Craft Focus - Dec/Jan (Issue 76)

14 Award success for Crafter’s C ompanion Crafter’s Companion has won an award at International Quilt Market in Houston. The company was named as Best Notions and Tools booth at the show, one of just six awards presented on the day. Featuring more than 1,000 vendors across supplies, fabrics, decorative quilts, patterns, tools and sewing machines, International Quilt Market is now in its 40 th year. This is the third time that Crafter’s Companion has exhibited at the show, and this year it displayed its Gemini multimedia dies and die-cutting machines and its Threaders range of core tools. “Throughout the past few years, we have worked extremely hard to bring customers and trade partners the most innovative ranges using cutting-edge technology, along with useful, essential tools and beautiful fabrics,” says Sunny Pahal, the company’s head of business development. “This is only our third time exhibiting at the show so to be recognised as Best Notions and Tools booth alongside so many brilliant vendors is a fantastic achievement. We are very proud and excited to see everyone at next year’s event.” Go to crafterscompanion.co.uk for latest details. Grants awarded to help save endangered crafts The Heritage Crafts Association has awarded five grants from its Endangered Crafts Fund to help some of the UK’s oldest skills survive into the next generation. The first recipients are scissor maker Grace Horne, damask weaver Deborah White, basket maker Clare Revera, neon bender Richard Wheater and fan maker Kate Colin. The fund was launched in July 2019 following the latest edition of the HCA Red List of Endangered Crafts. “We have been overwhelmed by so many wonderful applications and while we wish we had the funds to support them all, we are delighted to have been able to choose projects that we hope will provide future generations with an array of craft skills to which they might not otherwise have access,” says Mary Lewis, HCA’s Endangered Crafts Officer. The HCA is now seeking further donations to save other skills from oblivion. Visit heritagecrafts.org.uk/ecf for details. ICHF LAUNCHES CAKE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY ICHF Events has launched the Cake International Academy as part of its Cake International Show. The move will help expand the brand to include a range of professional workshops and an exclusive weekend retreat for sugarcrafters. The new academy will deliver specialist workshops for visitors to the show and host its first retreat in summer 2020. “The Cake International Academy workshops will give enthusiasts at all levels an opportunity to learn from skilled artists,” says Simon Burns, managing director of ICHF Events. “The show is recognised as the home of sugarcraft and so we are extending the brand to encompass new ways for cake enthusiasts to develop their creativity and immerse themselves in the craft.” Taking place from 12 th -14 th June at Woodland Grange, Warwickshire, the Spring Escape will provide a weekend of workshops led by experts Emma Jayne and Carla Puig. The package will include welcome drinks, accommodation and a four-course dinner. Prices start at £799 for bookings taken before 5 th January 2020. Go to cakeinternational.co.uk Richard Wheater British craft website unveiled A new consumer website specialising in British crafts launched in November, aiming to support local, regional and national businesses around the country. The project is the brainchild of Susan Bonnar, who previously spent two decades working as an air traffic controller in the Royal Navy. “The British Craft House business idea was born during a marathon preparation run back in February,” explains Susan. “I’ve always been passionate about bringing together the crafting community, which is made up of small businesses so often working in isolation. After nearly six years of helping people online through social media, I got the idea for a new site that was different and could support crafters in a much better way than what’s already out there. Within five months I’ve launched a completely new business.” Susan began making cards in 2005 while at home with her small children. “I never considered crafting could be my full-time job, but card and album sales took off in shops and online and by the time I had my third baby I decided to leave the navy,” she adds. “My passion became helping others to launch their businesses. The British Craft House site gives them that platform.” Find out more at thebritishcrafthouse.co.uk