becoming more accessible and celebrated in retail and are no longer just found in a small corner of the shop. “Crafting kits have the power to transform amateurs into enthusiasts into skilled designers and makers and unearth hidden talents. The satisfaction and mental health benefits which come from making, creating or building something are really rewarding for the individual and even more if this becomes a treasured keepsake or a gift. It’s a very exciting growth sector and we look forward to welcoming some inspirational crafting businesses to Autumn Fair in September and see these trends come to life.” Autumn Fair has witnessed a big increase in the number of small craft makers and bigger brands offering craft products, especially those focusing on sustainability and using materials that have either been sourced ethically or are recycled and recyclable. The range of kits now available just keeps building, from wooden and 3D papercraft models to embroidery and baking kits. CHECK OUT! Immerse yourself in creativity with Making Ideas, home to crafting kits including crepe paper flowers, 3D papercraft animals, bath bomb kits, advent calendars, and crystal art. Go On Make Me designs and sources sustainable new innovative dexterity toys and gifts. Products for all abilities and age ranges aid learning, encourage creativity, and teach skills – whilst being fun! The wooden mechanical models make great gifts for all ages, and each model is made in the EU from certified and environmentally friendly birch plywood, and no glue is required for assembly. The innovative 3D paper models - precisely designed for visual appeal and interactivity, feature intricate details and easy instructions. Choose from landmarks to animals, crafted with high-quality materials for durability. Specialists in felt since 2004, Amica design and produce quintessential, fun, handmade, Fairtrade felt gifts and Christmas decorations. Everything is designed in their Bristol studio, then made with great skill and to the highest quality by a team of Fairtrade craftspeople in Nepal. All products are made from 100 per cent sheep’s wool, plastic free and kind to the environment making them the obvious choice for anyone wanting to introduce eco friendly products. Koseli offer beautifully designed fairly traded and hand made goods from Nepal including finger puppet sewing kits and gorgeously soft and lustrous banana silk yarns, made from the sustainable fibres that are scraped from the bark of a banana tree and hand spun by women’s co-ops. All products are made by hand in small workshops or in private homes dotted around the Kathmandu valley in Nepal. The felt items are made 30
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