Of Technology, Sustainability and Sophistication – Here are the Winners of Creative Impulse Award 2026

Photo: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Jean-Luc Valentin

Winners of this year’s Creative Impulse Award 2026 were announced at Creativeworld on 6 February 2026, in recognition of products for hobby, craft and artists’ supplies that embraced pure creative innovation.

Winning products of the 2026 edition have successfully transformed the notion of combining the latest technology, sustainable materials, and sophisticated craftsmanship into reality. Their realisation is also a response to current trends including a growing emphasis on durability, artistic expression, and experimentation.

We take a look at these award-winning products, which encourage us to be present in our creativity and fully immerse ourselves in our own imagination.

Category: Product of the Year

The addiCraSySnake Lace double-pointed needle set offers a secure grip and is comfortable to hold. (Photo: Manufacturer)

The addiCraSysnake Lace needle set from addi / Gustav Selter earns the top prize for Product of the Year. Highlighted by the jury for its innovative character and practicality, the ergonomically shaped double-pointed needle set with fine tips combines functionality and design, making the knitting process more comfortable and longer-lasting.

Second and third place in this category go to the Forma Struktura, the first brush specifically designed for textured fillers from Zahn Pinsel, and the Gray Collapsibowl from Paint Puck.

Category: Children’s Product of the Year

Wood Art by Splat Planet brings creative 3D design and crafting fun to the children's room. (Photo: Manufacturer)

The Children’s Product of the Year is Wood Art by Splat Planet, a craft that enables children to explore creative 3D design and crafting. The jury is impressed by the way it combines fun and educational value, encouraging creativity, concentration, and spatial awareness among children.

In second and third place are the 3Doodler Start+ 3D Printing Pen Set from WobbleWorks, and the Japan multi-activity box from Graine Creative.

Category: Kit of the Year

The DIY Lumen Postcard Kit from Par wins first place in this category. Praised for its modern application of a historical technique and experimentation beyond the digital realm, the sun-printing kit uses an analogue photography method called Lumen to create delicate plant impressions on special postcards.

Other winners in the Kit of the Year category are the Wooden Coasters DIY Pyrography Kit from BeaverCraft (second place) and the Gelli Arts Image Transfer Kit from Gelli Arts (third place).

Category: Sustainable Product of the Year

Taking home the top prize for Sustainable Product of the Year is the Natural Watercolour Kit from Art Select. Recognised for its incorporation of environmental awareness and artistic standards, the product is made with natural pigments, a vegan formula and plastic-free packaging, setting a new standard for sustainable creative work.

Scheepjes Kindsome by De Bondt takes second place, while the eco-friendly multi-purpose glue by Collall claims third.

Category: Artist Product of the Year

For winning Artist Product of the Year, the da Vinci Go Colineo from Da Vinci Defet is a modular travel brush system that provides immense flexibility for creative work on the go. It features high-quality Colineo synthetic fibres, smart details, and a robust design, making it an ideal companion for urban sketching and mobile creativity.

In second place is the True Metallic Metal – Colour Case from Acrylicos Vallejo. The colourful variety of stencils from Etter Art wins third place.

Julia Uherek, Vice President of Consumer Goods Fair, Messe Frankfurt (Photo: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Jean-Luc Valentin)

Elke Sondermann, Management, Verlag Chmielorz (Photo: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Jean-Luc Valentin)

Photo: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Jean-Luc Valentin

About Creative Impulse Award

The annual Creative Impulse Award is a key initiative from Creativeworld, in cooperation with Verlag Chmielorz GmbH and its trade magazine Cutes & Friends. The international industry award recognises products for hobby and artists’ supplies submitted by exhibitors.

These products, which are not more than one year old at the start of Creativeworld, are assessed based on several quality criteria, such as the degree of innovation, complexity and versatility, as well as ergonomics, design and environmental compatibility.

For further information, including the complete shortlist, pictures, and jury comments for this year’s edition, visit the Creative Impulse Award 2026 website.