£3.50 ISSUE 128 DECEMBER 2017 www.craftbusiness.com

FISKARSCraft front cover_ADS 08/11/2017 13:17 Page 1 Business The leading trade title for the craft industry

RETAIL INTERVIEW INSIGHT

Get physical Kelly Hoppen 2017’s with Holly on why craft biggest Tucker is crucial influencers P22 P19 P11 2 NEWS

Crafter’s Companion CSS INDUSTRIES HAVE BOUGHT announces new SIMPLICITY Welcome z CSS Industries has acquired Simplicity Creative collaboration Group. z Mark Hayhurst z @craftbiz CSS, a leading consumer z [email protected] z Crafter’s Companion is products company within the beginning a new collaboration seasonal, celebrations and z Merry Christmas, well it is the December issue! with talented designer craft markets, has completed Although it does seem to come around earlier every year, Michelle Jackson-Mogford on the acquisition of Simplicity, we do have a packed magazine of goodies for you to enjoy this a range of innovative new from Wilton Brands LLC, for festive period. digital products. $64 million in cash, subject to I have to say that I was extremely happy by the amount of Michelle has a wealth certain closing and post- nominations that have flooded in for the Craft Business Awards of industry experience closing adjustments. 2018. All you need to know about the awards is in this issue. behind her, having worked Simplicity is a leading This is always a busy time and it doesn’t slow down in the New on several International provider of home Year either. We have previews for January’s Creativation, in Design Teams, featured in patterns, decorative trims, Phoenix, and Creativeworld, in Frankfurt, and a special ticket craft magazine publications knitting and crocheting tools, giveaway! and demonstrated on craft needle arts and kids’ crafts We also have a great interview with former Dragons’ Den star TV for a design software products under the Simplicity, and interior designer Kelly Hoppen – with some good advice for company, and she’s excited to Wrights, Boye, Dimensions, anyone in business or wanting to start. bring her skills and expertise and Perler brand names. With the online world ever expanding we take a look at a to Crafter’s Companion. Simplicity’s products are sold business woman who is going in the other direction and investing Michelle will be developing to mass-market retailers, in a bricks-and-mortar store. her own exclusive range of specialty fabric and craft Holly Tucker, co-founder of Notonthehighstreet, has launched a CD digi kits, which will be chains, wholesale distributors new venture, Holly & Co. manufactured and distributed I want, I have made them and online customers. And we also take a look back at 2017 to see who were the by Crafter’s Companion myself before turning them Christopher J. Munyan, game changers who influenced the industry in the past 12 months. across its website, in craft into a digital item for the kit.” CSS President and Chief I hope you enjoy reading this issue! stores and on TV shopping With so many printable Executive Officer, said: “A key channel Hochanda. mediums, these collections component of our strategy is Michelle said: “I am will cover everything from to strengthen and expand our honoured and thrilled to be cardmaking to home décor, portfolio in core markets ON THE RECORD invited to join the Crafter’s mixed media and scrapbooking, through new product Companion family. Designed and will cater to all skill levels. development and “The beautiful colour by crafters for crafters, that’s Michelle’s first triple-CD complementary acquisitions. important to me and I hope collection, the Monet-inspired “Simplicity’s of our high streets has that it reflects in my collections. Lilies & Light, will be released in business is the perfect I am so excited to share all December, with more to follow. complement to our recently been replaced with grey my arty goodness with you. I Crafter’s Companion acquired McCall business, and mainstream chains, know with Crafter’s Companion founder Sara Davies MBE, the other product lines expand behind me my collections said: “We’re so pleased to our reach into adjacent making it hard to will be the best they can be. have Michelle on board! Her markets such as kids’ crafts tell one place from “I love to draw and paint so collections will be inspired by and needle arts. Simplicity a lot of the elements are my art the great artists and promise has built a strong portfolio of another any more.” work, whether that’s a pencil- to be truly inspirational for well-established brands in the coloured flower or an inky, experienced crafters and craft industry, and we messy background, and when I budding digital artists alike. HOLLY TUCKER, CO-FOUNDER welcome their talented team haven’t been able to delve into Here at Crafter’s Companion to CSS.” Simplicity were GROVES 1.3_ADSOF NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET31/05/2017 16:46 Page 1 my vast collection of bits and we’re really excited about the unavailable for comment AND OWNER OF HOLLY & CO. bobs to scan or photograph creative digital kits Michelle will before going to press. to make that be bringing to our customers.”

www.craftbusiness.com New store isopened flagship store in York. z Abraham Moon&Sonhave openedanew tweed ribbonoutsidetheshopduringaVIPreception. third retailshopinthecentreofYork, cuttingthe Thomas Genthad hispremises. the 18thcentury,eccentricwriter andpublisher famous RedDevil whopointsthe wayto where,in destinations. various shops,restaurants andmust-seetourist in York, thethreestorey, 1,700sqftshop isamongst Knitwear. designers Butterfly Tree AccessoriesandRossBarr addition to product from HollandEsquire,young furnishings, accessories,men’s andwomenswearin vast array ofbeautiful100percentwoolhome this October at33Stonegate. Moon &Sonsopeneditsdoorsto shoppersinYork home accessoriesproducing luxurysoftfurnishings. weaving andfinishingtakesplaceononesite. the process from dyeing,blending,carding,spinning, of the interiordesignandclothingindustry,eachpart it hasbeenrunbytheWalsh family. woollenmillsinGreatBritainandsince1920 vertical Moon andSons(Moon)isoneofthelastremaining heritage backto 1837,Yorkshire-based Abraham Mounted onthewalloutside shopisthe Situated onStonegate, oneoftheoldeststreets The familyrunbusinesswillbeshowcasingits Coinciding withits180thanniversary,Abraham In 2009,Moonexpandeditsproduct offerinto Producing luxurious100percentwool fabricsfor A quintessentiallyBritishbrand thatcantrace its Sir GaryVerityopenedAbraham Moon&Son’s In this issue the Royalthe School ofNeedlework? goesWhat onbehind scenes at the of Thrones 28 Royalty andGames love you onValentine’s Day outhow toFind make your customers 25 Feel love the tells usabouthisday ForAssociation Creative Industries at ofmembership director The Baum Jason as... 18 24hours year? past shakers inthe movers and industry were the Who 11 Game changers 2017 H &1.42col_ADS08/11/201713:19Page1 www.craftbusiness.com products to thecraft market.” legacy byofferingBoBunny Crafts isproud to continuetheir build theindustry,andAmerican They have tirelesslyhelpedto with crafters around theworld. brandwonderful thatresonates Lanoys have establisheda American Crafts, said:“The creating BoBunny’s product line. American Crafts andcontinue BoBunny designteamwilljoin oftheacquisition, As part a mainstayincrafting stores. more –arange that’s become embellishments, stampsand includes papers,stickers, vintage style,BoBunny’s offering in morethan40countries. point thebrand isnowoffered logistics professionals to the of designers,salespeopleand Matthew, theLanoysbuiltateam by herhusbandDonandson in 1996Layton, Utah.Joined products to retailersandcrafters. of BoBunnybrand papercrafting immediate andongoingdelivery BoBunny Press. bought crafting wholesaler z AmericanCrafts has buys BoBunny American Crafts to foryearsto enjoyBoBunny that crafterssure couldcontinue towith meretiring,Iwanted make we’ve madeover theyears.But store ownersandthefriendsthat say goodbyeto the theindustry, AmericanCrafts.with will continue brandpleased thattheBoBunny ofhersister,the urging saysshe’s Wayne Mitchell,CEOof Featuring itssignature Jan LanoyfoundedBoBunny The move ensuresthe She said:“It’s bittersweetto at BoBunny whostarted Jan, enable theirindividualpursuits.” of products and thatinspire with thevariety andselection to provide retailersandcrafters success. Wewillkeepstriving committed to BoBunny’s long-term media andstampingoptions. crafting, DIY, scrapbooking, mixed with anever growing range of tocontinue provide retailers AmericanBoBunny, Crafts will thathappens.”job ofmakingsure American Crafts willdoagreat come. Ihave confidencethat Mitchell said:“Weare With thepurchase of

recession. the country edgingoutof in the year to October pointed to retailers asastrong rise insales gaveA CBI survey hope to 10 YEARS AGO its BigKnitappeal. 379,112 woolly hatsdonated to the nation’s knitters for the Smoothie brand Innocent thanked 5 YEARS AGO called TribePatterns. new sewingpattern company announced they were launchinga Walker andKateUnderdown, founders ofthe Fold Line, Rachel After asuccessful first year, 1 YEAR AGO REPORTED... CB NEWS 3 4 NEWS

Creativity magazine closes ICHF Events announces z After ten years docrafts is to monthly Creativity Inspirations close Creativity magazine. leaflet available from all good major show rebrand The last edition will be the retailers and downloadable from November issue but docrafts have the website. This will include z ICHF Events, has unveiled a new plans to reach consumers. even more projects and step-by- major rebrand for its long- The docrafts Club will be free step guides and will be free of standing consumer craft shows. to join (www.docrafts.com) and charge. Formerly Stitching, Sewing & members will be able to take There will also be a series of Hobbycrafts, the events that visit advantage of some great content ‘How to…’ videos featured on the Glasgow, Birmingham, London, and exclusive offers including docrafts Blog and YouTube on a Manchester and Exeter have been project inspirations, video weekly basis. These will feature renamed The Creative Craft Show tutorials, exclusive competitions, our team of brand ambassadors LION BRAND mini page_ADS 20/09/2017 12:34 Pageas part 1 of a brand overhaul with access to back issues online of and will focus on different new logos and a fresh new look. Creativity magazine and receive techniques as well as step by Amy Last, head of marketing at ICHF Events said: “This is a 15 per cent discount in the step tutorials. hugely exciting time for us and we are pleased to be able to docrafts.com/shop with free P&P Finally, to encourage new breathe new life into these much-loved shows. This rebrand is on order over £20. consumers into crafting, docrafts about taking the shows into the next phase, which will see all the They will now be approaching have started working with “Whilst it is sad that features that exhibitors and visitors love, with fresh new ideas marketing from different angles Woman & Home and Prima November will be the last issue of coming to fruition over the coming months.” and will be working closely with magazines in their December the docrafts Creativity magazine, The high-end outdoor summer shows will also be getting a Crafts Beautiful (starting with their editions, which will feature it is essential that we move new look and feel and will be known as the Henley Country Craft February edition due out January advertising for docrafts products, forward with the way we Show and Weald of Kent Country Craft Show. 4) with a regular four-page slot in and this will continue into 2018. communicate. It is vitally ICHF Events managing director, Simon Burns, said, “This each of their monthly magazines, Steve Loveday, Group Head important that we engage with a rebrand is a step change for our events. We are immensely proud where their followers will still be of Marketing, said: “docrafts has wider audience to help grow the of the success of the shows and the way in which they have able to get all the top tips for always been at the forefront of craft market, and we believe that grown, this fresh new look will take us forward to embrace a new inspiration and techniques for all creating inspiring projects for the collaborations with Crafts generation of crafters.” their crafting needs. crafters to try and enjoy, and this Beautiful, Woman & Home and The rebrand will go live from 2018. Separately, from early next a legacy we are determined to Prima will help docrafts expand year they will be producing a continue. our brand reach and awareness.”

STOCK SHOT INTRODUCING IMAGINATION CRACKLE PASTE z Imagination Crafts are market leaders in creating products which are suitable for mixed media and textural work. Following on from their highly successful, quick drying Texture Paste, Imagination have just introduced Imagination Crackle Paste to their ever expanding range of mixed media products. Imagination Crackle Paste is a one-step, fast drying crackle paste which can be left to air-dry, or, for a faster result, a heat tool or hair dryer can be used. It is suitable for use on MDF, canvases, or any non-porous surface. Imagination Crackle Paste can be used in the same way as Imagination Texture Paste; applied directly to your non-porous surface with a spatula or sponge, spread through stencils, or applied with texture tools, for example a fork, to create a vintage, aged, cracked finish and texture to your projects. The resulting crackle will depend on the amount of paste applied; a thin application will produce a smaller, narrower crackle, while a heavier application will produce a bigger and wider crackle. The beauty of Imagination Crackle Paste is that it can be used in conjunction with other Imagination Crafts products. To colour Crackle Paste, mix a little paste with Imagination’s hugely popular Starlight Metallic Paint before applying to your chosen surface. Colour can also be added by rubbing Imagination Starlight Metallic Paint into the cracks when the paste is dry. The crushed gilding flake in Starlights paint will add subtle, shimmering highlights to the Crackle Paste. Imagination Crafts’ Alchemy Waxes and Starlight Waxes can also be rubbed into the cracks to highlight and add colour. Imagination Crafts continue to expand their mixed media range and have also recently introduced a multi-purpose, clear drying, washable Fabric Glue which is suitable for use not only on fabric, but also on MDF, canvas and rice papers, making it perfect for any type of mixed media project. The Crackle Paste and Fabric Glue are available in generous, 200ml wide mouth containers that are easy to access and use. To see the full range of Imagination Mixed Media products, please visit www.imaginationtrade.co.uk or contact Imagination Crafts via email on imaginationcrafts@ btinternet.com or telephone 01935 812000.

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Handy hints for leftover stock Michael Armstrong, from Rico Design, looks at ways to maximise your return

z I never fail to be impressed by some of the creative solutions that our retailers come up with to create extra business, interest in their shops and develop ways to maximise returns on products that are either current or may be candidates for clearance in the January sales. On reflection, of course, this is the perfect time of the year when footfall is up and as consumers we want to buy the best gifts for friends and family that STOCK SHOT reflect great thought and care. Two of the best ideas DEMAND GROWING I’ve seen most recently have involved a little more effort but FOR ‘MOST INNOVATIVE are delivering great results and extra sales. I thought it would PEN FOR YEARS’ be good to share those with z Pentel’s Hybrid Dual Metallic is rapidly becoming one of the you as they may help or at least most exciting pens to have been launched in the market for stimulate thoughts and ideas many years and the company is preparing for major demand in for your own businesses. the run-up to Christmas. Anyone who sells knitting As the second phase of Pentel’s launch campaign is in full wool can relate to the issue of swing, the company reports a flurry of positive reviews on social what to do about leftover stock media sites as end-users clamour to try the pen for themselves. from different brands where there Wendy Vickery, Pentel marketing manager, said: “Christmas is is not enough for a complete arguably the most important opportunity for customers to sell garment or where dye lots Hybrid Dual Metallic pens because it offers something truly that are no longer available. unique for writing cards or creating stunning festive designs. It One customer in a seaside can produce two different shades of colour on dark or light resort has come up with the idea coloured paper, with iridescent effects that are nothing short of of hand knitting beanie hats and amazing. As the ink is acid-free it’s suitable for most types of berets using leftover and paper, which is another bonus for craft enthusiasts.” topping them off with a Rico There are eight pens in the range and thanks to a special Design faux fur pom-pom. She Innovative ideas for leftover yarn combination of pigment dye and glitter a total of 16 colours can has been really creative with her course everyone wants to avoid. with some retailers taking be seen. Recommended retail price is £2.25 each and colour/yarn combinations and her This starter/gift pack approach the opportunity to create merchandising includes a counter display, blister cards or a customers seem to love them. can apply to almost any item. gift/kit packages placing hanging set of all eight colours. Attractive PoS is available. In only a short space of time she Thinking creatively to them in the key impulse has sold profitably more than 100, develop incremental sales purchase area of the shop. with prices starting at £19.99. solutions for our customers is After Christmas everyone Another example is a something we try to do at Rico is formulating the plans for customer discontinuing a Design to help everyone sell the next trading year, with range of artists paints from a more. Now in its third season the trade shows now just competitor of ours and, rather our free pattern promotion is around the corner. For 2018 than putting the leftover acrylic generating momentum and Rico Design has increased tubes in a basket to clear, she has sales for our customers. its presence and profile created starter packs wrapping Using some of our most with stands at Spring Fair, the items in a clear cellophane popular this time the Craft, Hobby and , parcel with bright tissue paper designs feature baby blankets, Creative and Paperworld NEED CRAFTand ribbons. 1.4 5 col_ADS It looks 10/11/2017beautiful and 13:27 sweaters, Page 1 cowls, hats and in Frankfurt, H&H Cologne all ready she is moving the stock scarves. With the accompanying to name just a few. The at full price rather than having point of sale it is made simple complete list is available on to discount heavily, which of for the consumer to see and buy, our website rico-design.de/en

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Exciting times at What does the future hold for Debbi Moore Designs the hard-pressed retailer? And z Debbi Moore Designs has been going from strength to strength what can they do about it since it started eight years ago, now having nearly 500,000 Leigh Sparks, Deputy Principal (Internationalisation original designs. It is now providing a variety of and Graduate Studies) and Professor of Retail products from stamps, to card kits to digital software and so much Studies at the University of Stirling, calls for the more. The company’s motto has always been “Bringing Inspiration to abolition of business rates you”, which has been the main ethos of the designs and magazines/books over the years. However, since August 2017, Debbi Moore Designs have z Retailers face pressures (Internationalisation and of the land costs, the supply been undergoing numerous expansions, from launching into on many fronts and with Graduate Studies) and costs, inflation, all products America to now expanding their warehouse and office premises the rise in inflation rates Professor of Retail Studies and sourcing. Brexit is going and taking on new staff. they will only increase. at the University of Stirling to through a huge spanner into The award-winning company has now launched their new The publication of the latest has a different approach. those works, as well, because no- digital software that will take crafting to a new level and will ONS Retail Price Inflation (RPI) Get rid of them completely one knows where that is going. work on all computers from pc to macs. figure revealed that inflation in – but he believes that the issue “You’ve also got increase 2018 is looking to be even more exciting as there will be new September stood at just under of business rates can’t just be in the national living wage and product launches at Creativation, in America in January, as well four per cent. This means that taken in isolation regarding the then the minimum wage and all as at the Hobbycraft & Stitch Show in February, for both the September’s RPI rate will be pressure that retailers are under. of that feeds in. It’s just not the cake and sewing sectors as well as the hobbycraft and used to determine the uplift So what can retailers do base rate but it is the extra things giftware areas. in business rates next April. about the problems they face? that go on top of that as well. Plus, in 2018, Debbi Moore Designs will be launching a new This follows hard on the heels Professor Sparks said: “So retailers are looking at education site that will share of this April’s business rates “Business rates are clearly an everything they do. One of the inspiration and ideas revaluation which saw a massive issue, as is rental - depending things they can do is look at for crafters and hike in bills for some retailers. on where they are. Retailers labour costs - so it’s scheduling, tutors in all areas There are calls from can sometimes negotiate it’s volume, it’s about full- KNITPRO 1.2_ADSand help 20/09/2017 to support 16:37 Page 1 some retail organisations for with landlords and get time/part-time. If you are an inspirational a freeze on business rates. some of that down. independent business it’s often workshops. However, Leigh “But, basically costs are about an owner spending even Sparks, Deputy Principal under great pressure in terms more time in the business and

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out and the government doesn’t do something around the cost structures, particularly with OPINION rates, but the whole cumulative affect of all the things that CALLS FOR retailers now have to do – then I think retailers will increasingly BUSINESS react. Some of them will just RATES FREEZE disappear, some of them will put more technology where they z The British Retail can afford it into the business. Consortium has called for a “So it will change the nature business rates freeze of retailing in that way. All the following the release of the signals are that the drive is September inflation figures. more to digital and online and The BRC have warned that seems to be the preferred that without intervention solution but there is a problem from Government retailers there for places and the social will face a rates rise twice equity around places. Do I see as large as last year. This that causes a problem, obviously. “We need to move away Professor Sparks added: “All that changing in the next five will hit retailers alone with It is one of the costs they can from that really tight version on the signals I see are very much years – no. I see some of the an extra £270 million in tax manipulate but, of course, the property which is almost always that, as a sector as a whole, it trends accelerating but the cloud, next April. more you cut labour the more an upwards increase, make the is going to continue to be go and the unknown, is what sort of Helen Dickinson OBE, you run some other costs system far less complicated – under enormous pressure. Does Brexit deal does happen. What BRC chief executive, said: risks - whether it’s shrinkage, if you want to promote small that mean it’s all going to be does it mean for the pound? “Consumers, already seeing so that’s a technology solution, businesses and small retailers. doom and gloom – no. There What does it mean in terms of, household incomes eroded, or whether it’s through lack “We have a small business will be places that will work – therefore, inflation? How does will face further misery as of customer service – so it bonus scheme in Scotland, for London and the south-east is that feed in to interest rates? the pound in their pocket is a difficult balancing act.” example, which takes most of doing far better than much of All of this – it’s those macro buys them less at the So what do retailers need the small retailers out of it, but the rest of the country. And that factors that are hanging over the checkout. “For retailers this to help them through these you have to apply. So, I would bubble doesn’t often see some sector. One of the problems is will be compounded if UK difficult times, Professor always argue, why are we building of the real damage in some does that mean retailers won’t Ministers fail to act and Sparks has one solution: a system where you are forcing of towns in other locations. invest because they have no stem the hefty near four per He said: “What do they need someone to do something when “But their will be winners in real certainty about the future. cent rise in business rates, – they need the rates system you really want an outcome, all sorts of different places and “There will be some who will which is set to add an extra completely abolished. It’s an why not get rid of that part of there will be losers in all sorts take a punt on it and go one way quarter of a billion pounds IMPRESSanalogue ART 1.2_ADS system 17/08/2017 in a digital 12:19 Pagethe 1 system and change it.” of places. The big thing is, it and be really well off at the end of to retailers’ already world. We need to understand And what about the future, looks as if we have bottomed it, there will be others who do the unreasonable business what internet retailers are doing is there a ray of light for our out in terms of interest rates, if same thing and it may go badly rates burden.” and bring them into the fold. hard-pressed retailers? the cost structures aren’t sorted wrong – it’s turbulent times.”

www.craftbusiness.com 8 NEWS Take a stroll around a creative city Here are some top tips on what to look out for at Creativation 2018

z Creativity lives at Creativation, basic premise of Creativation – a basics of painting through the the Association For Creative place where creative businesses Society of Decorative Painters’ Industries’ (AFCI) annual trade of all types and sizes can visit to new Make With Paint program. event for the global community discover new and exciting Celebrate your creativity with CREATIVATION mini_ADS 08/11/2017 13:14 Pageof creative 1 businesses. opportunities; a place that feels a glass of wine during a Paint- The event, taking place January familiar, like home, yet that n-Sip event* hosted by Plaid. 18-22, 2018, in Phoenix, Arizona, facilitates new partners and will have a trade show floor that connections, and prepares your z ARTISAN FAIR and visiting with 4KidsCo, Crayola win $10,000 USD and become the resembles the inventive and fun business for the year ahead and Learn a new craft at the Artisan and Plaid, or by attending the Top Creative Innovation of 2018. city layout that was first introduced beyond. Fair featuring Phoenix artists, General Session* presented by in 2017, but with new features and Whether you plan to walk the artisans and crafters. Crayola on Sunday, January 21. z TECHNOLOGY PARK surprises for everyone. trade show by following street Find the latest and greatest If you didn’t attend the last signs or by way of the Hop-On/ z CAMP CREATIVITY z CREATIVATION gadgets, technologies, software event, imagine this: a bustling Hop-Off Tour Bus, here are some Relive your summer camp days UNIVERSITY and information technology urban area where traditional top destinations that everyone at Camp Creativity – bringing Learn what’s new, what’s from business solutions exhibitor booths are storefronts should look for while attending your favorite summer crafts to trending and how you can vendors in this modern space. and the featured destinations Creativation: life and focusing on an ever- drive your business forward Sit in and listen to iDiscover represent everyday places you growing sector of our industry: to success through seminars Chats – 15 minute, informative would recognize in your home z ART STUDIO Kids’ Crafts. Participate in the and workshops at Creativation and exciting inspirational talks town, such as the local bakery, Everyone is an artist in this fun and learn more about this University. Participate in classes featuring speakers sharing bistro or university. This is the creative studio space. Learn the sector by stopping by the booth that channel your enthusiasm, tips and resources for creative sharpen your business skills, organizations of all sizes. DEBBIE MOORE 1.8 2 col_ADS 08/11/2017 13:15and expandPage 1 your knowledge of the creative arts industry z TOWN SQUARE – all led by industry experts, Join your friends and business professional educators, partners in Town Square to and your creative peers. pick up some delicious treats from a food truck, chat on a z CREATOR LOUNGE park bench, or take a break Creative influencers and creators and plan your next move. who develop content, promote *Ticket required. Purchase brands, educate consumers a ticket during the online and influence buyers are invited registration process at to use the Creator Lounge, CreativationShow.org. sponsored by Floracraft. z PLAN YOUR CREATIVATION z INNOVATIONS CENTER EXPERIENCE Discover never-before seen Visit CreativationShow.org and products, ideas, trends, check out more networking and techniques and devices through education opportunities that hands-on and interactive displays have been designed to help in the Innovations Center, your creative business thrive. sponsored by Michaels. Meet the Also, visit the International individuals who are launching page under the Attendees their mold-breaking innovations menu to get tips and tools for at the event and competing to travelling to the United States.

www.craftbusiness.com MESSE CREATIVEWORLD skyscraper_ADS 08/11/2017 15:26 Page 1

What not to miss at Creativeworld 2018 All the best the industry has to offer is on show in Frankfurt z Trends, workshops and the first port of call. Messe The three trends are: exhibitions will all be on show Frankfurt commissioned • The Colourist: expressive at Creativeworld 2018. design consultants Stilbüro mixture of different materials The four-day leading international bora.herke.palmisano with with dynamic colours trade fair for hobbies, arts and the show’s development. • The Gardener: creative crafts and artists’ requisites, held Claudia Herke, trend scout of inspiration from flora and fauna in Frankfurt am Main between Stilbüro bora.herke.palmisano, • The Purist: high-grade materials January 27-31, will also see said: “We observe the influences given a restrained finish demonstrations in painting, of product, textile and fashion For each trend, workshops will handicrafts, sewing, designing design on the hobbies, arts and be held in the Trend Show area jewellery and wrapping. crafts and artists’ requisites on all four days of the fair. In 2017, 339 exhibitors from 37 sector and adapt them to countries exhibited their new the product and thematic z CREATIVE ideas, techniques and materials world of Creativeworld.” IMPULSE AWARD in halls 4.1 and 4.2. While 8,650 Michael Reichhold said: “At The Creative Impulse Award trade visitors from 94 countries the Trend Show, specialist will be awarded for the 13th filled the fully booked fair halls. retailers can see unexpected time. Messe Frankfurt awards Michael Reichhold, Creativeworld compositions of creative the prize in cooperation with director, Messe Frankfurt materials and techniques, the publisher bit-Verlag. All the Exhibition GmbH, said: which generate important product entries will be featured “Creativeworld lives from its impulses for their business. in a special presentation and highly diverse event programme. “This year, the designers are the awards are presented in Our visitors want to experience integrating the tools and the following categories: and test the latest products, materials used into the show • Creative Product of the Year try out current trends and so visitors can see how the • Creative Tool of the Year exchange views and ideas individual pieces were created.” • Creative Kit of the Year on industry-related topics.” The result will be new • Creative Book of the Year So what are some of the presentation and sales things you can expect to see opportunities for the trade z CREATIVEWORLD at Creativeworld in 2018? thanks to new product and FORUM: TESTING STAGE application ideas that can The Forum is the big stage in z CREATIVEWORLD TREND be adapted for shops. the heart of Creativeworld and is SHOW: TRENDSETTING For the 2018/19 season, Stilbüro where workshops and product When it comes to trends for has developed three trend worlds demonstrations take place on all the coming season or industry dominated by a blend of different four exhibition days. DIY-icon and know-how, the Creativeworld material combinations, influences TV host Martina Lammel will lead trend show in hall 4.1 is from nature and puristic colours. visitors through the proceedings. FREE TICKETS But it’s not just Creativeworld that’s going on, the Paperworld (January 27-30) and Christmasworld (January 26-30) trade shows are also taking place. They will be also exhibiting the top trends and the best their trade has to offer. We have ten season tickets, worth a total of €450, for Christmasworld to give away, which also allow entry to Creativeworld and Paperworld. To enter head to www.craftbusiness.com/ win before December 15.

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Championing Christmas Claire Hamer, trade sales manager at Hunkydory Crafts Limited, looks at how to attract customers during the festive period

z For many craft shops, as many variants of workshop as up on your packs of A3 card to especially those stocking possible. In addition to focusing make bigger boxes and that you papercraft products, Christmas on bespoke intricate cards offer have plenty of colour choices comes early each year and workshops on batch making in your high quality cardstock. by early we’re talking of June cards, so that the participants Upsells for those making boxes and July onwards. However, leave with a large volume of include ribbon, twine and ready how do we retain the impetus cards and the skills and tools cut tags in various sizes. and keep customers coming to help them achieve their back throughout the months handmade card-making goals. z GIFT GIVING leading to the big day. Stock large packs of card blanks What do crafters want for The last couple of months as these are a great way to get Christmas? It’s often difficult NEW MANCHESTER of the year tend to be a little started on bulk making cards. for the friends and family of a ENVELOPES 1.4 3 col_ADS 08/11/2017 13:16 quieter, Page 1 with many crafters crafter to know where to start in STATIONERY SHOW shifting their gaze to buying z WRAPPING IT ALL UP buying the tools and supplies a Christmas gifts and planning Why not offer a bespoke crafter would like. To help, offer KICKS OFF IN STYLE the Christmas dinner, so how Christmas wrapping service. wish lists and gift vouchers. do we attract customers to our Think brown paper stamped with Also pull together z The Manchester Stationery Show, which ran in October in Old stores during this busy lead red ink (or a colour of your or your Christmas bundles in the Trafford, kicked off in style as exhibitors and visitors alike up to the festive season? customers choice), handmade shop, such as if you’re selling were introduced to a new venue, which was variously tags, bakers twine and a choice a die cutting machine put described as ‘intimate’, ‘quirky’, ‘edgy’ and ‘boutique’. z DECORATE THE SHOP of satin ribbon. As well as paying some dies and cardstock Show organisers Ocean Media Group, who also run the Give your shop the festive feel for itself it’s also a way to tempt with it, if it’s a cardmaking London Stationery Show, were delighted that everyone involved by decorating it with plenty of non-crafters into the shop. kit include card blanks, embraced the industrial style of the Victoria Warehouse, with its Christmas trimmings. Get your envelopes and adhesives. concrete floors, huge red brick walls and exposed beams and customers involved by organising z ALL THE RIGHT BOXES pipes. a decorate the tree evening. The run up to Christmas z LOOKING FORWARD With 40 exhibitors representing 70 leading stationery brands, is a great time to offer box To encourage your customers the new show attracted buyers from as far afield as Penny Black z LAST MINUTE making workshops and also to to return in January, offer a Glasgow, Klondyke Garden Centre, Falkirk, Pencil Me In from CARD MAKING encourage participants to look voucher system for every £X Elgin and Scottish Trade Stationers from Alloa, to local leading Many crafters have grand ideas at buying the tools that make they spend in December they craft retailer Fred Aldous and The Co-operative Group. that they’re going to make all box making so much easier, get Y discount in January. In addition, buyers from TJX Europe, Accessorize, their Christmas cards, but often such as scoreboards with in-built Also offer ‘how to’ workshops Paperchase, notonthehighstreet and Sainsbury’s visited the run out of time or ideas. Why not box-making technology and on the tools that they’ve show. offer last minute card-making dies for smaller trinket boxes. received for Christmas, The show’s seminars and Creative Stationery workshops sessions? It’s a good idea to offer Ensure that you have stocked bought from your shop. were well attended, and exhibitors confirmed that they had picked up good leads. “The stationery industry is a creative and fashion-led sector. We want to tap into this creativity and stage events that inspire and inform,” says the show’s marketing director Vanessa Fortnam. “We are already planning how to encourage more suppliers to take advantage of this new industry event to network with customers and new contacts in 2018. “We will also address the issue of visitor parking for next year. Many visitors were frustrated and delayed on the first day of the show as the show clashed with a Manchester Utd Champions League home game. We hope our decision to pull the show forward to the beginning of October next year will help with this.” The 2018 Manchester Stationery Show will run on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 2-3, at the Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. The world’s only curated design-led show returns z Top Drawer, the creative Top Drawer provides unique powerhouse for inspired access to this season's hottest retailers returns to London new design-led products giving Olympia on January 14-16, buyers the ultimate choice for a 2018. successful season. The Spring/Summer 18 The S/S18 show will bring edition will present over 1,500 thousands of refreshingly leading and undiscovered UK and diverse and innovative products international brands, expertly under one roof from leading curated and chosen for their names both in the UK and beautiful design, exceptional abroad to offer creative quality, originality and retailers exceptional choice for commercial appeal. the season ahead. Encompassing the dynamic Top Drawer is the essential sectors of Home, Gift, Fashion, platform for buyers sourcing Greetings & Stationery, Children’s, the very best in class across Wellbeing, Spotted, Craft and every product category this Food Emporium. spring.

www.craftbusiness.com GAME CHANGERS: 2017 11

Who has made an impact? What have they done? Who have been the.... GAME

CHANGERS: PATRICK GRANT & ESME YOUNG z To misquote a line from the Batman franchise, dressmaking The craft industry is built has found the heroes it needs AND deserves. This year the stars of Great British Sewing Bee made the leap from the small screen on innovations and trends, to the show floor of a new live event at London’s ExCeL. A Savile Row and leading fashion tutor are unusually well-qualified but who’s really pushed among other TV -ups, and the perfect ambassadors to encourage fashion fans to have a go at making themselves. “They’ve had the envelope this year? enough of awful-quality fabrics and poorly-constructed garments,” Patrick told Craft Business earlier this year. “There have been over 2017 one million sewing machines bought in the UK over the last three years; that equates to a huge swell in numbers of people making their own clothes. I don’t see this changing any time soon.” The Great British Sewing Bee Live will return in June 2018.

RACHEL PINHEIRO DRESSMAKING BLOGGER z With her online platform ‘House of Pinheiro’ celebrating a handmade wardrobe, Rachel has become a strong advocate for freestyle dressmaking and a favourite collaborator for sewing brands. “For me 2017 has been a strong year in terms of strengthening relationships with brands,” says Rachel. “Knowing that past collaborations have been really successful and taking the time to build future long-term plans. I still pinch myself with what I have achieved in three years. My favourites have been my sewing pattern collaborations. More to come on that...no spoilers.” STUART HILLARD QUILT DESIGNER AND TUTOR z Stuart might have been on the craft scene since the mid- SARA DAVIES, 90s – teaching, designing quilts for fabric manufacturers and finding fame on The Great British Sewing Bee – but 2017 has ENTREPRENEUR AND DEMONSTRATOR been a big year. The launch of a new book, Use Scraps, Sew z The rise and rise of Sara’s self- step. “All going well, we hope our Blocks, Make 100 Quilts has reached new audiences this year. built brand, Crafter’s Companion, products will attract thousands “Stuart Hillard is taking the quilting world by storm one block has seen many milestones but of new consumers into craft,” at a time!” says Krissy Mallett, the commissioning editor at clinching a deal to place products Sara told Craft Business back Pavilion Books, who has worked with Stuart. “It’s been wonderful and workshops in John Lewis in June, “which is great for the to watch how Stuart’s knowledgable, no-fuss approach to stores has been an important industry.” Watch this space! quilting has inspired first-time and seasoned quilters.”

www.craftbusiness.com 12 GAME CHANGERS: 2017

The Knit Set Industry insider Juliet Bernard shares her pick of this year’s innovators

• Juliet is a designer, blogger and founder of Bluebear PR. JEN AND JIM ARNALL-CULLIFORD z “Jen and Jim are a driving force in our industry, helping designers to bring their patterns to market with their superior technical editing skills,” says Juliet. “This year they released a book called A Year of Techniques that helps knitters to finesse their skills and try new techniques through a beautiful collection of patterns from celebrity designers.”

GRAFIX 1.4 3 COL_ADS 08/11/2017 13:19 Page 1 MARIE WALLIN DESIGNER z A long-time collaborator – and former staffer – with Rowan Yarns, Marie Wallin has a unmistakeable style that has shaped knitting trends for years. So why the recognition for 2017? “Marie’s latest two books, Shetland and North Sea, are must- have books for fans of cable and Fair Isle knitting,” says Juliet. “Although she has always been an amazing designer, these latest two publications mark a real turning point in her creativity.”

RICHARD LONGBOTTOM RYAN NEWELL MARKETEER z As CEO of Spinrite, North America’s biggest spinner and parent company of z The marketing force at West Yorkshire Spinners is behind Yarnspirations with its Patons and Caron brands, Ryan Newell has overseen a range one of British handknitting’s most successful brands, and of products that continues to make waves in the second year since its launch. 2017 has been a busy year. “This spinner has taken a relatively Caron Cakes, the self-patterning yarns wound to create concentric circles of colour, small range, spun at their mill in Yorkshire, and developed the have caught spinners’ attention. “Most of the big brands have brought some kind of kind of yarns both knitters and crocheters want to use,” says colour cake into their ranges this year,” says Julie. “They are brilliant for both knitters Juliet. “Their work with designers like Emma Wright and Sarah and crocheters and I really like to see this kind of product innovation because it renews Hatton has brought a fresh look to their patterns this year.” interest in our crafts and drives consumer in store.”

KAFFE FASSET z In his 81st year Kaffe Fassett has proved a game changer not by altering his pace, but by maintaining it. This true icon of the arts has had a busy year of book and cottons launches, exhibitions (his show at the National Trust’s Mottisfont House in Hampshire ends in January) and a speaking tour of the USA. He continues to delight fans with appearances such as that at this year’s Festival of Quilts, and new collaborations. Don’t expect the creativity to end any time soon.

www.craftbusiness.com GAME CHANGERS: 2017 13

The ones we’ve watched Craft ambassador Hannah Read-Baldry shares her edit of 2017 movers and shakers

• Hannah is a QVC craft ambassador and works with Sizzix as its ‘UK influencer’. Her latest book, FlowerBomb! 25 beautiful craft projects to blow your blossoms (Pavilion Books) goes on sale in February. Hannahreadbaldrey.com

JONAH PERETTI z The internet entrepreneur who co-created The Huffington Post before founding zany news site Buzzfeed has also made waves in the craft arena. “This year I’ve really noticed and enjoyed watching the Nifty by Buzzfeed short DIY videos, which are well promoted on Facebook,” says Hannah. “SocialSTYLECRAFT media comes 1.4 with3 col_ADS its benefits 08/11/2017 13:21 Page 1 especially for large brands; the most interesting technology I have seen is video/image clickable shopping which I predict will become the norm for most retailers very soon.”

RUTH OLIVER THE MAKE ARCADE z “I’ve really noticed the rise of the ‘kitchen table crafter’ selling craft kits created themselves at home or from their studio,” says Hannah. “They’re authentic and often cheeky, with an accessibility that appeals to the first-time crafter or ‘dabbler’. Great examples this year are The Make Arcade, Selfie Clothing and Oh Sew Bootiful.” In fact, 2017 is the year Ruth, the creator behind The Make Arcade, made her 20,000th kit, launched a wholesale range and debuted on QVC.

PEGGY PORSCHEN BAKER AND RETAILER z “As a creative I feel it’s as important to take in inspiration as share it,” says Hannah. “Visiting the bright pink Peggy Porschen store behind Victoria Station and enjoying a bleeding heart cupcake, for example.” Peggy opened her Belgravia shop back in 2010 but 2017 is the year her aesthetic – in both sugarcraft and retail design – really caught fire. The shop’s floral ‘Summer Picnic’ installation, created by Peggy in collaboration with florists Dickinson and Doris, made it a mecca for Instagrammers and bloggers.

www.craftbusiness.com 14 GAME CHANGERS: 2017

JO SAUNDERS ANNIE SLOAN, PAINT PIONEER HAND EMBROIDER z From the emerging stories of ocean plastics or toxic air pollution in our urban centres, the ethics and impacts of society’s habits AND FOUNDER took centre stage in 2017. A collaboration between Annie Sloan OF SEW & SAUNDERS and Oxfam on a new shade of the former’s chalk paint has not only z When Craft Business profiled started to funnel a share of profits to support charitable projects but Jo as one of our ‘social media made a contemporary and ethical dimension that could reinvigorate stars’ this summer she could decorative painting for today’s increasingly conscientious shopper. boast a mighty following of 89,000 Instagram devotees. A few short months on her brand has blossomed, with a whopping 101,000 Insta followers sharing the success of her collaboration with DMC and the range of kits she supplies to Liberty.

HUNKYDORY 1.4 3 col_ADS 10/11/2017 10:41 Page 1

STEPHANIE WEIGHTMAN DESIGNER AND TV PERSONALITY z Stephanie, product creative director of the Ideal Shopping Direct Group, reportedly spent two years refining the Screen Sensation, Create & Craft’s beginner-friendly screen printing product. Introduced in February, the product invites a new audience of crafters to explore a technique traditionally seen as the preserve of textile designers or fine artists.

BARBARA GRAY z The founder of Clarity Stamp has had a busy year, announcing in January her company’s acquisition of Pergamano. In the months that have followed new tools have been launched, and demonstrators have been busy breathing new life into parchment crafts at consumer shows. And not forgetting... GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE LIVE The industry lamented the loss of its TV star turn, the Love Productions show that shared the intricate processes of dressmaking with millions of viewers. The consolation? A new live event space acts as a creative hub bringing together the show’s for the store’s loyal following biggest stars to maintain the of crafters. momentum. LOVE KNITTING LIBERTY Knitting’s boundary pushing retail platform created an app OF LONDON that’s got crafters talking. “I When the iconic retailer use this app all the time, expanded and relaunched its especially because I can now dress fabric department as access all the patterns in my The Makery at the end of Ravelry library,” says Juliet June this year it showed a Bernard. “The tools are so massive confidence in the useful, especially the one that market for crafting. marks where you are on a Showcasing the work of fresh chart – I always have lots of designers, emerging habby projects on the go, so making brands and, of course, its own sure I know where I am in the range of signature prints, the pattern is essential.”

www.craftbusiness.com NEWS 15 What’s new in the world of quilting? Victoria Prowse, head of design at The Craft Cotton Co, looks at what trends were on view at the Quilt Market in Houston

z This year we exhibited at Quilt cactus and fruit icons popping Market in Houston again, which up on almost every stand. Beach is fast becoming a very important themes, parasols and lilos were trade show for us. It is always fun conversational designs we a good place to trend spot and saw as an emerging trend. this year was no exception, we We were a little sceptical HIGGS AND HIGGS 1.4 3 COL_ADS 22/09/2017 15:59 Page 1 saw again the rise in modern and about the llama which was very contemporary designs which are popular last year, but various ever increasing and we continued takes on this were still relevant, to see a variety of scale and along with the newest animal colours within collections. to make its appearance…the There was not an obvious sloth. This ties in perfectly colour direction, but what was with the tropical vibe! apparent was the transition in There were a lots of animal nursery which ventured away from prints, and most were wearing the traditional baby pastel colours cute specs which added a fun of pale blue and pink. Black and twist to the designs. There were white were introduced as a staple less obvious bird prints this palette with accents of turquoise year which were taken over by or peach as a pop of colour. the emerging swan, this ties in Simple and cute line drawings beautifully with nature prints form the basis of these collections. and pretty spring florals and We saw a lot of mark making even Christmas designs. and sketching on fabric to All in all it was a very create interesting textures. successful show and we came The tropical theme remained away with lots of inspiration very strong with flamingo, for the year ahead. New show content themes announced for CHSI Stitches z CHSI Stitches has announced The new its key content themes for 2018. Forum, sponsored by Zweigart The five themes will run Embroidery Fabrics, Madeira throughout all aspects of Embroidery Threads and the event and will be used to John James Needles, will lead and inform discussions, host demonstrations by the briefings and Q&A sessions, Royal School of Needlework as well as workshop programs as well as updates and advice and product presentations. for retailers on selecting, The content themes for 2018 merchandising and selling are Creative Trends, The Retail embroidery products. Environment, Exclusive Industry CHSI Stitches hosts over Insight, Digital Marketing and 200 exhibitors showcasing Great Customer Experience. thousands of Autumn/Winter Dominic Fleming, head of and Christmas 2018 products events at show organiser ICHF and styles. The three-day trade Events, said: “Our 2018 show show also includes a Learning themes cover creativity, retailing, Zone featuring workshops and market knowledge, digital know- product presentations, a New how and improving customer Product Catwalk for the latest experience – key areas for finished products and designs, retailers today. Professionals a New Product and Textile visiting CHSI Stitches can get Showcase at the front entrance key product, industry and retail and the Bright Sparks Pavilion, knowledge based around these home to the latest designers themes to strengthen their and creative companies. own businesses as well as find CHSI Stitches 2018 takes the latest products and plan place from February 18-20 purchases for the year ahead.” at the NEC, Birmingham.

www.craftbusiness.com 16 AWARDS

Craft BUSINESS AWARDS 2018

Massive response to Craft Business MEET THE JUDGES STUART HILLARD: Quilter, designer, author, demonstrator and Great British Sewing Bee semi-finalist. Awards 2018 “The Craft Business Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the very best of our Huge number of nominations put forward ahead of voting opening industry has to offer.” z The nominations for the haberdashery, beading, jewellery their 12th year and going MARK HAYHURST: Editor Craft Business Craft Business Awards and creative stationery. from strength to strength. “Don’t forget to get your customers to 2018 have flooded in. There are 24 categories “It is great that the passion, nominate you for an award – you’ve got to We have been swamped of which 14 are new for 2018 and the popularity, for the be in it to win it!” as over 570 nominees have and reflect the important and awards is still there to see. been put forward for the exciting changes the world’s “I think that this could accolades this time around. crafting business industry has be our best awards yet!” The Craft Business Awards seen over the past year. Eight of the 2018 WAYNE HEMINGWAY: Fashion designer and are the biggest and most Editor Mark Hayhurst said: categories will be judged by co-founder of Red or Dead well-respected in the crafting “I am really glad to see the our panel of experts while “Respected in the industry for over a decade, industry, celebrating everyone huge number of nominations the remaining 16 will thrown the Craft Business Awards are looked from small start ups and young that have been put forward for over to be voted on by the forward to with anticipation by both business people to the giants the 2018 awards. The Craft readers of Craft Business distributors, trade and retail.” of papercraft, knitting, stitching, Business awards are now in through the website.

LINSY BAKER: Buyer for The Works “The Craft Business Awards are a great z THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES ARE: platform to recognise emerging products • Best Independent Retailer NEW! • Best Education Product NEW! and businesses as well as celebrating • Best Support & Service (judged by panel) existing success stories and brand • Best Shared Retailer NEW! • Best Craft Book 2018 NEW! innovators” • Best Marketing Campaign (judged by panel) • Best Children’s Product NEW! • Best E-tailer NEW! (judged by panel) CRAIG DE SOUZA: Executive Director of • Best Social Media NEW! (judged by panel) • Best Papercraft Manufacturers/ Suppliers/ AFCI.UK • Best Start-Up NEW! (judged by panel) Distributor “With over 17 years industry knowledge and • Best Trade Website • Best Knitting Manufacturers/ Suppliers/ connections, I’ve been fortunate to have • Best British Brand Distributor seen this unique and vibrant industry • Best European Brand NEW! • Best Stitching & Haberdashery Manufacturers/ develop and grow.” • Best American Brand NEW! Suppliers/ Distributor • Sustainable Craft Company of 2018 NEW! • Best Beading & Jewellery Manufacturers/ CAMILLA WESTERGAARD: Content Editor (judged by panel) Suppliers/ Distributor for Folksy “The maker revival we’re experiencing is • Brand Ambassador of the Year NEW! • Best Creative Stationery Manufacturers/ made possible by innovative products, • Best Young Business Person of the Year NEW! Suppliers/ Distributor NEW! interesting materials and ingenious, quality (judged by panel) The Craft Business Awards 2018 will be handed tools. As a celebration of everything that is • Best New Product 2018 (judged by panel) out at a special ceremony at CHSI Stitches at the good in the industry, The Craft Business • Best Book Publisher of the Year Birmingham NEC on February 19 Awards are at the heart of this and integral in pushing the sector forward.” DON’T FORGET TO VOTE AT WWW.CRAFTBUSINESS.COM/AWARDS/VOTE VOTING OPENS ON NOVEMBER 16 AND CLOSES ON JANUARY 31, 2018

www.craftbusiness.com CAMPAIGN 17

“Definitely our most profitable day of the year and welcomed so many new customers, who only visited us due to the event.” JAYNE BRETT, OF JAYLAURS SEWING STUDIO

“This was our 1st Sew Saturday and what a brilliant day we had. The daisy tote bags Sew proved very popular as did the fabric baskets. The tea and cake was well received and everyone went home with their “make” and a successful! goody bag. Several workshops were booked and the best bit was that we welcomed several Sew Saturday 2017 proved once again to people who hadn’t been to the shop before. be a big hit with retailers and customers Would we do it again? ABSOLUTELY.” KAREN CLARKE, FROM SEWING ROOM, DOWNHAM MARKET

KING COLE 1.8 2 COL_CRAFTS BUSINESS 08/11/2017 13:20 Page 1

“What a great time we had on Sew Saturday at The Lorna Knight Sewing Academy in the Staffordshire Moorlands. As well as the tea and cakes, freebies, offers and prize draws we had one long informal workshop throughout the day. We welcomed over 60 visitors to the studio and enjoyed a very successful day. We had competent stitchers as well as complete beginners, children and dads sewing together and sharing in the fun.” LORNA KNIGHT VIRIDIAN 1-8 2 col_VIRIDIAN 08/11/2017 13:23 Page 1 z Stitchers came out in force to support this year’s Sew Saturday. “We had a FABULOUS Sew Saturday event we The campaign was initially were absolutely packed out! We even had people launched three years ago by Sew knocking on the door to come in before we magazine and its sister titles, were even open! In fact when we were ready to Crafts Beautiful, Make It Today close we still had customers in making Daisy , Let’s Knit, Let’s Get the Dachshund!” Crafting and Craft Business. In an age of online shopping, MICHELLE, FROM NEWARK CRAFT HUB the idea is to show people what’s community as a whole. Thanks great about going to a bricks-and- to all who took part... roll on mortar store – being able to see Sew Saturday 2018!” and touch fabrics, ask the staff Sew Saturday mascot Daisy for advice, take part in workshops the Dachshund proved AND IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START PLANNING and meet like-minded stitchers. extremely popular with The event, which was held on stitchers young and old. FOR NEXT YEAR, MARK IT IN YOUR DIARIES October 21, lived up to And on the the day people expectations as stores reported couldn’t get enough of the SEW SATURDAY RETURNS ON OCTOBER 6, 2018. an uptake in customers and loveable hound. business. And there were a lot of new stores that were taking advantage of Sew Saturday for the first time. Does your Shop have a Jennifer Ward, editor of Sew magazine, said: “Sew Saturday Craft Department? has proven to be another UK Distrubutor for: Sock Yarn Specialists fantastic success! Sewing and • Opal • Eucalan Have you thought about adding haberdashery shops across the Knitting Supplies to your store? country joined our campaign by putting on another great show, For 1 metre of space, you hosting a day of stitchy activities could have the Yarn as and offering their readers shown in the picture, plus discounts, offers, workshops and 20 Pattern Leaflets and a more – plus a cuppa and slice of selection of Needles. cake, of course! “It’s overwhelming to have the Total Cost = £743 support of these stores, their Total RRP = £1571 customers and the sewing Total Profit = £828 Stand, Pattern Book & Needle Rack all supplied Free of Charge with order. CONTACT US ON: T: 01756 703670 Merry Christmas & E: [email protected] Happy New Year W: kingcole.com Knitting Needles & Accessories Join us on Social Media TRADE ENQUIRIES: from everyone at E: [email protected] T: 0117 300 5244 King Cole www.viridianyarn.com

www.craftbusiness.com 18 INTERVIEW Hours As... 24 Jason Baum Jason Baum, director of membership at Association For Creative Industries, tells us about his day Backstage at the Gala

What time do you wake up You get into work – what much a pushover when it comes What time do you leave? And z A BIT ABOUT YOU and what does your pre- does a typical morning to their crispy chicken! Not the what kinds of things do you How did you come to work work routine look like? look like for you? healthiest, I know, but it sure like to get up in the evening? in your current position? I wake up around 7am to the I check-in with all of my co- breaks up the day quite nicely. That definitely varies by what This is the third association I’ve tune of Taylor Swift’s “Welcome workers to see how they’re I have going on in the office. I worked for and the first in this to New York”. If I’m good, I doing and what conversation How does a typical don’t truly ever “leave” – I always industry. I was brought over by run on the treadmill for about they might have had with our afternoon take shape? have my phone on me (is that a former CEO whom I worked a half-hour. Otherwise, I start membership. Then I meet I take a long nap after all the really a good thing?). So I’ll with at another association. All off by checking my schedule with my team to review phone crispy chicken! No, just kidding. be answering emails or even told, I’ve been working in the for the day, the weather and calls that they had the day I usually have a lot of meetings. have a conversation with our association world for over eleven then answer emails that came before. I then scrub my inbox My job is to constantly look Designer group on what their years. I love being able to provide in overnight or in the early so that it’s nice and clean benefits and a community for morning. The Association For before the day begins. people, which is essentially Creative Industries’ (AFCI) “I wake up around 7am to the what we do. Volunteers are members like to get off to an What time do you take my favourite people because early start since 900 plus of lunch, and what do you do tune of Taylor Swift’s they’re so passionate and them are retailers and have a on your lunch break? What “Welcome to New York”. If I’m really love what they do. store to open or business to get do you typically eat? started! We also have membersPEAK DALELunch 1.8 is2 COL_ADSusually around 08/11/2017 13:21 Pagegood, 1 I run on the treadmill What advice would you have in 40 plus countries and over 20 noon/12.30pm for me. I swear for someone looking to get per cent of our membership is I’m not being paid to promote for about a half-hour” into your particular industry? outside of the United States, so I them, but we have a Friendly’s You need to love what you do. get emails all through the night. near our office and I’m pretty at how we can work with our exhibit space will look like on I don’t believe you go to work members to better improve their my way to a New York Jets for an association for a pay CRAFT CREATIONS 1.8 2 col_ADS 08/11/2017 13:10 Page 1 experience. The Association game. When the dusts settles check. You need to be just as services the entire supply chain in the evening I like to run home eager about the industry you’re of the creative arts products and change into something serving as your members industry so, at times, it can comfortable (preferably a are. I would also be sure to be difficult to find benefits hoodie) and relax with my wife strongly advocate that you that serve everyone. We are of ten years while we watch listen to your membership. constantly trying to find that some of our favourite television. perfect balance. My afternoons What are the most challenging usually consist of following Finally, what time do parts of your job? up with a potential benefit you typically go to bed AFCI serves a global community partner such as Office Depot, on a work night? of 2,000 plus member UPS or Constant Contact… Somewhere around 10.30pm companies. Serving a community or working on programs to and 11.00pm. I’ll sneak in can sometimes be difficult attract new members to the some Late Show with Steven because there are so many Association and to our annual Colbert or Tonight Show with voices within each. We also trade event, Creativation, Jimmy Fallon on occasion. service the entire supply chain I wear many hats - tour bus driver is one of them which takes place January Comedy and laughter are and what one company wants, 18-22, 2018, in Phoenix, AZ. essentials in my life. another could be completely opposed to. We’ve been adding many benefits over the past few years to address all of our member’s needs. We also work hand-in-hand with our AFCI-UK Affiliate that provides benefits that are unique and relevant to our UK members.

What does 2018 hold for you? 2018 is going to be an exciting year for us. The Association will be hosting our 77th annual trade event, now titled Creativation. We also just launched our brand new Advocacy Program. Through this program, AFCI is committed to supporting and educating you on various regulatory topics that are important to the industry as a whole. We will also continue to expand on our research offerings including our Size of Industry Report which came out last January. We’re looking forward to continuing to grow our Association globally by partnering with other international Associations and trade events from around the world. We’ll be present at the CHSI Stitches event – so make sure you stop by our AFCI-UK stand.

www.craftbusiness.com THE BIG INTERVIEW 19

“If you have a dream, chase it. Stick to your vision, be creatively inspired by everything around and follow your gut” London’s world-famous queen of interiors and former Dragons’ Den investor, Kelly Hoppen MBE, talks to Angela Sara West about how craft is crucial! z Her big break came at 16, “I like to feel a sense of when her father’s friend asked harmony in my house, cocooned her to design his kitchen. “It in comfort and surrounded by was my first assignment and gorgeous pieces that I have I haven’t looked back since,” discovered and acquired over Kelly said. “The passion grew the years, in order to create that stronger and the projects bigger!” sense of calm and relaxation Having achieved iconic status, within my home,” Kelly explains. Kelly’s contemporary stamp “For me, that’s what is emblazoned on numerous accessories do… they act high-end properties, private like jewellery; they’re the jets and superyachts, along finishing touch bringing with countless commercial everything together, telling projects worldwide. your story in your home.” Constantly in demand, Her exclusive K by Kelly creative Kelly’s currently Hoppen collection for QVC, working on around 50 featuring jewellery, cushions, international assignments and, throws, bedding and accessories, whenever she’s not donning also showcases her inimitable her interior design hat, she’s cool and contemporary style. “I’m busy creating product designs a purist and I’m all about clean for her online store and QVC, lines, harmony and symmetry. writing books, or championing I also like contrast, whether it entrepreneurs and investing in be with pale and dark colours, innovative new businesses. juxtaposing textures, or blending vintage with modern. Taupe is z A SIMPLE DESIGN my favourite colour, of course!” PHILOSOPHY As for materials, she has Famous for her taupe colour several favourites to work with. palette and minimalist taste, “Linen, velvets and leather are the internationally-acclaimed materials that I use a lot and I designer typically works with love using accessories in these neutral colours, a trademark textures to add the perfect of her vintage-inspired amount of sensuality and depth.” “East-meets-West” style. “I like the palette’s simplicity,” z FLEXIBLE JEWELLERY Kelly said. “Not only is it easy Kelly’s hot-off-the-press jewellery to work with and pair different collection for the retail channel colours, textures and fabrics to, was designed and created it also screams luxury. These to make women feel more tones complement any splashes confident in themselves. “Along of colour or excitement you with confidence, it gives them want to add to the room.” different options and styles that could work in a variety of z TELLING YOUR different scenarios. Women crave STORY THROUGH flexibility, I feel, whether that be “HOME JEWELLERY” in work, home, fashion or design The flame-haired Queen of etc. It’s important that they have Taupe’s beautiful homeware options to build their own paths, collections include furniture, soft looks and designs. Jewellery is furnishings, wallpaper, vases, such an important part of my candles and numerous other daily routine and I adore it; I love decorative pieces. Adding a the way it can make you feel touch of elegance, her inspired when you get dressed each day.” pieces of “home jewellery” can A couple of jewellery s totally transform the home. designers in particular influence Continued on page 20

www.craftbusiness.com 20 THE BIG INTERVIEW s Continued from page 19 Pictures by Mel Yates Kelly’s charming designs. “I’m a huge fan of Stephen Webster’s intricate designs, as well as the effortless glamour of Diane Kordas’s pieces. My collection can be worn by anyone, but I think it will appeal to those who are fans of understated jewellery that can be built upon, such as delicate gold chains, filigree and muted gemstones.” She says her pieces were designed with layering in mind. “Some are simple, some are bold, but all can be worn together to create an overall look that can appear different each time, just by the way you wear it.” Any firm favourites from the collection? “One of my personal favourites is a gold disc pendant featuring a quote that I live by; “Learn from the past, live in the now, visualise the future.” It was inspired by a piece I was once gifted and it’s great as it can be worn as a standalone piece, or layered with other necklaces.”

z HOT JEWELLERY What’s hot right now in the jewellery world and what should we be looking at investing in to ensure we’re on-trend this winter? “Monogrammed and inscribed jewellery pieces are to get back up and try again popular right now… anything when you inevitably face a “I have just celebrated 40 years in the industry with a personal touch. People setback,” she advises. and have never felt so in love with my job or are moving away from bold “Do your research, know statement designs, and your market and your unique excited about what is to come!” investing in classic, meaningful selling proposition and be pieces. Designs are becoming credible. If you have a dream, KELLY HOPPEN more intricate, with precious chase it. Stick to your vision, be metals leading the way.” creatively inspired by everything z INSPIRATION, z SUCCESS SECRETS will set a new standard on the around and follow your gut. You INSPIRATION, Kelly says she has no career market, thanks to its state-of- z SETTING UP A BUSINESS? need to be passionate about INSPIRATION... regrets. “I’m happy with how the-art, revolutionary design. TIPS FROM THE TOP! your product, and what it is Along with her home things have turned out. I’m Before it sets sail, there is plenty Having clocked up four decades that you uniquely can offer. town, London, Kelly’s trips very fortunate to have a great more to look forward to from this in the design industry, the interior “Most importantly, have overseas always influence business doing something I inspirational interior designer. goddess’s unique flair has self-belief. If you don’t have her work and have played a love and any mistakes in the “I have just celebrated 40 won her numerous accolades, faith in your project or yourself, key part in her success. past have been nothing but years in the industry and have including the “Oscar” of the how will anybody else? If “Travelling brings me so a learning curve to get me to never felt so in love with my job industry, the Andrew Martin you have confidence in your much inspiration! I travel to such where I am now in my life.” or excited about what is to come! Interior Designer of the Year ability and designs, paired with wonderful places through work She reveals the secret to I’m currently working on lots of award. She says her greatest determination, you’ll go far!” and everywhere inspires me. I her success is actually quite exciting, design projects that I achievement, however, was Her top tip for crafters travel regularly to the Far East, simple; “Hard work and passion. can’t wait to share, and would receiving her MBE for her looking to create the designer America and Europe for work. I love and am proud of what love to explore craft some more services to interior design. “It look on a budget? “It seems I love the Eastern philosophy, I do, so it’s easy to put all my in the future. Watch this space!” was a huge honour to meet like an obvious point, but so sense of tranquillity, harmony and efforts into it. I work equally hard the Queen and be presented many people forget that they way of life. I also adore Europe. on every assignment; they’re z ON-TREND TERRAZZO with such an award.” need to budget from the very I take inspiration for my designs all so different and unique. Craft-loving Kelly is clearly all Kelly has plenty of tips beginning. Work out how much from many places and generally When each is finished, I get about creativity and there’s one for entrepreneurs… “First and you would like to spend, and how from daily life! I am constantly a sense of immense pride. trend in particular that she’s foremost, you need confidence, much you realistically have to inspired by travel, music, food, “There’s a lot to do but I currently enjoying… “For me, self-belief, and the determination spend, and start from there.” culture, the people I meet.” enjoy every bit of it and my one of the biggest trends at the family and amazing team’s moment is terrazzo, but not support makes things a lot your usual large, junky terrazzo… easier. I think it’s about working Terrazzo has had an upmarket hard, putting all that you have makeover, with bespoke pieces into your projects 95 per cent available that use chips of marble and making sure the five per for a truly dramatic effect.” cent relaxing time is the most incredible holiday or time out!” z CHAMPIONING CRAFT According to the queen of design, z LIFE ON THE OCEAN craft is crucial. “Craft, like design WAVE… CRUISE & CRAFT and art, is extremely important, CHALLENGES TO COME and plays a vital role in our The interior design visionary economy, not just in terms of recently collaborated with trade and employment. This is Celebrity Cruises on their why I am actively involved with ground-breaking new cruise ship, the Great Britain Campaign, which promises an assortment helping small businesses in of “firsts” for the cruising the UK to showcase what industry and the world with the they have to offer. I’m a huge ship’s refined, outward- supporter of craft in Britain, and design. Pushing the cruise ship would hate to see this tradition interior design boundaries, the die out. Creativity is what transformational Celebrity Edge makes the world go around!”

www.craftbusiness.com RETAIL 21 Selling Fast Stock your shop well NEW GOLD AND RAINING CATS SILVER METALLIC AND DOGS Easy and z SHRINK FILM simple to use It’s Raining Cats and Dogs with Graphic z Grafix now has NEW Metallic 45, a new Deluxe Collector’s Edition to Shrink Film in Gold and Silver! These celebrate our favourite furry canine and new colours add additional crafting feline friends. Precious pets are very possibilities! Easy and simple to special family members, and you will use: just create, cut and bake to love the rich colours and perfect pages add customized embellishments. filled with our playful pals! Each set Designs shrink to 20 per cent of includes 24 loose sheets of paper (two of their original size and become strong each 12 decorative double-sided papers), plastic pieces for decorating. Great new cardstock stickers and decorative for paper crafts, jewellery making, chipboard. mixed media projects and more! z www.jones-nottingham.com z z www.grafixarts.com [email protected] New deluxe Collector’s edition FANTASTIC SELECTION TWIST & SPRAY FOR OF JUMBO YARNS GREAT RESULTS z World of Wool, leading supplier z PlastiKote’s Twist & Spray range of fibres to the craft trade, has a can transform the home in a fantastic selection of 100 per cent matter of minutes and is perfect wool jumbo yarns which are perfect for all home décor projects. Transform the for extreme and arm knitting. It’s a revolutionary spray paint home in a matter Extreme knitting is a technique that uses Easy-Spray Technology of minutes using giant needles and thick yarn and features a large inch-wide finger to create high quality pieces, whilst pad, reducing the effort needed to Popular arm knitting is a quick process which spray by 33 per cent. It even sprays unicorn blend uses your arms in place of knitting at any angle. The spray-through cap needles. Both these methods result in shields fingers for a cleaner spray loose stitches to give an unstructured experience and its twist and lock action look, ideal to make chunky, super prevents unintentional spraying. soft blankets, scarves or snoods. Twist & Spray Colour comes in 43 All their jumbo yarns are fabulous colours and finishes. They took manufactured on site at World of Wool these ordinary plant pots (right) and headquarters and is made on their transformed them into colourful Spring specialist machinery to a very high plant and flower holders with ! They standard. They have a huge selection used Pink Burst, Exotic Sea and New including both dyed and natural yarns Yellow – don’t forget to use a primer first and their very popular unicorn blend for the perfect adhesion – particularly (left). Wholesale prices and discounts as terracotta tends to be porous. are available for bulk orders. PlastiKote spray paints can be used on virtually any surface and A perfect z [email protected] are touch dry within 30 minutes and Christmas gift z trade.worldofwool.co.uk fully dry in less than three hours. PlastiKote Twist & Spray paint comes in a 400ml can with an RRP of £7.49. TAKE ADVANTAGE z www.plastikote.co.uk OF THE TRENDS z [email protected]. z Take advantage of the ongoing colouring, hand lettering and bullet journal trends this Christmas with JOURNAL KITS ARE attractive new tins of triplus fineliners PROVING POPULAR and triplus colour fibre tips from Fabulous gifts for STAEDTLER. z Flying out at the moment are these friends and family Each of these popular triplus ranges beautiful Pewter Embossed has been extended to include 48 intense Journal kits. They make colours to meet consumer demand for a fabulous gifts for friends or truly comprehensive range of shades. family. With Peakdale’s unique Favourites for both writing and drawing, grid system the designs and the triplus pens are triangular for a wording can be interchanged “If you’re not sure what a comfortable grip and contain Dry Safe, with each other to make your water-based ink. own, personalised journal for product does or how to use Particularly popular is the new tin of yourself, family or friend. They 50 triplus colour fibre tips or fineliners are presented in a pretty little it, contact the company. which contains the entire newly extended brown kraft bag and will look range of 48 different colours. great displayed in your shop. They’ll be very happy to A perfect Christmas gift for children Stock up now for those last and adults alike, the new tins contain 15, minute shoppers. provide more information 30 or 50 triplus fineliners or fibre tips. or demo it in store” z www.peakdaleproducts.co.uk z www.staedtler.co.uk z [email protected] MARK HAYHURST – CRAFT BUSINESS EDITOR z 0845 600 5930

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Holly Tucker was one of the insightful keynote speakers at Let's get physical! AW2017 Top Drawer. To book tickets for Holly Tucker co-founded online behemoth Notonthehighstreet, but a decade on, she’s SS2018 Top Drawer, head to launched a new venture and this time, it’s a bricks-and-mortar shop called Holly & Co. www.topdrawer.co.uk But why the move from online to offline? Craft Business finds out...

THERMOWEB 1.2_ADS 08/11/2017 13:22 Page 1

z I founded notonthehighstreet. people behind the product - the Of the com just over ten years magic. The beautiful colour ago, and in that time, the of our high streets has been 5.5 million landscape of retail has changed replaced with grey mainstream completely. There’s no denying chains, making it hard to tell one companies that we’re going through the place from another anymore. biggest technological shift I feel like we’re becoming a in the UK, in human history to date; the nation of clone towns; we’ve all way we live and consume seen them - we probably live in changes almost daily! NOTHS them! Like so many others, I’m itself has been through the saddened by the decline of our most incredible journey with independents, and frustrated 99% this advancement, and I feel with what’s now left on offer. privileged to have had the unique, Our towns have lost their sense are small bird’s eye view over it all. of individuality, community businesses However, I feel like there’s spirit is waning, and so is the a dark side to this progression. sense of identity that comes Even though new sites, apps with belonging to a ‘place’. I and tools appear every day feel like we’re sleepwalking story, and are often unethically to help us get things faster, into a sad situation that we made. Plagiarism is sometimes cheaper and easier, I find don’t yet know the effects of. involved, usually at the cost of it all incredibly worrying. In At the very core of this issue small businesses who can’t a world that’s constantly is one thing - how we consume. compete or complain (I know looking to speed up, I think we It’s the classic case of David vs many businesses who have need to be slowing down. Goliath; fast vs slow. For me, fast suffered at the hands of this). means mass produced products z REVIVE THE MAGIC! made by big corporations, where z TIME TO SLOW DOWN This intangible way of shopping quantity and speed is valued Slow means something means we’re more disconnected over thought and quality. There quite different. It’s conscious than ever from the process of is no emotion involved in this consumption, and it makes you purchasing, and the story and process, the products have no feel good. It says something

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about you as an individual, that z SOUND ADVICE you place quality over quantity, In fact, this is exactly why I and prefer handmade over started my new business, Holly manufactured. The origins of & Co. Our aim is to shine a light things matter; products have on the creatives, small business a story, they’re soulful, ethical owners and artisans who are the and intimate, the personality backbone of our societies, and of the maker is present. advise and inspire them in equal Slow consumption exists measure. I want to demystify the more in the real world; visiting grey world of business, once and a farmer's market instead of for all, and share my knowledge ordering food online, buying and expertise in a way that was from a maker you found easy to digest and access. We’re through a friend. Tech still plays working with some incredible a big part, just in a different experts and influencers across way; every day I fall in love a range of industries to help us with new makers I find on be a real go-to destination for social media, I obsess over this remarkable movement, and their stories and creations, we’ve got some exciting things often shouting about them lined up to bring our ideas to an to anyone who’ll listen! even wider audience in the near future. (Watch this space!) z KEEP IT SMALL My advice to businesses Despite the rise in mass would be to think outside the production, of the 5.5 million box, and to ask yourself a few companies in the UK, 99% are questions: what do you offer small businesses, which is an that others don’t? How can you incredible statistic. A recent do things differently? Could report by People Per Hour you collaborate with another estimated that 40 per cent of creative business? If you have the workforce will be freelance a space, are you using it to its by 2020, so there’s no better full potential? In short, what time than right now to start a colour can you bring to the small business, and be part of world that’s increasingly grey? that movement! Creativity is I’m genuinely excited the one commodity that can’t A RECENT REPORT BY PEOPLE PER HOUR ESTIMATED THAT about what the next ten years THERMOWEBbe replicated, 1.2_ADS and 08/11/2017 I truly believe 13:22 Page 1 have in store for retail, and that it’s this group of creative of the workforce will be hope that I can continue be a small business owners that will positive influence to all small be the future of British retail. 40% freelance by 2020 businesses along the way.

www.craftbusiness.com 24 ANALYSIS

been lost by an independent hours and basic business Inaccurate information online is business, either due to inaccurate information is correct. information or another factor, One place where every they are more likely to turn business should be listed costing small businesses billions to established chains. online is The Creative Experts Ultimately, this costs – an online directory of craft independent high street businesses in the UK powered Natasha Murray, from Act Smart, looks at getting businesses up to £6.1 billion by ActSmart. Every business has in lost revenue every year as a FREE listing which includes it right online consumers spend elsewhere. opening hours, products you As a small business, you stock, contact details and more! need to be doing everything you Check your listing online now z Independent high street no idea the listing exists. With huge. Almost can to give customers the right at www.thecreativeexperts. businesses are losing over so many online directories now two-thirds (63 information about your shop. co.uk and let us know if you’d £6billion a year in revenue publishing company data it’s per cent) of shoppers would The easiest way to do this is like to make any changes. because the wrong information important for you to understand never return to an independent to have a business website. is published online. how consumers are viewing business if they arrived to Those with a website are more z ABOUT ACTSMART Even if your business your business online. Do a find that the business was likely to win the confidence of ActSmart is one of the fastest does not operate an online search for your business online shut and that they'd had a potential customers because growing specialist business shop, having some sort of and check exactly what is out wasted journey, despite online 69 per cent of UK consumers support organisations in online presence is vital in this there for the world to see! information stating it was open. trust businesses that have one. the UK, delivering business day and age – but publishing The consequences for Three quarters of people However, you don’t need to support services to the wrong information online independent businesses are polled say once their trust has invest thousands into a website. thousands of retailers. can be just as damaging as According to the research the six Subscriptions available for having no information. most important things consumers just £60 per annum for access According to a report by UK want to find online are: to tax investigation protection, Domain, more than two-thirds z Opening hours (87 per cent) inFund business finance, (67 per cent) of customers check z Product information Paya Card services, 24/7 legal online for key information such (86 per cent) helplines, consumer promotion, as an address, contact number z Opening days (85 per cent) employment manual and general or opening hours before they z Address (81 per cent) business support all year round. visit a physical business. z Contact information w: www.actsmart.biz However the majority of (78 per cent) E: [email protected] independent stores (61 per z Business background T: 01273 427 700 cent) have inaccurate, or no (36 per cent) information listed online. Simply searching for your COUNTRY LOVEBusinesses CRAFTS are AND often PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS 1.2_ADS 22/09/2017 15:22 Page 1 own business online will show promoted with incorrect you exactly what your customers information online, but they have see. Make sure your opening

Creative Leading Arts Craft Distributor and for Papercraft nearly Supplier, 6,000 30,000+ products products

• Card Making • Journaling • Scrapbooking • Papercrafting • Planners (card stock, envelopes, dies, toppers, embellishments, parchment, planners, punches, • Acrylic paints • Glitters • Glues • Varnishes rub-ons, stickers, scrapbooks and more) • Brushes • Sponges • Tools General Craft Tools/Accessories: Paintable shapes: (canvases, pottery, fabric, wood, papier mache, Polystyrene, (stamps, stencils, inks, paints, glues, glitters tapes, ribbons. , decoupage, storage air clays, transparent) solutions, moulds, clays and more) Pottery supplies: (bisque, kilns, clays, glazes, underglazes) Decoupage supplies (shapes, glues, papers) Merchandising Display Stands (paints, inks, decoupage and more) • Kits Country Love Crafts, Personal Impressions (Part of the EM Richford Group), Unit 37d Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RT. Curzon Road, Chilton Industrial Estate, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2XW. Tel: +44 1235 861700 | [email protected] Tel: +44 1787 375241 | [email protected] www.countrylovecrafts.com www.personalimpressions.com

www.craftbusiness.com VALENTINE’S DAY 25

STAMP YOUR HEART OUT ImpressArt’s How to be enticing Laura Avitabile tells us how to get the and look after your bottom end most out of Valentine’s z While personalized jewellery makes the perfect Gina Krupsky, founder of Gina K. Designs and co-owner of gift for just about any occasion,Valentine’s Day is perhaps the most fitting. Creating hand-stamped Village Paper & Ink!, in Greendale, Wisconsin, and StampTV, jewellery empowers the maker to incorporate personalized messages and designs into their looks at how to use workshops to boost your business work, enabling them to create unique hand- stamped pieces. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, ImpressArt announced the launch of their Premium Stamping z Valentine’s Day is the perfect during the two hours. And we also This project is the most Blanks. These new blanks will be offered in copper, opportunity to attract customers sell at least six times the amount of cost effective as it features a brass, Alkemé and aluminum in approximately 50 into your store. Whether it’s a card product as any other day of the week. tag that can be hung on a bottle different shapes and sizes. The thicker and brighter for the love of your life or some fun In January, we are going to make of wine or other gift items. blanks will enable hand stampers to create candy treats for the grandchildren, Valentine’s Tags and cards using my This project features a beautiful elevated jewellery within the same affordable price there are all different ways to new Therm O Web December release. card for a loved one. There are a few range that ImpressArt has always offered. express love on Valentine’s Day. We will set up three die cutting more steps but, as long as all of the Another perfectly timed launch is the brand As a bricks-and-mortar store machines and three laminators. pieces are pre-cut, this card will take new Heart Hole Punch; hole punching pliers that owner, I started something in my store Customers will come in and about five minutes to reproduce. add a perfectly sized heart shaped accent to your called “Scrappy Hour.” Two hours die cut their piece, then stroll over By hosting events in your store hand stamped creations when working with every Saturday, we set up two tables to the laminators where they will that allow customers to try before pewter, Alkemé, and up to 18 gauge aluminum. in our store and allow customers add sparkling foil to their tag or they buy, you will see a huge increase If your customers are in the market for to come in and make a free card. focal image piece and background. in sales. Customers often think things traditional hearts, ImpressArt offers dozens of We send out an email a few Then, they will add adhesive and are much harder to do than they really different stamps and blanks to fulfill their needs; days before the event with a photo any embellishments and they are, so by allowing them a hands-on however, if they are looking for something of the card or project that we will be are done! Once complete, we demo, you will show them how quick unconventional, they are bound to find the perfect making. We also offer all participants give them an envelope and they and easy certain techniques can be combination of stamps amongst the hundreds of ten per cent off their entire purchase head to the shelves to purchase and your bottom line will increase. design, letter and number stamps that ImpressArt during our Scrappy Hour event. It’s many of the items we used in You can also make videos using has to offer. not unusual for us to have between the Scrappy Hour project. products you carry and link them in Beyond the broad range of existing metal 80 and 100 customers come through Since we don’t limit what your customer emails. Show them stamps, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for they can use their discount the latest and greatest products that makers to offer something exclusive. The on, they do spend more. just came in, or do a specific series. ImpressArt Custom Stamp program enables It’s quite amazing that if you If you do one video each month and consumers to have their own artwork converted are willing to let them try a product send it out in an email, customers into a stamp. and make something free, they will likely stop by for those items so As one of the most popular times of the year to will respond by filling a cart with they can make those projects too! purchase jewellery, ImpressArt is the perfect all kinds of fun crafty goodness. And lastly, don’t forget the benefit starting point for any novice to pick up the craft You make it special for them of the free with purchase. We always and create beautiful, personalized jewellery. to come in and they will make sure give our customers a free gift when Visit ImpressArt.com for they look for the next email so they spend $75.00 or more in a details on the entire they can join in on the fun again! single purchase in our store. Giving ImpressArt product range. You can step up the game something free has a greater value by giving them a coupon for a to the customer but costs you less. small free gift if they bring a new For example, if you give away a friend with them next time! $5 item, it only costs you $2.50. But if Here are a couple of the you give them $5 off, it costs you $5. projects we will make in our Same value to the customer but you store throughout January. These are only letting go of half the amount. cards and tags all use the Therm Keep trying new ideas like these O Web Foil-Mates products that and you will surely see the end result will be released in December! in your bottom line. Happy Crafting!

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picture frames. The rounds are the most popular shape but they are also available in heart Get creative to feel shapes. The Swarovski rivolis are a fancy stone which is very popular with experienced beaders who can bezel a rivoli in red or pink shades to make a stunning Valentine pendant or bracelet. The Swarovski heart sew-on the love stones can also be used to make some easy but eye-catching Laura Ells, from Creative Beadcraft, hands out some jewellery pieces, for example you can use jump rings to link top tips to make the most out of Valentine’s Day them to a chain maille bracelet or just through leather BEADALON mini_ADS 18/01/2017 15:44 Page 1 cord to make an easy bracelet.

z Valentine’s Day is a great provide sparkle and a touch of Shadow collection z CHARMS opportunity to highlight some of luxury to a jewellery piece. (Innovations and Inspirations Stocking up on a few different your favourite beads and show The Swarovski heart pendants Fall/Winter 2018-19) is the new heart-shaped charms is a good off some easy designs to inspire are an obvious choice and we colour scarlet. This really is an idea and these and can be used your customers. Ensuring you love some of the new shimmer absolutely gorgeous colour and to make a simple charm bracelet have a good selection of beads effects, such as the light Siam what better time to showcase it or some pretty dangly earrings Free patterns are also a in shades of pink and red is an shimmer, which are available than Valentine’s Day. Whether you to catch the eye. Similarly, good way to attract custom obvious start as are beads and in the best-selling Swarovski use it to make a simple bicone some metal heart shaped by showing them how pendants in heart shapes. Xilion Heart Pendant. bracelet or go all out with a show- pendants are a good option. they can create a beautiful The larger one makes beautiful stopper, it will really stand out. Valentine-themed key-rings or themed piece of jewellery. z CRYSTALS simple pendants while a few of Swarovski flatbacks, both hotfix bag charms are quick to make It’s an ideal time to promote the 10mm ones can be used and no hotfix, are also great for and can also look effective. z WORKSHOPS some of the Swarovski crystals as part of a charm bracelet or creating simple heart motifs For youngsters, heart-shaped If you can run workshops, whether beads, pendants or to embellish chain maille. Also on accessories or clothing or pony beads are an easy way to Valentine-themed ones are stones. Just a few crystals will new in their latest Light and even on small items such as keep them occupied making popular and can range from a simple Valentine’s Day gifts. simple charm-style bracelet to As well as stocking some heart- intricate bead-weaving pieces. shaped beads and pendants Make and Take sessions are and stocking up on beads in also a good way of promoting pinks and reds, other everyday your Valentine offerings beads can be used to create by providing some simple some beautiful heart motifs. patterns and a workspace. Seed beads and small fire- polished beads, for example, can z ONLINE be used to create some lovely If you have an online shop as stitched heart motif pendants. well as a bricks-and-mortar shop,

“If you can make up some jewellery samples, that’s a great way to attract the customer’s eye and inspire them”

z WIREWORK many of these ideas can also Wirework is another technique be used online. If you’re able to that can also be exploited for send newsletters to subscribers Valentine’s Day, for example then it’s also well worth alerting by creating a simple wirework your customers to what’s heart shape that can then happening in your shop and/ be embellished with small or online and maybe tempting beads to make a beautiful them with a related offer. A pendant or decoration. Valentine’s Day “shop” is also worth putting on a website to z SAMPLES give your customers ideas about If you can make up some what is available. Facebook jewellery samples, that’s a great users love to see beautiful way to attract the customer’s jewellery images so try posting eye and inspire them. Just some some themed jewellery designs. pretty earrings, a simple pendant Valentine’s Day is a great or an easy charm bracelet will promotional opportunity to help promote the beads. Either tempt beaders at all levels wear them, put them with the and show them just what can relevant beads or consider be done whether with heart- creating a Valentine-themed shaped beads or pendants section in your shop to really or just putting a new spin on highlight celebrating the day. some pretty everyday beads.

www.craftbusiness.com VALENTINE’S DAY 27

Giving gifts a personal touch can make your customers fall in love

Clement Rouillard, Marketing Manager at ExaClair, It’s a good idea to show off a ideas could include anything range of projects to suit different from photo albums, book-ends the UK Supplier of Décopatch, Clairefontaine, Avenue crafters’ timescales, budgets and letter holders to lamps, foot and ability levels. For example stools or even coffee tables. Mandarine and Maildor discusses ways in which craft the Décopatch Love kit is an Finally, why not think about easy and affordable option for those out of love this Valentine’s retailers can make the most out of Valentine’s Day first-time Décopatchers. The kit Day, or those just opposed to includes everything needed to the commercialism? A small create a romantic, personalised section of your shop banning gift: red and pink, heart, floral love hearts and promoting crafts and geometric patterned that will inspire anti-Valentine’s papers; glue; a brush; and a customers to escape date-filled selection of ready-to-decorate restaurants and bars, and instead maché gifts and decorations. stay in with friends could be a Social media sites like fun way to combat the cynicism! Facebook, Instagram and *https://fashionunited.uk/ WOW EMBOSSING 1.16_CRAFTS BUSINESS 17/08/2017 12:25ELIZABETH Page 1 CRAFT DESIGNS 1.4 3 col_ADS 10/11/2017 13:05 Page 1 Pinterest are a great way for you news/retail/consumers-to- to keep on track of what’s popular spend-987-million-pounds-on- to make sure your displays and valentine-s-day/2017021423523 workshops appeal. For example, using lettering as ornaments is very on trend, with hoards of z Valentine’s Day is a retail Your shop window is try and fit all your good ideas people posting pictures of mantel extravaganza. According to obviously a great place to start into one window – it can pieces adorned with couple’s figures from Global Data Retail, in terms of attracting custom. A look messy, uninviting and initials. Gifting personalised in recent years UK consumers good idea is to think about what not show off your products lettering using Décopatch could spend in excess of £900 million your neighbouring retailers to best effect. Advertising be a good way of capitalising every year on the occasion. have done in recent years, the promotions and offers in on this trend, and showing This is fantastic news for craft sorts of things they offer and your window is also a great how the gift can be made retailers, but there is strong how you can stand out. With way to draw customers in. more unique and personal. competition from a wide range of a host of crafting brands and Workshops are an excellent For the more seasoned retailers including supermarkets craft-savvy employees at your way to create a buzz in your crafter it would be good to and even discount stores – all disposal you are in an excellent store and inspire consumers show off how Décopatch can fighting for their piece of the pie. position to ensure your offering for what they could do for be used to up-cycle almost Global Data Retail also does not look clichéd. their loved ones. Décopatch anything from around the house; reported that while spending is A simple window dressing is a useful craft for Valentine’s inspiring them to think about high, sentiment is low, with over tip is to keep it uncluttered. Day as it provides an easy and what would make for a special half of people surveyed believing While it can be tempting to fun way to personalise a gift. and thoughtful gift. Project the day is ‘too commercial’ and a ‘waste of money’*. So how do craft retailers ensure they stand out from the competition and encourage consumers through their doors? We believe the answer is in offering something a little different to combat this cynicism, and providing inspiration for thoughtful gifts that will enable consumers to enjoy their Valentine’s spend.

FUN FACTS ABOUT VALENTINE’S DAY

In Victorian times it was 1considered bad luck to sign a Valentine’s Day card. About one billion 2Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year. This makes it the second largest seasonal card sending time of the year. In 1537, King Henry 3VII officially declared February 14 the holiday of St. Valentine’s Day. More than 35 million 4heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold. 73 per cent of people 5who buy flowers on this day are men, while only 27 per cent are women.

www.craftbusiness.com 28 THE SCOOP

From Royal patronage to Game of Thrones, RSN External Relations Manager Emma Doggart gives Craft Business readers a glimpse at the workings of the world’s hub for hand embroidery

Behind the scenes at the Royal School of Needlework

z The Royal School of commissions, ranging from all levels and in many different Needlework (RSN) is the private conservation pieces to a techniques. The Certificate international centre of recent collaboration with Neo- & Diploma concentrates on excellence for the art of hand pop artist Philip Colbert creating core techniques and develops embroidery. large scale which students to the highest level. Founded in 1872, the form part of his ‘Nudes’ series. It is a flexible course so easy principles of the RSN were two- Steeped in history with to manage around other fold: to revive a beautiful art form unrivalled expertise in the commitments such as family which had fallen into disuse and, techniques of hand embroidery, and work. The Future Tutors through its revival, to provide the RSN has taken this programme teaches the Tutors employment for educated women captivating, traditional art of tomorrow. And the BA (Hons) who, without a suitable livelihood, and made it relevant today. Hand Embroidery for Fashion, would otherwise find themselves Interiors, Textile Art is the compelled to live in poverty. z BACK TO SCHOOL only Hand Embroidery Degree Students can choose to study Programme in Europe, mixing z TODAY’S RSN Day Classes, a Certificate & traditional hand embroidery It continues to be a thriving Diploma in Technical Hand skills with the contemporary organisation today, offering a Embroidery, BA (Hons) Hand world of fashion and arts. wide range of courses in the Embroidery for Fashion, Interiors, The RSN moved from UK and internationally. Exciting Textile Art or the RSN’s Future central London to Hampton and innovative, the Embroidery Tutor programme. There are over Court Palace in 1987 and has Studio works on bespoke 150 Day Classes to choose for recently celebrated 30 years

www.craftbusiness.com THE SCOOP 29

The RSN worked on HRH The A STITCH Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding IN TIME dress 1872 – Founded as the School of Art Needlework. Princess Helena (Queen Victoria’s fifth child) becomes president. 1875 – Granted Royal patronage and became the Royal School of Needlework. 1901 – Made Queen Victoria’s funeral pall, described as ‘a labour of love’ by Princess Helena. 1910 – Created embroidered banners for the “During tight deadlines, as Festival of Europe. 1940 – Designed badges for soon as one stitcher goes for a all the British break, another can take their regiments and later allied forces for place and continue the work” transfers to be worked by men and EMMA DOGGART – RSN EXTERNAL RELATIONS MANAGER women. 1953 – Made the Robe of at this historic venue. The There are many exciting State for Her Majesty school has continued to grow projects the RSN has been The Queen Elizabeth throughout its time at the Palace involved in over the years. From II for which the RSN and students have a wealth of a recent project for one of was awarded a inspiration all around them, not the world’s biggest TV shows ABC 1.8 2 col_ADS 08/11/2017 13:08 Page 1 Coronation medal. only from the rich history of the Game of Thrones to create an 1981 – Embroidered RSN but the stunning views epic 6mx4m embroidery of one slippers for HRH The of the gardens and beautiful of the battle scenes, to hand Hampton Court Palace and others a therapeutic hobby. Prince of Wales and Palace itself. The school also embroidering 200,000 dyed continue to provide inspiration for Whatever the reason, it is a monogrammed teaches in other areas around ostrich feathers on a designer students. Currently, visitors can wonderful that the traditional skill lace pillow for Lady the UK in Exeter, Bristol, dress for the GREAT Britain book a tour for of hand embroidery continues Diana Spencer on Rugby, Durham and Glasgow, Campaign which was then worn in Fashion – an exciting new to influence fashions and new the occasion of their and internationally in Ireland, by X Factor judge Cheryl at the display for capturing embroidery generations. It is definitely a very wedding. North America and Japan. final of the UK X Factor 2015. and embellishment in fashion exciting time to be in the world of 2006 – Embroidered Sir Paul from 18th-21st centuries. embroidery and the RSN would McCartney’s Ecce z ROYAL CONNECTIONS z EXCITING TIMES The art of hand embroidery encourage people to pick up a Cor Meum album The RSN’s specialist Embroidery And not forgetting, the RSN is can appeal to so many people needle and thread – you never cover. Studio is based in Hampton home to an amazing 60,000 for all different reasons. Some know where that skill might lead! 2011 – Worked for Sarah Court Palace and has customers unique Textile and Archive students learn embroidery to For more information on Burton of Alexander from all over the world, including pieces capturing the passion enhance their skills for their the Royal School of Needlework McQueen on HRH fashion designers, Oscar for embroidery throughout career, in particular, with the and its courses, please visit The Duchess of nominees, cathedrals, private history. Some of these can be resurgence of embroidery in www.royal-needlework.org. Cambridge’s individuals and the Royal Family. seen in special exhibitions at fashion and interiors, whilst uk or call 020 3166 6932. wedding dress. The RSN’s close links with royalty started when it was founded and continue today. Royal projects have included Coronation regalia for King George V in 1910; the Robe of State for Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress in 2011. The current Royal Patron is HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and previously, Royal Patrons have included Queen Victoria, The Queen Mother and Her Majesty The Queen. z EPIC PROJECTS All the stitchers in the Embroidery Studio are experts in hand embroidery and have been trained by the RSN. Each piece of work in the studio can be stitched by many of the different embroiderers but clients would be unable to see any difference as they are all taught the same techniques and stitch to the same incredibly high standard. There is a saying at the RSN that ‘No seat is left to go cold’ which basically means that during tight deadlines, as soon as one stitcher goes for a break, another can take their place and continue the work.

www.craftbusiness.com 30 RETAIL CLINIC

Don’t get left out in the cold - make the most of the January trade shows

Sara Davies MBE, Crafter’s Companion founder, looks at selecting the right products at the CRAFTERS COMPANION mini_ADS 08/11/20172018 13:13 Pagetrade 1 shows

z Christmas may be just around z THINK AHEAD what you’re looking for and the corner but before you Before you attend a show, it is stop you getting distracted by know it, it will be January and important to think about the gaps all the other amazing goodies that means it’s time to start in your product lines. What do you might come across at the z THINK BUDGET buy a minimum amount of stock thinking about the new year’s your customers always ask for? shows. Having a clear idea There’s a lot of fabulous things so that you can test the waters trade shows. Whether you are Is it a more extensive stock of of what you want to get from at the trade show and it’s so first. It’s better to be safe than thinking about attending your papers or a wider range of dies? the show should also help to easy to overspend, so make sorry, so try to avoid impulse first show (which is always Think about whether a popular make the process a little less sure you’ve got a budget in buying. Take notes or pictures a little bit overwhelming), or area of your store could use overwhelming, and of course mind before you go. For each of (with the supplier’s permission) you’re a regular looking for some new products or a section (if you’re anything like me) it’s the products you’re looking for, of products that stand out to some guidance on selecting which needs some sprucing up. a great way to make sure you work out roughly how much you you, go away and think about it, the best products for your Thinking ahead of time leave the shows feeling like can afford to pay for them and discuss it with your staff and your store here are a few top tips. can help you to narrow down you’ve achieved something. then make sure you stick to it. regular customers and then take the plunge if you still want to. z RESEARCH There are loads of great z HAVEN’T I SEEN YOU workshops and seminars at the SOMEWHERE BEFORE? shows too, so do some research Trade shows are also the perfect into what’s on offer before you forum to find out more about get there. Whether it’s testing your market. Pay attention out some new products or to how many companies are getting some business advice pushing certain products. Do or tips from industry experts you keep seeing a certain type these sessions are a great way of pen or are there hundreds of to get more out of the shows, new stamp designs? This is often so have a think in advance, plan a good indicator of what the big your day and make sure you trends will be for the year ahead, don’t miss out on anything. meaning you have time to make sure you’re ahead of the curve z IT’S GOOD TO TALK and ready to cater for customer Once you’ve picked your shows demand. Your initial list is and you’ve done all your pre- important and should guide your planning, what’s next? When you spending activity but if no one is are at the shows make sure you selling what you’re looking for, take your time and speak to as then there’s probably a reason for many people as possible! Talk that! So, pay attention to what’s to the suppliers, ask loads of going on around you and use it questions and really get to know to guide your 2018 strategy. the products you’re thinking about buying. You might even z ON REFLECTION discover additional products you Finally, once you’re back on wouldn’t have known about by home turf look back through simply looking at their stand. the notes you took. There’s so much going on at trade shows z GIVE IT A GO which gives you very little time Interacting with suppliers is to think, so give yourself time also a great opportunity to try to reflect on what you found the products first hand so you out. You could even write down can test the quality and get any additional thoughts you’ve to know them before buying. had post show as this will So, try out the pens, feel the help you put everything you’ve fabrics, see how easily the dies learnt into practice. And, even cut – test the products out and if you don’t use them straight see the results for yourself. away, they’ll give you a great In the end this will help you starting point when you start to make sure you’re stocking planning for the year after! products that you love and it’s So, there you have it, my top always easier to sell products tips for trade shows! Hopefully that you’re passionate about. this will give you a helping hand as you prepare for the shows z STOP AND THINK you’ve got on your list. So happy On the flip side, even if you’ve shopping and happy selling! (Oh! been totally won-over by a And, Happy New Year too!) product you weren’t expecting to buy, think before you make the commitment. How will the product be received by your customers and is there any demand for it? If you’re not sure how popular it will be then just

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INTERVIEW 31

DOING THE Minutes With... BUSINESS… EDITOR Mark Hayhurst 01206 508618 Paul Charles Wright [email protected] HEAD OF EDITORIAL 5 (BUSINESS) We catch up HOCHANDA’s chairman Paul Charles Wright to discover Fae Gilfillan how the channel was launched, how failure is vital to success and what [email protected] ADVERTISING MANAGER Clare Traverse the next big thing in crafts will be 01206 508621 [email protected]

z Tell us a little about your innovative product – we are not ACCOUNTS job – how did you come judgemental. We will put you in Anne-Marie Hartley to work in your industry front of our viewers and they, not 01206 505902 and particular role? a biased buyer, will tell you if you SUBSCRIPTIONS I have been an avid crafter since have a winner or not. Our motto Rachel Tudor childhood, so it's no surprise I is 'you have to fail to succeed'. 01206 505965 founded and launched Create [email protected] & Craft TV shopping channel z What is your biggest back in 2002. As a kid, I would achievement to date? THE BAR RATE wood-turn, knit, paint, and I was In the craft world … being an UK £28.00 Overseas €40.00 a dab-hand at DIY. I sold the innovative entrepreneur with business and retired but got still enough left in the tank to PUBLISHING DIRECTOR bored and saw a huge worldwide still see an exciting future. Helen Tudor opportunity thanks to the 'internet of everything' to bring z What books are on your DESIGN: MS Typesetting and Design crafts, hobbies and art to a new night stand right now? audience who might want to try Lights, camera, action – a busy day in the studio at HOCHANDA. Dennis Wheatley and Printed in England something uniquely creative and Stephen Hawkins. satisfying. Inspiration, education, PUBLISHED BY: and variety hopefully delivered “Success is a state of mind. z If you could offer advice Aceville Publications Ltd 21-23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, by other passionate creative to your younger self, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY people will inspire people to There will be failure and what would it be? try different things and realise Success is a state of mind. There ©Aceville Publications Ltd their own creative potential. disappointment but every will be failure and disappointment but every cloud in my experience DISCLAIMER:The views expressed in this cloud in my experience has publication are not necessarily those of the z Describe the 'lightbulb' has a silver – look for it! publishers. Every effort is made to ensure moment when you decided a silver lining – look for it!” the veracity and integrity of the companies, z persons, products and services mentioned to launch HOCHANDA. What do you do to in this publication, and details given are When I saw that the internet recharge your batteries? believed to be accurate at the time of undermines the challenge and on ‘family’ where all employed people’s lives. We see this Nothing – the adrenalin rush going to press. However no responsibility or liability whatsoever can be accepted huge cost of traditional linear in the business, or supply, feel whenever customers and from HOCHANDA right now fuels for any consequence or repercussion of broadcast TV. IPTV is the future truly valued and appreciated. suppliers meet in person my energy. Retirement nearly responding to any information or advice and I believe a niche player at craft consumer fairs. killed me, and my golf handicap given or inferred. that delivers live engaging z What are the best and didn’t come down either. interactive programming could worst parts of your job? z What do you think the next big present a great new business The best is seeing employees, thing in crafts is going to be? z What's next for you opportunity I could not miss! suppliers and customers If I knew that I would be a and HOCHANDA? truly valuing the collective millionaire, however I see Building an international z What difficulties did you experience! And the worst huge potential in soft crafts, business by creating a social experience – if any – in parts?! There aren't any! art and mixed media. platform where people who launching the channel? don’t know one another can find The biggest challenge was to z What excites you about z What advice would you have a common practical interest create a new business model crafts at the moment? for a company trying to become and stimulate each other to to mirror the best features of The possibilities (which are a HOCHANDA supplier? release and grow their individual both Alibaba and Amazon and endless) but ultimately to Contact us – we always reply. creativity. AND of course, make create a business ethos based have a positive impact on If you have passion, and an a few bob along the way. 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 Clare on [email protected] www.www. 01206 508621 07902 700 780

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