www.craftfocus.com October/November 2011 October/November CRAFTFOCUS Issue 27 www.craftfocus.com MAGAZINE Expert business advice Knit together Great customer service • Online A bumper guide to business success • What works trends, products and in marketing • Insurance matters expert comments • Webwise advice • Prepping for Christmas Needlecrafts PLUS There’s a plethora of don’t miss the latest types to tempt your product launches, customers news round-up, show reviews and previews Two great competitions inside The low-down and latest on • Art materials Official media partner for • Craft clubs Craft, Hobby + Stitch • Quilting International and proud sponsor of the • Paper crafting New Product Showcase October/November 2011 Issue 27 Managing Editor Louise Prance +44 (0) 1376 535 611 contents Editor Wendy Gardiner features +44 (0) 2392 261 338 regulars [email protected] editor’s letter 5 knit together 35 Editorial Assistant A round up of what’s in this issue The ever-expanding world of knitting holds Nancy Hayes many creative and commercial possibilities as +44 (0) 1376 535 611 we discovered [email protected] news round up 7 Reporting news and events that are Sales Manager Mark White happening now Adventures in Papercrafting 49 +44 (0)1376 535 606 Louise Fisher investigates the exciting world [email protected] brand spanking new 16 of papercrafting Sales Executive Tracy Voice The latest product launches +44 (0)1376 535 618 needle crafting 65 [email protected] competition – win VIP tickets 34 Step into the modern world of needlecraft Design Manager Two lucky readers of this issue will win VIP tickets, delights, with Becky Williams’ run-down of Sarah Barnes with hotel accommodation to next February’s tapestry, embroidery and more Deputy Design Manager Sophie Farage Craft, Hobby + Stitch International quilting today 77 Graphic Designers Laura Perry, Steve Mckea, project – make a lamp 56 Quilting: stitching together two pieces of fabric Hayley Kilminster, Brett Skingle, Dremel provide the how-to instructions to turn with a thick padding between them. Actually, Leanne Walsh quilting today is so much more than this +44 (0)1376 535 616 paper plates into a stylish lampshade [email protected] dictionary defi nition Web Development Manager competition – gunning for success 57 Stuart Weatherley Enter our second competition of the issue and club together 101 Subscriptions you’ve a chance of winning a handy Dremel Holding craft clubs or classes in your shop might Alice Henson, Tammy Wright glue gun seem like an optional extra but Becky Williams +44 (0)1376 514 000 looks at why it’s a must in today’s retail world KD Media Publishing Limited Broseley House, Newlands Drive bookshelf 84 Witham, Essex, CM8 2UL, UK A whole host of new books have recently in the name of art 109 www.craftfocus.com been published. Wendy Gardiner provides an Louise Fisher gets the lowdown on art supplies Front Cover image: at-a-glance overview of what’s available from four of the biggest names in art King Cole q&a special - prepping for xmas 114 ISSN 1758-0900 This month industry expert Clare Rayner, answers focus on Craft Focus is solely owned, published and queries on how to get ready for the festive trade a major in quilting 58 designed by KD Media Publishing Limited. without peaking too early or breaking the bank Whilst every effort was made to ensure the EQS evolved as business boomed for Graeme information in this magazine was correct at the Wright and Elizabeth West. Graeme shares time of going to press, the publishers cannot subscription offer 119 accept legal responsibility for any errors or his story omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of Register for your regular copy of Craft Focus the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not templates are tops 74 necessarily refl ect those of the publisher. Craft next issue 120 From templates to workshops to manufacturing, Focus is published six times a year. Subscription A preview of what’s in store for December/ rates for overseas readers are £75 per annum B-C-E has developed a thriving business inspired th (incl. p+p), Cheques should be made out to January issue – published on 28 November 2011 by imagination. Owner Jon Sutton tells us more… KD Media Publishing Limited and sent to Craft Focus, Broseley House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex, CM8 2UL, United Kingdom. 65 cotton patch, a family concern 88 Craft Focus magazine is proud to be With a good quilting knowledge and skills in associated with and supporters of: negotiation, purchasing and importing Jean and Geoff Sewell were on to a winner from the start MEDIA SUPPORTER one stitch at a time 98 Stitch by Stitch is a dream come true for Sally Kemp, whose hope and aim is to keep traditional embroidery alive craftfocus 3 MKZIN\[KW]S Suppliers of Card Making, Scrapbooking, Craft and Bridal Supplies online business – a real gem 106 Turning a hobby into your job is a dream for many but for Janette Anderson of south Queensferry near Edinburgh it became a reality when she launched her business Allium up and coming – fire in the belly 122 We talked to Tony Nash about his new business Craft Dragon that has got off to an incredible start business advice going above and beyond 60 Jo Causon sheds some light on the many reasons why excelling at Suppliers of customer service makes good business sense Craft and Bridal Supplies Card Making Scrapbooking life after riots 82 Card Embellishments Big businesses assisting riot-hit high street traders could mark the Floral Products beginning of a new era of cooperation according to Robert Ashton [email protected] | 01384 230000 insurance solutions 87 Readers put their insurance queries, concerns and questions to leading brokers TH March a little effort goes a long way 91 Nick Waller shares the seven customer service points that have proven to be effective in ensuring that your customers feel relaxed and comfortable love your rubbish 94 Your Professional If you don’t give your rubbish due care and consideration, you could Designer & Manufacturer end up much poorer, and a criminal to boot, warns Jason Mohr of Craft DIY Heating Tools & Appliances! selling – what works and what doesn’t 97 In a new series for Craft Focus, Clive Harper will be highlighting what it ♥ Rhinestone Hotfix Applicator takes to make a success of a retail business. Here he shares what works ♥ Mini Craft Iron in sales and more importantly, what doesn’t! ♥ Ribbon Iron ♥ word on the web Embossing Heating Guns ♥ – a basic guide to website terminology, part 3 118 Glue Guns In the final instalment, Bob Scott focuses on secure ecommerce and ♥ 100% Patented Creative Products! online payment systems shows ♥ show news and events 26 We review CHA and Autumn Fair and have news of Craft, Hobby + Stitch International plus more trade and consumer shows from around ♥ the country Contact: ♥ Tel: 0086-592-5425497 dates for your diary 32 info@hotfixworks.com An at-a-glance listing of forthcoming trade and consumer shows www.hotfixapplicators.com 4 craftfocus if it’s crafting – we’ve got it covered! Hi, welcome to this absolutely jam-packed largest-ever edition of Craft Focus! We’ve packed the pages with a diverse range of crafting features sharing news, views and trends to help you keep abreast of what’s happening out there. Take a look at our special reports on knitting, needlecrafts, quilting, art materials, papercrafts and craft clubs – there really is something for everyone. Knitting has enjoyed an amazing resurgence over the last five years and its popularity continues to grow as the market diversifies as Becky Williams discovered. New products designed especially for beginners are bringing in fresh crafters, while new novelty yarns are bringing exciting creative possibilities to those who are experienced in the craft. Quilting is also enjoying renewed energy as we found out when talking to exhibition organisers, retailers, specialist magazines and tutors. We share what’s new in needlecraft, with a look at tapestry, long stitch, embroidery, rag rugging, crewel and stumpwork whilst in our papercrafting pages we take a look at some of the general areas that have seen definite surges of interest in recent times and products that are set to be ‘hot stuff’ in the coming festive season. Providing customers with how-to demonstrations and workshops isn’t a new idea, so it is interesting to see how classes and courses have taken off and provide positive potential to increase sales. Our final feature is all abut getting arty – with new materials and ideas to help encourage customers. Don’t miss our show news and reports – we’ve reviews of the recent CHA show and Autumn Fair, with comments from exhibitors and organisers about what sold well and what trends emerged. We’ve also previews of some of the forthcoming spring fairs as well as news of consumer shows that all help to encourage crafters. Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to enter two competitions! Craft, Hobby + Stitch International are giving away two VIP tickets and accommodation for the February show and Dremel have provided us with 10 super glue gun prizes. Until next issue… Wendy Gardiner Editor PS: Next issue our attention turns to decoupage, jewellery making, trimmings, craft kits for children and visual merchandising. We’d love to hear your views and news on any of these features. craftfocus 5 2012 7+)(%58$5<&RYHQWU\:DUZLFNVKLUH 5'7+0$5&+/HLJK/DQFDVKLUH 7+0$</LQFROQ/LQFROQVKLUH 67$35,/7KHWIRUG1RUIRON 7+-81(7DXQWRQ6RPHUVHW 67$35,/(GLQEXUJK6FRWODQG