You can read about the 2011, 2013 and 2014 edition of Stitches the craft trade show, here, here and here respectively. Or 2007, 2008, 2009.
As last year, I wasn't demonstrating this year so it was a perfect opportunity to see friends and walk the show properly.
First stand of course was Sizzix. To see all the wonderful samples and lovely friends.
Of course, one of them is Pete Hughes, who needs no introduction in this blog. We decided that he is my craft twin brother since we were born the same day - Christmas day - though different years! The sample on the right I already seen in it in Paperworld, but it is still striking nonetheless.
Love me some paper flowers! Done all by Debi Potter using Sizzix dies. On the right, Angela Southey. She is my craft mum. Love her! Such a beautiful soul. And what she cant do with a sewing machine isnt worth doing.
Second stand,
Paperartsy. Love them all too. Such a great company based in the UK. very passionate about what they do. And their products, I love!
Among their new launches, Emma Godfrey's new collection of stamps and stencils. I have known Emma for a few years, and she is lovely and so talented! I just love her gentle easy going nature that translates into beautiful fresh projects.
I also met the wonderful
Darcy Wilkinson. Darcy has a line of stamps and makes wonderful crazy projects. I loved meeting her! Such a lovely personality.
Lin Brown is one of my long time craft heroes. She is one of those who truly inspires me every single time. (Apologies for the bad photo, Lin!) One of my top favourite launches this year are her limited edition of Fresco paints. Lush!
And I love the new calendar sets and paints. (I not so secretly want them all!)
(I missed taking a good photo of another of the lovelies at Paperarsty
Jo Firth Young. Her stuff is gorgeous too!)
After that, making my way to the right, I moved on to see my dear friend Lindsay at Personal Impressions. Every time I passed by she was so busy! Everyone looking at what Lindsay was doing.
Then, on to DecoArt. Mark Gould and Andy Skinner. Lovely guys though Andy is as mad as a frog. Great fun and always a good laugh. Again, DecoArt products are superb. I specially liked their Glass Chalk paint and the So Soft ones.
Finnabair was demonstrating as well, as was
Marion Emberson at
Wow embossing powders.
Marion is another of my dear crafty friends, and I love her style. As I do Tania's too who made this wonderful frame using the embossing powders and a certain butterfly die designed by yours truly.
Another booth I always love is
The Hobby House, absolutely gorgeous! And I was very impressed with the new
Spectrum Aqua markers.
I also had the pleasure to spend some time with one of my closest friends, Julie Hickey, a true craft miracle worker (there are about a handful in the industry). While she was getting an award at Aceville Publications, I grabbed a copy of the latest issue of
Papercrafter, a project and my face on the cover! There is an interview to me as well in there.
On Monday, I walked part of the show with two crafters that also need no introduction: Mel Heaton and the amazing Leonie Pujol.
Leonie is another of those craft friends that I don't get to see often, but when I do, its like time hasn't passed by. On the right, Michelle Ann Johnson from
Stix2, my favourite adhesive company.
I love Pan Pastels, so their pearlescent new colours are on my wishlist as was that Stash and Store drawer, very interesting.
And two other dear friends
Jane Gill who was as usual demonstrating for Woodware her new stamps and Marion bellow.
After two days, I was ready to head home, exhausted but with a great big smile on my face!