October and Facebook to share your posts to year to push your WORKSHOPS November: from crocheted get a good reach as you would chunky yarns as As people become more web baubles, knitted bunting and with your Facebook page. they knit up so savvy and confident buying quickly, so are online, it’s more important than perfect for creating ever to offer something to draw last-minute gifts. shoppers to your bricks and Cygnet’s Seriously mortar shops. Workshops are a Chunky range is great way to not only introduce available in so many people to a new craft or glorious colours, as well as technique, but also, once in your UK Distrubutor for: Sock Yarn Specialists prints and mixes and there are shop, if they’re anything like me • Opal • Eucalan loads of free patterns on our they won’t be able to resist

Does your Shop have a Craft Department? Have you thought about adding Knitting Supplies to your store? For 1 metre of space, you could have the Yarn as shown in the picture, plus 21 Pattern Leaflets and a selection of Needles. Total Cost = £512.95 | Total RRP = £1220.90 Total Profit = £707.95 Stand, Pattern Book & Needle Rack all supplied Free of Charge with order. T: 01756 703670 E: [email protected] W: kingcole.com Join us on Social Media TRADE ENQUIRIES: Knitting Needles & Accessories E: [email protected] T: 0117 300 5244 www.viridianyarn.com

www.craftbusiness.com ICHF page_ADS 16/08/2018 15:19 Page 1 SEWING 31

Art and a love of quilts Acclaimed US artist Nancy Crow talks to us about her life, career and The Festival of Quilts

z Can you tell us how I surged ahead, giving up my long has your art practice weaving and putting away my involved quilt making? looms, all of which I still have! I started making quilts in 1970 when I lived in Porto Alegre, z You brought the largest Brazil. I made the first one exhibition of your work for my new son, Nathaniel, ever to be staged in the UK who was born there. to The Festival of Quilts in August. Tell us why 75 z How did you get into quilt DRAWINGS: EXPLORATIONS ©Nancy Crow photographer: J Kevin Fitzsimons making in the first place? IN MONO-PRINTING is I have a Masters of Fine Arts in so important to you? large but I also think some of cachet in that museums and Ceramics and a minor in tapestry Mono-printing is a form of my small studies are beauts! collectors come looking to see weaving. When I moved to drawing. I like that! But learning In mono-printing, it would be what is happening and to buy. Brazil in 1969, I could not take to mono-print on fabric with super helpful to be six feet tall in my potters’ wheel but I could thickened dyes takes a lot, a lot terms of being able to lean over z For those who have never take a loom. And there I wove of practice, an enormous number the print table further. Alas! been, can you give us a enough work to have a solo of hours of practice. The dye can flavour of Quilt National? show in Porto Alegre, Brazil, one be very tricky to control in terms z Do you think that textile art The exhibition is installed of the southern most cities. I of its thickness is it wants to flow - and specifically quilt art - is on the lower floor of a huge was 27 years old at the time. back into a solid surface almost undervalued as an art form? renovated 100 year plus old When I returned to the USA, as soon as one makes the marks YES! YES! YES! In fact quilts are barn in Athens, Ohio, about 45 I continued to weave. By 1974 I in it. So one has to work rapidly simply often dismissed. Strange minutes from my farm. The had moved to Athens, Ohio, where which means making markings when you realize that paintings jurors are usually comprised I met other weavers. By 1975 over and over and over until one are fabric with paint on them. of a well-known contemporary I began to make simple quilts has something that appears to be Being on a phone. Being on a By the way I do not use the quilt maker, a museum CYGNET YARNS 1.8 2 col_ADS 06/07/2018 14:29 Page 1 as I found weaving increasingly worth printing. And then print it computer. These activities are term “quilt art” as I think it very curator, and another artist or frustrating. At the time, there immediately or all of the markings not being in the moment. Both derogatory. After all, do we ever a museum director. I think the was a “force of energy interested are lost. Hence the name keep the brain on the surface— say “painting art” or “sculpture variety shown (80+ works) in contemporary quilt-making” mono-print or one-of-a kind. shallow! They interrupt focus art?” If you want to insult me, gives the audience a wonderful moving across the USA and I I wanted to see the horridly. No! No! NO! Art—creating call me a quilt artist…..horrid! understanding of the breath got swept up in it. I come from a progression from day one all the art—needs total focus and I am artist or quilt maker who of work being created today. family of painters and working on way to the last four tall mono- attention and daydreaming—not makes quilts (my medium). the wall really appealed to me. prints, work made over a two-year phones and computers. They z What projects are you When I sat at a loom I looked period. I wanted to see how are energy draining and a super z You’re the originator of working on currently and down all the time. But working much I improved in technique form of procrastination. They Quilt National at The Dairy what’s next for you after on a wall I stepped back which and control. I have never, never have their role in life but not Barn Arts Center in Ohio. The Festival of Quilts? allowed me to see what I was had a chance to do this. So the in my art. Think I feel strongly What’s the significance of this I am back to machine-piecing. creating from a distance. I liked exhibition meant so much to me here? That is why everything is major event in the quilting When the weather gets just that immensely. I was able to because of this opportunity. in bold and in larger size!!!!! calendar and how influential right, I hope to mono-print think about what worked and is The Dairy Barn to US - and again working in colour directly. what did not and then was able z You abstained from screens/ z You’re well-known for the even worldwide - quilting? But meantime, I am working to quickly change out parts. At technology while working on 75 size and scale of your work. It has become one of the major on a large solo show for The that point I realized that quilt- DRAWINGS to immerse yourself What are the pleasures and platforms for showing a broad University of Nebraska that making was akin to painting fully in mono-printing. What challenges involved in working range of what is happening in will open in August 2019. but slower. I didn’t care about was that experience like and on such large pieces? contemporary quilt making today. This exhibition will cover the the slowness since I love colour what did it bring to the work? I am very short. Five feet tall. So I believe it has more and more last ten years of my work. and I love fabric and I love As an artist I absolutely believe being able to create something machine-piecing. From that point one has to be in the moment! large is quite a feat for me! I like HAVE YOU CONSIDERED STOCKING CYGNET YARNS?

• GREAT QUALITY YARNS • EXCELLENT VALUE • HUGE RANGE AVAILABLE • QUICK DELIVERY • LOW MINIMUM ORDER*

PLACE YOUR FIRST ORDER FOR LESS THAN £100 Call our friendly sales team on 01274 743374 or visit www.cygnetyarns.com

*minimum order 12 Cygnet Yarns Ltd, packs 12‐14 Adelaide Street, Bradford, BD5 0EA

www.craftbusiness.com 32 INTERVIEW

Minutes With... Arne Nerjordet and 5 Carlos Zachrison Fun-loving Scandinavian design and craft duo, Arne & Carlos, spend five minutes with Angela Sara West.

z Working with prestigious Award for Design’, and Norway’s into our culture and language brands and fashion designers, highest medal of recognition. that you can’t get if you are not the dynamic Norway-based from here. As long as all things duo are renowned knitting z You have exhibitions and Scandinavian are popular, that superstars in Europe, the collections in museums is definitely an advantage. US and Asia, earning them and galleries worldwide. numerous honours and awards, What’s the secret to your z How does it feel to be including Norwegian fashion impressive global success? such huge influencers magazine HENNE’s design We think that to be successful, it’s with a phenomenal prize for ‘Designer of the Year’, important to stay true to yourself international following? Stiftelsen Scheibler’s ‘Talent and your vision, always. To be We try not to think too much genuine and to have your feet about that. We live in a quiet solidly planted on the ground. And and isolated part of Norway you need talent and the ability to and do our own thing and try make your visions come to life. to live a completely normal, quiet and down-to-earth life. z As much-admired knitting and crochet masters, what sets you z You’ve collaborated with apart from your competitors? prestigious international brands, We suppose that, in these times, including Urban Outfitters when Scandinavian design and high-end Japanese and all things Nordic are super fashion label, Comme des popular, it’s always an advantage Garçons. Any more big-name to actually be from Scandinavia collaborations on the cards? and live in this part of the world, We really enjoyed collaborating as we have a unique insight with those two brands ten

How environmentally responsible is your business? Claire Hamer, Hunkydory Trade Sales Manager, asks the question: How green is your business and does it matter?

z There seems to be a sources. We have also worked to of your waste products from general perception in create 633.68 square metres of manufacturing can be recycled. the wider population new native woodland in the UK Once you identify any such that crafting as a hobby to remove 25,347kg of carbon products, look for ways to is green and much of dioxide (2017), as part of the recycle them. Sometimes you what we do is recycling Carbon Capture Programme. will find you’ll be paid for the and driven by a make do Where could you go green in disposal of the materials that and mend philosophy. your business and is it financially you can’t use in your business. However, as manufacturers, viable and/or beneficial? distributors and retailers of z PACKAGING craft product we know that z ENERGY Most of us will be using this isn’t necessarily the It is becoming ever easier to packaging to send goods case and most of what we source green energy from many to customers. It’s worth sell will be product made energy suppliers at competitive considering researching the specifically for the market. rates even for businesses. It’s use of eco-friendly options But we can still look worth considering this and for such packaging. There’s at where we can be green also looking into the viability of many options to choose from within our businesses. solar panels on your roof. Here including, environmentally Here at Hunkydory we’re at Hunkydory we’re changing friendly bubble wrap, shredded proud that all of the card suppliers to make this happen. cardboard (you can make this we use in our products is from cardboard waste in your choices are becoming more news. The photographs of our FSC labelled. What does z RECYCLING business), bio-compostable affordable as businesses work seas becoming ever polluted this mean? Simply put, the Recycling doesn’t just need to pillow film rolls, biodegradable towards a greener future. and sealife suffering are driving label provides you with an be the cans and bottles from packaging noodles and recycled a worldwide awareness of our assurance that the product staff lunches, although every cardboard boxes. As with all z PLASTICS use of plastics. As such many you are buying is made little bit helps! Look around business decisions, cost will Plastics and their use and businesses are looking for from wood from responsible your business and see if any be a factor but many of these disposal are weekly headline alternatives for any plastics

www.craftbusiness.com INTERVIEW 33

years ago and we have fond that, either! It was definitely a z You recently launched memories of both. Comme memorable evening and one of NEW NORDIC, your first des Garçons, as a high-end the highlights of our career so far. collection for Rowan. Any Japanese cult brand, was an more clothing/accessories/ incredible experience and it was z As knitting fashionistas, what sock yarns lines in the works? really cool to get some insight trends have you been setting We are launching six new colours into how such a big and trendy / seeing coming through in for the existing Regia Pairfect Arne Nerjordet and company as Urban Outfitters the knitting world recently? line and also a completely new works. The last few years, we’ve There are a lot of interesting Regia Design Line Effect, which had huge success with REGIA things going on in knitwear at we are super excited about. The sock yarns and have now started the moment, mainly in terms new Regia Design Line Effect is collaborating with Rowan. of volume and texture, that called ‘Mountains and Fjords’. Carlos Zachrison we are loving a lot right now. z How did it feel to receive A lot of oversized volumes z Talking of fjords, tell Norway’s highest medal of and rough textures are me a little about your recognition - a gold medal really making knitwear look knitting cruises… with diploma from Norway’s contemporary and very fresh. The knitting journeys, as we Arts and Crafts Association for prefer to call them, are all about ‘revitalising and highlighting z What Scandinavian trends will the spectacular scenery along Norwegian arts and crafts be big news this Christmas? z Which Christmas creations The great thing about Christmas the coast of Norway. We are in the Norwegian and Will hygge still be a hit? are you most proud of is that it comes once a year, doing one in late September international design scene’? And what Christmas jumper and which have been the and every year that books still this year, which we are calling It was a really big surprise! We trends can we look forward most challenging? sells very well. So, it’s probably ‘Knitting along the Norwegian received our medals in 2010, to this festive season? The Christmas Angels, made enough with just that one Coast Line’, one in March 2019 just before the ‘Christmas Balls’ Hygge is always a hit, if you ask out of paper and vintage fabrics book, as it will hopefully keep called ‘Knitting under the Nordic book came out, so at the time, us. It’s all about spending time that we did together with our on going strong every year. Lights’ and one in May 2019, we were not expecting anythingHUNKYDORY indoors, 1.4 lighting 3 col_ADS up candles 16/08/2018 09:32nieces Page and 1 nephews when ‘Knitting under the Midnight Sun’. like that, as we weren’t as well and the fireplace and enjoying they were really small, are a z In November, you’ll be launching known outside Norway then as quality time with family and favourite! Now, we’re waiting Vogue Knitting Minneapolis and z Finally, you’re hitting the we are now. It’s a very prestigious friends. Hopefully, the Christmas for the next generation in the also teaching at Knit Stars online road in the UK and US this award that not many people jumper trend will move away family, so that we can do these knitting summit… autumn. Where can we catch in Norway have received, so it from the ugly sweater trend, kind of Christmas workshops We think Vogue Knitting you on tour here in the UK? was a great honour, especially towards beautiful and stylish again. Our most challenging Minneapolis will be really good. We’ll be at the following since we received it during the colour work jumpers. We was a Christmas Tree knit All our classes and events sold venues, showing you how to 100th anniversary gala dinner definitely think it’s about time! last year... a miniature one, out within a few days of opening knit our ornamental balls! in Oslo and HM The Queen of for the doll’s house. Although the registration, so we can see Oct 6: Black Sheep Wools, Norway was present, as she is z What are a few of your favourite small, it was really hard. that there is a lot of interest and Warrington the organisation’s high patron. We Christmas designs and makes? we’re really looking forward to Oct 7: Oxford Yarn Store, Oxford sat at the Queen’s table for dinner We love knitting Christmas z Your first craft book, ‘55 visiting Minnesota! We’re very Oct 10: Sew Much To Do, and spent a lovely evening talking balls… never get tired of doing Christmas Balls to Knit’, excited about Knit Stars, too. Cambridgeshire to her and the other members of that! We always design new became an instant Norwegian We’ve already recorded our part Oct 11: Rowan at Liberty London, the board of the Arts and Crafts ones and knit them closer to bestseller and went on to of the summit - the producers London Association. Again, we were the holiday season. We also like become a bestselling book in came to Norway a few weeks ago Oct 12-13: The Knitting & very surprised that the Queen cross stitch embroidery and have North America, Europe and and we were all very happy with Stitching Show (Stand TGD52, knew so much about us and embroidered some Christmas Asia. Any more Christmas the results. We can guarantee it Lady Sew and Sew) Alexandra our work - we weren’t expecting motifs over the past few years. books on the cards? will be an amazing experience! Palace, London

used in their business or as a minimum making sure any plastics they do use are recyclable and marked as such.

z GLITTER How will our industry survive without the sparkly stuff? The good news is that there are bio- degradable options. However, at present these are a much higher cost than existing product. It will take a full industry shift towards a greener solution or government to work and to reduce regulation to change this quickly. environmental pollution. It Some schools are banning the allows employers to loan use of non-bio-degradable glitter cycles and cyclists’ safety and changes like this will drive equipment to employees changes across the industry. If as a tax-free benefit. there’s a demand for only a green product, then the industry will z PRODUCT have to provide the necessary How much of your product is solution to deliver this. There will sourced from green providers. be a change, but I think it will take It’s sometimes difficult to some time for this to evolve. ascertain this information but it’s always worth asking z CYCLE TO WORK the question when you’re Have you thought about offering working with your suppliers. the cycle to work scheme for Could you source your your employees? It’s a great product locally? Do air miles way to encourage your team have more of an impact on members to bike to work, the planet than sea miles? working to keep them and the environment healthy. z THE FUTURE The Cycle to Work scheme All of us want to live on is a UK Government tax a sustainable planet and exemption initiative introduced as such we can start to in the Finance Act 1999 to look at green possibilities promote healthier journeys within our businesses.

www.craftbusiness.com 34 INTERVIEW

z Always well suited and booted efficaciously fuses the old with and with a passion for fashion the new, retaining its traditional since childhood, style icon history, complemented by Savile Row Tailor and star of The Great British contemporary high-end offerings. Sewing Bee Patrick Grant never fails to look incredibly z A SUCCESSFUL stylish. “I can’t remember a SAVILE ROW TAILOR and Sewing Bee Spy! time when I wasn’t obsessed Established in 1821 by Walter with looking smart,” he tells Norton as tailors to “the me. “I remember being really Gentlemen of the City of London”, Patrick Grant, talks to Angela Sara West about resuming his proud of my uniform on my first Norton & Sons was originally day of school. In my teens, my located on The Strand. Continuing role as a judge, rejuvenating the fortunes of Norton & Sons and walls were covered with pages to thrive in the 20th century, it from Vogue and Elle. I used to then incorporated the celebrated resurrecting ready-to-wear label E. Tautz spend whole days in second- Savile Row houses, Hammond hand and charity shops, trying & Co, J. Hoare & Co, E. Tautz to find pieces to recreate outfits and Todhouse Reynard & Co. from the men’s fashion pages.” Radiating a rich history, the firm He started sewing at school. gained eminence as a sporting “I just did simple alterations, tailor, making sharply-cut and properly learned to sew garments, from dinner suits to when I started at Norton & racing silks for Europe’s sporting Sons.” With a meticulous eye and military elite. Along with King for detail and fantastic fabric- Edward VII and other UK royals, handling skills, he’s also quite the business boasts being proud mean with a sewing machine. tailors to the royal households of “But I’m a clothes designer, not Europe and three US Presidents. a great maker. I have brilliant A young Winston Churchill was staff who do the sewing.” a big fan of “breeches from Tautz”, while other illustrious z A TAILOR-MADE clients over the years include SIMPLE STYLE Alfred Hitchcock, the explorer Describing his own impeccable Wilfred Thesiger and Cary Grant. style as “simple”, he has Before Patrick took over the numerous style icons and reins as Creative Director, the favourite designers. “I love company had attempted to men whose character shines diversify by selling guns and through their clothes, like David offering sporting tours alongside Hockney or Jarvis Cocker. I its high-quality garments. Patrick loved Lee Alexander McQueen re-concentrated the business on - he was the rarest talent and tailoring and within a few short the loveliest man. There are years, tripled annual revenue so many great designers in to nearly £1 million. Nortons London right now… Christopher uses the very best tools, many Kane, Roksanda, Erdem, Molly of them passed down from Goddard, Simone Rocha, Craig one tailor to another over the Green, Charles Jeffrey…” years. Living in the workshop six days a week, he had to learn z NO BUSINESS LIKE everything from scratch, from SEW BUSINESS how to make trousers and fit Edinburgh-born Patrick a suit to directing the staff. studied Materials Science and On purchasing Norton & Sons, Engineering at University and Patrick also gained the rights then worked in manufacturing in to the name Hammond & Co., the engineering and technology bringing all the brands together sector. After a brief stint in as one big happy family. marketing, he studied for an Hammond & Co. has proved MBA at the internationally- one of the most successful renowned Saïd Business School designer projects for Debenhams at Oxford University. It was there after Patrick relaunched it as that he found his calling, under a diffusion menswear line “Businesses For Sale”, in an old exclusively with the store in copy of the Financial Times. An 2012. He relaunched the defunct ad offering a venerable Savile Nortons subsidiary, Oxford Row tailoring house caught Street-based E. Tautz (famous for his eye and the rest, as they its sports and military wear and say, is tailor-made history. for inventing the ‘Knickerbocker’ With a background in engineering breeches) in 2009 as a ready- and technology, why go down to-wear brand and showcased the sewing route? “I had never it at Fashion Week 2010. The planned to move into fashion, but re-imagined label, which is I had always loved handmade more experimental than the things, historic brands and men’s Nortons line, transformed style. Purely by chance, I found British men’s style, for which out that Norton & Sons was Patrick was awarded ‘Menswear for sale. It sat perfectly at the Designer of the Year’ at the intersection of all of these things.” 2010 British Fashion Awards. Selling his house and car, and He has also recently been borrowing from the bank and working with English luxury raising money with friends, fashion brand, J. Barbour & in 2005 he took the plunge Sons Ltd., as Creative Director and bought the failing family- of their Beacon Heritage line. owned business. He has since transformed the struggling z AT THE FOREFRONT niche business, which looked OF FASHION difficult to grow and scale, into With his unique flair and precise a phenomenally-successfull craftsmanship, combined with brand. By focusing on its heritage an inherent sense of commercial and increasing innovation, awareness and business nous, the once-ailing company now Patrick’s business is beginning

www.craftbusiness.com INTERVIEW 35

to take pride of place at the on British fashion, clothing forefront of the British and and textile industries. He has global menswear stage. also contributed to several “How does it feel to own a piece major TV documentaries, of prestigious Savile Row? “I feel including Savile Row, Harris very proud that I’ve managed to Tweed and The Perfect Suit. make modest successes of these With filming underway for the brands, and have done so with next series of The Great British integrity and honesty and in a Sewing Bee, there’s a big buzz in way that, hopefully, is sustainable the air of the needlework world for the long term. They all have as the quest to find Britain’s wonderful and unique histories best home sewer begins and and characters.” His ethos? “I work viewers count down the days very hard, I care very deeply about to see this year’s amateur the product, how it’s made, what contestants come into the fold it’s made from and by whom.” and reveal how they measure up. Patrick resumes his role as z ACCOLADES & RUNWAYS a much-loved, fastidious judge Other accolades include Retailer (for which he was nominated of the Year at the 2008 Scottish for the 2017 National Television Fashion Awards and winner of Awards), this year alongside the 2015 British Fashion Council/ resident expert judge, Esme GQ Designer Menswear Fund. Young, and new host, Joe Lycett. Patrick has also appeared in ‘best What does Patrick love most “I had never planned to move into fashion, dressed’ lists, including GQ’s 50 about the popular BBC Two but I had always loved handmade things, Best Dressed Men, being named show and what can we expect in Esquire magazine’s Most Stylish from the next series? “I love historic brands and men’s style. Purely by Men in the World, and included all of it. I love the contestants, in the Business of Fashion 500 their passion, their humour and chance, I found out that Norton & Sons was index of the most influential their camaraderie. I’ve loved people in global fashion. As a working with Claudia and am for sale. It sat perfectly at the intersection of massive influencer, he has also already loving working with Joe. appeared in both Who’s Who And Esme is a force of nature, all of these things.” and Debrett’s People of Today. she’s amazing. We’ve set lots of In 2013, Patrick was made an great new challenges and have z THE COMMUNITY Eighteen months in, we’re z TOP TIPS FROM Honorary Professor at Glasgow a great new week focusing on CLOTHING PROJECT already selling a lot of great A TOP TAILOR! Caledonian University’s School one of the huge issues facing With a pattern emerging of clothing, creating a lot of work, With the trend for tailored looks of Business and Society, in the world of clothing right now, people picking up a needle and and we know from the wonderful and the return to improved 2016, he was made a Fellow something that I personally feel thread and trying sewing for emails and comments we get standards of dressmaking of the Royal Society of Arts hugely passionate about.” size, Patrick recently embarked that our customers appreciate looking set to continue, what (RSA) while in 2017, he was As we get set for another on another exciting project to what we’re doing. We have lots are this Savile Row superstar awarded an honorary degree spectacular small-screen sew encourage uptake and rekindle of beautiful womenswear in tailor’s tips for readers looking by Heriot-Watt University. down, are there any funny the craft, in his new role as development for Community to become high-end tailors? “It’s What does this avid follower of behind-the-seams stories that co-chairman of Future Textile, Clothing, which we hope will hard… there are only a small fashion love most about styling have happened to Patrick on part of the Prince’s Foundation. be ready for next spring.” handful of places to learn on runway shows at London’s Sewing Bee that have had “It’s both a great honour and a Cutting out the wholesaler Savile Row and places don’t Fashion Week? “It’s a great part him in stitches? “Lots, but I great challenge, and something and retailer, the brand acts as come up in any structured way. of the fashion process. I always can’t possibly tell you. You’ll I’m already getting stuck into!” a manufacturers’ cooperative There are accredited bespoke have the outfits in my mind’s eye have to come on the show.” In 2015, Patrick purchased and produces simple, everyday tailoring courses which are a as we’re designing and developing Patrick is all about great another ailing business, clothing items for men and women, good starting point. The Savile the collections, but it’s really garments, celebrating individual manufacturer and sewing such as blue chinos, V-neck Row Bespoke Association, of something when they all come craftspeople and British home- factory, Cookson & Clegg, in jumpers, simple trench coats which most of the good houses together. I usually take about a grown manufacturing, and Blackburn. Saving the factory and jeans, all sold directly at are members, has details on week, starting with a rough first encouraging people to start from closure, he’s attempting everyday high-street prices. the website. The UK has only go, all the outfits on hangers, then making clothes again so our to restore it and, in 2016, he a couple of tailoring factories, I’ll leave it a day before coming home industry can rebuild launched the social enterprise z THE TAILOR, THE SUIT and I don’t know how many back and putting them on our itself. With a huge rise in the Community Clothing in response & THE WARDROBE training places they offer.” model and making a second cut numbers now making their own to the extreme challenges facing If you’re wondering what’s in his at it. Then, I will usually have one garments, does he think people the British clothing and textile wardrobe, wonder no more… z HOME MAKEOVERS last go, fine tuning every look, are taking much more interest manufacturing industry. Designed Patrick reveals his current Patrick has taught a couple of thinking about the order in which in, and are better informed to create great jobs for skilled staples fit with his simple style. other crafts in the past. “I spent they come through. It’s fun!” about, the clothes they wear workers to make excellent-quality “For me, right now, it’s grey two summers working on a and their quality? “Many are but, affordable clothes and, therefore, trousers, navy jumpers, and summer camp in California z INSPIRATIONAL TRAVELS sadly, still far too many people helping to restore real pride in oversized chinos and work teaching pottery and crafts. The charming tailor says treat shopping as a pastime Britain’s textile communities, shirts. I’ve never been out of We did all sorts, native he sources inspiration from and clothing as disposable. Our the not-for-profit project has love with the suit, but I’m very American crafts like moccasin “everywhere” at all times. “Art, consumption is out of control earned Patrick much praise from bored with the skinny look.” making and weaving dream film, museums, books, nature, and we need to change, but across the political spectrum. His most treasured suit? “I catchers... I also love to paint.” bus seats, tube floors… I keep I think home sewers are very How’s his initiative going? have a dinner suit that was The king of threads recently my eyes and my mind constantly much leading the way in this.” “Happily and fantastically! my father’s that I’ve always made his first foray into interior open.” Having spent a lot of time loved. It’s been with me for 30 design, collaborating with living abroad and travelling, the years and was with my dad for LG SIGNATURE to design an celebrated tailor’s overseas’ about the same before me.” installation of cutting-edge travels also influence his work. home technology at last “Time spent abroad is always z WHAT’S IN STORE FOR year’s Esquire Townhouse inspiring. I like to walk through THE FASHION INDUSTRY? with Dior event. Are there any cities and ride the bus or the So, no more tightly-tailored suits more interior design projects tube. I love local museums, for Patrick it ‘seams’. What other in the works? “At one stage, I big and small. I’ve been lucky changes has he witnessed in the wanted to be architect, and it to travel extensively in Europe, fashion industry recently and was great fun to work on the Africa and Asia and this is how does he see it evolving? LG lounge. It was great that it constantly creeping into my “Sustainability, ethics and won a prize, too. The only other work, both subtly and overtly, traceability are all big issues project in the pipeline is one of from ancient Magyar costume in the fashion world that have my own, on a derelict house to Japanese shibori dying.” only really become hot topics I’ve bought near our factory in the last decade, and they’re in the Forest of Bowland.” z IT’S… TV SEWTIME! only going to get hotter. Fashion So there’s a new home in store JUDGING THE SEWING BEE is a three-trillion-dollar industry for this successful Savile Patrick is a regular fixture on and the world’s second worst Row tailor… although the sew TV and radio as a commentator polluter. It has to change.” must, of course, go on!

www.craftbusiness.com 36 INTERVIEW

Hours As... 24 Corinne Lapierre Designer, Author and Creative Director, Corinne Lapierre tells us about her day

z YOUR DAY my time will be spent preparing What time do you wake up the catalogue, reviewing the and what does your pre- offers and looking at promotion. work routine look like? I like to keep some time to work I usually wake up at 6.30am, on marketing and connecting before anybody else. I love this with magazine editors or working quiet time of the day and it on designing our adverts. always feels very precious to me. I like to sit at our kitchen z What time do you take table with a good coffee and lunch, and what do you do look at the birds in the garden. on your lunch break? If it is a sunny day, I go and We all take a break at 12.30pm sit outside. I use this time to for lunch and sit around the staff reflect upon my day ahead and table. It’s a good time to catch plan what needs to be done. up with the whole team and be By 7am all peace has gone as sociable. It is very important for my children are up and getting me to know my team on a human ready for school. Breakfast, level too, not just as employees. shower and we are usually out of the house by 8am. I z What do you typically eat? give them a lift to school and I tend to have a home-made go straight to the office. salad for lunch. I love big salads with as many ingredients as z You get into work – what I can possibly find. In winter growing up too fast, so time does a typical morning I am a big fan of soups. with them is precious! They look like for you? are all very talkative, so we I have a quick catch up with z How does a typical have wonderful conversations, the production team and grab afternoon take shape? usually around the dining table. I a coffee while I read my emails I usually finish working on guess I have stayed very French and messages on social media. anything I did not complete in the in the sense that meal time is I usually make a list of things to morning. In the afternoon, I like very important family time. do, see what can be delegated to be more creative and work on If it is an evening when my and deal with anything urgent. new designs. This is the part of children are with their dad, I Olivia who manages all trade my job I love more than anything: try to catch up with friends accounts arrives a little later, making samples, working out and go out for a meal or to the so we usually have a short the patterns and instructions. cinema. Some evenings I must meeting to share information and Lately I have been working on admit that I just want to be tasks. We use this time to plan my new book on folk felt birds by myself and watch a film. production, sales or marketing. which will be published by The rest of the morning is Search Press in February 2019. z Finally, what time do usually spent responding to Working on a book offers so you typically go to bed emails. As a small business we much freedom, it is very exciting. on a work night? all need to be very adaptable Around 11pm with a good and deal with many aspects. I z What time do you leave? book or audio book. do like to be involved with trade Some days I leave at 3pm to be customers and suppliers, so I with my children at home. Other z A BIT ABOUT YOU do spend a fair amount of time days when they are busy or with How did you come to work many long hours and stress. The z What are the most on communication with them. their dad, I work until 7 or 8pm. in your current position? rewards are incredible though challenging parts of your job? If I am preparing a show with I used to be a fashion designer and the reward of growing your As a small business it has to Create and Craft TV, I will also z And what kinds of but left when I had my children. I own brand doing what you love be cash flow! The business allocate a good amount of time things do you like to get studied millinery and completely is priceless. I would strongly has been growing continuously to sending proposals, calculating up to in the evening? fell in love with felt so I learnt advise to find your own style and for the past six years, which costs, putting together a special If it is a day with my children to make it myself. Within a few not be tempted to copy what is great but it also means deal for their viewers or designing I make it a priority to be fully years I was selling my felted others are doing, even if it is that profit gets reinvested to a whole new product exclusively there for them and give them accessories at craft fairs. successful for them. Copying is sustain growth and explore for them. Before a trade show, my full attention. They are Leading up to Christmas, I made a big issue in this industry, but new markets. Deciding to get a a felt gingerbread man kit and customers are always aware of new employee or outsourcing it was an instant success. I it and your credibility will suffer. can be a juggling act but it realised there was a gap in the Your authenticity and passion always pays off in the end. It market for quality adult kits, are your biggest assets. can be a lot of fun too, a little so I decided to explore this bit like playing monopoly. and designed a range. After a z What are the best couple of trade fairs, it became parts of your job? z What does 2018 clear I had found my niche and I feel incredibly lucky to have hold for you? the business grew from there. complete freedom to express my We started exporting to Working with Create and Craft creativity and do what I want. I France last year, with a TV really helped in establishing always love the contact I have distributor, and to Australia the brand and publishing with customers too and I feel and Japan this year. books with Search Press too. like I have got to know some of This has been extremely them pretty well over the years. successful, and we are z What advice would you have This is one of the reasons why now looking at entering the for someone looking to get I love exhibiting at trade and American market as well as into your particular industry? retail shows. People are always the rest of northern Europe. Only do it if you are truly so supportive and generous. I We are on a mission to take passionate because there will be see my customers as friends. over the world with felt.

www.craftbusiness.com CAMPAIGN 37

Your four week plan for Sew Saturday Success Be prepared, maximise footfall and boost your business z Sew Saturday 2018 is fast make, plus a quilted patchwork Staff will also be constantly approaching and it’s time to cushion cover. blogging, posting and tweeting get ready. You could also host a Best in about Sew Saturday activities, so The campaign was initially Show competition, with prizes contact Hannah or Anna at launched four years ago by Sew awarded to the winners. [email protected] and magazine and its sister titles, You will need to work out the [email protected] so that Crafts Beautiful, Make It Today costings beforehand and whether everyone knows what you’ll be Dressmaker, Let’s Knit, Let’s Get you need to order in more stock in doing. Make sure to visit the Sew Crafting and Craft Business. advance for the day. It may also and Crafts Business websites In an age of online shopping, be a good idea to try to predict regularly, to keep updated on the the idea is to show people what’s visitor numbers as well, and work latest developments. great about going to a bricks-and- out some clear objectives you mortar store – being able to see would like to achieve. z WEEK FOUR and touch fabrics, ask the staffSEARCH PRESSOne idea 1.4 3is col_ADS to have people 13/08/2018 15:38The FinalPage Push1 for advice, take part in workshops pre-book activities with a £5 This is when you’ll be finalising and meet like-minded stitchers. charge that they get back in the your plans and getting ready for Last year’s event was another form of a voucher to spend in the big day. It could also be a great success and it’s time to store on the day, to gauge good opportunity to visit local GET SOCIAL! gear up for the 2018’s Sew potential numbers. community groups and let them Social media is the easiest way to promote your day to Saturday to be held on October 6. know what will be happening. an already interested audience. Here are our top tips: So what should you do – well z WEEK TWO Prep your staff on the plans for z Post twice a day in the run up to the big day promoting here’s our handy guide to plan Spread the Word Sew Saturday; if you’re planning your day. Remember to tag Sew Saturday and Sew magazine your approach in the four-week Talk to your most loyal customers to offer goodie bags, it’s best to in your posts for a chance of a repost/regram/retweet! run up to Sew Saturday 2018. to discover exactly how they’d like get them assembled in plenty z Use appropriate hashtags. Apps such as Hashtagger to see you celebrate Sew Saturday. of time. (free to download) can be really helpful for generating z WEEK ONE Word of mouth is one of the most You could also create a the hashtags you need to make your posts fly! Begin your Action Plan effective advertising techniques ‘bargain bin’ with last season’s z Be clear about your message - ask yourself: Why is this You now need to determine what – and best of all, it’s free! lines to give customers the post of interest to my following? Can you include a promotion you’ll be hosting and how you Next, take a look at all the chance to stock up on quality or a reason to get people in your shop on the day? intend to attract people into your literature available to you and make fabrics at discount prices. Also z store. There are all kinds of things use of the flyers and posters think about your window display Use pictures! Pictures included in posts make posts appear you could organise, from free provided in your introductory starter – create something that will be larger on walls and more attention grabbing, so always workshops and demos, to in-store pack when you signed up. Make eye-catching and enticing to draw include bright and bold images to support your posts. discounts, free goodie bags, prize sure to put the posters up where in customers. Good luck! draws, and tea and cake. It’s they will be noticed around your worth investigating whether any shop. It’s also worth asking local sewing personalities or bloggers stores if they’d be prepared to put are local to you, and thinking up flyers on their till points or in shop ways you could team up with windows to help spread the word. them on the day. You could even offer classes z WEEK THREE on the day, using your exclusive Get in Touch Sew Saturday mascot patterns It’s now time to contact Sew from your starter pack. This year’s Saturday HQ and inform them of unicorn character includes two all your plans, as this is when the versions – a fabric pincushion for promotion really steps up. The adults and felt toys for the kids to teams at Aceville Publications, including Sew, Crafts Beautiful, and Make It Today, will be dedicating editorial space in their magazines to promoting what you have planned, allowing you to reach thousands of consumers across the UK.

www.craftbusiness.com 38 RETAIL CLINIC Keep your stock strong to keep them coming back for more z them while they’re still brand CRAFTERS COMPANION mini_ADS 17/08/2018 14:59 Page 1 The constant buzz of the crafting world can at times be new and desirable. Place tricky to navigate, particularly them in a prominent location as a business owner. As the in store or on your website, market is constantly moving hold demos and workshops and changing, how do you using the new products, or maintain a strong product range film video tutorials for social that will keep your customers media to spark inspiration. All returning time and time again? of these efforts will encourage It all comes down to choosing your customers to try these the right new products at the products for themselves, right time, while maintaining a making space for the next big Sara Davies MBE, founder of solid core range. This can be release to hit your shelves. easier said than done, so here is Crafter’s Companion, gives my go-to-guide to ensure your z NEVER FORGET product range works for you. YOUR CORE her tips on offering the While maintaining an on-trend z FINGER ON THE PULSE range is important, it is vital to best product range in an For starters, it’s important to ensure your core stock is never keep your finger on the pulse neglected. Consider where ever-changing market with the latest trends. The possible gaps are in your core best way to do this is to make product offering, rather than ‘research’ as frequent and fun as solely focussing on carrying possible, so that it becomes part the latest designs. For example, of your everyday. Keep an eye are you providing an extensive on influencers’ and designers’ selection of paint colours? blogs, watch craft TV and read Do you stock a good range of magazines. If you surround cardstock weights and types - yourself with inspirational pearlescent, watercolour, linen market leaders it will be easier effect, stamping card etc? Are to anticipate new techniques you fully stocked with tools? A and popular products ahead of diverse core product range will demand. This is important as ensure customers return for it will also give you time to test whatever they may need, whether the water with a limited stock. pair of scissors or the latest Make sure you are attending fashionable embossing die! trade shows and seminars as often as possible to keep abreast z FOCUS of any new releases. Speak to Finally, stay customer focused new suppliers, take advantage throughout. Keep tabs on any of the advice on offer and watch customer requests, through where the crowds flock to as interactions with your staff this will help you get a feel of in store, online and on social the most popular products media. You could even hold currently on the market. polls on social media or send You can also look to your current out feedback forms to your suppliers to keep up-to-date on marketing database to help find new products. Double check out which products are in high that you are subscribed to their demand with your customers. newsletters and mailing lists and Pairing this information with your watch what these companies stock levels, you can adjust your are doing, so that you don’t product ranges accordingly. miss out on the next big thing! So, there you have it, my top tips for securing a z KEEP ON PUSHING strong product range in an Once you’ve decided on which ever-changing market. Now new products to stock, push go forth and conquer!

www.craftbusiness.com CLASSIFIED FILLER_ADS 16/08/2018 15:22 Page 1

SHOW NEWS 39

DOING THE BUSINESS… All the hits from EDITOR Mark Hayhurst 01206 508618 [email protected] Salt Lake City HEAD OF EDITORIAL (BUSINESS) Fae Gilfillan Alexandra Stapleton, founder [email protected] HEAD OF ADVERTISING of crafting, lifestyle and (CRAFT) Martin Lack baking blog Hedgehog Hollow, 01206 505940 [email protected] reports back from the AFCI’s ADVERTISING MANAGER Danielle Harris 01206 505954 Mixed Media Show [email protected]

ACCOUNTS Anne-Marie Hartley z In late July all of us from a matte version of their drops, particular favourite from the class These boxes came with 3D 01206 505902 was their paint which hardens to décor items such as stockings Hedgehog Hollow flew down coming in Art Deco bottles and SUBSCRIPTIONS MARKETING to Salt Lake City, Utah for a vintage colour palette. Tonic become thin plastic pieces; these and mittens as well as their Holly Rayner the Mixed Media Show, also released a number of 3D can then be shaped to create an ever-popular shadow boxes 01206 505965 AFCI’s Summer Event. dies, including an interactive die evening gown or 3D flowers. that can be customized with [email protected] The show was small, with and book builder which have During the trade show, your memories. The Crafter’s THE BAR RATE most attendees coming from the been top sellers in the UK. American Crafts hosted an open Workshop are also entering UK £28.00 Crafters Home, an organization Elizabeth Craft Designs house at their HQ in Lindon, a the home décor arena with Overseas €40.00 that supports independent announced their Christmas quick taxi from the main show. a new range of stencils for PUBLISHING DIRECTOR retailers. Demonstrations collection from Joset, the Buyers were able to browse wooden signs, with everything Helen Tudor on the show floor included a daughter of Els Van De Burgt the their showroom and try out new from Farmhouse themes to DESIGN: piece from Arkon Mounts, an creative founder behind Elizabeth product first hand, including their Merry Christmas through to MS Typesetting and Design interactive card with Lawn Fawn Craft. They also showed some new Color Pour range. A new Laundry and Patisserie. and a keynote from Mark Hill of new paper packs from Moda range of paints for the popular There was a new Printed in England AFCI. Sadly, during the show, Scrap; ranging from rainbow new paint pouring trend that demonstration from Artesprix, PUBLISHED BY: Mark Hill announced that this park through to Valentines. do not require any mixing, you whose range of markers turn Aceville Publications Ltd was the final Summer AFCI Lawn Fawn released a are able to create clean or dirty any coloured piece into a heat 21-23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, show, only two years after they number of season products for pours straight from the bottle. transfer ready to apply to bags, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY had taken over from SPC. fall, Halloween and Christmas. They also have a selection t-shirts or any fabric item. ©Aceville Publications Ltd Despite the sad news They are extending their range of glitters, add ins and even Finally, new releases from DISCLAIMER:The views expressed in this there were some great new of on-trend inks and papers as a gilding kit to co-ordinate. Echo Park, Art Impressions and publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure products and releases; there well as add-ons for their reveal Overall, Elves are clearly Sizzix showed different ends the veracity and integrity of the companies, were also some key trends for wheel dies, which include a the Christmas trends for of the crafting spectrum, with persons, products and services mentioned in this publication, and details given are the upcoming holidays. Tonic square version for those who 2018 as well as ubiquitous- Tim Holtz’s grungy & distressed believed to be accurate at the time of Studios announced Vintage prefer a more unique size. They unicorns and llamas are here ranges, to David Tutera’s fun going to press. However no responsibility to stay for the season. and bright home décor. Art or liability whatsoever can be accepted Drops, an exciting new addition are also adding a double slider for any consequence or repercussion of to their Nuvo Drop range, coming surprise die to expand on their In the home décor world, Impressions brought new responding to any information or advice in September. Vintage Drops are interactive die cut range. pastels are making a comeback ranges to all their interactive given or inferred. Doodlebug launched for Christmas, but this wasn’t products plus a new Bible their upcoming Halloween as clear cut in the paper crafting Journaling range. As always and Christmas collections. world; instead bold North Pole Echo Park brought beautiful Their bright colour palate Scenes with bright colour new ranges with many different was out again. and glitters were on trend. Christmas offerings from New at the show was It will be interesting to religious themes through to Calambour, an Italian company see if stampers take on the vintage Christmas options. with new roots in New York City. pastels in the cards they create. Altenew also showcased a They have a range of exquisite Particularly given the popularity new range of watercolour rice paper printed panels for of the home décor ranges from pans, liquid watercolour pens decoupage, pastes and mediums Calambour and Foundations and upcoming new releases for both the mixed media artist Décor, who had a new range for of stamps, dies and packs C and home décor enthusiast. A the upcoming holiday season. & D of their alcohol markers. WANTED Fabric & Haberdashery & any other clearance stock To advertise in considered for immediate Suppliers of Card Making, Scrapbooking, Craft and Bridal Supplies collection. Please contact Martyn please call Danielle on [email protected] www.www. 01206 505 954 07902 700 780

www.craftbusiness.com e-crafts.co.uke-crafts.co.uk GROVES page_ADS 13/08/2018 15:35 Page 1