Peking inks licensing deals

Peking Handicraft has signed licensing agreements with D. L. Rhein and Kentfields, adding to its list of more than 20 licensed artists. D. L. Rhein's artwork is characterized by "romantic home, creative lifestyle and beautiful things" in charming, colorful vintage looks while Kentfield's look is brightly colored and whimsical.

Rhein's art will appear on small wooden decorative containers and accessories like picture frames, tissue box covers, wastebaskets, footstools and switch plates and Kentfield's designs will appear on a collection of serving boards.

Derrick Lo, manager of Peking Handicraft's Gift Division, said each of the company's licensed artists has a special design niche that appeals to its growing diverse client base.

Peking Handicraft will introduce four catalogs this month: "2005 Hooked Rug Catalog," "Annie's Treasures" (home and garden giftware), a catalog of word-themed pillows, the "Linen Catalog" and Peking Handicraft's Christmas catalog.

"Our Christmas sales have grown and grown, and continue to be a very important part of our business," Lo said. "Because retailers are buying and displaying Christmas product earlier every year, we decided to follow the trend and make our Christmas-themed items available for order during first quarter 2005."

The company also recently signed deals with children's book illustrator Patience Brewster and brand-new designers Sandra Magsamen and Susan Winget.

"Winget will be a wonderful addition to our ever-growing folk art category of home decor items," said Derrick Lo, manager of PHI's gift division.

Winget's art will be featured on hook rugs, needlepoint and hook decorative pillows, linen towels and cocktail napkins. Magsamen's images and "Messages from the Heart" sayings will be translated to a line of cocktail napkins and oversized towels with an array of design details such as heart charms stitched across towel edges. The Magsamen and Winget lines will debut this month in Atlanta.