http://www.craftbusiness.com/site/ en richard.honey@aceville.co.uk Copyright 2012 2012-01-30T17:22:38+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/hotproducts/mark_it/http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/hotproducts/mark_it/#When:16:22:38Z Don’t miss out on six brand new ProMarker colours, available exclusively in Letraset’s ‘ProMarker Limited Edition Spring 6 Set’.These sets contain six brand new, strictly limited ProMarker colours which have been expertly chosen ased on the latest seasonal trends. Exclusive for the spring 2012 period, these new colours will not be repeated and are only available in this blister pack format, making them a sure-fire hit with ProMarker collectors. At the end of spring 2012, these colours will be discontinued and replaced with a brand new set of limited edition colours, carefully chosen for the summer season. Autumn and winter season colour sets are also planned. ProMarker Limited Edition 6 Sets are available now from Letraset (RRP £12.49 inc. VAT). To order, call 01233 624421or email orders@letraset.com. For all other enquiries call, or email enquiries@letraset.com Hot Products 2012-01-30T16:22:38+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/hotproducts/altered_art_supplies_arrive/http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/hotproducts/altered_art_supplies_arrive/#When:16:15:32Z Creative Expressions is now stocking the Studio 490 and Art Parts ranges from Stampers Anonymous, designed by Wendy Vecchi.The Studio 490 rubber stamp collection features beautifully drawn artistic, vintage designs that are right on trend and perfect for altered projects. Each large format, deep etched rubber stamp set is pre-cut and foam mounted, and includes a durable plastic cover sheet for storage. Art Parts are paperboard shapes designed specifically for altering and are available in a range of designs that coordinate with Studio 490 stamps. The durable Art Parts are great for use in mixed media projects, as well as for layering onto cards and scrapbook layouts to create striking dimensional embellishments. The Art Parts range also includes Clearly for Art Modelling Film; flexible plastic film for creating bespoke embellishments. For more information call Creative Expressions on 01536 481778, email sales@creative-expressions.uk.com or visit Stand Q32 at Craft Hobby + Stitch International. Hot Products 2012-01-30T16:15:32+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/hotproducts/on_your_marks_get_set.knit/http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/hotproducts/on_your_marks_get_set.knit/#When:16:05:30Z Olympic fever is gripping the nation at the moment, but if you didn’t manage to get tickets you may be a bit down-hearted about the whole thing.Never fear, Search Press is here and with our fantastic new title you can knit your own Olympics in the comfort of your own home. In ‘Knitting for Gold’ Sue McBride provides knitting patterns for both male and female dolls, along with all the sports equipment you need to get them ready to win the gold. The clothes and kit range from running shorts to ski-poles, and each project is illustrated clearly, making these knitted dolls a pleasure to make. Knitting for Gold is available now and is selling fast, so get your copy today by calling 01892 510 850 or visiting http://www.searchpress.com Hot Products 2012-01-30T16:05:30+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/hotproducts/show_your_flair_with_ink/http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/hotproducts/show_your_flair_with_ink/#When:15:45:29Z Pinflair Alco Inks are just one of the great new products we will be launching at the Craft, Hobby and Stitch Show 2012.Pinflair Alco inks are solvent based inks which will work on most non-porous surfaces such as glass, acetate, polystyrene, wax candles, mirror card, high gloss card stock and even peel off stickers. Used in conjunction with the Pinflair Effects Solution, the inks can be mixed, blended and lightened to create beautiful colourful patterns. The range of colours is split into two categories, standard and metallics. Both types of ink come in 25ml bottles with a nozzle and sealing lid and the Effects Solution comes in a 35ml bottle. Applicators and felt pads are also available from the new Pinflair Alco inks range. For more information call 01992 582712, visit http://www.pinflair.co.uk/trade or see us on Stand C01 Hot Products 2012-01-30T15:45:29+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/hotproducts/white_foldi_light/http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/hotproducts/white_foldi_light/#When:15:37:11Z Let your customers be creative wherever they are. This new stylish portable LED lamp from the Daylight™ Company will light up your work at home, at hobby classes and on holiday. Now also available in white. Foldi™ features 30 Daylight LEDs to give you comfortable glare-free full-spectrum light, perfect for colour matching, reading and picking out small details. It gives up to eight hours of light on three AA batteries (included) and unlimited light when USB connected to a laptop or computer. With its slim design and smooth lines, the Foldi™ LED lamp (D45000, white and D45001, black) fits easily in a handbag or luggage. Perfect to enjoy hours of comfortable crafts and reading wherever you go. A mains adapter is available separately. This new LED lamp will never stop to light up your work, wherever you go. For more information visit http://www.daylightcompany.com Hot Products 2012-01-30T15:37:11+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/hotproducts/new_stitch_primary_workshop_packs/http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/hotproducts/new_stitch_primary_workshop_packs/#When:15:31:36Z Stuck for kids’ workshop ideas? The new Stitch Primary Workshop Packs from Cleopatra’s Needle could help! Cleopatra’s Needle Ltd, needlecraft kit designers and manufacturers, has developed a pack for craft shops running stitch workshops for kids. They’re great for classes in your own shop, or even in partnership with your local primary school or after-school club. The first product to be launched is the Photoframe, ideal for Mother’s Day gifts. Thoroughly tested with staff and children in several primary schools, it is equally successful with boys and girls, and suitable for ages six and up. The kids loved it and in four to six hours had designed and created their own individual photoframes to take home. Each pack contains materials for up to 20 children, and includes: rainbow coloured wools, plastic canvas squares, needles and full step-by-step instructions. Packs for up to 5 children also available. More details on: http://www.stitchprimary.org.uk Hot Products 2012-01-30T15:31:36+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/news/british_library_creative_bonanza/http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/news/british_library_creative_bonanza/#When:10:28:16Z From March 1 – 5, the library will showcase the best collections it has to offer, from Victorian hair jewellery to vintage knitting patterns and kicks off with a Spring Market on the library's St Pancras piazza. Bringing people together from across the creative spectrum, the event includes a must-attend panel discussion featuring Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett and much-loved illustrator, Quentin Blake; a morning of networking and business advice with industry experts, including ceramics designer Emma Bridgewater; and an after-hours pop-up exhibition of some of today’s finest illustration. As well as all this, special workshops include Inspired by... Patterns and Textures, a must-attend event for budding fashion and textile designers, Make it, Sell it, aimed at crafts and jewellery makers and Vintage Knit-Work, aimed at educating people on intricate patterns from the 30s to the 70s. News 2012-01-25T10:28:16+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/news/talent_galore_at_the_quilt_fair/http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/news/talent_galore_at_the_quilt_fair/#When:10:23:53Z With over 100 quilts on display, demonstrations by professional quilters and trade stands selling everything related, the Quilt Fair is set to be a colourful delight of creative flair. Retailers from all over the UK will be sharing their knowledge and selling everything from needles, threads, buttons and beads through fabrics, books and patterns, to sewing and embroidery machines to help encourage more people to the craft.  Roger Cooling of Grosvenor Shows said: “There will even be a Journal Quilt Challenge at the show where visitors can see exquisite entries based on the theme ‘Quilt Poetry’. We have been running the show at the South of England Centre for over 10 years now and it continues to be a great success.” Situated in the Norfolk Pavilion, the Quilt Fair will run from January 27 – 29. Parking is free and disabled parking is in close proximity to the event. For more information please visit http://www.soec.co.uk or http://www.grosvenorshows.co.uk News 2012-01-25T10:23:53+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/news/its_showtime/http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/news/its_showtime/#When:10:17:16Z CHSI 2012 is just around the corner, and it's shaping up to be the best ever.It's that time of year when crafters gather at Birmingham's NEC to marvel at all the latest developments and innovations in the creative world. Yes, Craft, Hobby and Stitch International 2012 is back for its 37th year. Taking place between Sunday, February 19 and Tuesday 21, the event will see more than 240 exhibitors showing off thousands of product lines to over 7,000 national and international visitors. In line with the celebrations sweeping the country this summer, this year's extravaganza will have a distinctly British feel with many companies running with a patriotic theme to help ensure 2012 kicks off in jubilant mood. In addition to the wide range of exhibitors, there will be 100 hours of free workshops and seminars to help retailers get the most from their businesses and daily catwalk fashion shows. If this isn't enough, the Bright Sparks Pavilion will play host to trend-setting new designers from start-up companies, Itch to Stitch will be offering advice from Jane Greenoff director of The Cross Stitch Guild, The Yarn Lounge will put knitting and crochet centre stage, and The Wonder of Wool with its professionally choreographed show will really wow. Show manager for Craft Hobby and Stitch International, Andrew Morton said: “We are proud to have reached our 500th show. Each year Craft Hobby and Stitch gets better with a wider variety of crafts and a higher number of international exhibitors and visitors. Fairly exceptional for a show that is 37 years old.” AND DON'T FORGET... Winners of the annual Crafts Beautiful and Let's Make Cards! Awards will be collecting their certificates throughout CHSI on Aceville Publications' stand J05/H11. The awards, which have been running since 2005, are voted for by consumers and have become one of the most eagerly-anticipated events on the crafty calendar. Check out last year's winners at http://www.craftawards.com or http://www.crafts-beautiful.com Top Story 2012-01-25T10:17:16+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/trendreport/trend_watch_2012/http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/content/trendreport/trend_watch_2012/#When:10:21:46Z As we welcome a new year, we've got the inside scoop on what's set to be the must-have items for next season guaranteed to keep your tills ringing. For 2012, there are a couple of key trends that stick out. From stamping to chunky knit wear, and decoupage to nautical fabrics, it's paramount to stock up on the looks that are set to be popular. Whatever the trend, you have to keep in mind your greatest asset; well trained, motivated and personal staff. This is where the independent retailer can really shine in the market and give the edge over the larger craft chains. Papercraft This year saw the rise of decoupage and 3D crafting as well as the popular continuation of card-making. Dorothy Adams, Woodware Stamping has been very big for us in 2011 and we believe that this will continue in 2012. Great sellers at the moment, and we believe going forward to next year, are large floral blooms. The large images allow not only stamping and embossing but also the addition of the great new embellishments. The vintage trend is also very strong at the moment and the Frantage range from Stampendous is a good addition to this style of stamping. Knitting The catwalk continues to be a huge influence on the woollen trends, and knitwear featured heavily on the preview shows last year. Dawn Manning, Knit Sew Craft Knitting looms continue to be a popular choice for knitters who want to achieve quick results for their knitting projects. In addition to the classic straight, round and long looms, we have also found the super-eight shape loom to be popular as it is suitable for larger projects such as Afghan blankets and ponchos. Brightly coloured yarns, in random mixes are increasingly achieving higher sales and Twilleys Freedom Chunky and Freedom Spirit DK wool is always a popular choice with our yarn and craft customers. Fabric With the make-do-and-mend culture still going strong, fabric sales look set to increase in 2012. Jane Saunders, creative director, Just Fabrics Top fabric trends for 2012 will be anything maritime, including fabrics depicting boats, seaside themes and shells; these will be coordinated with striped fabrics in traditional nautical colours of red, white and blue. As well as maritime fabrics, florals in fresh citrus shades of orange, yellow and lime and contemporary designs will be popular. Mixing different florals and stripes in the same colour palette will be a key look for 2012. The Queen’s diamond jubilee and the Olympics are both on the calendar for 2012 and it is likely that fabrics in patriotic colours of red, white and blue will be popular. Trend Report 2012-01-05T10:21:46+00:00