Craft Focus - Dec/Jan (Issue 76)

47 PROFILE Double the fun Tell us a little about the history of FMM. Back in 1948 my parents, Joe and Mary Clements started a business making filter coffee bags, before expanding to produce piping tubes, bags and aprons for the catering trade. Sugarcraft became increasingly popular in the 1990s, and our expertise in injection moulding meant it was a natural progression for us to develop tools and equipment for this emerging sector. We entered the market with a carnation set, which proved so successful that we knew we were on the right track. Soon afterwards we made a holly leaf set – Delia Smith used it on TV and FMM Sugarcraft was on the map! We began to add new lines to meet demand. We still make products for the catering industry, but nowadays most of the business is focused on creating, designing and manufacturing sugarcraft tools. The company has shifted its focus to craft products in recent years – tell us more. In a chance meeting in the green room of a TV channel, we got talking to a well-known crafter who told us she used a lot of our cutters with clay and mixed media products. After a lot of discussion, we set up FMM, appearing on the same channel to showcase products that can be used with clay. It was a huge success and we had to work late into the night to fulfil all the orders. The brand has gone from strength to strength since then. Talk us through the current product range. The collection includes flower cutters – we could see from our TV success that this was what crafters really wanted and we identified a big gap in the market. Some sets are the same as our sugarcraft collection but there are mix and match options too. We also offer veiners, impression mats, rolling pins, boards and moulds. We have also introduced some fabulous clay. Bright & Light is a lightweight air-drying modelling material. It’s easy to work with and dries within a few hours, making it ideal for intricate items like flowers, leaves and jewellery. It’s also great for home décor projects like photo frames, plaques, mixed media craft and homemade cards. Soft & Strong is a durable air-drying resin-like polymer clay, with a finish that is virtually unbreakable. Once dry, it has translucent and waterproof qualities. Are there any new launches coming up? We appear monthly on Create & Craft TV with Cassie Brown, who shows viewers how to use all our products with clay. What’s coming up next? Innovation is at the heart of what we do, and we are always bringing new and exciting craft products to market to enhance our existing range and meet upcoming trends. FMM Funcraft’s air-drying clay offers a wealth of creative inspiration. Managing director Grace Clements explains why crafters can’t live without it 