The Post-Create and Craft Landscape: Where Are They Now?
The UK craft industry has recently undergone dramatic changes. Budget cuts and declining TV viewership have pushed craft content online. Social platforms, blogs, and YouTube are now critical for engagement and product promotion. It’s clear that the crafting world is facing a shift, but there’s still hope for innovation and growth, even in challenging times.
With the closure of longstanding retailers and TV platforms, the landscape has shifted significantly, leaving both customers and companies wondering: what’s next?
📉 Industry-Wide Shift to Online
The Fragmentation of the Craft Industry: The Struggles of Going Online
As more and more craft companies shift to online platforms, the community is experiencing a fragmentation of content. While this shift has opened up new opportunities for small businesses, it also means that consumers and creators are now navigating a sea of scattered information.
With the rise of individual websites, social media channels, and live shopping events, the crafting community no longer has a central hub to gather and share ideas as it once did. As companies become increasingly dispersed across different platforms, the content itself is starting to feel diluted. Craft lovers and businesses alike are facing the challenge of sifting through a multitude of channels to find meaningful content and connect with their favorite brands.
Previously, TV platforms like Create and Craft or channels such as Hobbymaker and Ideal World provided a singular space for businesses to showcase their products, while viewers could easily tune in to discover new trends and watch live demonstrations. Now, with so many companies going online, the sheer volume of content has become overwhelming. For many crafters, it’s hard to keep track of everything. Some small businesses are struggling to be heard in the noise, and valuable content is sometimes lost in the shuffle.
Moreover, this lack of a centralized platform has also hindered cross-promotion between brands. Where once multiple companies could band together on one platform for collaborative events, the shift to digital means that each brand is left to promote itself independently, making it harder to create a sense of community or foster meaningful partnerships.
Ultimately, this fragmentation is creating a sense of isolation for both businesses and consumers. Without a single, accessible space to connect, people are missing out on opportunities to discover new products, enjoy live demonstrations, and engage in the vibrant, supportive crafting community they once knew. This is something many in the industry hope will eventually be addressed—perhaps through a reimagined platform that can bring craft lovers together once again.
🔄 Create and Craft Liquidation & Creditor Updates
Quick Recap - for the full information, go to my blocked post - So you may be wondering What's happened to Create And Craft TV!!!
Hochanda Global had previously acquired the channel in 2022, relocating the studios to Oundle and preserving hundreds of jobs. Create and Craft TV, previously owned by Ideal World Limited, was dissolved in July 2024. Although the official date of cessation is listed as 10 May 2024, the channel effectively ceased operations on 4 October 2024, when it halted live broadcasts and stopped accepting new orders. On the same day, Hochanda Global Limited appointed an insolvency practitioner to oversee a possible administration or liquidation. Despite initial suggestions that the channel might resume, it instead resorted to airing reruns, and its website was taken offline around 16 October. By 25 October 2024, it was formally announced that Create and Craft would be entering liquidation. This situation left many customers and small suppliers in uncertainty, with creditors such as banks and HMRC expected to have priority over any claims. Consumers were advised to consider initiating chargebacks with their banks where applicable. However, many small and large suppliers report they have received no communication or payments from the liquidators, leaving them in a precarious financial position. For small, independent businesses, this lack of clarity and cash flow has compounded the challenges already posed by the sudden closure and market disruption.
The crafting world felt a significant shift with the closure of Create and Craft approximately six months ago. For many enthusiasts and small businesses, it was a cornerstone of inspiration and connection. Now, the question on many minds is: how has the industry adapted? This blog post will delve into the current activities of various companies within the crafting sector. We'll explore the strategies they've adopted, the new avenues they're pursuing, and assess their current standing. If you're curious about where your favorite crafting brands are now, what innovative projects they're undertaking, and how you can continue to support their passion, then journey with us as we uncover the evolving story of the crafting community.
Hobbycraft Snaps Up Create And Craft's Online Presence:
The UK craft landscape continues to evolve, with a notable recent development: Hobbycraft, the nation's largest multi-channel arts and crafts retailer, has acquired the domain name of the now closed Create And Craft. As many will have noticed, typing in createandcraft.com now redirects directly to the Hobbycraft website, confirming this strategic acquisition.
This move follows the final cessation of operations for Create And Craft in October 2024, a significant event for many craft enthusiasts after the channel faced increasing financial headwinds under Hochanda Global. Interestingly, this acquisition comes after Hobbycraft itself was acquired by retail investment firm Modella Capital in August 2024, around the same time Hobbycraft announced a restructuring plan involving some store closures. This suggests a potential strategic realignment for Hobbycraft, focusing on optimizing their operations in a changing market.
In today's digital age, a domain name holds considerable branding value. By securing Create And Craft's online address, Hobbycraft gains a valuable asset that could allow them to tap into the existing online recognition and customer base that the former TV shopping channel had cultivated over the years. This could be a calculated move to capture a segment of the market now seeking new online destinations for their crafting needs, or to pave the way for future online strategies.
While the redirection of CreateAndCraft.com firmly confirms the domain acquisition, it remains unclear whether Hobbycraft has acquired other Create And Craft branding assets, such as trademarks or logos. Further investigation into intellectual property filings would be necessary to determine the full scope of this acquisition.
Regardless, the acquisition of Create And Craft's domain name by Hobbycraft marks a significant shift in the UK craft retail market. The closure of a dedicated TV shopping channel and the subsequent absorption of its online presence by a major player like Hobbycraft underscores the increasing importance of the digital sphere in how craft enthusiasts discover and purchase their supplies. It will be fascinating to observe how Hobbycraft leverages this acquisition and what innovative strategies they might implement to further strengthen their market leadership.
However, it's worth noting that Create And Craft has a history of financial instability, having undergone liquidation twice. This has unfortunately left both customers and suppliers significantly out of pocket on both occasions. Whether associating with the Create And Craft brand name, even just through its domain, will be a beneficial move for Hobbycraft remains to be seen, given this past track record, Time will tell.
📺 The Craft Store: Digital Transition
The Craft Store (formerly Hochanda) has shifted to streaming via Facebook and YouTube. Although this allows suppliers to push viewers to their own websites, high upfront costs can be a barrier for small businesses. Founder Paul Wright reacquired the brand’s digital presence, and presenter Dan Bancroft now leads operations. Despite the move online, the platform’s reach is considerably smaller than during its broadcast years, and some smaller independent brands have reported struggling to gain visibility. While many former suppliers, myself included, have continued with our own livestreams and workshops alongside appearances on The Craft Store, the shift has highlighted a growing divide. Without the consistent television presence, fewer individuals are now tuning in, particularly those with limited digital access. That said, the platform retains a distinctive character and committed following. As a long-time viewer, contributor, and friend of Dan, I genuinely appreciate the space it continues to offer. My own brand continues to feature on the channel, and I want to support it as much as I can and as far as is viable for my business—because I truly value what it represents in an increasingly fragmented industry and community. If you would like to see the weekly schedule and support the craft store, you can find them here - https://www.thecraftstore.com
📡 Hobbymaker: The Last Standing TV Channel
Hobbymaker is now the UK’s only dedicated craft TV channel following the closure of Create and Craft. As such, it has become a critical hub for both viewers and suppliers seeking continuity in televised craft. Many companies have found a new home here, including independent designers, established brands, and newcomers to the scene. The channel has built a loyal audience and benefits from a consistent broadcast schedule and professional studio setup. However, some smaller businesses express concern over reduced visibility, as premium airtime often favours larger brands with more marketing power. Hobbymaker has made efforts to balance this by featuring themed events, spotlight hours, and introducing newer faces to the roster.
My own brand, Crafty as a Fox, is currently featured on Hobbymaker, with upcoming shows scheduled for 9 May and 29 June. I'm proud to be part of this evolving platform and deeply value the opportunity to connect with such a passionate crafting audience. Hopefully, these won’t be my last. Hobbymaker represents a vital space for independent creators to thrive, and I’m committed to supporting it as much as I can, for as long as it remains viable for my business. However, it's important to note that for independent businesses like mine, the financial model can be challenging—Hobbymaker typically takes a 50–55% cut of the retail price after VAT, this was the same for Create And Craft. While the exposure can be valuable, this often leaves very little profit margin, and it's something many small brands must carefully consider when deciding to appear on the platform.
It's crucial to understand the significant financial undertaking involved in operating a dedicated television channel and its associated broadcasting platform. The costs associated with maintaining a consistent broadcast schedule, professional studio facilities, technical infrastructure, and staffing are substantial. These operational expenses, coupled with the need for ongoing marketing and distribution efforts to reach a wide audience, necessitate a considerable revenue stream. The 50% commission taken by Hobbymaker, while impactful on smaller businesses, reflects the economic realities of providing a national platform that connects suppliers directly with crafting enthusiasts, a service that would be Logistically and financially prohibitive for most individual brands to achieve independently.
Andy Love: Head of Sales at Hobbymaker, Andy Love plays a crucial role both on-screen and in the management of the channel. A former well loved Create and Craft presenter, Andy has continued to be a prominent face in the crafting community, helping shape the future of craft TV.
💔 In Memory of Loen Love
Loen Love, former Create and Craft presenter and wife of Andy Love, sadly passed away in April 2025. Known for her vibrant personality and infectious energy, Loen made a lasting impact on the crafting world. Her loss is deeply felt by both colleagues and viewers. I had the pleasure of working with Loen during my time at Create and Craft, and her straight-talking, no-nonsense, yet incredibly fun personality made for a great show. She had an undeniable energy that brought warmth and charm to every broadcast and she will be missed.
Lou Collins: No longer designing under TEXT{ures}, but is now playing a pivotal role in shaping Hobbymaker’s social media and digital strategy, where she brings her expertise to enhance the channel's online presence and audience engagement. Her insights into crafting trends and content creation will be invaluable in modernising the platform's approach to reaching and interacting with the crafting community.
Just as I sit down to write this, a wave of disheartening news has broken: several small, independent businesses have received emails informing them that their hours on Hobbymaker will cease. This decision delivers a significant blow, with potentially far-reaching consequences for those whose presence on the channel will now end. Among the companies who have already voiced their disappointment are Under The Rainbow, Pearly Winks, Old maid new, Mama makes and The Crafty Witches. If you'd like to show your support, their wonderful products remain available on their respective websites. Sadly, I anticipate that more companies will come forward in the weeks ahead with similar stories, a prospect that fills me with deep sadness.
The future of craft TV may depend on how well these initiatives continue to support diversity and accessibility in a competitive environment.
🤝 Ideal World & Stamps By Me
Stamps By Me, founded by Toni Darroch, is a dynamic UK-based craft company known for its innovative products and engaging content. Their collaboration with Ideal World has brought forth the monthly segment Destination Craft, hosted by Toni and Yiannis, marking a return to regular uk televised craft content. For the American viewers Stamps By Me continue to appear on HSM.
Beyond television, Stamps By Me offers a diverse range of high-quality papercraft products, including their unique Quattro D system, which combines stamps, dies, embossing folders, and layering stencils for cohesive crafting projects. They also provide educational resources through the How To Craft Network, featuring live demonstrations, workshops, and a variety of crafting techniques to inspire both beginners and seasoned crafters.
Their commitment to fostering creativity is evident in their active online presence and continuous product innovation, making Stamps By Me a beloved brand in the crafting community.
🎨 Highlight Crafts
Highlight Crafts has significantly expanded its live shopping offerings,providing a dynamic platform for crafters to engage with a variety of brands and products. Their live shopping events are streamed regularly on Facebook, Instagram, and their website, featuring new product launches, exclusive deals, and interactive demonstrations. The schedule includes a diverse lineup of shows, such as Two Red Robins, Cadence, and Brother ScanNCut, among others. In addition to showcasing their in-house brands, Highlight Crafts also collaborates with external craft companies such as - John Next Door, Pinflair, Funky Fossil, and Jamie Rodgers. For businesses outside of Highlight Crafts wishing to appear on these live shows, there is a 30% fee on all items sold during broadcasts. While this is lower than the 50% typically taken by traditional TV platforms, it comes with the trade-off of a smaller—though often more engaged—audience. This model allows more flexibility and accessibility for independent brands to participate in live selling formats.
🧑🎨 Tim Holtz Steps Back
Tim Holtz announced he will no longer design new products, choosing instead to focus on his personal creative journey and artistic exploration. While his existing product lines—such as Distress Inks, Idea-ology embellishments, stamps and Sizzix die collections—remain widely available through retailers, the absence of new releases from such a prolific designer could significantly shift trends in mixed media and art journaling. For many, Tim’s vintage-inspired aesthetic and emphasis on grunge, layering, and texture have defined an entire generation of crafting. His decision may leave a creative gap, especially for fans who eagerly anticipate his seasonal launches and tutorial-driven content. Looking ahead, the industry may see emerging designers stepping up to fill that space, or established brands adapting their offerings to capture the attention of Tim’s loyal following. For lovers of his brand, this could be a moment of nostalgia, but also an opportunity to revisit and reinterpret his existing body of work in new and personal ways.
🏢 Creative Expressions Ceases Trading
Creative Expressions has ceased trading. Katy Sue Designs acquired Cosmic Shimmer and associated assets in an asset sale, relocating operations to South Shields and appointing Andy Skinner as brand ambassador.
The retirement of the original owner, who led Creative Expressions for many years, marks the end of an era for the company. The founder's decision to retire reflects broader industry trends, but it is great that Creative Expressions has been acquired and that their products will still be available. This change of hands brings new opportunities for the brand while ensuring their legacy remains intact, providing an exciting future for Creative Expressions and its loyal customers.
🛍️ CraftStash Closure & Brand Futures
The crafting community has seen some changes recently, with the news that CraftStash will soon be closing its website, although they are still currently fulfilling orders. This transition naturally raises questions about the future of the wonderful brands we've come to know and love on their platform. While the exact paths forward for these brands are still unfolding, there have been encouraging whispers of new beginnings.
On a positive note, Made To Surprise (Sam Calcott) continues to thrive, with Sam actively connecting with crafters through her personal blog and YouTube channel, ensuring a steady stream of inspiring content. Similarly, Simply Made Crafts (Helen Griffin) is going strong, recently launching exciting new collections brimming with fresh designs.
Sadly, TEXT{ures} (Lou Collins) will no longer be releasing new products and will eventually cease to be available. However, Lou Collins remains a significant presence in the crafting community, now contributing her expertise to the expanding digital strategy of Hobbymaker.
Although the CraftStash website is still active for order processing, it's apparent that the company is moving towards a conclusion, with no new products on the horizon. The good news is that the spirit and creativity of these popular brands are set to endure, finding new ways to connect with crafters and secure their place in our crafting journeys for years to come.
🧵 Crafter’s Companion: From Crisis to Rescue
In a testament to the passion and dedication that often fuels the crafting world, Crafter's Companion faced a significant hurdle in January 2025, entering administration due to financial strain. For many crafters, the news likely came as a shock, given the brand's strong presence and the familiar face of its founder, Sara Davies. However, the story didn't end there. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the business she built, Sara Davies stepped back in with personal investment, a move that speaks volumes about her belief in Crafter's Companion and its community. This decisive action, coupled with support from Modella Capital, has ensured the survival of the beloved crafting brand, offering a beacon of hope for its future.
This rescue isn't just about keeping a business afloat; it signals a period of adaptation and renewal for Crafter's Companion. The involvement of Modella Capital suggests strategic changes and investment aimed at securing the company's long-term viability in a dynamic market. For crafters, this news offers reassurance that the tools, materials, and inspiration they've come to rely on will continue to be available. It also highlights the powerful impact a founder's passion and decisive action can have in navigating challenging times, turning a crisis into an opportunity for growth and evolution.
The rise of online marketplaces like SHEIN and Temu has introduced a significant new dynamic to the crafting industry. These platforms often feature vast quantities of craft supplies and finished goods at remarkably low prices. While this can be appealing to consumers looking for budget-friendly options, it presents a considerable challenge to both large and small established craft companies. The ability of these global giants to offer products at such significantly reduced costs often stems from different manufacturing practices, economies of scale, and sometimes, the alleged undercutting of original designs and intellectual property.
This aggressive pricing strategy can make it incredibly difficult for businesses that invest in original design, quality materials, and fair labor practices to compete. Craft companies, both big and small, often rely on a certain profit margin to sustain their operations, invest in innovation, and support the crafting community through events, education, and collaborations. When platforms like SHEIN and Temu offer similar-looking products at a fraction of the price, it can lead to decreased sales for established brands. Over time, this sustained pressure can contribute to financial instability and, as we've sadly witnessed with recent closures in the industry, can ultimately lead to the demise of both larger retailers and independent suppliers who are unable to compete on price alone. Furthermore, the allure of deeply discounted craft supplies on these platforms carries a significant long-term risk for the entire crafting ecosystem. If consumers increasingly opt for these ultra-low-cost alternatives, the original designers and creators of innovative products will face unsustainable pressure, potentially forcing them out of business. This would create a void where the wellspring of original inspiration dries up, leaving these cheaper platforms with little left to imitate in the future. The long-term health and vibrancy of the craft industry depend on supporting the originators and valuing their creative contributions. This trend raises important questions about the long-term sustainability and ethical considerations within the crafting market.
The journey of Crafty as a Fox started with a simple yet innovative idea: my card journaling books. This concept quickly captured the imagination of fellow crafters and paved the way for an ever-expanding range of inspiring products. From intricate stamps and stencils to versatile craft dies, beautiful paper collections, and unique ephemera, each addition has been carefully curated to fuel your creativity. While Crafty as a Fox was a familiar face on Create and Craft, I'm excited to connect with you now through my appearances on HobbyMaker and The Craft Store. Beyond these platforms, I love sharing ideas and inspiration during my weekly YouTube lives. You can explore the complete Crafty as a Fox universe on my website, www.craftykelly.co.uk, and occasionally discover our products firsthand at in-person events.
Stamp Addicts - Stamperama & Crafterama events -
Concentrating on cultivating a dynamic environment for craft aficionados, Stamp Addicts has channeled its energy into the growth and refinement of their Stamperama & Crafterama events, which can be explored online at www.stamperama.com. These events serve as a vital hub where craft suppliers directly engage with customers, offering a platform for direct sales of their diverse products. Attendees can anticipate a lively atmosphere filled with creative inspiration, often featuring make-and-take sessions that provide hands-on crafting experiences and live demonstrations showcasing the latest techniques and innovative uses of crafting materials. 1 By meticulously developing these events, Stamp Addicts not only provides a valuable sales channel for themselves and other craft businesses but also enriches the crafting community with opportunities for learning, interaction, and direct access to a wide array of supplies. Further details about Stamp Addicts and their offerings are available on their website at www.stampaddicts.com.
All Access Sewing by Rebecca Cole,
Rebecca is well known for being a familiar face demonstrating sewing machines and products previously on Create And Craft, Hochandaa and the craft store. Rebecca now appears on Sewing Street TV, with her own brand All Access Sewing that focuses on making sewing accessible to all. Expanding beyond standard sewing tools and kits, the company offers a range of accessible fastenings and haberdashery. Rebecca is also the author of the highly regarded "All Access Sewing" book, which champions inclusive sewing practices. Most notably, Rebecca is currently developing the first-ever fully accessible dress pattern range, set to launch later this year, promising to revolutionize garment creation for individuals with diverse needs. Products can be explored and purchased at https://allaccesssewing.com/.
After eight years gracing television screens and seventeen years deeply embedded in the craft industry, the proprietor of Aldridge Crafts made the thoughtful decision to downsize their business. This strategic move allows for more dedicated time to personal artistic pursuits and the important responsibility of caring for family. While the buzz of live shows and the connection with customers at their high street shop are keenly missed, a new chapter unfolds online. The website, www.aldridgecrafts.co.uk, is gradually becoming home to their popular television jewellery kits as space allows. In the meantime, a treasure trove of beads, charms, findings, and papercrafting supplies, many offered at reduced prices, awaits discovery by craft enthusiasts.
This year, Wee woolly wonderfuls has been strategically focusing on enhancing its online presence while also actively participating in prominent crafting events such as The Wool Monty, Yarndale, and the Great North East Show. From their Woolly Workshop located in Hull, the company designs and offers a diverse range of crochet and knitting kits catering to all skill levels, from those just starting their crafting journey to more experienced enthusiasts. Visitors to their website, Weewoollywonderfuls.com, can explore and purchase their thoughtfully curated kits, individual patterns, and a wide selection of essential craft accessories.
Emlems Silicone Moulds is a family-run UK business specializing in high-quality, sturdy, handmade silicone moulds. These food-safe moulds are versatile, catering to both culinary and crafting needs. Bakers can use them with chocolate or fondant, while artists can utilize them for resin, clay, wax, and other mixed media. Each mould undergoes a thorough hand-check to ensure top quality. Emlems Silicone Moulds are handmade in the UK using UK food-grade silicone. They are showcased on Hobbymaker, twice a month. You can find more information on their website Emlems Silicone Moulds and their Facebook group Emlems Facebook Group.
Olifantjie operates primarily through its website, www.olifantjie.com, with a dedicated Facebook group serving as the main platform for advertising and community engagement. While online sales form the core of the business, Olifantjie is also expanding its reach by starting to host in-person workshops, offering a more direct and interactive experience for its customers.
Make Me Roar continues to offer its range of patterns and kits through its established online platform at https://makemeroar.co.uk. In an exciting development, the company is on the verge of launching a physical presence with the imminent opening of Maker Studio in Eastbourne, as detailed on their website https://maker-studio.co.uk. This new venture promises to be a hub for creativity, stocking a wide array of yarn, kits, patterns, and essential crafting supplies. Furthermore, Maker Studio plans to foster a vibrant community by hosting diverse creative workshops and crafting groups, all while offering the added comfort of quality coffee.
In conclusion, the UK craft industry is navigating a significant transformation, marked by the decline of traditional retail and broadcast platforms and a decisive shift towards the online sphere. While concerns about the cost of living potentially impacting consumer spending and leisure time are valid, this digital migration presents a wealth of opportunities. The fragmentation of the online landscape, though initially challenging, fosters innovation, allows for niche communities to flourish, and empowers independent creators to connect directly with their audiences. The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by businesses like Crafter's Companion, and the continued evolution of platforms like Hobbymaker and The Craft Store underscore the enduring passion within the crafting community. Ultimately, the future of craft will likely be defined by embracing these digital avenues, fostering collaboration, and building vibrant online communities that continue to inspire and connect craft enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
It's important to note that the companies specifically featured in this blog post have graciously agreed to participate. While the opportunity was extended to others, those mentioned here are the ones who responded and wished to be included. If your company would like to be featured in this or future blog posts, please don't hesitate to reach out! This piece offers just a snapshot of the exciting and ever-evolving landscape of the craft industry. I'm committed to bringing you ongoing updates on other innovative companies and individuals making their mark, as well as any significant developments concerning the businesses already highlighted. To ensure you stay in the loop with the latest news and insights, make sure to subscribe to my blog!
Stay tuned as we continue to track these developments and spotlight the faces shaping the future of craft. ✂️💻📦
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Keep it crafty
Kelly Anne Jordan
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