Paperworld Middle East exhibitors highlight key stationery trends for 2026
Sustainability, value, innovation and the growing crossover between...
Craft Focus magazine is a bi-monthly trade publication for the craft industry, distributed to Art & Craft shops, Toy shops, Model shops, Haberdashers and Needlecraft retailers.
Each issue contains detailed information on upcoming trade shows and reviews many new and innovative products, enabling retailers to make informed and profitable buying decisions for their business. Find out more about the magazine here.
Subscribe now and we shall tell you the moment a new issue of Craft Focus magazine is out! You will also receive our free monthly newsletter too.
Paperworld Middle East exhibitors highlight key stationery trends for 2026
Sustainability, value, innovation and the growing crossover between...
Paperworld Middle East exhibitors reveal key shifts shaping industry
Sustainability, pressure on prices and supply, and a growing crossover between...
PENTEL ANNOUNCES #80YEARSOFPENTEL TRADE COMPETITION WINNER
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National Campaign Calls for 90 Minutes' Free Parking
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As we enjoy the last days of summer, somehow our thoughts gently start to turn to back to school – and what comes with it – autumn, and dare we say it, the ‘C’ word! While it may still seem a little way off, experienced crafters know that now is the ideal time to start planning! Our festive crafting features are packed with ideas to help you get ahead of the seasonal rush, giving you plenty of time to get your window displays planned and ensure plenty of stock at a relaxed pace.
In this issue, we're delighted to feature two well-known names from the crafting world. We get chatting to Peak Dale Products, and we're also shining the spotlight on Search Press, whose inspiring books have helped generations of makers develop their skills and creativity. We hope you enjoy finding out more about the people and stories behind these trusted brands.
Celebrations are another key theme this issue, with our wedding crafts feature showcasing beautiful handmade ideas for every stage of the occasion. Whether you're creating personalised decorations for your own special day, or crafting meaningful gifts for the happy couple, you'll find plenty of inspiration to make every celebration even more memorable.
You'll also discover creative techniques to try, from stamping and embossing to knitting and crochet projects that are perfect for taking into the cooler months.
Thank you, as always, for choosing to spend time with us. Your enthusiasm for creativity and making continues to inspire every issue we produce!
Till next time, happy crafting!
Rachel Westall, Editor
PS. If you have any news you would like to submit to this site or Craft Focus magazine, please email editor@craftfocus.com
Rachel x
From the creator of the popular annual online Sketchbook Challenge, Susan Yeates (@susanyeatesartist), this is the perfect gift for anyone looking to carve out small amounts of creative time per day; it includes 52 cards and a complete creative guidebook! Each of the 52 beautiful cards has its own theme, illustrated in a mix of pen or pencil sketches, coloured illustrations, paintings and even collage. The postcard-format cards (10 x 15cm) are tactile and inspiring: simply shuffle them and pick your prompt at random, or work through them one by one. Each card contains seven inspiring prompts for creative inspiration: The themes range from objects, such as flowers, insects and snowflakes, to more subjective suggestions such as 'something that smells good' and 'things you used today', to encourage you to sketch items you may not have considered before. There's no right or wrong interpretation, and no pressure to create wall-worthy art. The focus is on freeing your mind, having fun and allowing yourself a creative moment of calm.
Visit: Search Press | Sketch-a-Day Card Deck by Susan Yeates
If you like this, check out more inspirational ideas.
Lavish splendour or cosy comfort? Back in February, Christmasworld in Frankfurt offered an exclusive preview of the upcoming festive season. Every year, the leading international trade fair for festive and seasonal decorations brings together leading manufacturers and brands from around the world to showcase the latest products and trends for every celebration throughout the year. One thing is clear for 2026: this Christmas is set to be opulent, emotional and delightfully animal-inspired.
Dr Susanne Lux, horticultural expert at Pelargonium for Europe UK, offers beautiful try-at-home craft ideas using fresh flowers. Homemade gifts are always extra meaningful as they demonstrate the time and effort someone has invested in creating a personalised gift. Geraniums are perfect for incorporating into creative projects. With a few simple steps, these vintage-style flowerpots, decorated with floral motifs and filled with lush, blooming geraniums, are an example of just such a gift. You will need a clean terracotta pot, wrapping paper with floral motifs, scissors, wallpaper paste, a brush, (optional) matt clear varnish for sealing.
