Craft Focus magazine

www.craftfocus.com

Issue 40 December 2013/January 2014

CRAFTFOCUS www.craftfocus.com

M AG A Z IN E

Needle and Thread Needlecraft trends

Kick off the show season with... • New product showcase for Craft, Hobby + Stitch • Frankfurt trio of shows • CHA’s mega American show

Square up

Patchwork and quilting

Beat the winter blues Ideas for the winter months

S e PLsU s advic

busine m the fro r ts expe

Official media partner for Craft, Hobby + Stitch International and proud sponsor of the New Product Showcase

December 2013/January 2014 Issue 40 Managing Editor Georgina Cassels +44 (0)1376 535 611 Deputy Managing Editor Lauren Dowey Chief Sub Editor Louise Prance Editor Julie Bonnar +44 (0)1376 514 000 [email protected] Sales Manager Mark White +44 (0)1376 535 606 [email protected]

contents regulars

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editor’s letter 5 An overview of what to expect in this issue

Advertising Executive Tracy Voice +44 (0)1376 535 618 [email protected]

news round up 7 What’s happening within the craft industry

Production Manager Scott Brothwell

brand spanking new A look at the latest product launches

Deputy Production Manager Sarah Barnes Senior Graphic Designer Vicky O’Connor Graphic Designers Samantha Lock, Rebecca Clarke +44 (0)1376 535 616 [email protected] Production Assistant Charlotte Brown Web Development Manager Stuart Weatherley Subscriptions Kay Tilbury, Tammy Watt +44 (0)1376 514 000 KD Media Publishing Limited Pantile House, Newlands Drive Witham, Essex, CM8 2AP, UK www.craftfocus.com Front cover image: Cricut

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competition 40 Win a VIP trip to Craft, Hobby + Stitch your questions answered 53 We’ve teamed up with industry experts CHA-UK to give you answers bookstand 70 The newest craft-related book releases 91

beat the winter blues Crafts ideas for the winter months

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project – a token gesture Marion Emberson explains how to make a pretty gift card

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next issue What to look forward to in the February/March issue

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square up Patchwork & quilting remodelled as a contemporary craft feast your eyes on felting Check out the versatility of this craft

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ISSN 1758-0900 Craft Focus is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing Limited. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Craft Focus is published six times a year. Subscription rates for overseas readers are £75 per annum (incl. p+p), Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing Limited and sent to Craft Focus, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex, CM8 2AP, United Kingdom.

Craft Focus magazine is proud to be associated with and supporters of:

features

make an impression with paper 83 News of the latest paper crafting products

shows show news 25 Keep up-to-date with what’s happening in your industry Craft, Hobby & Stitch International 33 We showcase the newest and latest innovative products to be launched at this show

needle and thread 93 What’s trending in the needlecraft sector

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Frankfurt trio 43 A preview of Creativeworld, Paperworld and Christmasworld a mega show 49 We take a sneak peak at the US CHA show

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focus on on a roll Past Time Quilling chats about its niche business

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a brand for success 74 We talk to Mark Wilson from Creative Products Distribution about how his business offers quality over quantity retail inspiration – Folded Papers The business of paper folding

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up & coming Introducing Canny Keepsakes

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business advice how to get the most from your website Metakinetic shows how an e-commerce site can work at its best to secure sales

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enhance relationships with email Create Click explain how

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word on the web 102 Tan Media explain the new sponsored updates for LinkedIn 4 craftfocus

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season’s greeting I can’t quite believe it – it’s been a whole year since I joined the Craft Focus team on last year’s December/January issue, and here we are, starting the cycle again. I can honestly say that it’s been a real pleasure getting to know everyone from all walks of life within the craft industry. Along the way, I’ve learnt about crafts that are new to me and I have a must-do list longer than my arm! With most of you already in the throes of the busiest season for trading, I should probably mention Christmas, but it’s also a time for looking forward. The craft industry is such a fun one to be part of, and the product innovations are truly amazing. There’s always something exciting happening and Craft Focus aims to be the first to let you know about it. Talking of new products, we’ve been chatting to manufacturers and distributors about what they have in store for Craft, Hobby + Stitch in February, many of whom will be launching new products – turn to page 33 for our four-page special. This has certainly whetted our appetite and we can’t wait for the show! Don’t forget to read the brand spanking new section plus the show previews for Messe Frankfurt (page 43) and the CHA US (page 49) for more of the latest products to the market. This issue also focuses on what’s trending in the worlds of patchwork and quilting, needle and papercrafts, plus why felting is so popular. If you’re looking for products to attract customers this winter, we endeavour to beat the winter blues with some fresh ideas for crafters who prefer to stay at home and make. Those of you looking to improve your digital business should take a look at the features from Create Click (page 68) and Metakinetic (page 58), on enhancing customer relationships with email and getting the most from your website. We wish you all a Happy Christmas and prosperous New year!

Julie

Julie Bonnar Editor

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