Wednesday 19 February 2014

The Stitches 2014 Report - picture heavy post!

Stitches is the UK Craft & Hobby Trade show that takes place once a year in February at the NEC, Birmingham. I have been going to the event since 2004, so it was my 10th year anniversary at Stitches! The first two years I went as craft shop staff with the buyers for the shop. Then in 2006 I started demonstrating for Kars, a dutch distributor of many craft brands. Five years later, in 2011, I demonstrated for Sizzix and did so until last year. 

So after 8 years of working hard demonstrating at the event, I was delighted to be able to walk the show as a freelance. It was fantastic to see everyone and being able to chat and see everything without a rush. Loved it!


Of course, my first stop was Sizzix. They always have the most impressive booth at Stitches. There was a sweets chart beautifully decorated.


Each area was gorgeous and there were quite a few.


The whole stand was full of inspiration thanks to the hard work of the people above this minus me! Pete Hughes, Debi and Angela.


Among the collections, you could find quilting and the new range by Nel Whatmore.


There were quite a few samples done with the Big Shot Starter kit, the dies that I designed.


Including this beautiful one by none other than the super star that is Finnabair/Anna Davroska.


Spaeaking of Anna... She was there at the Stampbox stand demonstrating her signature line for Prima.


A few more talented people, Andy Skinner and Leonie Pujol, who was over the moon with her award from Crafts Beautiful as she was voted Favourite Demonstrator/Presenter in Crafts, and I must add, very well deserved as well. 


Naturally, PaperArtsy was on my DO NOT MISS booth. I just love their stuff. Jo Firth Young and Lin Brown (one of my long time craft crushes!) both have release a new collection that includes superb quality rubber stamps, stencils and limited edition Fresco acrylic paints.


I was lucky enough to sneak in on one of Leandra's - PaperArtsys - classes. Such a lovely project.


It's always nice to see the magazine people, including the publishers of Cardmaking & Papercraft which is the magazine I contribute to monthly.


Wow embossing powders had lovely displays, made lovingly by my mate Marion Emberson and Tania Ahmed.


Nikky Hall was there demonstrating for Premium Art Brands doing fab things with Pan Pastels, Maimeri paste and doses of fun.


One of my favourite stands was The Hobby House. I loved their metal embellishments, spools and pearl embellishments. I cant wait to get my hands on some of them.


 Other interesting stands were Craft Emotions - who distribute Sizzix so carry some of my die designs -, 3D printing and Tonic because their scissors are awesome.


And of course, Personal Impressions for who manufacture and distribute my clear stamps as well as distribute Sizzix. More importantly, the lovely Lindsay Mason was there demonstrating and I caught this quick snap of two of my best and closest friends in the industry, Lindsay and Julie Hickey.


And of course a bit of fun with friends never hurt anyone!


Although I am tired - not as much as when I demonstrated at the event - I cant wait for next year!


5 comments:

Helen said...

Great review and lovely photos!!

Kaz Hall said...

Thanks for sharing Paula, lovely post with some very lovely people xx big waves to you xx
Kaz x

Polkadoodles said...

Fab review, I missed most of it as I didnt get much chance to get out and about so thankyou for sharing Paula! Totally forgot you took pics of me what on earth was I laughing at LOL!!! You look amazing my lovely friend and it was great to catch up even for only a couple of minutes! xx

Tania A said...

Thank you for the lovely mention Paula. Loved your write up and photographs of the show! xxx

PaperArtsy said...

Woohoo. Great show round up and simply fahhhbulous to see you too dahhhling. Mwah xx

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