Craft Focus - April/May 2025 (Issue 108)

10 Martha Stewart returns to crafting After a five-year hiatus, Martha Stewart and Marquee Brands, the global brand accelerator and owner of the Martha Stewart brand, are returning to the crafting world with a line of multi-surface acrylic paints and accessories. The high-quality collection was developed in collaboration with Plaid Enterprises, the company behind industry-leading brands such as Mod Podge and FolkArt. It’s designed to empower crafters of all skill levels to create home décor, gifts, and other artistic projects with confidence and ease. Martha Stewart paints have a rich, creamy consistency for excellent coverage on fabric, wood, glass, ceramic, metal, terracotta, paper, and canvas. All multi-surface paints are indoor/outdoor, dishwasher safe, and machine washable. They are available in satin, metallic, pearl, and glitter finishes. The water-based paints can be purchased in 10 or 12-piece colour palettes curated by Martha or in individual 8oz size. Consumers can choose from 22 individual colours or 12 curated sets. Martha’s crafting collection includes stencils, stamps, and versatile tools for achieving professional-quality design. An assortment of unfinished wood surfaces ranges from large panels to small photo frames. Consumers are provided with project inspiration and resources, including step-by-step project instructions and expert tips and techniques. These can be found at PlaidOnline.com National Stationery Week 2025 Stationery lovers, get ready — National Stationery Week 2025 is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever! With an incredible line-up of sponsors and a renewed passion for celebrating the joy of pen and paper, this year’s event is set to inspire, engage, and spread the stationery love far and wide. Strong roster of sponsors on board Some incredibly strong brands have already signed up to support National Stationery Week 2025, as official sponsors, helping to bring this beloved campaign to life. The main headline sponsors of the week — Exaclair, Maped Helix, Pentel, Snopake, Staedtler and Zebra Pen UK — are leading the charge, ensuring this year’s celebration is filled with exciting collaborations, giveaways, and activities to get everyone writing, drawing, and creating. Additionally, The Art File, Clairefontaine, eco-eco stationery, Exacompta, Manuscript Pen Company, Pilot Pen and Posca are also supporting the campaign by sponsoring a sevenweek countdown to NSW, further strengthening the mission to champion all things stationery. A Fresh Vision for 2025 Since taking the reins as coordinator of National Stationery Week in 2023, independent retailer Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies in Cheshire, has been on a mission to reignite enthusiasm for the campaign. Under her leadership, National Stationery Week was awarded ‘Campaign of the Year’ at the 2024 BOSS Awards, proving just how powerful a shared love of stationery can be. Sarah shares her excitement for the 2025 NSW: “I’ve always believed that stationery has a magical way of bringing people together. Whether it’s the joy of sending a handwritten note, the thrill of discovering a new notebook, or the satisfaction of a smooth-writing pen, National Stationery Week is all about celebrating those little moments. With our incredible sponsors and the enthusiasm of stationery fans everywhere, we’re set to make 2025 our best year yet! I can’t wait to see how people get involved and share the stationery love.” Get Involved! National Stationery Week isn’t just for big brands—it’s for everyone! Whether you’re a retailer, a stationery brand, a content creator, or just someone who adores a good notebook, there are plenty of ways to join in. Expect themed days, social media challenges, in-store events, and lots of chances to indulge in your love of stationery. Want to be part of it? Follow @NatStatWeek on social media, check out the resources on the dedicated website www.nationalstationeryweek.com, and start planning how you’ll celebrate in 2025.

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