One of the world’s most enduring cultural icons is taking centre stage in a major new collaboration as Craft Buddy announces a three-part rollout for its Hello Kitty and Friends Crystal Art® range.
Starting this April, 2026, fans can immerse themselves in the world of Sanrio through a series of hands-on collectibles. This multi-stage launch is designed to meet the skyrocketing demand for Sanrio’s roster of characters, providing a tangible way for the UK’s massive "Kidult" and Gen Z communities to connect with their favourite stars.
A Cultural Phenomenon - Since her debut in 1974, Hello Kitty has grown from a simple illustration into a global lifestyle powerhouse. Today, the fandom has expanded to include a diverse family of characters, each with their own distinct personality. This collection marks a significant moment for global fans, offering the chance to build high-quality, sparkling versions of underground favourites like Kuromi and Cinnamoroll alongside the legendary Hello Kitty herself.
The Art of Unplugging - In an era dominated by digital notifications, this collection offers a purposeful way to disconnect. The experience centres on "slow crafting" a movement focused on lowering stress levels through fun and addictive activities. By removing the need for messy adhesives or complicated tools, the range allows for a pure and present focus on the task at hand. It provides a peaceful, screen-free outlet for enthusiasts to decompress at the end of the day, resulting in a permanent piece of fan memorabilia.
Hello Kitty will be launched in 3 stages.
Phase 1: Available Now: The Ultimate Collector’s Drop. The initial soft launch and final stage of the rollout introduce the highly anticipated sticker collection:
Hello Kitty And Friends Crystal Art Sticker Album Starter Pack, £9.99 from Craft Buddy
The perfect entry point for Hello Kitty and Friends collectors featuring 102 stickers to collect and crystalise in a 20-page Crystal Art Hello Kitty and Friends album.
Hello Kitty And Friends Crystal Art Sticker Pack, £3.99 from Craft Buddy
Individual blind bag packs (with three stickers in each) to help fans complete their shimmering albums.
Phase 2 (Coming Soon): Portable Fandom (RRP from £4.99) introduces a wide array of character-driven accessories and display pieces:
Crystal Art Buddies: Bad Badtz-Maru, Cinnamoroll, Hello Kitty, Kerokerokeroppi, Kuromi, Little Twin Stars, My Melody, and Pompompurin.
Crystal Art Bag Charms: Cinnamoroll, Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and Pochacco.
Crystal Art Scrolls (40x50cm): Hello Kitty & Friends II and Hello Kitty & Friends III.
Phase 3 (Coming Soon): Creative Keepsakes. This wave expands the collection into functional lifestyle items and gifting (RRP from £5.99):
Crystal Art Secret Diaries: Themed designs featuring Hello Kitty and Kuromi.
Mega Activity Set: A comprehensive Hello Kitty and Friends 4-in-1 Crafting kits box set.
Crystal Art Cards (18x18cm): Two distinct "Happy Birthday" designs featuring greetings from the iconic characters.
The Hello Kitty and Friends Crystal Art range will be available via craftbuddyshop.com .
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