Art Materials Retailer Q3 2023

by Victoria Ritter

Admiring a piece of art or craftwork is often inspiring for me; simply knowing it exists is enough. It doesn’t matter if it’s on display in a museum or put up for sale at an art festival. But when the chance comes to learn and understand an artist’s intention behind their work or their method of creation, the experience is significantly enhanced.

Growing up, I was lucky to attend one, maybe two local art shows a year. To be fair, those shows were fullscale events with dozens of vendors, live music, even a theatrical performance or two.

This summer, I’ve attended four art and craft shows, all within a month’s time and all outside, two of which were located not even a mile from my home. Some artists were repeat exhibitors; I found myself grinning as I spotted their booths, as it was like spotting a friend in a crowd of strangers. Vendors ventured from town to town, braving rain storms and oppressive heat alongside sunny, cool days to display their creations.

At every show, I meandered between the booths and tents as one would through a museum. Small gatherings inside a vendor’s space were a good sign that the wares inside were popular – and for good reason. I found myself stopping either if I overheard an artist sharing their story with fellow passersby or their creations truly caught my attention. No matter the reason or whether I made a purchase, I walked away richer in experience.

One photographer chatted with patrons as they filed through his snapshots of wildlife and idyllic landscapes. Whenever one of us exclaimed at a particular image –typically that of birds of prey or a sunrise – he would regale us of how he either was in the right place at the right time or how he patiently waited for the perfect shot. He explained the end result was thanks to a combination of his own skill and having the right equipment at the ready. Even in art, there is plenty of

continued on page 6 t

by Victoria Ritter

STUDIO CLEAN UP IS

“For Art’s Sake” from page 3

room for chance and potential.

The following week, my attention was drawn to pottery decorated with flowers and leaves, glazed with blues and greens. When I asked the artist how she attained such beautiful designs, she launched into an enthusiastic speech, outlining the tools and techniques she used. Once she realized I had no experience in crafting pottery (I have painted several pieces, but that’s about it), she kindly gave her explanation again in layman’s terms with just as much fervor. It just goes to show that everyone can appreciate art, no matter their own skill set.

The most moving conversation I had was with a therapist who was selling origami jewelry and décor. She talked about how she encouraged her patients to make paper butterflies; they would think one positive thought as they made each fold. The therapist even joined in with her patients to make tiny 3-D stars to keep fidgeting hands busy. She added how her grandmother taught her the art of origami and was able to live long enough to see it turn into a profitable business. The therapist kept a picture of her grandmother in the booth to further honor her. Art is therapeutic, both for the crafter and the customer.

The next time there’s an art fair or show and something catches your eye, talk with the artist or creator. Even if you don’t buy anything, the story behind the art can be just as wonderful as the piece itself.

Speaking of stories, we have a wonderful array in this edition of Art Materials Retailer. Learn how New York City resident Austin Rivers put his dual passions of knitting and outreach to use to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth through Knit the Rainbow. We sat down with artist Leah Fanning of Oregon who founded Natural Earth Paint which produces safe, solvent-free art supplies. Donna Garramone shares how she is continuing her mother’s legacy through managing Arlene’s Art Supplies in Albany, NY. These stories and so much more await inside.

victoria@fwpi.com

Come Get Creative at Arlene’s Artist Materials

by Victoria Ritter

One could say that art runs strong in Donna Garramone’s heritage. Her parents, Arlene and Mike Garramone, founded the first independent art supplies store in Albany, NY. Donna has worked at the store, called Arlene’s Artist Supplies & Custom Framing, since she was a teenager and has always loved art. Today, she is the proud owner of the shop and can’t imagine doing anything else.

“The day after I was born, my mother put me in a carrier on the front counter and the rest is history,” Donna said. “You can say I was literally born into the business.”

Today, the fine arts and framing shop provides a range of products from fine art to fun items.

Adapting to the art market

Arlene began teaching ceramic classes in her mother-in-law’s basement and at the local YMCA. The classes became so popular that Arlene and Mike, bought a two-family home on Madison Avenue in Albany in 1960, turned the bottom floor into a 500-square-foot classroom and store and their living quarters, while they rented out the second floor. While Mike made the clay and poured molds, Arlene taught

students how to clean, paint and fire them. They were only 19 years old.

In 1974, the Garramones moved operations to their current location – a former steakhouse – on Fuller Road in Albany. For about five years, the couple rented the basement out to a real estate agent, who turned it into a bar called Rembrandt’s Pub. “It was a way for my parents to have some income, as they took a huge leap of faith buying this building,” Donna said. “They weren’t sure how all of this would work out. Luckily for them and their hard work, it did work out.”

The business continued to expand. A couple years later, the Garramones added 3,500 square feet to the building, along with a garage. Today, the store covers more than 10,000 square feet.

The ceramics business eventually faded away and art supplies filled the void. Art students from The College of Saint Rose came to trust Arlene’s Artist Supplies as a means to fulfill their needs. Items such as illustration boards and mechanical pens were in higher demand than paints and brushes. For a long time, graphic arts were the store’s bread and butter, Donna said. However, with the introduction of computer programs, that, too, started to fade.

“I was in high school at the time and working here on my days off,” Donna recalled. “I suggested providing fine arts supplies because there wasn’t anybody within 100 miles from us that sold anything. We didn’t have Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.”

Donna officially took over ownership of Arlene’s 20 years ago when her parents retired.

Something for everyone

Today, the main bulk of Arlene’s sales come from fine art supplies – paints, brushes and pencils – followed by custom framing. The merchandise is spread across three long, wide rooms and two basements. As patrons enter, they are greeted by the artistic gift department which contains greeting cards, journals, puzzles, mugs, pins and bumper stickers. The gifts help offset buying lulls and bridge the gap between graphic arts and fine arts.

“Our gift and card section has really taken off,” Donna said. “We have people come in to specifically stock up on our cards. When they do, they buy 50 at a time.”

The main portion of the store contains drawing and printing supplies including calligraphy materials, pads, mat cutters, airbrushes and markers. The middle segment houses paints and brushes while canvases, easel papers and boards are located in the back room. The two basements are used for classes and a space for custom framing.

Donna and her nine employees – seven full-time and two parttime, some of whom have been at Arlene’s for decades – keep track of more than 100,000 SKUs via two POS registers. They conduct several inventories by hand each month to stay on top of their accounts.

The store established an account on Etsy in 2017 as an additional online presence. While

Etsy generates only about 1 percent of sales according to Donna, popular items sold through the site are Cavallini papers. Other popular items sold by Arlene’s are spray paint, Copic markers and paint markers.

“I keep on top of what’s new by seeing salespeople,” Donna said. “Both MacPherson’s and SLS Arts are good on keeping on top of new items. I haven’t attended shows in years, but I would like to start going back to them.”

Create together

There are plenty of opportunities for people to express their creativity at Arlene’s, no matter their skill level. A regular event is Makers Markets. The curated craft fairs began as a holiday market and evolved into larger events in the spring and fall.

While the holiday Makers Market has a more intimate feel with six to eight vendors inside Arlene’s, the spring and fall renditions welcome up to 20 artists, creatives and small businesses that specialize in handmade items who host booths outside the store. The artists come from as far as 1-1/2 hours away, but most hail from the Albany and Schenectady areas.

The store has seen an estimated 300 people attend the spring Makers Market, according to Andrew Ochal, who coordinates classes, social media and marketing for Arlene’s. The Makers Markets features live music, demos with class instructors, food vendors and an opportunity to explore the shop.

“It’s a celebration of the creativity of our community while giving an opportunity for our creatives to sell their work,” Ochal stated. “We’re received feedback that our customers want to shop local and support locally made creative art. We have that unique ability to offer that to them.”

Arlene’s former office – located

Left: Donna Garramone (center, holding her dog, Josephine) and her employees put their artistic backgrounds to work, helping customers at Arlene’s.

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behind the front counter – now houses the R Gallery, which hosts rotating exhibitions and a yearly Flat Files Program. Through the program, 20 selected artists’ 2-D work is available for sale. The inaugural program wrapped up in August, with the next cycle slated to begin in October. “It’s a good resource for local artists because if they sell a piece, they can replace it with something new,” Ochal said. “It’s a way to promote local artists, get people to buy local and original artwork, and support the community.”

Individuals who want to hone their creative skills or simply try a new art style can take one of Arlene’s classes. The sessions, offered in the spring, summer and fall, cover a range of topics from jewelry making and drawing to oil painting. Courses are available in-person and online.

“One of the main reasons we started the educational program was that people were afraid to even put pen to paper or try a different paint,” Ochal stated. “When they’re in the safety of a classroom where they’re around likeminded students and a caring, supportive instructor, they feel safe enough to experiment, play and have fun. They realize that creative and making is an enjoyable experience and they grow and shine.”

Customers can have their artwork displayed and sold as part of Arlene’s 3x3 Fundraiser. Participants can donate any 3- by-3-inch artwork in any medium and Arlene’s will sell them for $10 each. The proceeds will go to a different charity each year. Past recipients include art galleries, Free Fridge of Albany which helps people with food insecurities and the Mohawk Humane Society – Arlene’s is a pet-friendly store. “We have a big opening to celebrate and the exhibit stays up for a month,” Donna said. “We typically get around 500 pieces and sell about 75 percent of them.”

Challenges and community

When Arlene’s first opened, there were only a handful of galleries nearby and local colleges had robust art departments, but the art scene was very limited. Donna has since seen the demise of graphic arts ad agencies, the introduction of big box companies and the growth of online sales. Not to mention expenses have gone up. Still, she is thankful for what she has.

“Art in general has slowed down a bit,” she observed. “Even though some of our colleges have gotten bigger in the art department, we did lose one college that completely shut down their art department and that was a big hit. It’s harder to make a profit these days.” In order to remain competitive, Arlene’s discounts paint, brushes, canvas and easels 20 to 50 percent off every day and offers student and professional discounts.

“I consider ourselves lucky that we’re still in business after 60-plus years, be able to staff 10 people, have a full store of supplies and pay our bills,” Donna continued. “To be honest, I know most people want to set the world on fire, but I’m just very happy that we’re still thriving.”

Arlene’s wide selection of products and the knowledge of its employees help set it apart from chain stores. Every employee is an artist, with most of them possessing a degree in art. If a staff member is stumped by a question, they will either ask their co-workers or conduct research to provide the best answer for a shopper.

Teachers, students, artists and hobbyists constitute the majority of Arlene’s customer base. Talking to clients is among Donna’s favorite aspects of running the business. Everyone is welcome, no matter their artistic background or abilities. Some patrons have been loyal to Arlene’s for decades; a few even remember seeing infant Donna behind the counter and make a point to ask how Arlene and Mike are doing. “My parents created a sense of community,” Donna said. “It’s nice that they’re so beloved that people continue to make sure they’re ok.”

by Tina Manzer

From Blaine’s Art Inc.’s Facebook page. Located in Anchorage, AK

“’The Artist’s Complete Guide to Figure Drawing’ by Anthony Ryder (1) is an exceptional resource that demystifies figure drawing. Ryder’s profound knowledge shines through as he covers anatomy, proportion, gesture and advanced techniques. With meticulous explanations and exquisite illustrations, this guide provides a solid foundation for artists of all levels. It transcends technical instruction, offering invaluable insights into the essence of figure drawing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this book is an essential companion on your artistic journey.” –Blaine’s Art Inc., Anchorage, AK

From Forstall Art Center’s Facebook page. Located in Birmingham, AL

“Fredrix Pro Series’ 72- by 96-inch canvas (2) is an excellent choice. The canvas is 17-1/2-ounce primed, 12-ounce raw 100-percent cotton duck canvas. The Pro Series features heavier stretcher bars with extra bracing for added support.”

From Howard’s Art & Frames’ Facebook page. Located in Hagerstown, MD

“These new Posh Glass Palettes (3) from New Wave Art are available in gray, white and clear and multiple sizes. They are perfect for acrylic and oil painters. They are easy to clean and have corner guards for protection and grip.” ..................................

From Arizona Art Supply’s Facebook page. Located in Phoenix, AZ

“Posca’s uni Posca MOP’R acrylic paint markers (4) have the same high-quality water-based paint, now in a new design that allows for a generous application of color on almost any surface!”

From Donna Garramone, Arlene’s Art Supplies. Located in Albany, NY

“We teach classes in R&F Handmade Paints’ encaustics (5) and Piñata Colors alcohol inks (6) from Jacquard Products. They are wildly popular and seem to be the most fun.”

Cozy up with bestselling author

Artful Behavior

Creating Natural Earth Paint Was Good for Her Body, Good for Her Soul

by Tina Manzer

Oregon-based artist Leah Fanning is known for her colorful expressionistic portrait work and large-format abstract oil paintings. “My abstract art is created with absolutely no plans or formulas or ideas,” she once explained. “After years of painting, I can go right into a place of no thought and presence, and something guides me to make the first mark. I just ask what color would make me feel good and I cover the canvas with that color. Then I make a mark and that mark tells me what the next mark should be and so on.

“People comment that my paintings look like either microscopic images – cells, etc. – or macro: planets, stars or nebulas. The colors and patterns that emerge come straight from nature, what I see in the wild and what feels good in my body.”

Before she moved to the Pacific Northwest, Fanning lived on the East Coast where she was

a professional ballet dancer. She also studied painting at a variety of institutions in the U.S. and abroad, most notably in Cortona, Italy. Fanning received her degree in illustration/painting from Maryland Institute College of Art. She fit right in with the culture of Oregon, characterized by stunning natural vistas, sustainable land use, recycling, renewable energy and an organic lifestyle. “I lived off the grid in an earthen home in the mountains,” she said. “I was ‘organic everything’ for years except for my art materials. I had this deep-rooted belief that conventional paints were the only ones for creating high-quality archival gallery work, even though they contained toxins that were impacting my health. Still, I didn’t want to risk changing them. Besides, there were no other options.”

But in 2010 Fanning became pregnant and decided to create a new option. “I told myself I was not going to put any toxins in this

baby,” she said. “I had a gallery show coming up and knew I had to paint every day so I set out to find an alternative.”

She discovered the work of artist Scott Sutton in New Mexico. Sutton harvests pigments in nature to make paint and teaches workshops on the process (visit pigmenthunter. com). “He told me about a book from 1980, now out-of-print, called Colors from the Earth by Ann Wall Thomas,” Fanning said. “I used it to learn how to locate and gather natural earth pigments. Basically, I created paint for a whole show – 30 largescale wall paintings – using that book.”

What she learned became the basis for Natural Earth Paint, a company she started in 2011 with the goal of developing safe, solventfree art supplies for people of all ages.

“Oil paint is just walnut or linseed oil mixed with pigment. No solvents,” said Fanning, “I harvest pigments and grind them and sieve

them and mix them with oil. For me, the process is cathartic and lovely.

“I use pure vegetable oil to clean my brushes and thin my paint like the old masters did,” she added, referencing the Rennaisance-era art supply recipes from Italy she unearthed. “Back then, their varnish was plant-based.”

Happy surprises

Painting with her all-natural colors resulted in a variety of positives beyond safety. “I noticed right away that my paintings seemed more luminous,” Fanning said. “It’s hard to describe – you’d have to see them in person. I learned later that it’s because natural pigment particles are irregular in size and shape compared to synthetic particles, which are uniform. With so many different edges for the light to bounce off of, those irregular particles create a beautiful glow, which is very cool.”

Also cool was the wide range of colors she discovered in the Earth’s minerals. “They weren’t just grays and browns.”

A common misconception among artists is that natural paint will fall apart and degrade. That’s not the case, said Fanning. “I discovered that it’s more archival, more UV resistant, and more radiant than synthetic paints. I felt I had to spread the word.”

Her company was her vehicle. Today, Natural Earth Paint is distributed through the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Production takes place in a solar-powered, 2,000 square-foot facility in Ashland manned by “a small team of wonderful people.”

Products are organized into three categories: fine art, children’s art supplies, and all-natural face paint and ecofriendly glitter. Bestsellers include 20 natural pigments, the Complete Eco-Friendly Oil Paint Kit and the children’s paint kit, which produces “a creamy, tempera-like paint when mixed with water,” according to naturalearthpaint.com. An egg-dying kit is also on the list.

Rounding out the fine art line are Eco-Solve, a plant-based, professional paint thinner; plus a plant-based adhesive, a natural impasto medium, refined walnut oil and Natural Varnish – “a proprietary blend of plant-based, archival ingredients using time-tested recipes from the Renaissance.”

“Eco-Solve and Natural Varnish have just started to become

Fanning foraged her own pigments at first. Today, Natural Earth Paint sources bright greens, reds and oranges from Italy and France, and yellow ochre, browns, whites, blacks, silvers and coppers from the U.S.

Natural Acrylik Paint™

Continued from page 15

popular with woodworkers, including guitar and violin makers,” Fanning noted. “They love our natural varnish because it dries in minutes.”

Fanning has a personal passion for zero-waste, plastic-free, eco-friendly packaging and puts that into practice at Natural Earth Paint. “We use home compostable pouches for all of our powders, recyclable glass and metal for all bottles and postconsumer recycled paper for all boxes,” she stated. “We also offer a zero-waste option for customers who order our pigments and paints in brown paper bags tied with hemp twine.”

An artistic coup

This summer, the company introduced a line of plant-based acrylic paints in tubes: 15 colors plus a medium. The paint is fast-drying, very durable and washes out of brushes using water.

“I started working on development about five years ago with a team of chemists,” Fanning explained. “It had never been done before so we kept trying and failing, again and again. I’ve gone through about eight chemists.”

The most recent bunch cracked the code. “One would say, ‘I’m not sure how to get past this problem,’ and the others would offer suggestions. That was the process when all of a sudden, it became perfect.”

Fanning considers herself an artist and natural-paint evangelist. She never intended to start a company and doesn’t want to manufacture products that already exist elsewhere. Instead, she uses Natural Earth Paint to respond to people who need new ones. Such was the case with Natural Acryliks.

“Early on, we got calls and emails from people almost weekly asking for a natural acrylic paint. Their issues included specific chemical sensitivities to conventional paints and the fumes, or they simply didn’t want to use petroleum-based paint. Really, the most toxic parts of acrylic paint are the additives. Our paint has none of those.”

Fanning has witnessed how creating solvent-free art materials that are safe for humans and the environment has become a movement around the world. “In the past few months, at least two new books have been published about foraging for pigments and making natural paint. It’s everywhere on social media: hundreds and hundreds of people slowly mulling their paint with beautiful music playing in the background. They talk about how meditative it makes them feel; how peaceful and happy. It seems like a wonderful part of the process for some of them.”

It’s that way for Fanning. “I think the process makes me a better artist. Creating my own materials awakened this beautiful connection to the source of my colors. I never had that before. It feels right and nourishes whatever project I am working on.”

The sun-powered Cyanotype process appeals to every type of artist, whether they are making an edition of holiday cards, reproducing photos or drawings, or making photograms from pants and objects. A wonderful gift item for any creative person!

The first of it’s kind!

Plant-based, eco-friendly & archival water-based paint that behaves exactly like conventional acrylic paints.

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PermaStone

Casting

Compound

from ACTÍVA acts like plaster but dries durable like stone! It is infinitely stronger than typical plaster, reproduces fine details and dried pieces can be painted with any finish. Sold in 28-ounce and 48-ounce sizes. 903-938-2224 support@activaproducts.com

Sennelier Oil Pastels from MacPherson’s are rich in pigment, acid-free and can be applied to virtually any surface. They are made with top quality pigments, a pure synthetic binding medium and mineral wax, creating a creamy texture. macphersonart.com/product/142229/Oil-Pastel-Sets.html

Happy Little Christmas Wreath from Bob Ross is a 3-inch twinkle-lights collectible with a sweet mini book of Bob’s finest winterscapes. A great stocking stuffer for Bob Ross fans of all ages! Contact Hatchette Book Group at special.markets@hbgusa.com or 1-800-759-0190.

Yasutomo’s Suzuri Stone set includes two brushes, one sumi ink stick and a Suzuri stone. The Bokuju set includes two brushes, one bottle of liquid sumi ink and a porcelain saucer. yasutomo.com

Viking Woodcrafts invites you to the Annual Painting & Craft Expo, June 24-29 2024 at the Chattanooga Convention Center, TN. This event, open to the public, brings together crafters, artists, creative teachers and suppliers. apcexpo.net

Environmental Medicine, Inc. serves the consumer products, paints, coatings and art materials industries with a premium toxicological consultative resource and regulatory compliance. EMI’s business model bases its success on quality.

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Linoleum & Relief

Carving Set from Flexcut features 1/8-inch and 5/16-inch sweeps, 1/4-inch V-tool, and a 1-millimeter micro V-tool. An ergonomically designed handle, manual, sharpening strop, polishing compound and tool roll are included.

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MILDLINER from Zebra Pen features a unique mild color that shows up softly on paper with both broad and fine point tips. It will always help you express yourself in a unique way!

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Tiziano from MacPherson’s is an acid-free paper with a high cotton content, ideal for a plethora of dry media. Its 40 hues have a soft feel and beautiful tooth on both sides of the sheet. macphersonart.com/product/FRTZTOP20/Tiziano-Paper-20Color-Best-Sellers-1000-Sheet-Assortment-and-Display.html

Artists swear by Marvelous Marianne’s Savvy Soap! It works on oils, acrylics, all types of paint and craft materials. Conditions as it cleans. Savvy Soap is clean, green, and Earth- and skin-friendly.

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White bristle synthetic

brushes from Zem Brush Mfg are excellent for precise control and placement of color, best for acrylic and oils. They also have a smooth filament that stays together during heavy brush strokes. 330-953-2043 Zembrush.com

The Essential Color Card Deck from C&T Publishing contains 168 color, eight value (blackto-white) and 24 neutral color cards. Each card has a solid color on one side and practical color information on the other.

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AWT World Trade is a trusted name in screen printing supplies. From screen-making and safety products to fabrics and frames and hundreds of other items, you’ll find whatever supplies you need at AWT. sales@awtworldtrade.com awt-gpi.com/supplies.php?menu=2

The Clay Finishing Tools from Xiem Tools are excellent for texturing surface effects on polymer clay, sculpy, sugar-paste and fondant icing. Available in threeand five-piece sets in flex-firm and strong-firm sizes. xiemtoolsusa.com

The Color Palette STAMPER from Shachihata, Inc. is set apart from every other stamp available today by its ability to allow for the layering of multiple colors without needing to clean the stamp surface. sales@xstamper.com

Natural

Acrylik Paint from Natural Earth

Paint is the first of its kind. This plant-based, eco-friendly and archival water-based paint behaves exactly like conventional acrylic paints. Made with natural pigments, plant-based resin and bio-based ingredients.

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Kuretake Gansai Tambi Individual Pans from Pinnacle Colors offer fine-caliber watercolors that are highly blendable, with a creamysmooth consistency found only in traditional Japanese products. Available in 100 colors.

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The opaque grey-toned Dura-Bright and Craft Plastic film from Grafix has a more neutral foundation for a wide range of mediums and applications. Available in pads, packs and a roll. grafixarts.com/products/dura-lar-film

ColorPad Stamp Pads from Jacquard are slow-drying pigment inks formulated to sit on top of the paper surface, giving you plenty of time for blending and embossing. An excellent choice for artwork and keepsake projects.

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The Vincent van Gogh Coloring

Book from Today is Art Day is printed on thick, high-quality paper, allowing you to use any medium you like. There is no limit to your creativity!

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h+h americas’ 2023 show, which took place June 21 to 23 in Chicago, was a success. The organization’s second show featured 267 exhibitors, a 34-percent increase from last year. Additionally, more than 2,500 professionals from 22 countries attended the event.

The show kicked off with a State of the Industry panel discussion, which covered where the industry is now, the challenges it’s facing and where it needs to go. Keynote speakers Kathy Cano-Murillo of The Crafty Chica and Justine Tiu, co-founder of The Woobles, gave inspiring presentations to participants.

Attendees from the U.S. particularly enjoyed seeing more quilting and fabric lines, along with getting to touch international products that are not normally seen in the States, according to a show representative.

“A big thank you to all who worked hard to make the second edition of h+h americas a successful one – especially to our North American team and our conference partner, Craft Industry Alliance,” said Gerald Boese, president and CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH. “We are proud that we now can provide two strong and viable events on each side of the Atlantic for the handicraft industry,”

Next year’s show will take place May 1-3 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont/Chicago.

Stone Wool and Twig & Horn. Many of the company’s products are produced in the U.S.

“We are excited with how this acquisition brings together two respected quality, family-owned yarn craft companies,” said Lion Brand Chairman David Blumenthal. “We have a great appreciation for the Quince & Co. brand, for their quality products and for the impressive inspiration they provide to their dedicated customers and consumers, all which mirror how we go to market at Lion Brand. We are also confident that acquiring the Quince & Co. portfolio further strengthens Lion Brand’s Purpose of creating a colorful, connected, comforting and caring world!”

“We are thrilled to join Lion Brand and its 145year history of delivering outstanding innovative products to its customers all over the world,” said Quince & Co. CEO Michelle Kohanzo. “Lion Brand has a deep understanding of our industry, and we are confident that our customers and consumers will benefit greatly from their long-standing respected category leadership and innovation.”

&Lion Brand Yarn recently announced its acquisition of Quince & Co. Both companies distribute yarn to independent yarn shops across the U.S., with Lion Brand also supplying overseas stores.

Lion Brand Yarn is a fifth-generation, familyowned global marketer and distributor of knitting and craft yarn, with more than 80 types available.

Established in 2010, Quince & Co. creates premium yarns and an assortment of garment and fashion accessory patterns under brands including

OOLY, an arts, crafts and school supply brand, has partnered with global nonprofit Kids for Peace. Together, these organizations seek to create a world where kids are free to explore their imaginations, express their feelings and spread positivity. The partnership includes the launch of OOLY’s Create Kindness Packs, art supply kits for children.

“OOLY and Kids for Peace go together like crayons and coloring books, a perfect match for spreading joy, positivity and creativity to kids everywhere!” said OOLY Founder, Owner and CEO Carol Pankiw. “At OOLY we believe that by combining artistic expression and altruistic action, kids are empowered to create a brighter, more colorful and more harmonious world for all to enjoy.”

OOLY provides an array of expressive and creative items. The woman-owned business, based in San Diego, CA, was launched in 2005. Its products

can be found at independent gift, stationery and toy stores and national retailers across the world.

Kids for Peace, based in Carlsbad, has become a worldwide movement with more than 19 million youth in 121 countries actively creating a culture of peace and kindness. Kids for Peace’s projects and programs spread the message to actively engage in socially conscious leadership, community service, arts, environmental stewardship and global friendships.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about this wonderful partnership!” said Jill McManigal, co-founder and executive director of Kids for Peace. “Given OOLY’s worldwide reach, stellar products, inspiring creativity and unwavering commitment to creating a better and brighter world, we will undoubtedly do great things together.”

president and chief operating officer, as well as other senior roles. He hopes to find additional ways to imagine unique and creative products, solve problems for the consumer and be a thought leader for retailers.

“Steve has played a critical role of developing our manufacturing acumen over the past several years and knows our business inside and out,” Erwin said. “He has developed within FloraCraft and I am incredibly confident in his ability to push us forward for another exciting chapter in the company’s history.”

“We’re poised to find even more ways to make it fun for our customers through innovation, manufacturing excellence and strong relationships with retailers,” Carlson said. “I believe we have a clear path forward and am excited to partner with our incredible team on what I’m sure will be a wonderful next chapter. I appreciate everything Eric has done to pave the way forward.”

In August, Steve Carlson was named as the new president and CEO of FloraCraft. He is taking over for Eric Erwin, who served as the head of the company since 2017 and who is now retiring.

“The last seven years under Eric’s leadership have been a tremendous period of innovation and expansion,” said FloraCraft Chairman Lee Schoenherr. “Eric’s impact on our company has been profound, and I thank him for the dedication and passion he shared with all of us during his time as our CEO. His transformational leadership has helped us grow into the modern, efficient and forwardthinking company we are today.”

In his new role, Carlson will be responsible for strategic direction as well as leading all manufacturing, fabrication, global supply, marketing and account efforts. A 23-year veteran of the company, Carlson previously served as

Retailers Should Rely on Tried-and-True Essentials This Year

In July, the National Retail Federation (NRF) held its second NRF Nexus in California, a conference for senior-level retail technology, marketing and digital innovators. Business Futurist Kate Ancketill was among the featured speakers. Before her presentation on minimizing the impact of global disruptions, the NRF asked her what retailers can expect for the remainder of this year and if AI in retail will live up to the hype. Here are her insights.

As uncertainty continues with respect to energy prices, inflation, interest rates, debt and the war in Ukraine, retailers should be prepared for continued pressure on consumer spending power, advised Ancketill, founder of the UKbased business futurist consultancy GDR. “It is also important to anticipate the possibility of further disruptions in supply chains and take proactive measures to address them,” she told the NRF. A strategy retailers should consider is to place emphasis on essential products and reliable basics.

categories,” Ancketill said. “While they may cut back on discretionary expenses such as fashion, dining out or takeaway food, they tend to prioritize non-negotiable expenditures like holidays. “Focusing on optimism and inclusivity can also help retailers appeal to disenchanted shoppers and win them over,” she added. Regarding AI technology, today’s hot topic, Ancketill believes it holds immense potential for optimizing operations and achieving significant productivity gains. It may be still in its infancy in retail, but companies in the restaurant industry are using AI to enhance demand forecasting, inventory management and labor scheduling.

In addition, “Shopify utilizes AI to automatically generate product descriptions that align with a brand’s unique tone of voice, saving precious hours for vendors and Walmart has embraced AI for handling negotiations with suppliers,” Ancketill noted. “The result is a savings of 4.2 percent in supplier agreements.”

Netflix,” Ancketill concluded. In its August 10 SmartBrief, the NRF reported that Instacart launched a back-to-school advertising campaign highlighting how families can save on brands with its “Ask Instacart” AI search tool. In addition to running the omnichannel campaign across the U.S. and Canada, the company is allowing consumers in Texas and New Jersey to shop tax-free on some back-to-school items during the states’ tax-free holiday periods.

New Analytics Show the Value of Short, Smartphone-Generated Videos

Another is initiating seasonal activations earlier than usual to help shoppers spread out the financial burden of fall and winter celebrations. “It’s important to recognize that consumers prioritize their cost-saving efforts differently across various spending

Surprisingly, 75 percent of Walmart’s suppliers have expressed a preference for dealing with the AI-powered system, she added. “This technology is evolving rapidly, with adoption rates surpassing those of other major platforms. To put things into perspective, ChatGPT reached 1 million users within just five days, compared with two months for Instagram and three years for

YouTube has launched a new report in YouTube Studio that provides a quick overview of new, returning and subscribed viewers by format type, reports Social Media Today. The report will make it easier for users to see how each of their posts are performing.

According to Social Media Today, the main driver of the new report may be Shorts – the fastestgrowing content format in the app. More than 2 billion loggedin YouTube users watch Shorts content every month, up from 1.5 billion monthly logged-in users for YouTube Shorts last year, giving

Photo courtesy National Retail Federation

Focusing on optimism and inclusivity can also help retailers appeal to disenchanted shoppers and win them over.

-Kate Ancketill

it an edge over competitors like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

“As YouTube looks to feed into this demand, it’s pushing for more creators to post short clips, which will also help them boost their channel awareness,” said the article. By showing how much of an impact Shorts can have in driving audience engagement, the new report showcases the value of the app.

Live videos could also be a big driver for some channels, and the new report’s more-specific breakdowns will make it easier to see what users should focus on in their process, said the article.

“If you’re not experimenting with short-form video as yet, it’s likely worth trying, and seeing what your audience responds to, on YouTube and in other apps,” concluded Social Media Today.

Cruel Summer?

Swiftie Bracelets Keep Makers Up All Night

The friendship-bracelet-trading trend at Taylor Swift concerts is generating “serious cash” for Etsy shop owners and jewelry-supply stores, reports CNN. One part-time Etsy vendor said she had sold more than 5,000 bracelets – $16,000 worth – so far this summer.

“The Eras tour has made my business,” Jamie Tompkins told CNN. The full-time events manager is saving her braceletmaking earnings to focus on running her Etsy shop, Pigtails and Pixidust, full-time.

The trend comes from the lyrics of Taylor Swift’s song “You’re On Your Own, Kid” featured on her most recent album: “Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned / Everything you lose is a step you take / So make the

Stores, wrote that the trend is paying off big-time for Michaels. “Overall, sales in our jewelry category, including jewelrymaking kits, are up more than 40 percent chainwide since mid-April, when the friendship braceletmaking trend began to take off,” Gehre wrote.

In cities where Swift has tour stops, bead and jewelry sales increased as much as 300 percent in the days leading up to a concert. “The largest jewelry category sales increase was more than 500 percent in Taylor’s home state of Pennsylvania, where she made two concert stops in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The largest singlestop sales lift was more than 400 percent in Detroit,” Gehre told USA TODAY. “As soon as we noticed the trend, our teams acted quickly to ensure inventory was available and well-merchandised in the stores to make it as easy as possible for customers to get in on the trend.”

Michaels stores across the country also began building bracelet-making displays and offering in-store bracelet-making classes. More than 22,000 bracelets have been made in the classes, Gehre reported.

The personalized bracelets typically feature the names of Swift songs and albums, noted CNN. Kansas City Chiefs’ player Travis Kelce said he made a play for Swift by attempting to give her a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it.

Meanwhile, Etsy shop owners

Taylor Roberts, who owns Etsy shop KimbaSienaCo with three friends. She told CNN: “We all love Taylor Swift and have so much fun discussing bracelet ideas, song quotes, patterns and new beads.”

The Common Sense Institute, a nonprofit research organization, estimates that Swift’s Eras tour could generate $4.6 billion in total consumer spending in the U.S., from ticket sales to hotels and restaurants.

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“Endcap” from page 30

Crafters also have the option to drop off their creations at Knit the Rainbow’s Local Yarn Shops. There are currently 31 registered Local Yarn Shops across the U.S. These stores will collect the donated items and ship them to New York City. In return, Knit the Rainbow will reimburse them for the shipping costs.

Any yarn shop can join in the collection. If they choose, Knit the Rainbow can list their location and contact information on its website for crafters to better find them.

“If there are any other yarn shops that are interested in participating, it’s super easy. You basically set up a box, tell your customers about Knit the Rainbow, collect and send the donations to us,” Rivers said while expressing his gratitude for their help. “Our volunteers and partners have really helped this organization grow. We would not be where we are today without them.”

Crocheting a community

Garment collection is just one of Knit the Rainbow’s five programs. Educating the Masses is a social media campaign geared to educate people around the world about the LGBTQ+ youth housing crisis. Knit the Future features regular panel discussions with diverse crafters who talk about their experiences in the creative space. Through Pattern Design, designers offer free, new, fashionable patterns for volunteer knitters and crocheters.

The newest objective, started this summer, is Community Outreach. This program offers knitting and crocheting classes to LGBTQ+ youth. Partnering companies Joann Fabric and Crafts and Lion Brand Yarn provide measuring tape, needles, patterns and yarn, respectively. Knit the Rainbow finalized its first group of knitting teachers in the last few weeks.

Community events include a monthly Volunteer Day of Action, held during the collection season, September through March. Volunteers gather at Rivers’ apartment to help unbox, sort, inventory and tag items which are then re-boxed for distribution. Every couple months or so, Knit the Rainbow hosts a Stitch and Sip event at a local watering hole where crafters can work on their latest project, enjoy appetizers and drinks, and socialize. To help encourage donations, a sock and mitten drive is held once a year.

Last November, Knit the Rainbow held its first Annual Purl Awards as “a way to fundraise and thank people for the work that they’re doing for the LGBTQ+ community,” Rivers said. The event featured live entertainment, a silent auction, raffle and fundraiser. Two crafters and two activists were honored for their support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Knit the Rainbow attends Pride events around New York City as well as national arts and craft shows. In the past, it has exhibited at Creativation by NAMTA, h+h americas, Interweave’s Yarn Fest and Vogue Knitting Live.

Austin Rivers knits during an event.

Changing the world one row at a time

Knit the Rainbow’s efforts have snowballed. In three years, it has distributed 16,500 garments, more than half of which were donated in the last winter season. “We’re growing very quickly,” Rivers observed. “We’re always thinking of ways to increase our capacity and find more organizations to serve so we can get these garments out to the community.”

With thousands of garments donated, Rivers is looking to expand to other cities. The organization began distributing garments in Chicago after h+h Americas offered booth space at its 2022 show. As it happened, there were four Local Yarn Shops already in the Chicago area. “It was the perfect way for us to come to Chicago, meet the community and local nonprofits and start building a foundation so we could serve the city,” Rivers stated.

The work is far from over for Rivers. His short-term goals are to obtain an office that would act as an event and storage space. The increased capacity would hopefully allow the organization to expand its collection to sewn and woven garments.

A long-term goal is to expand services to more cities on the East Coast before moving further west. Rivers hopes Knit the Rainbow will start its own shelter outfitted with a resource center and a place to provide mental health resources. “I have a big vision that maybe one day Knit the Rainbow is a full-service resource center, shelter and crafting organization that specifically serves LGBTQ+ youth.”

To learn more about Knit the Rainbow and to find a Local Yarn Shop closest to you, visit knittherainbow.org or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Volunteers gather for Stitch and Sip.

Gives Back Through ‘Craftivism’

by Victoria Ritter

Knitters and crocheters across North America are uniting to provide warmth to young people in need, dedicating their time, talent and yarn to Knit the Rainbow. The nonprofit organization, based in New York City, seeks to provide handmade clothing to homeless LGBTQ+ youth in New York and Chicago.

Knit the Rainbow Founder and President Austin Rivers established the organization in April 2020, just as the country was in the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the LGBTQ+ and Black communities, Rivers wanted to lend his support to those in need. He conducted some research and

discovered “striking” statistics. “I found that in New York City, there were upwards of 8,000 houseless LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 12 and 24. When I looked at the rest of the U.S., there were more than 550,000 houseless LGBTQ+ youth,” Rivers stated. “Being a Black guy, I knew that there was a housing disparity that is specifically affecting people of color in the LGBTQ+ community more so than it affects our White peers.”

Rivers didn’t possess the resources to start a shelter. Instead, he decided to use what he did have to help: his talents and passion as a five-year knitter. He operated out of his apartment, formed a board of directors who were passionate about the cause, collected handmade crocheted and knitted items and distributed them to shelters and organizations across the city. “It has that extra component of providing the recipient with love because you are making something that is just for them,” he said.

A call to all knitters

Rivers sees Knit the Rainbow as an outlet for crafters to give back through what he calls “craftivism.”

From September 2022 to March 2023, the organization has received more than 560 individual shipments. Volunteers are spread

across no less than 35 states as well as Canada and Mexico. “Our goal is to hopefully get volunteers sending us garments from every state,” Rivers stated.

The most common donations are beanies, scarves and shawls. Knit the Rainbow also accepts cowls, sweaters, mittens, gloves and socks. All garments must be brand-new and handmade. Rivers understands that certain items such as mittens, socks and sweaters are the most time-consuming to make, so he is always excited to receive them as donations.

“There was one time when a person sent in six sweaters at once,” he recalled. “My jaw hit the ground because I couldn’t fathom how someone could take the time to make six adult-size sweaters. We have received some really beautiful sweaters. As a knitter, I know how much time and love and dedication is put into that garment.”

The organization accepts any type of yarn, but the warmest material to use is wool. Rivers recommends that knitters and crocheters use superwash wool, which is easier to wash. Sizing can range from small teenagers to fullsize adults. “We ask people to send us stuff in various sizes so we can find a good home for any item that we have,” Rivers said.

Knit the Rainbow Founder and President Austin Rivers