Craft Focus - Dec/Jan (Issue 76)

10 New papercraft zone at CHSI Stitches A new Papercraft Zone at CHSI Stitches has been announced by the show’s organiser, ICHF Events. The area will feature specialist demonstrations, workshops and exhibitors, each with a new product to launch. “We our working with our papercraft exhibitors to build a brand-new area of the show to focus buyer attention on the new products, opportunities and innovation in this sector,” says Simon Burns, managing director of ICHF Events. “We have ensured that each exhibitor in the Papercraft Zone has something new to bring to market, giving this area of the industry a real boost.” New exhibitors to CHSI Stitches 2020 will including India’s largest manufacturer of glass beads, Banaras Beads and yarn maker Filatura di Crosa. From Germany, Kremke Handelsgesellschaft will also be showcasing its range of Soul Wool. More than 50 hours of free education will be on offer throughout the show, with the keynote seminar revealing the results of The Craft Report, an independent study on the UK craft industry. Visitors can also attend free, trade-only workshop sessions focussed on teaching new techniques and imparting product knowledge to improve store sales. Inspiration can also be found in the popular catwalk show featuring garments made using the latest fabrics, yarns and haberdashery. There’s also a new ‘Trending Now’ area, highlighting recent product releases, and a Bright Sparks showcase featuring new designers and leading-edge products from across the world. Pre-registration is now open to retailers and craft buyers. The show will take place from 16 th -18 th February at the NEC, Birmingham. There will be more than 100,000 products from over 200 exhibitors. Find out more at chsi.co.uk London Stationery Show turns 10 London Stationery Show will be celebrating its 10 th anniversary in 2020. The event, which is the only UK trade exhibition dedicated to writing and paper goods, will bring together some of the biggest brands across the stationery and gift sectors. “Over the past 10 years the event has really evolved, moving from office products to retail and design-led stationery,” says event manager Hazel Fieldwick. “We’re thrilled to be marking our 10 th show and will be making sure it’s the best one yet. Watch this space for details on all the special birthday treats we’re lining up.” The exhibition will take place from 21 st -22 nd April at the Business Design Centre. Find out more at stationeryshow.co.uk ROYAL SCHOOL OF NEEDLEWORK COLLABORATES WITH SUSAN ALDWORTH The Royal School of Needlework has joined forces with visual artist Susan Aldworth to work on a new project, Out of the Blue. Exploring the experiences of people living with epilepsy, the collaboration will form a thought-provoking installation at Hatton Gallery in Newcastle from 18 th January – 9 th May. The artist has worked with more than 100 specialist embroiderers including students from RSN. Testimonies of people living with epilepsy have been stitched onto items of clothing, with UV threads used to highlight the hidden nature of the condition. “Degree students at the Royal School were asked to bring alive the testimonies of people living with this condition using Victorian undergarments,” explains Susan. “Like epilepsy, these clothes were worn concealed beneath the surface and as they are vintage, their very fabric contains hidden histories. Embroidery is a slow, contemplative process and many of the students spoke of the impact the words had on them and their design.” Find out more at royal-needlework.co.uk Susan Aldworth/Peter Abrahams Toy Fair reveals 2020 charity partner The British Toy and Hobby Association has announced that KidsOut will be its official charity partner for Toy Fair 2020. The organisation works with Women’s Aid Federation refuges across the UK, providing support and giving toys to vulnerable children who have escaped domestic abuse. The charity will organise the Trolley Dash donation drive on the final day of the exhibition. Last year’s show saw more than 60 volunteers take to the floor, collecting over 4,000 toys donated by exhibitors. “We are always overwhelmed by the generosity and support from our exhibiting companies at Toy Fair,” says Majen Immink, director of fairs and special events. “Thank you again for helping us to support this incredible charity and its important work.” Toy Fair takes place from 21 st -23 rd January 2020 at Olympia, London. Find out more at toyfair.co.uk