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£3.50 ISSUE 139 MAY 2019 CraftBusinesswww.craftbusiness.com The leading trade title for the craft industry

STATIONERY INFLUENCERS

He’s They’re Examining got it all sew spirituality boxed up inspiring and dreams P20 P10 P16 2 NEWS

Welcome z Mark Hayhurst z @craftbiz z [email protected] z Well it’s nice to see that the warmer weather is here at last – hopefully it stays around for a bit. I recently had the pleasure of helping to judge the Supplier Stationery Awards 2019. It was a great experience with a lot of very interesting products on display. There were some tough choices to make between a lot of excellent items. At the time of writing I am preparing to attend the Stationery Show London 2019 at the Business Design Centre in Islington on April 30-May 1. I hope to have met quite a few of the entrants to the awards there and compliment them on their products! There is always a lot to see at the show and I am sure it’s going to be no different this year. This month we take a look at who is influencing the world of sewing. There are so many wonderful people out there that I am sure we have missed a few out. There wouldn’t have been any room left in the magazine if everyone had been included! I hope you enjoy this issue of Craft Business.

ON THE RECORD A vision for the future “I like to think that and some big plans artists get better Jamie Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Ideal Shopping Direct with age” Ltd, talks to Mark Hayhurst about Create and Craft, his passion for the industry and some very exciting developments MICHAEL JAMES

z It’s a very important year business in general but I love the it – so, for me, coming to work for Create and Craft – it’s craft business, it’s the passion isn’t coming to work, I love it.” just turned 16 and there are and the commitment. All crafters Having recently taken over brilliant plans in the pipeline. have a fire in their belly and it’s at Create and Craft, and with an The multi-award winning that same passion if someone is extensive background in media TV craft channel celebrated in to golf, cricket or gardening. and direct selling TV, Jamie has its 16th birthday on April 8. It “And that is what drives made great strides with the is now broadcasting live on the business, it’s driven literally business. His aim is to make TV and online to 70 million by the electricity of people’s the channel the best that it can homes in the UK and US and hobbies – it’s insatiable and be and provide its audience has come a long way since it’s unstoppable. That mixed with an exemplary service. the very first show aired back with TV is just genius and I love Jamie added: “There’s lots What went on in Germany? in 2003. The channel, which is of things we can improve with 06 Find out all that happened at headquartered in Peterborough, customer service. The systems h+h cologne 2019 is on air 24 hours a day with here are a bit of a Frankenstein live shows from 8am to 10pm. because we run off a number Everyone knows the FACT BOX of systems. One of the things industry is filled with passionate we will be doing in the next 12 Create and Craft can be people who live for craft but months is integrating them into viewed on: does it go all the way to the one system. That will bring a lot z Sky 683 top at Create and Craft? of efficiencies when it comes z Freeview 23 Jamie Martin, CEO Ideal down to how quickly we can z Virgin 748 Shopping Direct Ltd, the man get a parcel out of the door. z Freesat 813 in charge at Create and Craft “One of the things we have z Apple TV certainly believes so. He said: done, and you may have noticed z Amazon Fire “I love live home shopping, it’s from TV, is that we won’t be a magical business. I love the doing any pre-selling. So if we What’s your day like? haven’t got the stock then we 2224 Hours As.... Jenny Hawkins won’t sell it. In the craft business there is a limited supply. The key to customer service is how you plan the business. If you’ve planned six months ahead and the suppliers are planned out with you then the customer gets the product in time. If you go on air and you have 2,000 pieces and we know we are going sell 2,000 pieces then we are going to have systems in place that A font of inspiration don’t let us sell 2,100. Overselling is something that we are very Louise Firchau, Director of 24 careful not to do because that Paper Panda Ltd, tells us about her life

In this issue has an impact on the customers. “Also, within a year the websites will be updated and

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systems will be upgraded and Over the past few months the target will be to get delivery there has been a flood of times down. We are looking at suppliers joining up with Create increasing our capability with and Craft. The likes of House Hermes, potentially going to their of Alistair, Sweet Design by four hour service, which is called Sally Anson, That’s Original, inflight, so it gives the customer Silvar Design, Chloes Creative a delivery window. We have also Cards, The Makerss, Dawn tested delivery through ASDA on Bibby Creations, Craft Buddy, Ideal World and we recently rolled Tonic Studios, Six Penny that out to Create and Craft. So Memories, M Adams Designs you can have a delivery and pick and Crafter’s Companion have it up from your local ASDA.” all partnered with the channel. But what can suppliers and Jamie added: “Since I’ve the Create and Craft audience been here a lot of suppliers that expect in the future from the have left the business have channel. Well there are some come back and we will make big plans afoot, backed by a significant profits in 2019. By large amount of investment modernising the system here, and a great deal of enthusiasm bringing back the suppliers, the from Jamie. He has revealed group is going to move very that the channel is going to be quickly – it’s in good health.” broadcast in High Definition (HD). And Jamie also has big He said: “ On June 1 the plans to grow the Create and whole group is going HD – Sky Craft business across the will become full HD. Next will be pond in the USA. He knows in America just by knowing what Freeview but it is prohibitively this is a tough proposition levers to pull. We are working expensive. So shortly after we but he has worked in the very closely with our suppliers go HD you will be able to press country before and has a because I can’t grow America MAPED HELIX PLEDGES TO a red and the live channel plan to broaden their reach. into 60 million homes unless REDUCE PLASTIC PACKAGING I’ve got the product. All of our suppliers are working in close z Maped Helix, the Black Country-based global stationery “I love live home shopping, concert with us to build up giant, has pledged to make significant reductions to the it’s a magical business. I love their inventory levels, as I build use of single use plastic in its packaging as part of its the distribution, otherwise I ongoing commitment to education and the environment. the business in general but I will run out of product. I need Combining tradition with innovation, Maped Helix produces enough product for both the over 25 million units of home, school and office stationery each love the craft business, it’s the UK and for America. It’s a big year which is distributed in more than 80 countries worldwide. project, I am hopeful that the Top selling product, the Oxford Maths Set, has for many passion and the commitment.” cake I am going to bake there years been packaged in a plastic free sleeve and the company will be successful in America.” is now working towards ensuring all ten of its best-selling will be available behind the He said: “In America you are And what is the secret to the Oxford products are in plastic free packaging by next year. main feed. So, if you connect talking about 2,000 channels success of Jamie’s vision for Gray Richmond, UK Managing Director at Maped Helix, said: your TV to the web you can and about 350 cable operators, the future of Create and Craft? “It’s really important for us to create packaging that does not watch Create and Craft on your it can be needle in a haystack He said: “Trust, suppliers have use single use plastic and is recyclable, whilst still properly Freeview channel in HD. Freesat situation. So I’ve just come to trust what we are going to protecting and displaying our products during the distribution will go HD in time, I can’t give a back from the States and using do. With me if I speak it I do it, and sales process. date yet because we are still in my contacts and expertise it’s as simple as that. Without “Our short-term aim is to remove single use plastics from at negotiation, and the intention I will be growing America that trust from suppliers, that least 50 per cent of our products by 2021.” will be to take Virgin HD as well. through Create and Craft. we do what we say we are going As part of Maped Helix’s new product development process, “The TV screen is our shop “But I will be doing it to do, then we go nowhere. special attention is paid to the packaging components involved window, it’s where product without risk, so we’re not “Also, the other aspect is, and options to be plastic free, but it’s an additional challenge is viewed. I’ve done a lot of betting the farm but it will if you give the audience the finding alternative packaging for long-time products. research on this and, yes, it’s grow. Within 24 months, and product and you give it at the Gray added: “Our new Oxford pen range which launches this costing us a lot of money but at the moment we are in 14 right price, people will buy it. year has been carefully designed to feature only plastic free sales will go up because it will million homes in America, we The key then is to actually packaging and includes ballpoint pens, fountain pens, gel pens, be easier to consume and it will will be in 60 million homes send it out the same day, get rollerball pens and ink cartridges. look great. If you put the right and that’s a huge growth for the right product that they “Many of our office products and colouring packs are also in product on the screen in a very us. A big key to that is how we ordered to them packaged and 100 per cent cardboard packaging, but it’s a trickier task for nice way, treat your suppliers bring the suppliers with us. undamaged, quickly on the multipack stationery sets, erasers and pencil sharpeners which with respect, make them wealthy “Since I’ve got here, in three best delivery service and you are currently in blister and clamshell packaging for display and you become wealthier.” months, I’ve doubled the sales won’t have any problems.” purposes. The industry as a whole must embrace change in the way we package products. Over many years’ infrastructure has been developed that is focused towards using plastic in packaging. This will need to be revolutionised at great pace to hit our short and long term targets but we are very much committed to doing so. “While forward thinking retailers are embracing the concept of becoming plastic free, inevitably some will be late adopters, perhaps maintaining a focus on price points and margins. But Maped Helix is hopeful that by working together with both manufacturers and retailers on alternative solutions, the company can work towards single use plastic packaging for stationery becoming a thing of the past. “Our role in plastic reduction is not only environmental but educational. It’s important to inspire our customers and communicate the importance of being environmentally conscious and socially responsible purchasers.”

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STOCK SHOT Bosal Foam and Go Crazy Over Fiber appoint the Knitty Critter Sharron Belcher Collection z Bosal Foam and Fiber have appointed Sharron Belcher to their UK and European Division. z Creative World of Crafts is well known for Sharron has spent over 25 years in the fashion innovation and design. industry, fabric production, clothing manufacture Their exclusive Knitty Critter Collection is and crafting industry. taking the crafting world by storm and it is easy She brings a wealth of experience and is a to see why - they are fun to make, look great and specialist in for dressmaking, crafting and offer fantastic value for money. Knitty Critters bag making. Alongside this Sharron has a passion for will appeal to both knitters and crocheters. the eternally popular unicorns, available in collaborating with designers and influencers and using social Designed in their own studio and produced in different colourways and . So, if you like media platforms to engage with global crafters. the UK, these hugely appealing kits contain bears, bunnies, dinosaurs and unicorns - oh my, Rolando Berdion, vice-president of Bosal Foam and Fiber, said: “I am everything you need to make a Knitty Critter of you are going to love this funky and fun pleased to have Sharron on my team. In today’s world of it is your choice. With over 50 in the collection there collection. extremely difficult to find a person with such knowledge of interlinings/ is a cute critter for everyone. The packaging is appealing and easy to . Knitty Critters are a large family of kits display. So, join the Knitty Critter craze - they’re “These traits barely exist in today’s world, Sharon has both the including all manner of characters from frogs to too cute not to. extreme knowledge and the ability to place a product to an application onto a fabric. She has the understandings of today’s market needs, I couldn’t be more pleased to have her be a part of our Bosal team.” Bosal make a wide range of products including their globally Knit One Or Crochet One recognised brands In R form, Katahdin Batting, Jelly Roll Rug Batting and Craf-tex, which are very popular in the US and are now gaining popularity in the UK thanks to YouTube and social media. - The Decision Is Yours Sharron is looking forward to working closely with distributors and retailers of Bosal Foam and Fiber in the UK and Europe, promoting the z These beautiful Countryside range and the endless creative possibilities afforded with Bosal products. Companions are a whole new concept For more information visit www.bosalonline.com and keep up to date for kits. They include both knit and with projects on Instagram @bosalfoamandfiber crochet patterns and everything To become a Bosal Foam and Fiber distributor please contact needed to create a gorgeous woodland Sharron on [email protected] creature, allowing retailers to appeal to both knitters and crocheters with just one kit, thus optimising shelf space. Designed and manufactured in the UK these kits use Caron Sprinkle Cakes for its natural colour palette. Choose from an owl, hare, hedgehog or squirrel.

0116 271 3131 [email protected] www.cwoc.co.uk

ExaClair launches new THE FESTIVAL OF QUILTS SCOOPS TOP AWARD Clairefontaine ‘Tiny Rolls’ Gift wrap z The Festival of Quilts, organised by Upper Street z ExaClair, the UK supplier of Clairefontaine, has released a new 0.35m Events, has been crowned the gift wrap range named ‘Tiny Rolls’, conveniently sized for smaller Best Consumer Show at the presents to reduce waste and for of transporting and storing. Exhibition News Awards 2019. The Tiny Rolls 90gsm postal paper range is available in three The annual Awards stylish, minimal block colour collections: trendy pastels; vividly colourful programme rewards excellence fluorescent shades; and Christmas colours. It provides a soft and in the live events industry. The downy finish that will provide gifters with a modern and stylish Best Consumer Show category wrapping result. recognises an event that has Also available in the popular 100 per cent recycled Kraft rage, Tiny delivered a superb visitor visitor experience that will be programme of talks, lectures Rolls can be purchased in six bright, contemporary designs including experience, driven by creative remembered long after the and demonstrations; artists at wallpaper-inspired mosaic and geometric motifs. marketing initiatives, year-on- Festival finishes. We’re work in a live studio Clement Rouillard, Marketing Manager at ExaClair, says the Tiny year success, a competitive passionate about what we do environment; a full social Rolls is a simple idea, but one that will appeal to consumers: “Large edge, originality and and are committed to raising events programme; and over rolls of paper can be inconvenient when wrapping smaller gifts such as commercial growth. the profile and status of 300 exhibitors offering jewellery, pens or notebooks. These smaller rolls are less cumbersome Anna Baptiste, event art, both through The Festival essential supplies. to use, result in less wastage, and we’re confident they will be popular.” director for The Festival of of Quilts and our successful This year’s Festival takes Quilts, said: “Although quilting is sister events, The Knitting & place from August 1-4 and a relatively niche interest, The Stitching Shows. Winning this features galleries from US art Festival of Quilts attracts over fantastic award is proof that quilter Michael James, eco 25,000 visitors each year from our strategy is working.” dyer India Flint and a collection all over the world, with visitor The Festival of Quilts takes of 19th Century Baltimore numbers growing every year. place each August at the NEC Album Quilts from the It’s the largest event of its kind Birmingham. Highlights International Quilt Study Center in Europe and is the highlight of include: 800 competition quilts; & Museum, Nebraska. the quilting calendar. There is a extraordinary galleries from YouTube sensation Jenny real sense of community internationally-acclaimed Doan (350 YouTube tutorials, amongst our visitors, artists and groups; over 400 viewed over 110 million times) exhibitors, artists and tutors, workshops (2019 will feature from the Missouri Star Quilt and our priority at Upper Street its biggest workshop Company will be flying in to Events is to create a first-class programme ever); an extensive present a daily trunk show.

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Hobbycraft introduces NEW APPOINTMENTS SHOW new interactive ROYAL TALENS COMMITMENT

‘Custom Crafting’ area z There are two new appointments at Royal Talens. z Hobbycraft has launched ‘Custom Crafting’, a new inspirational Elliot Herd has been crafting area which will be the first of its kind for the retailer. appointed as Key Account The ‘Custom Crafting’ area, which opened in the Crawley Manager, while Julie Conway story on April 5, is designed to inspire shoppers as well as has taken on the role of encourage them to try out products and crafting techniques. Southern Territory Manager. As the personalisation phenomenon continues, with The pair will become the Hobbycraft seeing almost 10,000 searches per month of the points of contact for all brands term ‘personalisation’, this new area will have a specific focus in the Royal Talens family. on products that support the trend. A main area of focus Yogesh Karia, Country will be on digital cutting and includes an expansion of the Manager UK & Ireland, now infamous Cricut Machines, tools and vinyl products. said: “Royal Talens UK The Cricut machines allow users to precisely , write would like to welcome Elliot and score, and can be used with a wide range of materials and Julie to the team.” (from paper to leather, balsa wood to cotton fabric) making If you would like to them the perfect partner for any avid crafter. The Cricut speak to Elliot or Julie they machines are used in conjunction with Cricut’s free Design can be contacted on Royal Space app, which features thousands of ready to make Talens’ new freephone projects to choose from, as well as enabling users the number 0800 995600. ability to upload and create RICOtheir very1.4 3own COL_ADS designs. 17/04/2019 11:23 Page 1 Also Royal Talens have Yogesh Karia added: “Our commitment to building and Within the innovative ‘Custom Crafting’ space, officially opened their UK new UK headquarters is our developing lasting relationships customers can test drive a number of machines before Head Offices, located in most significant sign of progress here in the United Kingdom purchasing, as well as receive expert guidance from trained Wokingham, Berkshire. and represents our long-term and the Republic of Ireland.” colleagues in store, who’ll be on hand to help crafters of all abilities with tops tips, advice and project ideas. Joel Pickering, Head of Marketing at Hobbycraft, said: “We are a creative retailer and pride ourselves on being able to inspire customers and also help them learn a new skill or craft. We are seeing an increasing demand from customers Trisha Malcolm joins Mez Crafts to want to ‘try out’ products and crafts and this new ‘Custom Crafting’ area is the perfect space for them to do that.” z Trisha Malcolm has been appointed as executive the helm of the Vogue Knitting team for 20 Sue, Hobbycraft Crawley Store Manager said: “We are brand strategist to the Mez Crafts team. years. She also has extensive experience in the really excited to be the first store to get the new ‘Custom Sharon Brant, brand director Rowan, commercial handwork arena, having published books and Crafting’ area. Filled with inspiration and amazing products director UK and USA, said: “We welcome Trisha to magazines in all areas of crafting, including we are sure our customer are going to love it!” our company and look forward to working with her crochet, quilting, and sewing. While at on many exciting projects within our brand portfolio.” Vogue Knitting she oversaw the launch of Vogue Most recently, Trisha was the VP/Editorial Knitting LIVE! shows, travel experiences, the Director at Soho Publishing, having been at Knitterviews podcast, and many other initiatives. STOCK SHOT Beginner friendly guide to soap making

z Making Soap by Kathrin Landmann is a beginner-friendly guide to making 18 lovely soaps using only natural ingredients that are kind to the environment. Beautifully photographed, it has everything you need to make 18 lovely soaps. Inspirational for seasoned soap-makers as well, the recipes use only natural ingredients that are kind to the skin and the environment. From olive oil to juniper and cucumber to honey, there are lots of gorgeous fragrances and colours to satisfy everyone. With comprehensive information on where to start and what you need, the book includes essential tips on utensils, safety issues to consider, and a step-by-step guide to making soap. There are also useful sections on fragrances and natural colourings and additives such as coffee and cinnamon. This book tells you everything you need to know about making your own hand-crafted soap, using tools most people already own. An addictive hobby, you will find yourself making lovely, personalised soap ideas for gifting. 01892 510850 [email protected] www.searchpress.com

www.craftbusiness.com 6 SHOW NEWS h+h cologne is hailed a resounding success Visitor numbers to Koelnmesse GmbH increase for 2019 show

z It was another resounding success for h+h cologne in 2019. The creative handicraft and hobby supplies trade show, held over March 29-31, saw around 16,500 trade visitors from 80 countries (2018: 73 countries). At the same time, the number of visitors from abroad rose by four per cent up to 42 per cent (2018: 38%). As such h+h cologne has reached new international markets for the section. A significantly higher number of visitors particularly from the European and Asiatic markets such as France, Russia, the GmbH, these are the special specialised trade with the “No other event brings Netherlands, Japan and Korea strengths of h+h cologne: “No impulses that are so important attended. other event brings the for a successful business and the international world of The exhibiting companies international world of creative this turns the trade fair into a praised the quality of the trade handicrafts together in one show must-attend date in the diaries creative handicrafts together visitors. For Catja Caspary, vice to this extent and in this quality. of the industry professionals.” president of the Trade Fair This is what distinguishes h+h This year the trade fair’s in one show to this extent Management of Koelnmesse cologne as the industry’s top motto was “colour your trading place.” business!” and this theme and in this quality.” Caspary added that this was went down very well with the CATJA CASPARY – VICE PRESIDENT OF THE TRADE FAIR because the 429 companies exhibiting companies. Many of presented themselves in the 429 exhibitors picked up MANAGEMENT OF KOELNMESSE GMBH an outstanding manner at on the motto in a creative way the trade fair and also a and ensured that the exhibition event - authors, designers According to the “Initiative significant factor was the event halls were characterised and experts - strove to get the Handarbeit e.V.” this is even and workshop programme, by a colourful diversity. specialised trade fit for the more important since the which is consistently The lecture and new season. Tips on the latest digitalisation and the changed oriented towards the needs talks programme was trends, plenty of inspiration and consumer behaviour of the users of the specialised trade. correspondingly colourful and know-how for success-oriented is having a continually strong 16,500 trade visitors Caspary said: “As the diversified. Over the course marketing with emotions effect on the handicraft market from 80 countries industry’s leading international of the three days, the guests and colours were presented. too. This is why, according trade fair, h+h provides the of the “my lovely livingroom” Furthermore, the event and to the industry association, workshop programme of the specialised trade has to h+h cologne 2019 placed a align itself in a future-oriented special focus on current and manner towards the changed successful approaches for customer requirements in order new customer acquisition to impress new customers and sales promotions. and bind them long-term.

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of visitors have an influence 78% on procurement decisions

Gert Eberhardt, Executive supplies in Germany was Director of Initiative Handarbeit estimated to be 1.16 billion Euro, e.V., said: “Here, among others measured in end consumer the focus lies on modern and prices. individual consulting, an According to the industry emotional customer address, association: Sewing continues to constant inspiration and the be the highest turnover section: perfect shop. Here, the personal A turnover of 420 million Euro experience in the store should was made with fabrics alone. also include, and be enhanced The sales of haberdashery items by, the professional developed in a similar way to implementation of digital the fabric sales. Consumers techniques. Providing this spent 170 million Euro, in total, combined service is precisely on sewing yarns, ribbons, zips what is required.” and co. in 2018. The figures Furthermore, he was for sewing machines remained impressed by the performance constant: Here the turnover of the exhibiting companies at amounted to 175 million Euro as the trade fair, which he stated in the previous year. A turnover had significantly contributed of 340 million Euro was attained towards the overall success of with knitting and crocheting Overall€ market for h+h cologne due to their yarns. Knitting and crocheting handicraft supplies professional and emotional are still popular hobbies. These in Germany presentations. are being enhanced by new The textile handicraft trends such as weaving or estimated at industry turned over more than so-called punch needling. 1.16 BILLION EURO one billion Euro again last year. The next h+h cologne will The overall market for handicraft take place on March 20-22, 2020.

knitting patterns, which are gathered into three unique EXHIBITORS’ EXPERIENCE Moomin x Novita books, published during 2019. z Established in 1928, Novita launching Novita yarns and is a Finnish family business patterns in the UK in 2018, we are z HOW SUCCESSFUL WAS that is now the largest now working on new interesting THE SHOW FOR YOU? manufacturer of hand prospects, and so h+h was the We were really pleased with knitting yarns in the Nordic perfect place to meet people and the show and our meetings countries. Daniela Yrjö- to get our message across. with the visitors. We aimed to Koskinen, owner and CEO find new partners both in our Novita, gives us her take on z HOW DID IT COMPARE TO current export countries and in this year’s h+h cologne. PREVIOUS YEARS? some new markets, and we There were even more customers had a lot of interesting z WHAT WAS YOUR from around the world this time. meetings and discussions, EXPERIENCE OF THE Obviously, Novita is already well which will hopefully lead to SHOW THIS YEAR? known in the markets, but we were new, fruitful cooperation. We We really enjoyed it! This was really delighted to have so many our “New Nordic” design with Northern nature, and so each also had a lot of smaller our third appearance at h+h new people visiting us and showing a simple, yet high-quality colour has been named after German customers visiting us, and we think it’s one of the interest in our brand. We had some presentation. When traditional forests, berries, lakes, wild but we are still looking for most important events to great conversations and the team’s meets modern, we call it the animals, and other elements some new, strategic partners in promote our brand overall impression of the show was “New Nordic”, and our newest of nature. We also launched Central Europe. worldwide. We had lots of increasingly positive! designs were featured to our novelties 7 Veljestä ranges, The visitors’ response international visitors at our intrigue and inspire visitors Korpi, an ARAN weight to our designs was quite stand, which was especially z HOW WAS YOUR STAND with their unique look and feel. with a natural camouflage print, enthusiastic! Our design interesting for us this year THIS YEAR? Furthermore, we wanted and a new 100 per cent chunky team did a tremendous job since we are reaching out to We had a couple of themes we to immerse our visitors in the wool yarn called Hygge. We in designing six distinctive international markets more wanted to highlight this year. world of Northern landscapes, are really excited about these and eye catching ensembles. and more. After successfully First of all, we wanted to display which is a constant source new launches, and were very The idea behind the design of creativity and ideas for pleased to see that this feeling process was all about the us. Novita’s designs, yarns also resonated in our visitors. different ways in which wool and colour range are inspired Another highlight at our can be worn. The collection by the magic of Northern booth was introducing our included everything from nature: the peacefulness, the new Moomin x Novita yarn super chunky hats to woolen never-ending space and the and pattern collection. cabled pants, a coat and a quietness. We had our two In early 2019 we launched matching skirt knitted with new brand movies on display a long-awaited, delightful the log-cabin technique, and a to catch our visitors’ attention yarn collection inspired by remake of a retro pullover with and to help them escape into the world of Moomins. The a mushroom pattern that was the world of serene and unique collection consists of three first published in the 1980s. Finnish nature. Our booth DK weight Moomin x Novita was made from Finnish birch yarns, which come in a variety z WILL YOU BE and other natural materials to of colours inspired by Tove ATTENDING NEXT YEAR? further reflect this inspiration. Jansson’s classic Moomin Yes, we definitely will! The Our Fall/Winter 2019 yarn books and illustrations. show is a really inspiring event collection was presented in To inspire people to knit where we can highlight our a way to highlight the calm with the Moomin x Novita newest launches and designs, colour harmony. The inspiration yarns, we have created and share them with other for the colours comes from charming and Moominous players in the craft industry.

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The Range new Head Office opens this summer z The Range have announced of the company. Already at 164 from Buying, E-commerce, IT, Plymouth and be trained a summer opening for their stores The Range continues Marketing and Accounts. to the highest standards. new Head Office in Plymouth. to buck the trend of retail and Chris Dawson , Owner and “We also have a lot It is based at the the old has an extensive plan to open founder of The Range, said: “It of suppliers visit us from Seaton Hill Barracks site just off more stores across the UK and was always very important for around the world that will the Tavistock Road in Derriford, Ireland creating even more jobs. me to keep our Head Office use local hotels, restaurants Plymouth, and will create up The Range is owned by operations in our home city of and transport, they might to 450 new jobs for the city. Plymouth entrepreneur Chris Plymouth and the place that even stay for a holiday! I The new store is already Dawson and has grown from its CDS The Range started, I have would like to personally open and has been very well first store in Plymouth 30 years staff that have worked for the thank the Council for being received by customers who ago to over 160 stores across the company for over 20 years so so supportive in helping us have enjoyed seeing the UK with the aim for 600 stores. having a new office built just keep the Head Office in its transformation of the site. The Range currently has their down the road from the current home city of Plymouth.” The New Head Office Head Office based in Estover but office is a big deal to all of us. Tudor Evans OBE, JENNIE RAYMENT once completed will have a the business has grown rapidly “Having the new Superstore Council leader, said: “It JOINS CRAFTER’S link to the store next door and the current site is no longer next to our Head Office also makes me incredibly allowing for staff training. big enough. The Head Office site means that it can be used proud to be able to see the COMPANION The advantages of having currently employs 250 staff while as a Training Academy and transformation of this plot AS BRAND a Head Office next door to a the new Head Office will hold up centre of excellence so that into a place where hundreds AMBASSADOR store are going to be a huge to 700, creating 450 new jobs Range staff from across of people work for a hugely step in the continued success over a wide range of departments the UK can come down to successful company.” z The ‘Calico Queen’, Jennie Rayment, is joining Crafter’s Companion as a new brand ambassador. NEW SPRING FAIR PORTFOLIO World-renowned quilter Jennie has more than 30 years’ INDUSTRY NEWS DIRECTOR TO TAKE UP ROLE experience in the needlecraft industry. She will star as a guest IN RE-EDIT YEAR host for Crafter’s Companion on Create and Craft, with a special New ranges from z Charlie Cracknell has been at Spring focus on quilting, and her first appointed Portfolio Director Fair for the official show will be April 21. for Spring Fair, and will be in opportunity Jennie kick-started her career Debbie Shore and post from April 2019, assisting to take at one of the world’s biggest in shaping the strategic up a role quilting shows in Houston, direction of the show. at such an Texas, and has never looked Stuart Hillard With over 20 years of exciting time back. Known for her expert international event experience, for what is one of the most patchwork, applique and quilting We took time out to chat to Dani Phillips, Charlie has held a number established and respected skills with unique ‘nipping at The Craft Cotton Company, about some of senior sales and event brands in the business. It’s and tucking’ fabric effects, leadership roles working across fantastic to be involved, and I’m entertaining presenting style of their upcoming quilt collections multiple sectors, and has built already planning a concierge and nine books under her belt, successful customer-focused matchmaking programme Jennie is a global sewing star. z Highlights for this year include new collaborations that events and communities. for the show, aimed at finding Previously, Jennie has The Craft Cotton Company are doing with popular sewing Spring Fair, the UK’s largest and matching buyers with the been involved with successful personalities including Debbie Shore and Stuart Hillard. source of gift and home decor ideal exhibitors. I’m thoroughly workshops and classes at Debbie Shore is launching two quilt ranges, a playful in the UK, announced that it will looking forward to making my Crafter’s Companion’s stores in summer collection called ‘A Lily Pad’ available from late May undergo its first major re-edit mark in a re-edit year that will Newton Aycliffe, Chesterfield and with designs again based on her beautiful garden. That will be in eight years for the 2020 see some real innovation and Evesham, in addition to a busy followed by ‘Christmas with Debbie Shore’ which is available show. This year’s Spring Fair bold changes for the brand.” schedule of shows, exhibitions in July, where she shares everything she and her family love took place at Birmingham’s The investment programme and festivals across the UK. about Christmas - baubles, robins and recipes included! NEC (3-7 February) with over that supports the re-edit follows Jennie will continue with her diary Rainbow Etchings, by Stuart Hillard, recently launched 2,000 exhibitors showcasing the acquisition of Spring & of classes, in addition to assisting which much success and is still available to order. The designs their offerings across 15 Autumn Fair by ITE Group Plc. with Crafter’s Companion’s online feature subtle hand-drawn images including rainbows, the sun, distinct show sectors. Charlie lives in Wokingham activity and hosting regular clouds, and raindrops, all in the vivid colours of the rainbow. Elaine Anderson, at with his wife Rachel and Create and Craft shows. Stuart has been busy designing as he’s also crafted a fun and Bluebone, said: “We launched seven-year-old son Cooper. Jennie Rayment said: “I whimsical range called Hot Air Balloons, launching at the end 100 new products at Spring He’s a keen cyclist, and enjoys am absolutely delighted to be of July in time for Festival of Quilts. This second collection is Fair which were very well running and playing golf. appointed a brand ambassador a playful story on the theme of hot air balloon rides, featuring received and we have had lots During his career, Charlie for Crafter's Companion. It's fresh summer colours that complement Rainbow Etchings. of orders placed. It’s very well repositioned and established another adventure with lots of Stuart also loves Christmas and he’s put together attended and offers lots of the UK IFSEC security exhibition new and exciting challenges, fun fabric designs and kits on a Nutcracker theme. breadth and depth of products into the leading European event opportunities and products Lots of inspiration can be found on the company blog with for home and gift sectors.” for the sector. He helped to to play with. I am looking hundreds of free to use projects at craftcottonblog.co.uk. Next year the exhibition, geo-clone the brand to establish forward to a lot of fun-filled [email protected] now in its 69th year, will have a global footprint, launching fabric fiddling with a wealth of 0161 832 2213 a renewed look-and-feel, the brand internationally and creative conundrums and can’t which will reinvigorate the creating events in India, Saudi wait to start this new journey way buyers source products Arabia, South Africa, Nigeria, with such a great company.” and connect with exhibitors. Turkey and Malaysia. Sara Davies MBE, founder Celebrating both the Gifts He’s also led a team as of Crafter’s Companion added: and Home & Living sectors Senior Exhibition Director, “Jennie is a powerhouse in the will remain a fundamental in a role that encompassed world of quilting and rightly so. element of the show. launching greenfield events She has an infectious personality, Julie Driscoll, Spring & in Asia and in the Travel a wealth of experience and a Autumn Fair’s new Managing Technology sector, as well range of unique abilities, so it’s Director, said: “Charlie has a as revitalising and growing fantastic to have her on board wealth of experience in shaping audiences and exhibitors as a brand ambassador. wider business strategies, at established events in “Jennie puts so much fun and leading global projects and Brazil and the golf sector. laughter into learning and that helping to implement best More recently Charlie has really resonates with Crafter’s practice. He will be reporting been leading the Gastech Companion’s values. I am excited to me, and the team are very exhibition and conference to watch Jennie on her new much looking forward to him portfolio, where he has been Create and Craft slot and, with starting in his new role.” shaping the annualisation of this her dedicated fan following, I am Charlie Cracknell added: “I’d roving event, that is the market sure I’m not the only one excited like to thank Julie and the team leader for the energy sector. to see what she does next.”

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Debbie Shore z It ‘seams’ only fitting to kick off with the winner of Craft Business magazine’s coveted ‘Craft Influencer Of The Year 2019’ award, the delightful Debbie Shore. The much- sought-after honour is just the latest in the multi-award- winning sewing queen’s whole host of accolades. Clinching our top influencer title marked a fantastic start to a very busy year for the sewing queen. Passionate about needlecraft, Debbie’s been sewing since she was just three years-old. Taught by her seamstress mum and fine-tuning her skills at the London College of Fashion, sewing initially took second place to a successful career in TV, which saw her garden, and have become the star in soaps and small-screen inspiration behind a new range dramas, and interviewing pop of fabrics, ‘Garden Party’, which stars including Kim Wilde, I’m designing at the moment Hue and Cry and Eddy Grant. with The Craft Cotton Company.” Her sewing hobby and TV Last summer, Debbie career collided and connected launched her first fabric range, ‘A Sew Inspiring! seamlessly, however, when Cottage Garden’, in collaboration she started selling sewing with the company, based on machines on the Ideal World her sketches of her garden. Angela Sara West chats with a few of 2019’s top sewing influencers shopping channel, whose Its astounding success saw it viewers inspired her to start reprinted within two months! writing and teaching the craft. Her second range, ‘Lily Pad’, z Sew, it’s over, another riveting series of tough sewing challenges and, this year, Juliet Uzor emerged She is also the UK’s best- launches at Hobbycraft’s annual triumphant and was crowned the (youngest ever) winner of BBC Two’s The Great British Sewing Bee selling craft author, having sewing event at the end of May, 2019, having suitably impressed the judges, two of our favourite sewing influencers - and written 20 sewing project and followed by a Christmas quilting . technique titles for Search range. “I’m also working on a And, if the top TV stitching show hasn’t inspired you to pick up a needle and , these well-known Press. Aimed at beginners, her fabric range based on my trip sewists are sure to set you on a sewing path! ‘Half Yard’ series has proven to to Delhi, using colours of the be phenomenally popular, while spice markets and featuring her ground-breaking ‘Build a tuk-tuks and curly-toed shoes!” Bag’ books, with easy-to-use, Last summer, over 1,000 full-size wipeable and reusable members joined her newly- Mike Aspinall – The Crafty Gentleman templates “created quite a storm launched, inspiring and in 2018!” she says. And we z Just pipped at the post by Debbie, a very years, applying his skills in digital design, social educational website in the first can look forward to two more crafty gentleman, Mike Aspinall, triumphed media marketing, brand communications and few months to access exciting books in the bag-making series too, taking the ‘highly commended’ runner-up PR to his much-loved DIY/craft blog. Looking projects, her insightful blog, with a difference later this year. honour in our Craft Influencer of the Year for some ‘mancraft’ inspo? He passionately plus videos and live interaction “‘Satchels’ and ‘Backpacks’,” 2019 category. He’s also been named the fifth believes that crafting is not just for women and with Debbie. “Search Press and Debbie reveals. “The templates most popular UK DIY blogger by Feedspot, set up a blog to celebrate the diversity of I have a subscription website, are twice the size of those in alongside being shortlisted for multiple awards making things and encourage more men to ‘Half Yard Sewing Club’, which is my previous books, so we can with the likes of Pinterest, Mollie Makes, into the world of crafts. Alongside the full-time proving very popular. We provide now make quite sizeable bags!” design-led Rex London UK, Amara Interior Blog career, his ‘side-business’ blog, The Crafty projects with downloadable Teeming with tips, Awards and the UK Blog Awards, as well as Gentleman, sees him share original craft and patterns, video instructions, techniques and trade secrets for being been billed as a ‘supercrafter’ by Britain’s DIY projects for men and women spanning special offers and discounts successful sewing, the award- top crafts magazine, ‘Crafts Beautiful’. diverse disciplines, plus tips, new techniques and many chapters of hints and winning author’s ‘Sewing Room “The fact that I’m starting to be formally and copious crafty inspiration. Enjoying an tips, a members’ forum and live Secrets: Machine Sewing’ book recognised for my crafts is unbelievable,” says ever-escalating dedicated following, his blog Facebook chats. I’m always was published at the beginning Mike. “Whilst I don’t do this for the awards, it’s now attracts a whopping 10,000 monthly excited to bring members of the year, and there’ll be more really gratifying to have such renowned views. new ideas and projects, tips’n’tuition soon – although organisations honouring my work. A lot of Since starting out in 2013, he’s achieved from bag-making to quilting, this time she’s taking you energy and time has gone into my blog, and major accomplishments in just a few short dressmaking and homewares.” alfresco. “‘Sew Outdoor Living’ z every nomination, award or commendation years… The award-winning crafter’s blog, Facebook: 14.5k followers is proving very popular on pre- z helps to make it even more worthwhile!” bursting with crafty goodness, DIY inspiration Instagram: 4.5k followers orders. I cover projects from z His first love was papercraft, leaving him and posts about his crafty You Tube: 202k subscribers garden chair cushions to a tepee hooked on making. Receiving a sewing adventures, has led Mike to / almost 30m views and bean bags! The pictures z machine as a gift for his birthday in his late work with countless big www.debbieshoresewing.com in the book are all taken in my z teens, however, changed his life. A man of brands, bloggers and www.halfyardsewingclub.com many crafty talents, self-taught Mike not only celebrities, along with sews, knits and is a dab hand at creating with primetime appearances his trusty Cricut machine, but also practises on Channel 4, the BBC leathercraft, woodwork and loves a good and NBC. bake-off. Who’d have thought that this z Blog: 7k-10k Cheshire-born, Nottingham-based craft monthly visitors enthusiast/DIY hobbyist/blogging addict z Pinterest: boasts a background in research science, 350k-450k having studied Chemistry at university and monthly views worked in research labs? z Instagram: By day he’s a digital Marketing Manager at 5k followers luxury menswear company, Sunspel, while by night he’s busy blogging, making and championing crafts, encouraging uptake among men. He’s been blogging for the last five

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Helen Rhiannon z Multi-award-winning fashion designer Wales, where she also runs sewing Helen Rhiannon prides herself in workshops. creating the perfect fit and says she’s a The Helen Rhiannon bespoke bridal “total perfectionist”. Her makes are wear label was projected into the created to stand the test of time, she has limelight after Helen was commissioned a few favourite techniques. “I love to create a dress for the international under-stitching on a garment as it opera star, Katherine Jenkins, for a finishes off facings and edges beautifully. photoshoot. “She was one of 12 Welsh I also love appliqué on the projects for celebrities to be featured. I had a brief to the home - you can really make work to and only met Katherine on the something unique using it.” day of the shoot. Thankfully, the dress Her passion for sewing started at fitted and it looked stunning on her. She school. “I had an excellent textiles admired the cut of the dress and the teacher and my mum encouraged me to low-back detail, which was a huge take the subjects I enjoyed whilst at compliment.” school. She used to make her own And how did it feel to make bespoke clothes in the 60s, so she definitely dresses for the BBC’s Cardiff Singer of passed on the creative genes.” the World finalist, Natalya Romaniw? Bride-to-be? Animal lover? Look no “Natalya was a pleasure to work with as further than Helen, who designs timeless, we are the same age and were both classic and elegant handmade wedding quite early on in our career. dresses, alongside some oh sew perfect She had seen that I had One of Helen’s makes has book, ‘Sew Perfect Pets’ (published by colourful pets, all created in her stunning made a dress for Katherine even taken pride of place on a Search Press) explodes with colour, studio on the edge of the Gower in South Jenkins and approached plinth in Trafalgar Square. “I showcasing her bright and cheerful me to commission two stock the Rachel Burgess animal-themed creations. dresses for her Bridal Boutique and she was From useful items such as an owl EQS 1.4 3 COL liberty p11_ADS 17/04/2019 11:18 Page 1 performances in BBC Cardiff asked to represent the boutique doorstop, a snake draught excluder Singer of the World. The for St David’s Day. She took one and a sheep hot water bottle cover, to magical thing was creating the of my dresses, Gracie, and was an elephant tea cosy, fox pillow and dresses to work with the story photographed in Trafalgar Square, doggy oven mitt, Helen has created a and the physical performance championing Made in Wales! cute and very handy little creature for by Natalya. I got to watch We are both very every room. “I had already created the Natalya perform in my dresses passionate about dog and cat toys and they were so and she was incredible.” knowing where well received that we decided to grow your dress is from the animal theme and create and who has made animal-themed projects for the home. it, so I was thrilled I had great fun coming up with that Gracie made it animals and matching them to onto the plinth!” suitable projects.” In complete z Facebook All Sewn Up: 2,185 likes contrast to her bridal z Facebook Helen Rhiannon Designer wear, Helen’s first Label: 1,016 likes

Credit: Hampus Andersson Kerstin Neumüller z Kerstin Neumüller is a men’s and has spent many years studying handicrafts and the history of textiles. With her boyfriend Douglas Luhanko they run a store called Second Sunrise, in Stockholm. She started sewing in her teens as a way of travelling beyond the borders of the countryside world where she grew up. “I would dream about being an elf or going to cool clubs, and I would make the clothes belonging to those worlds. In a sense I took my dreams and made them real in my mother’s sewing room, and that aspect is what I love the most about sewing; dreaming something up and then making it happen in the real world.” Kerstin is hoping that readers find her new book Mend & Patch, published by Pavilion, inspiring and accessible. “My greatest aim with the book is to take techniques that might seem complicated and explain step-by-step how they work, so that they do not seem so mysterious any more.” And what trends does Kerstin see coming this year? “I have definitely been heavily inspired by the wave of Japanese traditional textile techniques such as Indigo and that have swept over the western world during the last years, but I struggle to see any new strong trend rising at the moment. Mending is obviously on the rise!” What’s next for Kerstin? “I will continue to give mending classes in our store, teach at various schools in Sweden and will be taking part in “Hantverka”, a craft event arranged by my Swedish publisher Natur och Kultur on May 4.” z Instagram: 2,211

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Lisa Stickley z Lisa has collaborated with big-name brands, turquoise lines into such as Harrods, Liberty, Tate and Selfridges vintage tablecloths to create and this modern designer, author and massive sheets of paper. It illustrator first discovered her passion for took ages and was a fairly sewing from a very early age. “I spent a lot of monotonous job, but after a while time with my aunty who is a great knitter, quilter my brain would start ticking and ideas would and sewer and we used to make lots together. I start flowing freely again. And I ended up with didn’t ever pick up the knitting gene though some great ‘sheets of paper’ to work on! although, randomly, my husband is a knitwear Which makes is Lisa most proud of? “I’m designer. I could never quite get to grips with all really proud of many of the projects in Makes the technical elements of knitting, or keeping For Mini Folk (so proud of the whole book my stitches on the needle! actually which is published by Pavilion). It “I do remember the first ‘real’ sewing project makes me smile and it was such a joy to work Credit: Hand & Lock I made though. It was a hedgehog from a on with the wonderful team I had to edit, style ‘How To Make Soft Toys’ book from the 1970’s, and photograph it. It took many all-nighters and I remember the feeling of finally (after lots throughout the summer of 2017 to complete, of fiddling about) figuring out how to join the with our little ones only aged one and three Jessica Jane Pile, pieces together to make a three dimensional years old, so probably one of the most hedgehog. A proper eureka moment, and I challenging projects I’ve done too! Production Director was away. “I particularly like the giant lion cushion, as “I think the thing I love most about the craft it is a great example of the level of the projects at Hand & Lock is the ‘doing’. It’s so therapeutic, and easy to throughout the book. It looks a bit impressive, forget how beneficial it can be. When I was but is actually really easy to make, and the kids z Originally from Kent, Jessica specialising in Goldwork, studying at the Royal College Of Art, there were LOVE it! The lions are such HUGE squishy Jane Pile trained in Theatrical tambour beading, silkshading, often challenging or stuck moments, and I used tactile things, and can take a knock or two too!” costume construction at monogramming and bridal to take to the and stitch. z Instagram: lisastickley_studio 3,000+ the Royal Central School , and providing “I used to create bases to work on and had z Pinterest: lisastickley_studio 600,000 + of Speech and Drama, is services to the started my obsession with lined paper, so would z Twitter: lisastickley_ 2,500 followers the author of the fabulous Royal Family, top European SEARCH PRESS 1.4 3 col_ADS 16/04/2019 15:32 Page 1 book Fashion Embroidery: design houses, the Royal Credit: Ben Anders Embroidery Techniques and Armed Forces, Savile Row Inspiration for Haute-Couture and members of the public. Clothing (published by Describing her style as bold, Batsford) and is the youngest colourful and contemporary, Production Director in the Jessica is a fan of technically- long history of London-based complex, large-scale projects Hand & Lock, Europe’s pre- involving multiple techniques. eminent embroidery atelier. “It’s really good for me to Jessica says her interest in challenge the boundaries of embroidery began while she was embroidery and technically- at university. “I studied costume complex projects mean I am able construction and ended up doing to develop new contemporary Credit: Ben Anders a lot of research into period styles using old techniques.” and contemporary embroidery Her favourite technique for different shows. I guess is Tambour beading. “Any it snowballed from there!” project that I can include this Her extensive understanding is interesting. Some of my of costume construction and favourite projects have only couture embroidery coupled used the tambour beading with her ability to organise large technique. I have worked on scale production, makes her a projects for Vivienne Westwood, stand-out talent in the sewing Mary Katratzou, and an Art world, and she’s the go-to project for Yinka Ilori X Apple.” embroiderer for famous faces, Since becoming a Director members of the Royal Family in 2014, Jessica has expanded and high-profile fashion labels, the Embroidery School with including Wales Bonner, Louis the introduction of year-round Vuitton, Burberry, Aspinal and classes, including Tambour Adidas. “My personal favourites Beading, Goldwork, Silkshading pieces have been for the project and Monogramming, plus an for Gilbert & George, Kim Jones annual Festival of Embroidery (formally of Louis Vuitton), and transformed the Hand & and Brian May from Queen.” Lock Prize for Embroidery into a The world’s finest provider world-class couture competition. of Hand Embroidery since 1767, “Our classes have been Hand & Lock are London’s running for about 10 years now, premier embroidery house, and we recently expanded to teaching in America, which has been really successful.” The Credit: Hand Festival of Embroidery sees & Lock series of talks and classes over a week. “We ask a range of professionals to come to our studio and talk about their area of expertise in a very intimate setting of around 40 guests. It is really great to immerse yourself in a new subject.” Hand & Lock will be holding workshops at the Apple stores in London’s Regent Street and Covent Garden as part of London Craft Week between May 8-12. (Hand & Lock): z Instagram: 19.7k z Facebook: 10.3k z Twitter: 2.6k

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Tilly Walnes – Tilly and the z Multi-award-winning Tilly Walnes is the founder and patterns and signing her first book deal, she quit her day director of award-winning sewing pattern company, job in the film world to focus full-time on her brand and Tilly and the Buttons, a top team of inspirational DIY rethink sewing resources for the modern maker. giving sewing a fashionable millennial Tilly starred in the first series of BBC Two’s ‘The makeover. Great British Sewing Bee’ in 2013 and her first book, Known for her knockout designs, clear and concise ‘Love at First Stitch’, has been a ‘Sunday Times’ instructions and encouraging approach to dressmaking, bestseller, scooped ‘Best Book’ in the British Sewing Channel 4 have called her the “Best for DIY fashion”, due Awards 2014 and been published in no fewer than nine to her much-appreciated clarification and tips and tricks international editions. Tilly herself has been voted the a-go-go to encourage sewists of all levels to get stuck ‘Most Inspirational Sewing Personality’ in the British into stress-free sewing and customise garments to Sewing Awards for the last three years in a row, and suit their own style so they can sew up their own last year become another big year of accolades wardrobe. and gongs for the ex-Sewing Bee and her beloved “I started Tilly and the Buttons with the goal team of ever-expanding ‘Buttons’, clinching of making dressmaking inspiring and accessible coveted industry awards including Winner ‘Sewing to the new generation of crafters,” she explains. Designer of the Year’ in the British Craft Awards, Tilly’s sewing patterns and books have won Winner ‘Best Independent Pattern House’, ‘Best multiple awards for their crystal-clear, Blog’ and ‘Best Instagram’ in the British Sewing demystifying instructions, which are Awards 2018. refreshingly free of the intimidating Last spring saw Tilly impart her creativity technical jargon of traditional and technical wisdom in her second book, sewing resources which are ‘Stretch! Make Yourself Comfortable Sewing off-putting to the younger with Knit Fabrics’, published by Quadrille generation who never learnt to Publishing. Perfect proof that easy-to-wear sew. “Our easy-to-use instructions clothes can be seriously stylish with her translate the sewing jargon and our signature look, it was named ‘Favourite books are as pretty to look at as the Sewing Book’ in last year’s British Sewing patterns coming in June. I’m also working on a top fabrics on your . It’s been so Awards. Now bursting at the seams, secret project for next year that is going to be BIG, plus rewarding to see makers around the world space was of the essence for Tilly Towers an exciting collaboration on a new kind of sewing getting into sewing with the help of our HQ, and the team moved to their new product (for us), which I can’t wait to share more about products!” spacious studio, allowing room for new once it’s nearer launch stage.” The London-based blogger, best-selling staff, pop-up shops and substantial z Blog: 22.5m views author, teacher and award-winning pattern storage space for drop-dead-gorgeous z Pinterest: 516,743 designer boasts a professional background patterns aplenty. z Instagram: 129k in designing learning programmes and And there’s lots more in store for Tilly z Facebook: 27k trained in pattern drafting at the London and her talented team. “We’re putting the z Twitter: 25.5k College of Fashion. After launching the finishing touches to two gorgeous new z YouTube: 4k

Chinelo Bally z , author and commercial patterns and influencer Chinelo Bally’s is still practised in many blog is all about the creative parts of the world, although world of dressmaking - but with variations. It frees you not as most know it. Her step- from the restrictions of a by-step tutorials show how commercial pattern and to make your own garments gives you the boldness to without a commercial pattern. design and make original Unconventional sewer and outfits. I chose to learn stand-out star of ‘The Great freehand cutting because British Sewing Bee’ 2014, that was the only sort of the show’s finalist uses a sewing that met my need freehand approach to the to be original - I didn’t craft and, before appearing want any restrictions.” on the BBC series, she’d never Chinelo seamlessly used a sewing pattern. blends her native vibrant “Freehand cutting is culture with the classic actually the traditional way Western silhouettes of dressmaking. It was that she has fallen for done before the invention of since moving to England from Nigeria with her church pastor elegant occasion wear with parents and siblings when sparkling details. I really can’t she was just four years-old. pick out favourites because they Becoming a runner-up on constantly change but, if I must, the Sewing Bee has opened it’s the green dress I made for up opportunities aplenty for British singer/songwriter Laura Chinelo, and she now runs her Mvula to wear for her Barbican own bespoke womenswear performance with the London business, alongside Symphony Orchestra in 2017.” workshops all over the UK. Alongside her freehand She has since taken part cutting projects on her blog, in other TV programmes, does Chinelo also offers tips’n’tricks demos at craft fairs, she’s a via her YouTube videos to popular speaker at events and help you tackle the freehand has created for famous faces, cutting method and has including a magnificent maxi skirt written a book, ‘Freehand for global multi-brand founder Fashion’, published by Pavilion, and co-host of The Handmade sharing her skills, techniques, Festival, Liz Earle MBE. basic blocks and projects. “I love sewing dresses… I z Instagram 10.2k followers love making women feel like z Twitter 7.4k followers a star, so my favourite kind z https://chinelobally. of dresses to make are really wordpress.com/

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Corinne Lapierre Lisa Marie Olson - z Describing her sewing style corsets! Again, it was a great as “colourful, modern and folk”, opportunity for me to explore designer, bestselling author a traditional technique and add Tigerlily Makes and creative director, Corinne my own modern twist on it.” z Born out of a lifelong Lapierre, was born in France and She then discovered millinery passion for classic fairy studied at the École des Beaux and fell in love with felt. “I think tales and stories, including Arts, a fine art school in in Metz, hats, in general, are wonderful Alice in Wonderland, The where she learnt diverse art as they can totally transform Chronicles of Narnia, The forms, including life drawing, an outfit. What I loved most Hobbit and Dickensian sculpture, photography, etching, about making hats was working novels, Tigerlily Makes printing, pottery. “This gave in 3D. Working with volumes was created by award- me a very good base and broad and moulding a new shape is winning crafter and author, knowledge of different art forms so exciting. Felt is the easiest Lisa Marie Olson, who and art history. It enabled me material to shape, simply by injects timeless elements to experiment with a lot of steaming and stretching it. I also with a modern twist into techniques and research certain love the feel and warmth of felt, Felt Birds’, with Search Press, her favourite storybook aspects of traditional tribal and but it must be good-quality felt.” sharing a charming range of characters and adventures. folk crafts. I loved the freedom In 2009, Corinne began her exquisite folk-style embroidered Her love affair with work colleagues. I created I had during those years.” own craft business as a felt felt birds, including an owl, swan, creative arts began at a very Tigerlily Cards to sell them Corinne went on to study maker and spotted a demand dove, partridge, peacock and early age, with needlework for a while, but my heart fashion design in Manchester. for craft kits using good-quality, flamingo, with some bearing and . “I continued was firmly rooted in textiles, “I loved how focused the natural materials. Based in an beautiful bead and sequin into adulthood and was so I explored felt making course was. Becoming a old Baptist school in Leeds, embellishments. “The response able to make all the soft at City and Guilds level, fashion designer was my her dedicated production to the book has been amazing! furnishings for my home. and then started to use dream. I worked for a few small team produces and sells an I’m already receiving many Around 15 years ago, I and mix felt into my other independent companies in ever-expanding range of craft emails from people with photos got into card making and sewing projects and skills.” the north of England for a few kits and patterns designed of what they have made.” papercrafts and became an The Midlands-based years. The most fun was a goth for adults and children. z Facebook: 3k accredited demonstrator sewist recently turned away company, where we designed Corinne has just released her z Instagram: 1k for a well-known craft from wool felt to make all the most amazing dresses with latest book, ‘Folk Embroidered z www.corinnelapierre.com wholesaler. I travelled of her products from faux the country delivering felt and vegan-friendly knowledge, demonstrations materials. “My felt-making and workshops on craft journey is not over by any supplies, including manual stretch of the imagination, Clare Hunter – Sewing Matters and electronic cutting as there are some amazing z Community textile artist and author, Clare also believed there were people with great talent machines. We covered vegan-friendly fibres and Hunter, discovered her huge passion for sewing who could not get near an art school or full-time altered art projects, home faux felts available, and in at just five years old. textile course because they lacked the educational décor projects, scrapbooking such beautiful colours, too.” For the last 30 years, Clare has been involved qualifications, and so I wanted NeedleWorks to be and card making,” she Step into wonderland with textiles as a community artist, exhibition a job-creating enterprise for them.” explains. “That led me to with Lisa’s magical book, curator and banner maker. Passionate about Clare has recently been compelled to start designing and creating ‘Felt Wonderland’, which teaching and sharing her craft knowledge, in document history and inform and change the way wedding invitations, as teaches crafters how to 1986, Clare established a community enterprise people feel about sewing. Enlightening and giving I had already produced transform sumptuous in Glasgow, working with people of all ages and readers a new perspective of the craft, her some for my friends and wool fibres into beautiful cultures, using sewing as a way to celebrate local fascinating book, ‘Threads of Life’, was published felt items. From decorative history, document community experiences and earlier this year by Sceptre Books. What inspired teacups and teapots, to pretty share personal concerns through the creation of it? “Another book! Edmund de Waal’s ‘Hare with ‘Maisie Daisy’ handbags wall hangings and banners. “I was already the Amber Eyes’. He’s a ceramicist, and his and lampshades, she’s working in community arts and making banners, understanding of making and touching, of particularly proud of the and I thought that involving communities in the handling materials, came across so potently in his projects in her book and creation of large-scale public textiles that told of book. I thought I would like to write something her soft doll kits. “For very their lives and their skills was a great way to move that did the same thing for sewing.” different reasons, and both their experiences and talents more centre stage. I With a monumental amount of research have proved challenging involved, the book took just over three and a half in their own ways. Certain years to complete. A few of the highlights during book projects, such as the her research? “Seeing the I talk tea cups and tea pot, were about, such as the Bayeux Tapestry, the Great challenging, in a sense that Tapestry of Scotland, the Miao story cloths, the the skill is getting them from fabric tokens left by mothers at London’s what is essentially a flat piece Foundling Hospital, and the POW signature cloths of work to a 3D piece in a made in Changi prison during World War Two. way that the reader can truly There was nothing more poignant than seeing relate to and understand.” with my own eyes what people had created, often z Facebook: 3k in very difficult circumstances.” z Twitter: 1.5k z Twitter: 1k z www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk

Stephanie influences Stephanie Rohr with her feminist-themed z Want to make a gifts. Her vintage-inspired, patterns, for which she also statement? Got something cheeky creations boast edgy reaches back to the classics, to shout about? If you’re slogans and sharp one-liners, such as the Shakespearean a crafty activist, chances smashing the patriarchy, “Though She Be but Little, She are you’ll have snapped up one stitch at a time! Is Fierce.” She declares that Stephanie Rohr’s bestselling Stephanie began her cross-stitch, once dismissed crafting book, ‘Feminist ‘subversive’ cross-stitch as mere “women’s work,” is Cross Stitch: 40 Bold & Fierce career in 2010, revving now being acknowledged both Patterns’, published by GMC. it up after the 2016 as an art form in its own right Cross stitch is cool presidential election. She’s and as a way for crafters to again and Chicago-based best known in the craft “express their opinions, show Stephanie uses this world as stephXstitch and, support for marginalised traditional method to create alongside being a proud groups and protest.” sassy and revolutionary crafting feminist, she’s also a z Instagram: 10.8k wall art and handmade theatrical actor and a director. z www.stephxstitch.com

www.craftbusiness.com SEWING 15

Thread Magic PRODUCT PANEL from Taylor Seville Charming kits designed for everyone z Thread Magic is the ultimate your as usual, holding the z Based in Yorkshire, Corinne Lapierre Ltd was established in 2010. The company produce thread conditioner, perfect for thread magic in place and you will high-quality felt sewing and embroidery kits, presented in attractive recycled packaging. making thread stronger with less have perfectly conditioned bobbin The designs are charming and inspired by nature and folk art. Everything is included in the box, breakage, less fraying and less thread for your machine sewing. making the kits perfect for beginners and those looking for a gift. tangling. The Thread Magic Cube is The conditioner eliminates smaller and has an adhesive static and does not freeze or back for attaching to your sewing z EMBROIDERED NEEDLE CASE KIT melt. It is proven to create 400 machine. Simply remove the This is one of their best-selling kits and it was shortlisted as Gift of the per cent less drag and 400 adhesive back and place the cube Year by the Giftware Association. It is perfect for people who wish to per cent less hand fatigue. anywhere on your machine as develop their embroidery skills and it will last for years. Everything is Thread Magic is made long as it’s in the path of one of supplied in the box, including their soft wool mix felt, DMC threads as from silicone as opposed to your thread guides, this will vary well as a pack of needles and a . wax and therefore is acid free, for all machines. For example, for Felt is a great base for embroidery and a pleasure to work with as it hypoallergenic and safe for all some machines the placement is is very tactile and forgiving. threads and fabrics. It leaves best before any tension discs on Trade price: £4.00 - RRP: £9.60 no residue and does not stain other machines the Thread Magic z BEES, FLOWERS AND HIVE KIT or mark fabrics even after works best if you place it after the This kit is perfect for beginners or for sewing with children. It contains washing or ironing. Thread Magic tension discs before your needle. all the materials you need to make five decorations, including soft wool is safe for the environment, For more information mix felt, DMC threads, ribbon and even a needle. The instructions and non-toxic and safe to touch. contact EQS Ltd. full-size templates are clear and easy to follow. It comes in a round for 0116 271 0033 Beautiful summer project, this will put a smile on everyone’s face. hand sewing and a cube that CRAFT COTTONwww.eqsuk.com 1.4 3 col_ADS 16/04/2019 16:18 Page 1 Hang the bees around the house, give them as special little gifts or attaches to your machine for attach them together to make a beautiful mobile. machine sewing, it is safe for all Trade price: £6.00 - RRP: £14.40 machines, it leaves no residue in machine or tension discs. For hand sewing the Thread z TROPICAL FLOWERS EMBROIDERY HOOP KIT Magic Round has guide slits in the Embroidery is growing in popularity and this kit is perfect to practice and side so you can insert your thread, develop your skills. put the lid back on and pull your It contains everything you need, including the 5” hoop, soft wool mix thread through the conditioner felt, DMC threads and sequins. guaranteeing a thorough and even The instructions are easy to follow and fully illustrated and the coat of conditioner on your thread. templates are full scale. Felt is a very easy material to work with and the The Thread Magic Round can finished item will look lovely hanging on the wall. also be used for conditioning your The kit is presented in an attractive Kraft box with window for bobbin thread on your machine. maximum shelf appeal. Set up your sewing machine to Trade price: £6.00 - RRP: £14.40 wind your bobbin and put the thread magic on the machine so 0113 2460403 • [email protected] • www.corinnelapierre.com the thread can pass through. Wind STOCK SHOT New designs for Stitchlets range z Mouseloft have introduced four new designs in the ever popular Stitchlets range. There is a loveable sloth clinging to a branch with an enigmatic smile. An aloof llama stands amidst the Peruvian mountains, proud of his decorations. A magical unicorn prances at the end of a rainbow. And for the more down to earth stitchers there is a stylish electric guitar. There are currently over 90 designs in the range which will suit all ages and tastes. Lovely little collectible impulse purchases, retailing at just £2.49. All the designs in the range are perfect to send as cards or to mount in little ‘flexihoops’. Point of Sale displays are available. 01477 533566 [email protected] www.mouseloft.co.uk

www.craftbusiness.com 16 SEWING Examining spirituality, dreams, memories and emotions Michael James is an artist and educator from the US. He was a prominent figure in the art quilt movement of the 1970s and his textiles have been recognised and exhibited internationally. Michael has a gallery at the Festival of Quilts for the first time since 2006. z You were last at The Festival configurations. The Wasatch perhaps a little different than, of Quilts in 2006 when you software that is linked to our for example, using someone’s introduced your work exploring printer offers lots of flexibility worn clothing, or other domestic digital textile printing. What in creating repeat patterns textiles, as elements in a work. I will you be sharing with of all kinds, so that’s another rely on the imagery that’s applied Festival goers this year? tool that we’re fortunate to to the fabric to evoke sensations, In the ensuing 13 years I’ve have at our fingertips. Viewers to prompt memories or to continued my studio practice will see the results of all of suggest a kind of metaphysical and have remained focused the explorations that the dimension held within the on creating imagery on fabric technology has scaffolded. visual composition that the using digital textile printing, fabric construction supports. a technological opportunity z Your work often explores that offers nearly limitless the inner world of dreams, z We understand that your visual range. I mostly work memories and emotions. first-time travels to India from photographic images but To what extent do you feel have been a major source of have also scanned and then that quilting as a medium inspiration for new work, some manipulated painted imagery, lends itself to this? of which you’ll be showing at and I’ve created drawings I think that fabric has the The Festival of Quilts. Can directly into Adobe Creative capacity to hold memory, or you tell us more about that? Suite applications that I can then maybe to stimulate it, but since Travel has always impacted my play with in the software and I’m creating my fabric stock work, in lots of ways. My first render onto fabric in different from scratch, more or less, it’s trip to India in late 2016 was Photo credit: Greg Nathan cathartic, coming as it did on the heels of a long period of grief and mourning that followed the death of my wife Judith in 2015. Spirituality conditions lots of places in the world and how we experience them – Jerusalem, for example, or Rome or Mecca – and perhaps none more than India, the birthplace of four of the world’s major religions, including “I’ve long been intrigued Buddhism. My interest in spiritual belief systems was enriched by by the “pull” that textiles experiencing places like Varanasi and Sarnath, and much of what I and quilts, in particular, saw and felt was translated into the compositions that comprise exert on our senses and this ongoing body of work.

z You teach at the University imaginations” of Nebraska–Lincoln, and Ajaibgarh (Juna Mahal) © 2018 you chair their Department z For those of us that haven’t downtown campus, focuses on cotton & reactive dyes; machine-stitched 29” h x 39” w (unframed) of Textiles, Merchandising visited the University of American art of the last three & Fashion Design. To what Nebraska–Lincoln, can you give centuries, and it too presents extent do you feel that you’re us a flavour of its highlights? an ongoing, changing roster a student of quilting? Is there We are fortunate to have a of shows. In addition, there more you want to learn? number of resources that are are numerous museums and Well, I’ve been a student of unique to this institution and that cultural institutions of all kinds quilting for more than four enhance students’ experiences, in the greater Lincoln-Omaha decades, so coming to Nebraska not to mention the broader metro area, that help to make gave me the opportunity to community’s quality of life. The this something of the Athens apply a lot of what I already department itself houses the of the Plains. It’s a beautiful if knew to very different purpose, Historic Costume and Textiles under-appreciated part of the specifically, the education Collections, over 5,000 objects country that I’m a huge booster of degree-seeking students available for research and for. Nothing like broad expanses within an accredited academic study. These often find their of sky and 360 degrees of program. We were the first way into faculty or student- horizon to inspire and uplift! university to offer a Masters curated exhibitions in our Robert degree in textile history with Hillestad Textiles Gallery, where z As well as bringing a quilt studies emphasis, a we install a diverse series of Constructed Textiles New program that we have broadened shows throughout the year. and Recent to The Festival to embrace a more diverse The university is home to the of Quilts, you’ll be taking material culture perspective. The International Quilt Museum, the part in the Festival’s Quilt degree program and a related repository of the largest public Academy lecture programme certificate program can be collection of quilts in the world, (Making Sense of a Studio completed entirely online, and and it too offers a continually Life: 45 Years and Counting, we have a roster of graduates changing exhibition program. Saturday, August 3, at 2.45pm, working in museums and other The Sheldon Art Museum, Festival Theatre). Can you cultural institutions that attest housed in a Philip Johnson- tell us a little more about to the success of the major. designed gem of a building at our what you’ll be sharing?

www.craftbusiness.com SEWING 17

Sew Simple Fabrics re-branding as Kingfisher Fabrics

From basic blenders to of the batiks are designed why not consider the stunning batiks and all the right here in the UK and Christmas Jewels collection, solids you need, Kingfisher printed in the heart of Bali. a range of five different fabrics is the brand to turn Looking for something prints in a festive green and to. Offering a wide range of simple, yet eye-catching for stunning red colour option. tone-on-tones, wide-backs, quilt backing? The Kingfisher Sew Simple wadding and solids and batiks, Kingfisher Fabrics Tonal Vineyard range are still available. Fabrics really does have offers an extensive range To view the latest something for every project. of colours all available in an Kingfisher Collections please Having recently re-branded extra wide width of 108”. If visit www.eqsuk.com. Haveli 1 (Juna Mahal) © 2017 cotton & reactive dyes; machine-stitched 46” h x 57” w (unframed) from Sew Simple Fabrics, you’d prefer something slightly For information on how Photo credit: Larry Gawel Kingfisher Fabrics are placing subtler, why not take a look to become a stockist please a real emphasis on their line at the All Stars Tone on Tone contact your EQS Sales Rep Well, that title sums it up well. I arts worlds. Over and over of best-selling batik fabrics. range, again available in a 108” or the Customer Services began making quilts in the early I come back to something Currently offering a selection width, but this time, the patterns team on 0116 271 0033. 1970s, while I was studying that the sculptor Kenneth of over 50 basic polo batiks, 50 are white on white or white tint. painting and printmaking in Snelson is credited with saying: salt-dyes, 14 landscapes and For something to finish graduate school, so the talk EQS 1.4 “Hardening3 COL p17_ADS of the 17/04/2019categories 11:18 Pagefour 1 56 to 72 piece stamped off that Christmas selection, takes a bird’s eye view of the leads to art disease.” Amen. batik collections a year. All development of my work from that time. There have been lots z Which quilt artists do of detours and divergences you think are making in style and technique, but exciting work right now? there have been some basic I have enormous interest in, consistencies in my work over all and admiration, of the work these years. We’ll look at some of the Ontario-based artist of these and consider what it Dorothy Caldwell. Her work means to have and to nurture is rich in mark making and its a studio practice of this sort. physicality, combined with the ethereal nature of her visual z You’re also the guest compositions, says as much speaker at The Quilters’ Guild about artistic integrity as any 40th anniversary dinner on work can. Pauline Burbidge Thursday, August 1, and will continues to explore and to be discussing the layers of innovate in ways that are outside meaning attached to quilts. the box, and that independence Tell us more about that. of spirit is something that I’ve long been intrigued by the I value. It’s the key. Eszter “pull” that textiles and quilts, in Bornemisza’s work is intriguing, particular, exert on our senses though I haven’t seen enough and imaginations. They have of it in life to feel fully confident such widespread and democratic in my assessment. Basically, appeal, crossing borders, cultures I look widely and eclectically and histories, and in many ways at lots of stuff, lots of type of they comprise the narratives work, far beyond the confines of our lives, the narratives of of the quilt or textile worlds. their makers’ lives. There’s What matters for me is that the something enigmatic in this, work has integrity. Embodying something elusive but palpable, that is what’s most appealing and I hope to explore this a bit. to me in an artist’s work. z The organisers of The Festival z What projects are you working of Quilts have announced an on currently and what’s next for exciting new direction for you after The Festival of Quilts? the Fine Art Quilt Masters My current work continues to competition this year as it follow on the India experience, becomes the Fine Art Textiles and I expect that to continue Award, recognising the talents into the summer and possibly of a broader community of beyond. I’m just gearing up to textile artists. Does the art start printing new fabrics after world take textile artists a bit of a hiatus, and anticipate less seriously than those continuing that production at working with other media? full tilt into the Fall of this year, Is this something you have as I prepare to retire from the experienced in your own career? university. Once academia is I don’t know what “the art world” behind me I’m looking forward is any more, and I don’t know to renewing an art-making how one can generalize in its practice that I hope will be regard. I also don’t know how it somewhat free-form and “thinks” about all the dozens – against expectations. There’s maybe hundreds – of categories certainly more traveling ahead of art making that we see all of me, and with increased time around us. I think that the “quilt to read across a wide range of world” is more familiar to me interests, I’m sure there’ll be new in many ways, though I’ve not inspirations and new directions. I been uncritical in its regard. I’ve like to think that artists get better long felt that there’s a tendency with age. I guess I’ll find out. among quilt amateurs to be too singularly focused on this z Michael James’ exhibition, specific form, and not sufficiently Constructed Textiles New open to, or conversant with, the and Recent, is at The Festival larger discourses happening of Quilts, NEC Birmingham, in the studio craft and the fine from August 1-4, 2019.

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what we have created and let potential customers know what they are missing out on. Instagram has been a huge tool for the business over the past few years, building a profile and communication channel to promote the brand has been a big part of our success.

z WHAT DO YOU FEEL HAS BEEN THE COMPANY’S GREATEST SUCCESS? I believe the success of the company has been down to the value customers can get from our boxes. It’s not just about getting a monthly box of supplies that is cheaper than what you could get in the shops yourself. Of course, we still make sure that the supplies in each box are always worth more than the price you purchased it for, but it is more about the added value we provide. Yes, there is also a sweet treat and sticker in every box, but we also provide the inspiration and a challenge phrase to help get you started. Chris has got it all boxed up! The challenge is to use only the supplies in the box, along with the inspiration from the artist Scrawlrbox is a subscription box service providing creatives with a mystery box of and create something based premium art supplies every month. Inspiring artists, of all levels and abilities, with a around the theme provided. z TO WHAT DO monthly selection of creative tools and inspiration. Founder Chris Lambert talks to YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS? Mark Hayhurst about the business and their plans for the future The success of the business can only be attributed to its customers. We provide the z CAN YOU TELL ME A z HOW IS YOUR swatched to see what works well 12 unmissable creative boxes supplies every month and each LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY DEVELOPING together and what would make filled with new and interesting box is exactly the same for BACKGROUND? AND GROWING? the best and most complete kit supplies, but I also want to all subscribers. Subscribers I have always been a creative The company is coming up to for subscribers to receive and be make sure subscribers have then use these supplies to person and have been interested its four-year anniversary and able to get creating straight away. complete control over their create something personal and in drawing and art for as long as has been growing steadily every subscriptions. We are currently individual to their skill level and I can remember. I loved taking month since it first began. The z IS IT DIFFICULT TO working on improving the style and share it with their art at school and exploring all the format hasn’t really changed KEEP THINGS FRESH AND subscription process making followers. We have subscribers different techniques and learning much since it first began, but VARIED FOR CUSTOMERS? it easier to control your that are just getting into art about the great artists and how with each new box I try and I get this question a lot from subscription and adjust how and some that are professional they created their masterpieces. offer more value, not just in the people when they hear about my and what you want to receive. illustrators or artists. Every I followed this passion through supplies inside the box but with business. How many different Giving the customers more month when boxes are received college and university learning little extras and challenges to pens are there? Haven’t you run control over their boxes and suddenly a wave of art is shared more creative skills and ended help the subscribers get creative out of things to include yet? And how and when they will be online. It’s this online community up working as a graphic designer with what they have received. the answer is always the same, charged is something that is of subscribers that are using our for a small agency. Wanting to very important to us and I want boxes to get creative and then expand my working knowledge to make this as clear and easy sharing their work with others further I added Marketing “We have subscribers that to understand as possible. that has made our business to my skill set, thinking that are just getting into art and successful. This is a creative understanding the message and z HOW IMPORTANT IS community we didn’t expect to how to communicate it to the some that are professional SOCIAL MEDIA TO YOU happen, but we love seeing this customer would improve my AT SCRAWLRBOX? develop and grow every month. design skills. I believe both these illustrators or artists.” Social media is vital for disciplines, working together, ScrawlrBox. It’s the way we z HOW EASY IS IT FOR A helped get me where I am today. z HOW DO YOU DECIDE ON No! There are so many brands communicate with subscribers CUSTOMER TO SUBSCRIBE PRODUCTS TO INCLUDE from all over the world innovating and get feedback about the AND UNSUBSCRIBE z WHY DID YOU DECIDE IN A BOX AND WHICH and pushing what is possible boxes, so we can continue to IF THEY WANT TO? TO SET UP SCRAWLRBOX? ARTISTS TO FEATURE? with a pen or pencil and every improve them every month. It is easy to subscribe through I was actually taking an online The monthly featured artists year there are new products or It is also the place we share the website, you can choose to digital marketing course and had are selected either from the ways or thinking about how to be billed monthly or pay upfront a lecture from an inspirational many submissions received create marks on paper. Although for three, six or even 12 months entrepreneur. He talked about from artists wanting to get the different mediums may be in advance and even save a his successful business and involved and from being involved limited, with every brand there is little in the process. Of course, said that loads of people come in the huge artist community a slightly different quality or take if you decide that you no longer up with business ideas, but online, talking to lots of artists on the product and of course want to receive our boxes you very few actually go ahead with using different techniques and with every box, each artist has can cancel your subscription them. He inspired me to take the mediums in order to provide a their own style on how to use anytime. There are no minimum plunge and start the company. new and interesting package for the supplies. The combinations terms or contracts. We will even I had previously wanted to the subscribers every month. are endless and I hope we refund any boxes that haven’t subscribe to something similar The art supplies selected to can keep making exciting and been shipped yet. We have to ScrawlrBox myself, but, when feature inside each box are different boxes for subscribers no intention of charging you researching what was available, a combination of discussing every month for a long time. for something you no longer I wasn’t able to find anything with the chosen artist about wish to receive. We also like this in the UK. So I thought the supplies they use to create z WHAT CAN WE EXPECT pride ourselves on providing if I created something that their artworks and what is either FROM YOUR COMPANY IN excellent customer support filled this gap I would be able to new to the market, or would be THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? and are happy to answer subscribe myself and hopefully interesting for the subscribers to Of course the next 12 any questions or help you others would be interested too. test out. Products are tested and months will bring another need to get started.

www.craftbusiness.com CREATIVE STATIONERY 21

Minutes With... Jonathan Harris Jonathan Harris, Head of Product at West Design Products, tells us about his life and work

z Tell me a little bit about When West Design bought a talented team of Product 5your background? the business, I continued Development Managers Hmm…where to start? Well, I to lead the team and was and Designers. When we’re z How important is West first hand with the development originally studied Typographic proud to be made Head of looking to bring a new paper Design’s heritage? of our Xcut brand. We have Design at university having Product shortly after. craft collection to market, West has been a successful and so many fantastic dies which always had a keen interest in for example, we’ll research growing business for years, so can be used in so many ways Art and Design. However, when I z What is the best part trends, visit trade shows and it’s always useful to look back at from clean, simple paper cuts graduated, I decided that I didn’t about your job? analyse sales data to put previous successes, and failures. to more complex, 3d pieces. want to be tied to a computer, I must admit that I still get together a targeted, cohesive Innovation and creativity are so had several different jobs, all a real buzz from seeing the and innovative range of at the heart of what we do, so z What do you do to relax? within the creative industry. Over products I’ve been involved with products. Parallel to this we’ll I’m always pushing the team, A good boxset on TV the years I’ve been a designer, out in retail. Seeing a product be thinking about the look and and myself, for new ideas. and a Gin…or two. marketing executive and even a grow from an initial concept feel of the collection, again key account manager. I’ve been in to a finished product on shop looking at trends, customer z What is your biggest z What’s your earliest Product Development for about shelves is always rewarding. feedback and the time of achievement? memory of crafting? 13 years now, working across a year the products will launch. There have been many things Making projects with my Nan. wide range of categories; soft z How do you develop We also spend a lot of time that I am proud of and I have We were always creating toys, gifting, toiletries and now new products? looking at what crafters post been involved in getting some pictures, making people out of art and craft. I’ve been lucky It’s a bit of a cliché I know, on our online gallery and fantastic products to market. One wooden spoons and attempting enough to work on in-house but developing any product our blogs; the feedback and of things that I am most proud the projects that were on projects, own label and a is always a real team effort, ideas from consumers is of is the number of new product Blue Peter, although we never diverse mix of licences such as and I’m so lucky to have such invaluable to any business. launches my team achieve. made a Tracy Island, sadly. Me to You, Disney, Hello Kitty, We currently launch ranges of Premier League Football Clubs, brand new products every other z Which crafters do you admire? Hallmark and Santoro’s Gorjuss. “Over the years I’ve been month, which can often consist Having an interest in paper of over 150 lines; always creative, cutting, I am a huge fan of paper- z How did you become a designer, marketing innovative and of a high quality. based artist Helen Musselwhite; involved with West Design? I can’t think of many other I am always amazed by the Originally, I joined Docrafts a executive and even a key companies that can say that! level of detail in her work. few years ago as their Senior She creates fantastic pieces, Product Development Manager. account manager” z If you could offer your that often tell a story too. younger self some advice what would it be? z What does the future That’s a difficult one. I would hold for West Design? probably say not to doubt The future for us is very exciting. yourself so much and to be We’ve recently moved our Dorset confident in your decisions. office into a new Creative Hub, complementing our other sites z What trends do you in Folkestone, our head office see coming through for and distribution centre, and the rest of the year? Plymouth, where we manufacture The tropical trend is still going some of our product ranges. strong. There are also a lot of As well as continuing to grow big, bold floral prints around, our existing partnerships, such but with a naturalist, almost as Faber-Castell, Marabu and specimen, feel to them – think Santoro, we have some pretty the archives at Kew Gardens or exciting new launches coming up the Natural History Museum. in 2019. Coming in June is our Pantone’s colour of the year is first range of brand new paper 16-1546 Living Coral, so expect pads, which we have developed to see a lot of that around! with the Natural History Museum. The feedback from the previews z Are you creative personally we shared at Creative World and if so, what is your hobby? and Stitches earlier this year Yes, I have always been has been amazing and I’m interested in all things creative looking forward to being able to including music, film and art, but share these with our crafters. my real passion is photography. My wife often jokes (or not), that she is a photography widow whenever we go anywhere!

z Which craft medium is your favourite? The range of crafts you do at home now is so broad, with more and more things becoming accessible, such as screen printing. However, I have always had a fascination with the art of paper cutting, so I would have to say that die-cutting would be my favourite medium. I am fortunate enough to be involved

www.craftbusiness.com 22 INTERVIEW

Hours As... 24 Jenny Hawkins Jenny Hawkins, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Personal Impressions and Country Love Crafts, ahead to ensure designs (inspired though Personal Impressions is by fashion/trends in the UK and located in Sudbury I am still based tells us about her day the US) are manufactured and in Oxfordshire at the Country Love stock-ready to meet demand. Crafts warehouse and offices. By the end of last year we had z What time do you wake BRANDS: Personal Impressions CUSTOMERS: I work closely with launched 700 products in 24 z What advice would you have up and what does your pre- deal with many brands. We some of our biggest customers months so it takes a lot of for someone looking to get work routine look like? regularly receive emails including and can spend several hours a planning. Our Fantasy die launch into your particular industry? I can wake any time between information about new product day planning product launches last year sold out of several lines I would recommend finding out 5.30am and 7am. I mix up my releases, product updates and and organising sales and within 24 hours of launching. as much as much as you can morning routine with an hour’s marketing information - for marketing activities. We also work about any possible career options gentle jogging or a five-mile cycle example details about new videos, together on forecasts to ensure z What time do you take – research the industry, make to work followed by breakfast television appearances, social that we have sufficient stock lunch, and what do you do personal contacts with people and a coffee. Occasionally I need media activity etc. Our team is for seasonal trends especially on your lunch break? What in arts and crafts careers, read to travel for off-site meetings constantly updating our systems given the long lead-time with do you typically eat? trade and consumer magazines, HUNKYDORY 1.4 3 COL_ADS 16/04/2019 15:49and Page this generally1 means leaving with new or updated information. some brands – for example, I typically take a packed lunch to engage in and monitor social the house early, so on these Since January we have loaded some of the manufacturers can work. However, I am embarrassed media and follow industry days I skip the exercising. I nearly 1,000 new products from be up to 16 weeks from receipt to say that I don’t generally take experts. I would also say you am a single parent so before 14 different brands. Before we of order to receipt of goods. a lunch-break due to a heavy need to determine whether leaving for work I ensure that even share information with NEW BUSINESS: We often receive workload, so most of the time your core values and skills can my children are organised and customers each of these products new enquiries from brands I will eat while I am working. bring anything to the industry. ready for school and college. has to be templated with product looking for a UK distributor or codes, descriptions, weights, from designers looking for a way z What time do you leave? And z What are the best z You get into work – what does pack sizes, customs and duty to take their ideas to market. what kinds of things do you parts of your job? a typical day look like for you? information, delivery details, SWEET DIXIE: This is our own- like to get up in the evening? I love the variety of my role, The majority of my work is desk- marketing information and more. brand and we work six months I mostly leave work between the people I work with (brands, based so my daily routine entails 5pm and 6pm. Sometimes I customers and work colleagues) responding to the many emails need to stay late for conference and I love the unpredictability. that I receive on an ongoing basis. calls with overseas brands – a The irony of this statement I receive hundreds of emails lot of our brands are in the US is that it is also the most each week and can sometimes making the time difference challenging part of my work! receive up to 100 in one day. challenging. My evening is My daily workload can be typically spent doing house z What does 2019 hold for you? divided into several categories: chores or being a taxi-Mum. I think the UK is uncertain times for 2019 due to Brexit and z A bit about you an increase in online shopping How did you come to work versus a decrease in traditional in your current position? brick-and-mortar-based stores. I joined the industry 17 years However, my aim is to spot ago in 2002 to help my father the trends and position our (who was the former owner of company to captialise on this. Country Love Crafts) and also The brands we represent have because I was unhappy in my job the knowledge and resource to at the time. When my father sold provide future innovation and we the business in 2007 I took over have the flexibility to offer more running Country Love Crafts on “local” UK-based product styles behalf of Personal Impressions. In through our own-brand, Sweet January 2017, I moved roles and Dixie. I think this makes for a became the Sales and Marketing solid product offering covering a Director for both businesses. Even diverse range of eventualities.

www.craftbusiness.com PAPERCRAFT 23

A taste of the Gothic! Tracey Dutton, founder of Lavinia Stamps Ltd, unveils her darker design

z What new products do you z There is a definite Gothic feel have for Spring? about them – where did your We have just released our latest inspiration come from? range, which have been a huge Yes I agree, it is a little darker and success. We have been so more Gothic. I often have many pleased with the response. The images and ideas buzzing around new range was a little different to in my head but in all honesty I LAVINIAwhat 1.2_ADS I would 16/04/2019 normally design.15:43 Page So 1 never really plan what I am going to the response from our customers design, I just start drawing and see has inspired me to perhaps bring where it takes me. more out in this style and form a I have always loved the these stamps is you can use them slightly larger collection. We are unexplained mysterious wonders in as simplistic or as complex as you always working on new ideas and life… so my art work is just a want and the end result is always designs. I am actually already reflection of a deep-rooted passion. so beautiful thinking about Christmas!! z How do you envisage these z What’s next in the pipeline? new designs being used? Business-wise we are expanding Customers feel, live and breathe into different areas, we are working the designs exactly as I do!! There on a few different products which is a connection, this is a magical is really exciting. Very hush, hush! world we can all jump into from I feel very fortunate to do time to time and what a great place something I love, but best of all I to be!! Customers amaze me with get to share what I do with the different concepts they come like-minded people and I see that up with on how to use my designs. as a real privilege. From layered Mixed Media to [email protected] delicate painting, the beauty of www.laviniastamps.com

www.craftbusiness.com 24 PAPERCRAFT

Nature is a font of inspiration Gloucester-based papercut artist Louise Firchau, Director of Paper Panda Ltd, talks to Angela Sara West about her success secrets, her intricate work for an Angelina Jolie film, along with her top tips and shiny new gem kits

z Papercutting superstar craft and what do you love and only have to look out of pack, for those who already have Louise Firchau studied art and most about what you do? the window for inspiration! I the equipment. The Diamond design, art history, illustration I adore papercutting and feel so was originally inspired to start Painting kits are a newer product and typography at university, very lucky to be able to do what papercutting. I also attend many and have been so popular. where she also enjoyed card I love every day. There is nothing craft fairs. It’s great to meet They feature an original Paper making, glass painting and more satisfying than creating other artists and designers. Panda design, ‘Moonbeams’, sketching. Falling head-over- a piece of art using amazing and contain everything needed heels in love with typography, fonts and hand-drawn images, z Your company has grown to create a stunning 3D picture. she combined the art with her then hand cutting it so perfectly exponentially, as has Paper You basically use the gem paper cutting ‘hobby’ (inspired that no matter what the size, Panda’s loyal league of fans, application tool with a little glue by a scherenschnitte design it looks like it’s been printed! what do you put that down to? gem, select the correct gem received as a wedding gift), and I try to support my followers using the gem guide and key, and switched from small z Where do you source and encourage them to have gently touch it to the sticky pre- to a scalpel. Her ensuing career inspiration? a go at papercutting. It’s so printed canvas. Think painting- has seen gallery exhibitions I’m inspired by the beautiful world important to empower others by-numbers, but with gems! galore, an ever-increasing team around me. I live in the Cotswolds and we run a thriving Facebook Both crafts are so therapeutic. of staff, book deals aplenty support group with over 13,000 plus an enviable following. members to share and celebrate z You’ve written several all forms of art - we currently books now, how did that go? z Your papercuts company, have 270k plus likes on our Yes, two papercutting books so PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS 1.4 3 col_ADS 24/01/2019 14:55 Page 1 Paper Panda, was born in “I live in the Cotswolds and Facebook business page! I’m far (both published by Search 2010, when you began making only have to look out of the also working hard this year on Press) –‘Twenty to Make: typographical lyrical papercuts building my Patreon following Papercuts’, and my latest craft from recycled paper. What window for inspiration!” to allow me to connect with book, ‘Paper Panda’s Guide was the main appeal of the more people around the world. to Papercutting’, which has Social media can be hard for been really well received. I artists and small businesses completed my first children’s to crack. However, the support story book, ‘Finn Biddybum’s I’ve received on Patreon has Cake’ (published by Austin been second to none. I basically Macauley), last year, which Leading share the inside PP goss with was an amazing experience. my Patreon subscribers and Craft and send them monthly goodies z You recently made your in return for their support. foray into film – working on an A3 piece for Angelina Papercraft z Your beautifully-presented Jolie’s movie for StudioCanal, craft kits for complete ‘The Breadwinner’. Supplier, beginners are your bestselling Yes, it was a time lapse products. How have your video of me papercutting latest kits, the sparkling new the poster for the film, which 30,000+ gem kits, been received? was used in their advertising. The papercutting kits have been That has been my most products our bestselling product for the challenging project recently. past five years and the feedback and reviews we’ve had are really fabulous. It’s a great way to start papercutting and the kits include everything you need to get started, including a complete set of all the equipment and templates, along with hints and tips from yours truly plus a Panda Trainee badge. They’re available as both a physical • Card Making • Journaling • Scrapbooking • Papercrafting • Planners kit, including all the equipment (card stock, envelopes, dies, toppers, embellishments, parchment, planners, punches, rub-ons, needed, and a digital printable stickers, scrapbooks and more) General Craft Tools/Accessories: (stamps, stencils, inks, paints, glues, glitters tapes, ribbons. scissors, decoupage, storage solutions, moulds, clays and more) Opinion Merchandising Display Stands (paints, inks, decoupage and more) • Kits FACTBOX Paper Panda offers a 10 per cent discount to new Personal Impressions (Part of the EM Richford Group), online customers with the code NEWBIE Curzon Road, Chilton Industrial Estate, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2XW. www.paperpandacuts.co.uk www.facebook.com/PaperPandaPapercuts Tel: +44 1787 375241 | [email protected] www.patreon.com/paperpanda www.personalimpressions.com

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DECOUPAGE This is a great craft and easily accessible for children. Get the kids to choose a shape, animal or their initial and their decoupage papers. Put the glue out in small pots, show 4the children how to tear the paper and then let them show you what they can achieve with papier-mâché and pretty tissue paper.

CARD-MAKING There’s some speciality SCRAPBOOKING kits about that are Running a perfect to use in a scrapbooking or 5children’s workshop. These memory keeper 6workshop for kids is are a great idea as it means your preparation time is greatly wonderful fun and a great reduced. Any card kit that makes way of using up lots of end a specific card is a great choice of line products or scraps and gives wonderful results. from your classroom. You’ll find that they all want to do their own thing, so not having a set kit will work A MILLION fine. When I’ve done these, MORE IDEAS I’ve been happily surprised There’s far too at the amazing array of many ideas for completed projects. 7crafts with kids to note here but have a quick look on Pinterest and your mind will be filled with ideas. WHAT ELSE IS Claire Hamer, A few easy ones include HAPPENING top tips for glass painting, mosaics, IN TOWN? Hunkdory trade sales air dry clay or paper birds. If there’s a theme for the 8town carnival or an exhibition KING COLE 1.8 3 COL_CRAFTS BUSINESS 06/03/2019 16:40 Page 1 manager, gives her on at your local museum or art Children’s gallery then run a workshop advice on how to run that ties in with this. Offer to run the workshops at the VIRIDIAN 1-8 2 col_VIRIDIANa great 18/04/2019 kids’ workshop 10:05 Page 1 museum, gallery or festival. It’ll show the local community Workshops what you do and it’s a great advert for your business. 9z The school summer holidays can keep some crafters away from their hobby and away from visiting your store. By running children’s FINGER- workshops it not only opens up your store to those crafters with PAINTING children but also other parents who are looking to entertain their Most of us children through the long summer break. remember this 3from school and it doesn’t sound that exciting but it SUPERVISION is creative and there’s SHOW AND TELL Unless you have staff members that have had a DBS plenty of inspiration on Kids love showing off check or you want to get them checked then ensure that the internet and in books their art work and a the parents stay with the children to supervise all to turn finger-painting into gallery with the work 1sessions. This also means that you can get the parents involved. mini art works. One of my 9they’ve made over the summer, Get the parents to refill supplies and keep the area tidy as well as favourites is to make a along with a gallery viewing, helping their little ones achieve great results. tree trunk by drawing would make a great event and round the child’s hand another reason to get people then cutting it out (get the to come and visit your store. PAPER PLATE PUPPETS supervising parent to do This has to be one of my favourite workshops to run with this) and sticking it to a children and be quite basic with minimal supplies through to large sheet of paper, then making masterpieces. Take two paper plates, fold one in half get the child to decorate 2and staple or glue the edge of the folded plate to the non-folded plate. the tree using finger Tada! It’s that easy and you have a paper plate puppet ready to be prints to make the leaves. decorated. You can then let your newest crafters go to town with the You can also make a decorations. Put the supplies out and let the creativity flow. Pens, bunch of flowers in the UK Distrubutor for: Sock Yarn Specialists paints, googly eyes, felt, pre-cut shapes and if you’re feeling brave let same way. • Opal • Eucalan them loose with the glitter!

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

www.craftbusiness.com 26 KNITTING AND CROCHET

STOCK SHOT New home for The New neon shades Spring Knitting & launched Stitching Show z Viridian have introduced four brand new shades of Opal Uni CREATIVE WORLD OF CRAFTS 1.4_ADS 16/04/2019 16:16 Page 1 solid 4 ply sock and sweater yarn “Opal Neon”. z Upper Street Events has & Stitching Show which in 2019 Brighten up the dullest of days and dare to be bold with these announced a major move for its saw a larger show with a fresh four vibrant colours in your knitwear, perfect for all projects from London craft show, The Spring look and feel, new dedicated stylish socks to jazzy jumpers. Knitting & Stitching Show. dressmaking content including Why not mix up your knit by incorporating another colour In 2020, the popular four-day a Sewing School, Eco-friendly from the Uni range, Viridian think Deep-Black or Medium-Grey Spring show will re-locate from Dressmaking Competition, catwalk would look fantastic together with these shades or to make an Olympia, in Kensington, to the show, Upcycling Challenge even greater impact a mixture of the Neon colours would look Business Design Centre in central and curated Textile Galleries incredible. London. The market-leading by acclaimed artists. Visitor Opal sock yarn is made of 75 per cent virgin wool and 25 per Knitting & Stitching Shows take numbers for The Spring Knitting cent polyamide, it’s hard wearing yet gentle to delicate skin, place in London, Dublin and & Stitching Show have grown by perfect for both little ones and the more mature skin. Harrogate and are the UK’s biggest 11 per cent in the last two years, Opal wool is machine washable at 40° for your convenience. events for the textile art, craft with organisers reporting that the Knit with passion, knit with Opal. and design community, attracting 2019 show was the busiest ever. [email protected] over 80,000 visitors a year. Katie Ventresca, Event www.viridianyarn.com The move is part of significant Director, said: “Interest in knitting investment in The Spring Knitting and stitching is growing all the time and The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show has quite simply outgrown Olympia. Moving to the Business Design Centre is hugely exciting and will give us a big, beautiful, permanent home in which to expand and enhance the show’s content. “The additional 1,000 square metres of floor space and abundant natural light will enable us to deliver a richer visitor experience with plenty of potential to grow our workshop and demonstration programmes, Textile Galleries, competitions, theatres and other live features.” The Show will take place from February 27-March 1, 2020. PRODUCT PANEL Punch your way to creativity

z When it comes to using knitting wool, Rico Design’s specially designed monks Needle Punching is the new trend. cloth is best suited for all Punch Needle It is an easy but attractive embroidery projects. It is a loose woven cotton fabric technique with a gorgeous three dimensional with panama weave and an extra soft touch. look, created for loose woven fabrics In addition to their book they offer two (preferably canvas or cotton). different Punch Needle Sets: the first With the instructions from the Rico Design includes different attachments/needles book PUNCH NEEDLE you can craft beautiful (1,3mm for twist 3ply, 1,6mm for twist with designs for different embroidery objects. 17 whole thread and 2,2mm for stick twist and great designs with modern three dimensional thin yarns), while the second contains a looks are included. Different pillows, pictures, a Punch Needle 5 mm for thick yarns, for wall hanging, a cotton bag and decorative example Aran and Chunky yarns. cushions in rabbit or hedgehog shape can be Contact 02030 249009 designed with the help of Rico Design’s [email protected] instruction and the Punch Needle. www.rico-design.de

www.craftbusiness.com KNITTING AND CROCHET 27

STOCK SHOT Soft, squishy and chunky

z Cygnet’s Chenille Chunky is a beautiful Highly anticipated Loch Ness Knit Fest soft, squishy chunky yarn. This cosy yarn knits up super quick on 6-7mm needles 2019 programme revealed and crochets on a 6.5mm hook. This soft durable chenille yarn, available in a 100g z Loch Ness Knit Fest have just published their Festival Director, Cecilia Grigor, added: “When we ball has a lovely texture to it giving great highly-anticipated 2019 programme. first started this event we never imagined it would stitch definition to big knits. With 6 colours It’s an event that has grown from strength to grow to this size and pull in so many different currently in the range including bright strength over the last three years, establishing itself nationalities from all over the world. It’s quite Mustard, stunning Gunmetal grey and vibrant as a must-see celebration of all things yarn. Record incredible. We’re delighted to welcome so many Cranberry, rich Midnight, radiant Petrol and numbers flocked to Loch Ness Knit Fest in 2018 from visitors to the area and offer them a truly memorable opulent Aubergine, there is a great choice over 22 countries. experience. of shades to start your chunky project. This year, the event returns to the Inverness “Although it’s all about the wonders of knitting Chenille Chunky is the ideal yarn Leisure Centre on October 16-20. It promises an and yarn, the cultural elements of the event help to for big knits and quick projects enhanced five-day programme with over 20 give people a good dose of highland hospitality. We and perfect for snug blankets workshops, more than 60 vendors in the bring together a mix of traditional and contemporary and cushion covers; chunky marketplace, demonstrations, mainstage music, spectacular Highland dance, tasty food and a jumpers and over-sized entertainment, sightseeing tours and evening events warm welcome. cardigans; squishable toys including highland feast, ceilidh and knit along with “We encourage locals to join like-minded yarn lovers and easy wear accessories. Danish Designer Christel Seyfarth. from all over the world as we come together in October Made in 100 per cent CYGNET 1.8 2 col_ADS 18/04/2019 15:21 Page 1 Christel Seyfarth said: “I’ve attended Loch Ness for a spectacular international celebration of knitting.” Polyester, it’s soft handle and Knit Fest since the beginning in 2016 and it’s always A range of teachers will be sharing their expertise versatility ensures this range such a joy. I bring a significant group of and inspiring those that attend Loch Ness Knit Fest is a must have for your creative Scandinavian knitters with me each year and they’ve workshops. chunky knits and crochet. simply fallen in love with all that Scotland has to For tickets and more information about Loch 01274 743374 offer. We’re really excited to start planning our trip Ness Knit Fest, please visit www.cygnetyarns.com for this year’s event.” www.lochnessknitfest.com

Calling All Wool Lovers – This Is For Ewe NEW NEW NEW NEW z This summer, the wonder popular and, with Scotland’s rich of woollies will be celebrated tradition of knitting and in Dundee when EWEfest world-class reputation as a makes its stylish debut in producer of wool and other Scotland’s City of Design. natural yarns, we have very high EWEfest is a celebration of expectations for the first wool and natural fibres, taking EWEfest,” said Elena. place in Dundee’s Slessor “Among the highlights of Gardens on August 16/17, 2019. EWEfest will be outdoor market “This event is for everyone who stalls showcasing the very best enjoys a good yarn,” said the hand-made, artisan products. founder of EWEfest and Under canvas, we will offer the EWE’N – EWEfest 2019’s renowned handknitting designer specialist components and specially made mascot Elena Costella. “EWEfest 2019 is equipment required to create Scotland’s first national wool yarn and craft masterpieces, festival and will be a veritable such as hand-dyed wool, wool experts, a fabulous fashion love-in of wool and natural tops, fleece, dyes and patterns, show previewing Rowan’s fibres. It’s shaping up to be a to name but a few. “We’ve autumn/winter 2019 hand- fabulous event.” already received a good number knitting designs and tuition from Whether it’s knitting, of applications from the Scottish School of 3D spinning, weaving, felting or stallholders, with many of them Decoupage, creators of WWW.CYGNETYARNS.COM crocheting, EWEfest 2019 is coming to Scotland for the very EWEfest’s unmistakable expected to attract thousands first time.” mascot, EWE’n. Telephone: 01274 743374 of enthusiasts from all over the EWEfest 2019’s two-day For more information about UK – and further afield. “Similar programme will also feature EWEfest 2019, including E-mail: [email protected] events in Wales, Yorkshire and demonstrations by world- reserving a stall, the Lake District are incredibly leading wool and natural fibre visit http://ewe.scot. FOR ALL YOUR HANDKNITTING YARNS

www.craftbusiness.com 28 BIG INTERVIEW A crafty partnership that inspires and uplifts Motivating multi-crafters Amanda Russell and Juliet Bawden chat with Angela Sara West about their crafty journeys and projects, and how craft has helped them both through poor health

z Known for their inspiring going to craft shows, and Amanda Russell interior makeovers, designer- there are always lots of makers Amanda Russell and press events to keep up-to- Juliet Bawden became the date with current trends. dynamic duo behind R&B Juliet: I find inspiration in Design, creating exciting design nature, particularly the seaside, projects for the home. Having exhibitions of both art and craft, spotted the booming interest in history and odd bits of ephemera crafting, the craft and product that I find in junk shops. innovators joined forces in 2013 to mix their expertise in textiles, z What was the inspiration interior design and printing for your books ‘Fat Quarter: and to run crafty workshops. Home’ and ‘Fat Quarter: Quick Amanda has worked with Makes’ for GMC Publications? TV presenter Linda Barker Juliet: We were very flattered to on her design programmes be asked by GMC Publications and magazines and is an art to write both books and director, stylist, fabric designer, decided from the start that Juliet Bawden blogger and writer, specialising we wanted them to look as in interiors, lifestyle and crafts. stylish as possible. So, after Designer, maker, blogger, author we had worked out the content and journalist Juliet, meanwhile, of the books we spent a great trained in textile design, printing deal of time sourcing fabrics and weaving, has written over 80 that would suit the individual design and craft books, covering projects and look stylish as a everything from appliqué and complete book. We designed rag rugs to papier mâché, the contents of both books to and is the brains behind the complement each other. We were first-ever craft series on TV. delighted when the books were The collaborative design reprinted within six months. duo are also co-authors of the popular titles, ‘Fat Quarter: z You’ve run craft and design Home and Fat Quarter: Quick workshops for The Fashion fit in with their brand ethos; “Creating something new Makes’, a series of stash-busting and Textile Museums, King sustainable, non-wasteful and a sewing books aimed at beginner (makers of Candy Crush) and great experience. A crafter can is transformative and brings to intermediate crafters. leading brands, including expect to attend a workshop Cath Kidston, Laura Ashley with no knowledge and go a sense of achievement and z Where did you first meet? and Heal. What can crafters away with a finished product Juliet: We met through social expect from your classes? and, hopefully, a thirst to learn resolution.” media, but a mutual friend Juliet: We have run workshops a little more about the subject. AMANDA RUSSELL had been trying to get us together and as individuals. As Amanda: Generally, together for ages before that! multi-practitioners, we offer a workshops will have a range of workshops and our sustainability ethos, based on the most generous and sharing from them, and so I came up z Where do you clients usually come to us with good design and recycling. I that you can come across. with the idea for a book, ‘The source inspiration? a brief. I have recently been designed a really pleasing one Shirt off his Back’ which was Amanda: Ideas come from running workshops on my own for Heals, based on Kintsugi, z You’re both big on published by Jacqui Small. all around. I enjoy visits to for the Leon chain of restaurants. the Japanese art of repairing upcycling and sustainability Amanda: It was great museums, reading books, They like their workshops to broken ceramics with gold – which are a few of your upcycling a series of men’s’ lacquer. I also run styling favourite thrifty projects? shirts onto ladies’ summer workshops for photography. Juliet: I started making things blouses. One of them featured It’s a really important skill for all as a young child. I grew up in a pussy bow, which was very in businesses, particularly small the 1950s and my parents’ vogue on the recent series of craft-based ones who want to generation had been through a ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’. get their product out there and world war and had the ethos of A memorable makeover was noticed, to make the all-important ‘make do and mend’, which was wallpapering the exterior of a cash-generating sales. passed on to me. My mother tallboy with vintage jungle print taught me to sew and knit when wallpaper. It was a stunning z What do you enjoy most about I was very young and the sewing piece after its transformation. sharing your knowledge through machine was always out in our Juliet: I hate the overuse workshops, books and blogging? house. I love that when you craft of plastic and have made Juliet: It’s wonderful to meet you are in the zone and can wax cloth wraps from leftover new people and to share the forget all your worries. When scraps of fabric and beeswax. passion for designing, making the banks crashed in 2008, I As R&B designs, we created and creating. So often people thought, ‘what will happen to all Christmas stockings from old surprise themselves with what those beautiful old shirts worn dyed and felted blankets and they can do. People who craft by bankers?’ My second thought many other recycled items. My and make things are some of was to make something beautiful message to readers is never

www.craftbusiness.com BIG INTERVIEW 29

reject anything. I have made pom when I’m designing an interior, z Tell me a little about your poms from old odd single socks I often work backwards from work for Dylon and Rust-Oleum and also out of plastic bags! the finished image, working to produce craft projects and how I will achieve the end showcase the brands’ products. z Amanda, how was your look. Styling with Linda Barker Juliet: I came up with design experience of creating was generally a collaborative ideas and innovative ways to interiors and craft projects process, with the team playing use colour for both of these behind the scenes on BBC’s to their strengths. Typically, companies. I helped Dylon ‘Changing Rooms’ and ‘House she might design the concept launch a new product that could Invaders’ and UKTV Style? and I’d pitch in with ideas and be used on both fabric and soft Amanda: Working in TV is a sources for materials and craft wood. I also wrote a book with challenge and really rewarding. projects to achieve the look. In Dylon in the UK and RIT in the I certainly discovered where my a fast-paced world, it certainly USA called ‘To Dye For’. More strengths lay. The pace is fast makes life easier when there’s a recently, I’ve been coming up and furious and there’s always team on board! Working on large with small, interesting projects something happening and shows have a long timeline, for Rust-Oleum that use their problems to solve, which I relish. sometimes a full six months of paint products. This introduces One minute you’re designing new preparation before realisation. a new, and less traditional, concepts for a space, the next It needed a massive amount of clientele to their paints. sourcing materials to help with organising and forward planning projects. It’s sociable and great to bring it all together, with a z And what have you been fun, and there are times when lot of man power, as well as busy making lately? you have to be away from home early starts and late nights. Juliet: I have been creating for long stretches while filming. projects for magazines, including I mostly worked from my studio z Juliet, you’ve written over coming up with the concepts, when I was designing and the 80 books on craft and design!! making, writing, taking step-by- ‘phone or emails wanted constant That’s very impressive, step shots and, finally, finished attention to pull in resources any more in the works? styled shots. I review craft books from PRs and companies. So, Juliet: I’ve always been for my own blog and for an online juggling with organisation at interested in textile crafts, magazine called ‘The Magpie work and home really is key to particularly dyeing, appliqué and Anthology’ (www.magpieonline. keep everything moving along. printmaking. I also fell in love co.uk), which means I’m very The craft projects for TV were with papier-mâché when I wrote much in the loop when it comes an integral part of all the interior a book about it and came across to what is currently on trend. “I find inspiration in nature, designs, and the variety of skills some brilliant practitioners of I find it amusing that weaving needed was broad. Often based the craft. I’m not working on a and macramé and indigo dying particularly the seaside, on recycling and design, the book at the moment, although I have come to the fore in recent exhibitions of both art and knowledge of a range of crafting have a few ideas in the pipeline. times, as has very funky crochet. skills and trends is huge. Stylists I was doing all of these in the craft, history and odd bits of are expected to sew but that’s not z And you came up with late 1970s and, 20 years ago, I the end of the skills you acquire the original concept for the suggested a book of recycled ephemera that I find in junk along the way. At any given time first daytime craft series, crafts to my publishers - the on set, I could be candle making, ‘The Craft Show’ for BBC response was ‘who would shops.” cutting wood out with a jigsaw Two. How did it feel when buy a book on recycling?’ JULIET BAWDEN or creating a Kintsugi project it was commissioned? How things have changed!” with ceramics. It gave me great Juliet: It was in the very early links and I’ve loved working with days of daytime television and z What projects are you but this is because I currently crafting skills designing companies such as Crown and it seemed obvious to me that working on, Amanda? design the ‘Makes’ features portable projects to take on Dulux paints, Black and Decker a craft programme would be Amanda: Currently, my time for Coast Magazine. I don’t long hospital visits or for when and Sewing machines, great. However, when the show is taken up working on a consciously use on-trend I don’t have the energy to do having their support and tools was accepted I was incredibly large, new domestic interiors colours in my makes, however, anything but stay at home. makes a real difference to surprised and thrilled! project, styling for commercial I have painted part of my house Being mindful and getting into achieving a project and the finish. companies, crafting workshops in that fabulous coral that is the crafting flow takes you z What have you enjoyed most for career development, as well this year’s Pantone Colour! away from present worries. z As Linda Barker’s right-hand about your TV and radio work? as organising social media Life can be bleak with cancer, woman, you’ve worked closely Juliet: I loved the adrenaline meet-ups. With lots of children z Amanda, how do you and it can feel like there’s no with her when designing for rush that doing both radio in the family, I’m designing and apply your love of colour future. Creating something TV programmes, as well as and television brought, and making baby clothes, often to your designs for schools new is transformative and for the Ideal Home Show and particularly the immediacy recycling as well as stash and cancer hospitals, for brings a sense of achievement House & Garden Festival. of television, whereas busting - it would be great if which you have won a CARA and resolution. I’ve taken that Amanda: I really enjoy the styling writing a book is a great that eventually led to a book. award for your work? knowledge with me into the aspect of a finished project and deal of hard work. Amanda: Colour is a great crafting workshops I run. z And you also run Soulfood tool to use to change an Studio, a styling blog and environment and I was very z Juliet, you were seriously shop selling a curated privileged to be asked to use ill some years ago… did collection of your favourite my colour skills in supportive crafting aid your recovery? contemporary vintage pieces. life-changing projects. Juliet: Very much so. The Amanda: Soulfood Studio shop Designing a meditation room in wellbeing benefits of crafting came about as I’ve always given a mainstream primary school are well documented, being a lot of thought to sustainable was cutting-edge, as was my able to zone out of the resources, and the collection I makeover of the teenage cancer day-to-day and zone in to have curated in my shop is all ward. I had treatment for cancer the task in hand is a delight well designed, recycled vintage a few years ago and now I’m and, sometimes, a lifesaver. material. I always try to use living with cancer. With the long, I’m sure this is partly why natural materials in my work often debilitating treatment so many people, though and, in my eyes, British flowers that comes with it, I have a mainly women, knit, sew or are my absolute favourite keen sense of how important crochet, as it’s something that natural product. Coupled with environment is for wellbeing. is portable and can be put beautiful vintage Constance During these periods, I down and picked up as the Spry-style vases, they make the have further developed my desire or need to do so hits! ceramics a great product to sell. Continuing the botanical theme, I will soon be branching out with lots of new vintage stock.” FACTBOX z You both have a passion for Juliet Bawden’s design, craft and interiors blog, colour - do you tend to use on- Creative Colour: www.creativecolour.org trend colours in your makes? Amanda Russell Design: www.amandarusselldesign.co.uk Juliet: I love working with blue Soulfood Studio: www.soulfoodstudio.com and white with a splash of red,

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PREDICTIONS FOR

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What will sparkle, shine and catch the eye in 2019 ENGAGEMENT RINGS Bridal jewellery is always evolving and 2019 will see a mix of the traditional and the fashion-led when it comes to z Burrells, a family-run jeweller with a collection of boutiques and a engagement ring trends. Expect to see more royally-inspired global-reaching website (www.burrells.co.uk), has its eye firmly on rings as both Megan and Eugenie’s ring choices inform the jewellery that will define 2019. The jewellers has collectively put designers, while the beautiful and modern halo ring looks set together its top jewellery trends for 2019, talking engagement rings, to continue its seemingly unstoppable rise up most-wanted lists. earrings, ‘heavenly’ jewellery, layering, yellow gold, personalised Surprisingly, the timeless diamond solitaire is predicted to remain jewellery, unusual gemstones, drop earrings, simple diamonds and as popular as ever through 2019, although square and rectangular cuts statement necklaces. along with coloured stones are steadily growing as a popular choice for stylish brides to be. Burrells’ managing director, Ed Ferris, said: “2019 looks set to deliver both fresh new looks and timeless classics. This year has something for every budget, style and personality, whether you’re looking to update your fashion jewellery collection or invest in a sentimental piece to last a lifetime.”

LAYERING Layering is a trend that has been growing over the last few years, but 2019 will see this modern look become bigger and bolder. From stacking rings to dramatic necklace combinations and bracelet layering, the only rule here is that more is more. So, let your imagination run wild with creative combinations. Layer styles, gemstones, and metals to create a truly bohemian finish.

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Statement Necklaces SIMPLE 2019 will see the return of more traditional DIAMONDS necklace shapes with a statement twist Ear Appeal In a departure from as pendants move into the background. some of the bold Anything goes when it comes to design, from 2018 was all about the ear, with designs that seem to be vivid flowers to shells and thick, oversized ear huggies, ear cuffs, and ear defining the upcoming chains. Like this year’s drop earrings, the jackets moving firmly into the year, diamonds have been point here is to make an impact, so pair mainstream. In 2019, expect to see pared back for 2019. With your statement necklace with a clean more of the same with the layering single, brilliantly beautiful and simple look to let it do the talking. of ear accessories providing the stones allowed to shine perfect opportunity to make a style in studs, pendants, and statement. Oversized earrings,BEADALON mini_ADS 06/03/2019 12:51 Pagebracelets 1 without fancy including crescent-shaped hoops, metalwork or adornment. are also going to be big news for We love dainty diamond the final year of the twenty-tens, choker-style necklaces as a with chunky styles taking over from way to wear this fresh but some of the more delicate looks timeless style. Sometimes we have seen this year. a stone is so beautiful, it doesn’t need any fuss.

Constellations, stars, and signs of the zodiac have slowly been gaining in popularity as statement pieces over YELLOW 2018 and this year they are going to be a firm staple of jewellery collections Burrells is a family owned and run independent boutique jeweller with a collection of four stores GOLD everywhere. Pretty, whimsical, and an across the south of England (Royal Tunbridge Wells, Winchester, Kingston and Staines). Over the last decade easy way to add some personality to or so, many of us have your jewellery collection, make fallen out of love with sure you grab a heavenly traditional yellow gold, piece to update your with metals like platinum, 2019 look. rose gold, and white gold taking centre stage. Now, this classic metal is coming in from the cold, with a rise in beautiful yellow-gold designs for 2019. Add some vintage appeal to your look with a yellow-gold piece and add warmth and depth to your jewellery collection.

PERSONALISED JEWELLERY It seems that we just can’t get enough of personalised jewellery. Since Carrie first wore that iconic name necklace in ‘Sex in The City’, jewellery that reflects a little something of who we are has become more and more sought after. The 2019 take on personalised jewellery is subtle and craft- inspired, with initial-adorned pieces with a folksy twist amongst the most-wanted interpretations of this look.

Unusual Gemstones Move over sapphire, emerald, and diamond, there are some new gemstones in town. In 2019, it won’t just be about the big precious gemstones, lesser-known stones like watermelon tourmaline and moonstone are quickly becoming important players on the accessory’s scene. These uniquely beautiful stones are inspiring designers to create dazzling new styles and fashion lovers to express themselves in fresh ways. The traditional stones aren’t going to disappear anytime soon, but the choice of gemstones is certainly going to get more exciting.

2019 seems to be the year that many designers have decided to embrace maximalist jewellery, with oversized designs popping up everywhere from necklaces to bracelet cuffs. One place where this approach seems to be really taking hold is in the return of the drop earring. Forget simple studs and go for all-out glamour in long earrings that will absolutely turn heads. The colour, the gemstones, that’s up to you - just be sure to make a statement.

www.craftbusiness.com 32 INTERVIEW

Minutes With... Marion Emberson Marion Emberson, creative consultant with WOW embossing powder, tells us about her life and work

z Tell me a little bit about them some advice, whether they z What is your biggest 5your background? wanted it or not LOL!! and then achievement? I’ve been involved with the craft they approached me and asked Back in 2005 I won an award industry for over 25 years. I if I would teach for them, the for Best New Business for started off as a curtain maker, rest, as they say, is history. They Sugar and Spice Crafts, the handmade kind, yes, all must have liked what I said! that was pretty amazing! hand sewn, that was hard I also got the opportunity work but rewarding. I then z What is the best part to guest present on QVC WOW EMBOSSING 1.4 3 COL_ADS 17/04/2019went 17:08 on toPage creating 1 handmade about your job? for two years. I felt really children’s keepsake boxes and, I get to create and design new honoured to have that role guess what?, I used to stamp products, some call it ‘playing’ and loved every minute of it. and emboss on to them! but, just in case the boss is reading this, I Create and z You own your own company “I love crafters that are in z How did you become Design! I also get to teach and Sugar and spice Crafts and involved with WOW? demo, not only in the UK but in used to have a Bricks and I met them at a trade show, (they Europe and the United States. Mortar store but closed and the background, quietly were three guys back then), I gave went online only. Was that a z How do you develop difficult decision to make? crafting away, they often new designs? It was a really difficult decision As a crafter I know what I’m as I’d built up a really loyal get overlooked but their always looking for and bring that customer base over the 12 into the design side of WOW. years of having a store, but work can be amazing” I knew it had to be done. I z How much do you enjoying wanted to carry on teaching, the teaching aspect of so my amazing and very z If you could offer your feel partly to blame for that, your role with WOW? clever husband built me a younger self some advice I wish I could find all those I absolutely love it, teaching studio which enabled me to what would it be? mice and throw them back! is my passion, to give take my customers with me Don’t mess around in art, someone the ability to and carry on teaching. I now concentrate and do what z If you had to pick just create is the best thing. get the best of both worlds. the teacher says! one craft above all others what would it be? z What trends do you Embossing, of course, see coming through for but embossing on cards, the rest of the year? in my art journal, on my Mixed Media is still massive scrapbook pages, in fact, in the paper crafting world anything I make I generally and embossing, over the last bring embossing into it! few years, has gained it’s popularity back, and that’s z Which crafters do purely down to the effort we you admire? (WOW!) have put into it. It can I love crafters that are in the be used on so many substrates. background, quietly crafting Card making will never go away, they often get overlooked out and I see scrapbooking but their work can be amazing. getting popular again but I have a lot of admiration for mixed up with art journals. crafters that have made their hobby into a business and I z What do you do to relax? have a lot of admiration for I go to the gym three times companies that are loyal, the a week and one of those likes of Leandra and Mark sessions is boxing, it’s the Franich, from PaperArtsy, are an biggest stress reliever EVER! excellent example of that! I have so many creative friends, I’d z What’s your earliest love to list them all, but if I left memory of crafting? one out I’d feel really bad LOL! My earliest memory is staying So basically, anyone who can at my nan and grandad’s hotel create something from nothing! in Woolacombe in the summer holidays. We used to go to z What does the future the beach and collect shells hold for you and WOW? and make little animals out of We have so many plans, I can’t them. I re-visited a few years tell you them right now or I’d back and was sad to see there get sacked! Suffice to say were no shells on the beach, I we love working with other brands and helping to keep this industry going. We’re also really passionate about our retailers and all they do for us. We give a lot of support back to them, and we need people to keep the stores alive by visiting their local retailer, take classes, meet up, chat, stroke the papers, but above all support them!

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ExpandKNIT Your PRO 1.4 2 col_ADS 16/04/2019 15:46 Page 1 7SME Today Richard Hepburn, Operations Manager at Gorilla Accounting, passes on his tips to boost your business

z Scaling your business is a challenge. It takes a lot of time and effort, and you’ll likely have to don a lot of hats in the beginning, from promoting yourself to understanding taxes. We don’t usually think about how big brands got to where they are today, but the truth is that they would have been in your shoes at some point in time. As an SME owner, you’re probably always on the lookout for business opportunities that will allow you to grow your company. Identifying these opportunities is crucial to expanding your business. So, how can you go about expanding your SME today?

IMPLEMENT A GROWTH STRATEGY ADOPT TECHNOLOGY Going from a small business to a medium- Technology is an integral part sized enterprise or even a large company of our daily lives. No matter requires having a plan in place. Creating a where we are or what we’re 1growth strategy for your SME is, therefore, of the doing,2 technology leads the way. utmost importance. Business owners need to be able Ask yourself questions like ‘where am I now?’ and to use technology to their advantage. ’how do I get to where I want to be?’. After all, using it can help SMEs You may want to start by identifying what makes respond quickly to changes in the you different from your competitors, and why your market, as well as customer demands. customers chose you instead of them. Once you’ve Technology helps you to come across established your value, understand who your ideal as reliable and professional, allowing customer is, define your revenue streams, analyse the you to streamline your services and competition, focus on your strengths and invest in helping you to connect with talented people who can help you grow your business. customers. Integrating technology into Equally important is the flexibility to adapt to the your SME also means you can constant changes of the market. manage your finances.

BUILD AND DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS ORGANISE FINANCES When thinking about expanding your SME, one Take stock of your current of the things you should do is to build strategic finances, from detailed records partnerships with the right businesses. This of your business to your sales allows3 you to take advantage of their contacts, while figures.4 This way, you can more easily reaching a wide range of new customers. A good rule of identify financial trends and modify thumb is to build relationships with businesses similar to your structure in a way that can benefit your own. you the most. If you report increased Building new relationships will create loyalty. traffic to your website (or increased Companies are a lot more likely to invest in a business sales) in a particular month, you that they have a relationship with. In addition, developing can invest in extra business support relationships will create word-of-mouth, which is still during that time of year. Being able important in the modern business world and will also to fulfil orders quickly means you can create a positive image. sell more stock and increase profit.

ADD NEW TARGET NEW MARKETS PRODUCTS You can expand your business by targeting new audiences and AND territories. Marketing and selling your existing products and SERVICES services to new clients in different locations or niches will open 5One of the most up6 new opportunities. While most SMEs will put their marketing efforts popular ways to into targeting specific markets depending on age, location or interests, expand your business there may also be other markets that you’re missing out on. is to start offering new Exporting products to other countries is a good way to widen your products or services. audience and can lead to stronger financial performance. It can be This can be a difficult challenging, but you’ll find that it’s usually more than worth it. process, however, because you should first find out what your customers actually LISTEN TO FEEDBACK want. No point in In order to improve your services and your business structure, sinking time, effort and it’s important to listen to customer feedback and implement money into a product changes that meet their suggestions. If your clients have a only to see it fail. 7complaint, listening to them and then providing solutions to that Extensive and thorough problem will increase satisfaction and trust between you and your market research is, customers. And, of course, by implementing changes related to therefore, a crucial step feedback, you can improve your business efficiency, which will help it before committing to grow. Offering excellent customer service means your clients will these resources. not only remember you but refer you to others, as well.

www.craftbusiness.com 34 RETAIL CLINIC

z Most small businesses need in place. Be honest about what a helping hand in the beginning challenges you have faced in Finding an investor and though there are funding the past. If you can show how options and loans available, you have overcome difficulties, it finding an investor can be the shows that you are determined, best way to secure capital enterprising and have credibility. needed to support growth. Use your pitch to provide for your small business Asking for financial help potential investors with a can be a daunting prospect but lowdown of key information, Sara Davies MBE, founder at Crafter’s Companion, there is a pool of successful including how many employees investors out there who want you have, sales figures and what looks at six ways to help you secure more funds to get involved with start-up you are looking for in terms of projects and small businesses investment. Know what you are just like yours. The tricky part worth but be ready for tough is finding the right person and questions and negotiations. presenting them with an offer they can’t refuse, especially when z UNDERSTANDING your company might have been YOUR MARKET trading for a relatively short time. As an entrepreneur, CRAFTERS COMPANION mini_ADS 17/04/2019 11:22 Page 1 understanding your market, z CONNECTIONS your position within it, your It might sound obvious but biggest competitors and core exploring your own connections customers is vital and more is a great way to start. Evaluate importantly, demonstrating this whether someone a colleague to a potential investor will set knows, a former mentor or you apart from someone who investor from your own network hasn’t done their homework. of people might be interested and ask if their goals and z RESEARCH ideals match your own. It’s absolutely necessary to Networking and social know your business and market events are another way to inside out but conducting make connections. While you’re some research to find out probably not going to walk up what matters to your investor to someone and ask them to and what they’re hoping to part with thousands straight achieve from the process will away, having facetime with impress them even further. other entrepreneurs is a must. They could be keen to invest Even if someone can’t help you in your company because they directly, new acquaintances want to build up their own might be able to point you in the portfolio of start-up and small direction of someone who can. companies in the craft sector “Even if someone can’t help you directly, new acquaintances might be able to point you in the direction of someone who can”

z SOCIAL MEDIA but they could also have a Social media is another great way personal attachment to the to reach an investor audience industry. It’s your job to find out. and doesn’t cost the earth. You can create sponsored posts, z TAKE YOUR TIME make connections on LinkedIn It’s also important to take your and let people know that you’re time, you might meet with actively looking for support. multiple investors before you A strong social presence will get an offer so don’t jump also give potential investors straight into an agreement with an idea of what your company the first person who shows is about from the offset. you some interest. Anyone can offer financial support but the z CREDIBILITY investors who will make the When your name is out there and biggest difference to you and you have finally secured a pitch, your business are those who demonstrate your business’s can offer guidance and support success so far and prove that along the way. These types of you have a sensible, robust plan partnerships are worth the wait.

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RETAIL 35

DOING THE BUSINESS… Education EDITOR in crafting Mark Hayhurst 01206 508618 Claire Hamer, [email protected] HEAD OF EDITORIAL (BUSINESS) Hunkdory trade sales Emily Seddon manager, examines [email protected] HEAD OF ADVERTISING (CRAFT) how you can boost a Martin Lack 01206 505940 community by [email protected] ADVERTISING MANAGER teaching new skills Danielle Harris 01206 505954 [email protected]

ACCOUNTS z Education in crafting is still an Anne-Marie Hartley integral part of our industry and 01206 505902 something I believe shouldn’t be SUBSCRIPTIONS MARKETING forgotten. In addition to Holly Rayner customers gaining new skills and 01206 505965 hopefully purchasing additional [email protected] products it also reinforces the THE BAR RATE sense of community in crafting. UK £28.00 In this ever faceless on-line world Overseas €40.00 people are looking for different PUBLISHING DIRECTOR ways to connect and hands on Helen Tudor crafting can be a great way to DESIGN: achieve this. MS Typesetting and Design As shown in the year’s Craft “Ensure that you price your classes and Report, a large proportion of Printed in England crafters find their hobby when workshops competitively and cover your costs PUBLISHED BY: coping with illness or stress and Aceville Publications Ltd are looking for wellbeing but also not at a give-away price.” 21-23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, opportunities. Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY Finding a like-minded cards and projects are important z THE PRICE If you’re using a local tutor ©Aceville Publications Ltd community can be a great way selling tools. If you don’t want to Ensure that you price your or yourself, right a strong DISCLAIMER:The views expressed in this for people to make new friends reveal the full project then sneak classes and workshops biography to help sell the class. publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure and gain confidence in learning peeks of part of the finished competitively and cover your the veracity and integrity of the companies, new skills. image is a good way to spark costs but also not at a give-away z BUILD UP TO THE CLASS persons, products and services mentioned in this publication, and details given are interest. price. If classes look too cheap, If you’re organising a large event, believed to be accurate at the time of z ADVERTISING people may not travel for them as perhaps a full weekend, then it’s going to press. However no responsibility z or liability whatsoever can be accepted Letting people know what classes WHAT’S INCLUDED they think they won’t be that good. a brilliant idea to get people for any consequence or repercussion of and workshops you’ve got AND WHAT’S NOT? talking before the event. Set up a responding to any information or advice coming up is key to getting People want to know what they’re z THE TUTOR social media group where given or inferred. people to register. With busy lives getting for their money. When If you’ve got a craft celebrity people can get to know each and lots of competition for advertising spaces for your coming to teach, then make sure other and also potentially people’s time it’s important to give education spots be sure to you let people know. Also don’t organise sharing your delegates plenty of notice, include the following information; assume everybody has heard of accommodation or transport. so that they can put the dates in date, time, venue, is it accessible, them. Let your customers know their diaries. If you don’t have the are any refreshments included, why the person has a following z SUPPORT AFTER CLASS finalised information for the what the projects are, how many and why they are so popular. Wherever possible try to offer workshop, consider sending save hours of tuition is included, who is Check that the tutor has put the on-going support after the class, the date notices out. As soon as teaching the class, what products event on their teaching calendar even if it’s for a specific period of you can finalise the full details of are included that the students and social media. Bringing in a time. It’s good for delegates to the class or workshop, so that can take away and what supplies big name is a great way to feel supported after they leave customers can make a decision and tools are students expected entice new people to your store the class room and if they have on attending. Images of the final to bring. or event. got further. WANTED Fabric, Haberdashery For any information regarding & any other clearance stock advertising in Craft Business, considered for please call Danielle Harris immediate collection. on 01206 505954 Please contact Martyn or email [email protected] [email protected] 07902 700 780

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