Creativity through foam

Fun for all:

What comes to mind when the word 'foam' is mentioned? Immediate associations are mattresses, for soundproofing or packing boxes. True, foam is used for such... and a whole other world of fun, creativity and imagination to be experienced!

Above all, foam is a great paper substitute for craft projects. Foam sheets and stickers are acid free and are best for creating and decorating cards, scrap books, bookmarks, visors, magnets, frames, and mirrors.

Been easy to cut and stickers easily removable as well as unique in that they possess a special sponge-like feel and an embossed effect. Pens and markers can also be used to decorate or write on foam.

The main disadvantage of using such a great product till now? Until a few months back, foam stickers were a product only receivable from overseas and rationed sparingly.

Now, things have changed thanks to Tanya Tranchell, who began Foam Crafts, a company which began in September 2011.

A true story of single minded determination and entrepreneurship, Tanya's start was when a stay-at-home mum requested to buy a couple of packs for her children.

The vendor, an importer of children's goods from China, informed her that the entire shipment was for sale.

Given its uniqueness and rarity in the local market, selling the first shipment was fairly easy.

However, importing goods from China became tedious and the high duty cost and rising freight costs made the goods too expensive. Another alternative was sought and the idea to manufacture locally was birthed.

This April, Foam Crafts will proudly introduce its foam stickers, A4 foam sheet pack and DIY kits to the local market.

With a range of 11 products, Foam Crafts offers six different types of sticker packs: the Sinhala alphabet, the English alphabet, Numbers, Flowers, Hearts and Stars, a foam A4 sheet pack of five and the Create-Our-Flag, Foam Bookmarks, Fun Frames and Heart Frame DIY kits.

Foam Crafts products are primarily geared to cater to those interested in crafting, and to unleash inner creativity through imagination. Apart from being a Montessori and school handiwork option, Foam Crafts will promote its crafts to be not only enjoyed by children but by adults as well.