NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH 2008: FASHION CRAFTING
AND PERSONALIZED STYLE
 
The Craft & Hobby Association celebrates the new face of fashion crafting
 
ELMWOOD PARK, NJ, March 5, 2008 – According to the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA), there is a new face in fashion crafting. The fashion crafting industry currently boasts retail sales at approximately $6.3 billion*. Within this industry is a new movement that is all about individual style, authenticity and creating something unique that can really be enjoyed. Fashion crafting projects are highly personalized and are often distinguished by embellishments, unconventional materials, unique details and a general “DIY” feel.  National Craft Month is a great time for people to incorporate their own personal style into current or future fashion craft project.
 
“National Craft Month has always been a time to celebrate the art and benefits of crafting,” said Steve Berger, CEO, Craft & Hobby Association. “This year we combined the popularity of general crafting with the latest fashion movement to create a theme for National Craft Month that encourages people to create handmade, personalized couture no matter the skill level.”
 
With so many boutique retail chains capitalizing on the handcrafted look, there is no better time than National Craft Month to discover news ways to replicate those fashion trends. CHA encourages people to visit local retailers to find different products that will allow them to create a very personalized style with ease.
 

“The styles that we see in home and apparel stores are easy to recreate,” said Terri Oullette, national spokesperson for CHA and author of Terri O.’s Easy Embellishing. “Whether someone s Gen-Y or a Boomer, always crafts or has never crafted before, they can find a wide variety of tools and products at any craft store to help them make their own version of the trendiest looks.”
 
Here are some ideas from Terri O. for fashion crafts that can help you celebrate your personal style with items already in your closet and a few products from the local craft store:
•          Embellish a pair of jeans using glue on crystals to create a designer look for less
•          Use fabric and double stick tape to enhance the heel of your favorite pair of black pumps
•          For kids, use iron on appliqués and specialty fabric pens to turn a basic backpack into a personalized fashion accessory
•          Using hot glue, attach a beaded trim to the seams of a casual clutch to take it from daytime casual to evening elegant
•          Lost an earring?  Use basic jewelry making tools to turn your remaining earring into a pendant perfect for your favorite charm bracelet
 
During National Craft Month, retailers across the country will offer special classes and demonstrations, as well as tips and projects to get customers involved.   CHA is happy to continue their tradition of National Craft Month as they encourage people to share their passion for crafting.  To learn more about what is happening in your area during National Craft Month, to locate the nearest craft store, or for additional project ideas visit www.craftplace.org.
 
About The Craft & Hobby Association
The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) is a not-for-profit organization consisting of more than 5,500 member companies engaged in the manufacture, distribution and retail sales of products in the $31 billion craft and hobby industry. The Association offers a broad range of member services, including market research, education and consumer branding initiatives, as well as operates two annual trade show events, the CHA Winter Show and CHA Summer Show that attract industry professionals from all over the world.

Contact:
Victor Domine                                                                        
Craft & Hobby Association                                                     
(201) 835-1224                                                                      
VDomine@CraftandHobby.org