MAKING FUN AT AUTUMN FAIR Renowned for its eclectic mix of new and exclusive brands as well as its support for up-and-coming start-ups and designers, buyers visiting Autumn Fair are in for a treat this September Thousands of leading retailers including Card Factory, John Lewis, Coney’s, Robert Dyas, Walt Disney Co., Holland & Barrett, Marks & Spencer, Wilkies, Artistic Gift Boutique, Fortnum & Mason, and Moonpig have already signed up under the new Connect programme to attend from the 3rd to 6th September at NEC Birmingham and will discover a raft of new brands and collections available only at Autumn Fair including The Art File, Lesser & Pavey, Sass & Belle, Kikkerland, Bomb Cosmetics, Keel Toys, Suck UK and many more. An array of crafting brands will showcase their new creations with a focus on ethically and sustainably made crafts. Daniel Mayhew, Event Director, Autumn Fair says, “We have got a real treat in store for gift and crafting buyers. Crafting has been evolving for years and it is being embraced by all ages. It has the unique ability for unearthing hidden talent, passion, and enthusiasts and kits make the perfect, highly thoughtful gifts too. We are seeing a huge growth in exhibitors focusing on sustainability, using materials that have either been sourced ethically or are recycled and recyclable. And the range of kits now available just keeps building, from embroidery, jewellery and modelling kits, to baking, homewares, keep sakes, and new everyday products. Retailers are also diversifying, so you’ll now find crafting kits in garden centres, independent gift shops and book shops, as well as your destinational craft multiples. We’re excited to showcase some brilliant creative crafting brands at Autumn Fair.” ONES TO WATCH Felt So Good specialise in beautiful handmade felt hangings, decorations and gifts that encompass both the traditional and the quirky! From Christmas angels, Santa’s and snowmen to an octopus, bumble bee or festive dinosaur, each colourful character and beautiful decoration showcases gorgeous detail and quality. All products are lovingly and ethically crafted by hand from natural and biodegradeable materials in the Himalayas, so every character has its own little personality making them all unique. Amica Accessories have been specialists in felt since 2004, creating beautiful, handmade and Fair Trade products. A number of ranges - toys, gifts, Christmas, Easter and Halloween decorations – are designed in their Bristol studio, then made with skill and to the highest quality by a team of Fair Trade craftspeople in Nepal. All products are made from 100% sheep’s wool, plastic free and kind to the environment making them the obvious choice for retailers wanting to introduce environmentally friendly products. King Cole is a leading brand in yarn production, design support and haberdashery which has been operating in the knitting wool industry for over 80 years. With solar powered premised in Skiption, North Yorkshire, and the introduction of more and more recycled products, King Cole continues to develop multiple knitting wool colours and 26
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