Look what has caught the eye of the editor.
The Royal School of Needlework (RSN), in collaboration with the British Museum, has created three limited edition embroidery kits inspired by scenes from the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry, marking its historic return to England for the first time in almost a millennium. Created especially for the British Museum's landmark Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, the kits offer embroidery enthusiasts, history lovers and museum visitors the opportunity to recreate details from one of the most significant surviving works of medieval art. The three designs, Off to Pevensey, Look Out From Battle Ridge, and Harold's Hound, draw directly from iconic scenes and motifs featured within the 11th-century masterpiece, which chronicles the Norman Conquest and William, Duke of Normandy's victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Each kit has been carefully created by the Royal School of Needlework studio embroiderer Marg Dier to reflect the materials, techniques and visual character of the original tapestry. Using closely woven cream linen reminiscent of the Bayeux Tapestry's historic ground fabric and four shades of 100% British Appleton's crewel wool, stitchers can explore traditional techniques including Bayeux stitch, split stitch, stem stitch and chain stitch.
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
School is officially back in session for the kids and with stationery restocking and school uniforms prepped, Maped Helix are uncovering all the favourites every parent will remember from their own childhood. Starting with the classic Oxford Maths Set tins, filled with all the instruments you could need. For many, it is a source of real nostalgia: opening that distinctive tin at the start of term, and carrying it from lesson to lesson. Known and recognised in classrooms around the world, the set has become a back-to-school essential across generations.
Visit: OXFORD COMPLETE SCHOOL STATIONERY SET – Maped Helix UK
Learn to crochet designs of Disney Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit, Roo, Kanga, Owl and, of course, Winnie the Pooh himself, in Winnie the Pooh inspired Amigurumi and more! Featuring easy-to-follow crochet patterns for your favourite snuggly friends, as well as guides on how to make Pooh-themed socks, hats and other fun props, you can celebrate the Hundred-Acre Woods like never before. You’ll also learn fun facts about the stories, get reacquainted with favourite Pooh quotes and relive the most heartwarming moments of this classic tale. And, with full-colour photography to help you every step of the way, crocheting these character designs will be a snap, well, a stitch.
Visit: Search Press | Disney: Winnie the Pooh Amigurumi and More! by Lee Sartori
Creativity has never been more portable thanks to the new Aquapad Nomadic Watercolour Trio, a beautifully designed collection created for artists, hobbyists, and anyone who enjoys capturing moments on the go. Available in three distinctive formats – Round, Bookmark, and Instant Photo – this versatile trio makes painting accessible wherever inspiration strikes. The compact designs are perfect for travel, fitting easily into a bag, suitcase, or pocket, making them an ideal companion for holidays, weekend adventures, and everyday outings. Visit: www.exaclar.co.uk
Birmingham Jewellery Quarter-based precious metal specialist, The Betts Group, has launched its new 3D Wedding Ring Designer – an interactive digital platform that allows retail sales professionals and jewellers to create fully bespoke rings in real time. The platform blends innovative technology with the company's existing manufacturing expertise, making the sales process more engaging for bridal customers. Find out more and request access here: https://bettsmetalsales.com/get-access-to-3d-wedding-ring-designer
Yop & Tom are delighted to announce an agreement with Mercis BV, brokered by Rocket Licensing, to launch a new Miffy stationery collection across the UK and Ireland. The collection will bring together Miffy's instantly recognisable charm with Yop & Tom's colourful, design-led approach to stationery. The first launch will include 2027 diaries, 2027 calendars and tear-off notepads, with guided journals to follow later in the year. For further info, email: wholesale@yopandtom.com or visit: www.yopandtom.com
Stitch your own dragons from the world of Fourth Wing. This enchanting kit includes all materials you need to crochet Baby Andarna, plus a bonus pattern for Tairn. Bring your favourite dragons to life with Official Fourth Wing Crochet: Flight of Dragons, a collectible crochet kit inspired by the Empyrean series. Inside this kit you'll find: everything you need for baby Andarna (gold yarn, a hook, stuffing, wire, and safety eyes!), a 64-page instruction booklet, and exclusive dragon lore pages!
Whether displayed as keepsakes or gifted to fellow fans, these handmade dragons embody the heart of the story and the magic of creativity itself.
For further info, email: salesuk@quarto.com or visit: www.quarto.com
Celebrate Miffy's 70th anniversary with the official Miffy crochet book by Kimberley Zwaans & Dick Bruna! Crochet 16 projects from the charming world of Miffy, created by the beloved Dutch designer Dick Bruna: make your own Miffy bunny toy, plus blankets and cushions to keep or to gift, featuring the iconic likenesses of Miffy and her friends!
For further info, call +44 (0)1892 510 850 or visit: www.searchpress.com
Craft longer, stronger, and smarter; this pocket-sized guide is your essential toolkit for pain-free making. Whether you're knitting, crocheting, spinning, dyeing, or weaving, crafting can take a toll on the body, this practical guide offers targeted advice to understanding the physical strains of crafting and how to prevent them, so you can keep doing what you love without discomfort or injury. Inside, you'll find clear explanations of common crafting-related injuries like tendonitis, carpal tunnel, and repetitive strain injury, plus practical strategies to avoid them.
For further info, call +44 (0)1392 790 650 or visit: www.davidandcharles.com