Australian supplier and retailer HOW (Hands On Workshop) has been named an exclusive distributor of Japanese craft label Cohana’s new range.
Cohana’s artisan collection of sewing accessories is produced in Japan and, rather than being purely practical, HOW founder Nicole McCarthy says the items have a decorative feel and make great gifts.
This is the first time the products will be available in Australia and McCarthy has already had interest from boutique retailers and fabric stores along with her dedicated customer base of crafters.
“The Cohana line is elegantly refined and unmistakably beautiful,” she says. “Not currently available in Australia yet, we have already received interest from Australian retailers for these one-of-a-kind products.”
The product range features high-quality tools and accessories including sewing scissors, pincushions, and paper weights.
“These are a special gift and keepsake for the crafter or maker in your life,” says McCarthy. “The colours used reflect the changing of the seasons, and provide crafters with a variety of artistic expression options.”
A passionate crafter herself, McCarthy started HOW after falling in love with Japanese fabrics and design magazines. While visiting Japan she discovered the wide range of kits and tools available for the novice crafter, but there was one problem—all the instructions were in Japanese.
Luckily, McCarthy’s husband had previously lived in Japan and was able to use his language skills to connect McCarthy with manufacturers who would be willing to sell to her. HOW now offers products from Japanese brands Seiwa, Urukust, Kyoshin Elle, MT Washi Tape, and Kamawanu, all with English instructions.
By Ruth Cooper
