Like everyone else I am going crafting crazy right now, with all this spare time on my hands it’s been an opportunity to try out little projects that I never normally would get round to. There’s a crochet blanket that I’m making good progress with, sewing projects to finish and not sure this counts as crafting but I have been doing a LOT of baking (food is a great motivator for me!). I definitely find keeping busy has helped keep me positive, making and creating is my happy place. So with this all in mind I thought I would share some of the brilliant craft kits from some of my favourite local makers – makers who have gotten creative during this time and turned their skill into something they can share with you. They are pretty much all textile based – but I think that’s what you would expect from me by now!
First off, how cute are these little clay rainbow kits from Beauelle. They come in 5 different colourways, and Rachel will be posting a youtube video on how to make your own. Hang them in the window to show your support for the NHS and she is also donating a portion of the sales to NHS charities. Find them in her online shop here https://www.beauelle.co.uk/collections/all
Then we have these amazing weave kits from Stephanie at Le Petit Moose – create your own woven wall hanging, this kit has all the tools you need to get started, with options on yarn colours to choose from. These get snapped up really quickly so keep an eye on @lepetitmoose on Instagram to see when more are available. Find them in her etsy shop here https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Lepetitmoose .
Weavers will also love Lynne’s Loom’s weaving kits – she also does mini kits to make a hanging decoration https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LynnesLoom
This is definitely a worthwhile skill to learn while in isolation – learn how to repair your well worn and well loved knitwear with these amazing stitches. In fact I would even say this would give your jumper an upgrade! Her kits include the yarn you need and a guide on how to get started, as well as access to a facebook group to ask questions and get advice. Like going to a workshop, but from the comfort of your sofa! Don’t forget to check out Flora’s beautiful knitwear while you are on her site – lambswool scarves, jumpers and blankets for cosy nights in. https://www.collingwoodnorrisdesign.com/visible-mending
Embroidery! I’ve been reading ‘Threads of Life – The history of the world through the eye of a needle’ ( https://www.waterstones.com/book/threads-of-life/clare-hunter/9781473687936 ) and it’s got me itching to have a play about with some embroidery. The good news for this is you don’t even need a kit – just some yarn, a needle and an embroidery hoop. I love this idea from Nervous Stitch – an old tea towel used to test out different embroidery stitches. I’ve also been LOVING Cannibal Cubs embroidery experiments for a new project they are working on – definitely getting me inspired.
Don’t tell me you haven’t been planning all sorts of home improvements while stuck indoors, I know I have! And it’s been difficult to get the things you need right now. Well here’s something fun to try out – make your own lampshade kit, this will bring a new lease of life to an old lamp – Paper Houses makes bold geometric printed fabric and will bring a bit of mid-century modern styling to your home. https://www.paperhousesdesign.com/shop/lampshade-kit-with-signals-fabric
Another crafting project that requires no kit – just bits and pieces to be found in your home. Claremont Studio has being giving us little demos on her instagram including how to make these paper beads, and how to make origami stars. Lots of fun and definitely something that kids could join in with. https://www.instagram.com/claremontstudio/
And lastly – a little something from me. Not quite a crafting kit but something that requires minimal effort! I have three print offs on my website for you to download, print and then colour in. Adding the colour to my designs is my favourite part of the process, so now you can have a go. Why not print off a couple of the same design, try different colourways and see how the mood of the design changes? Hope you enjoy. They are available from my shop now for FREE! https://helenruth.co.uk/shop/
Hope that inspires you to get crafting, let me know if I’ve missed any great kits out there, I will add them. Have you tried any of them? I want to hear what you have been making too. Oh and if you wanted to know what I’ve been baking – it’s banana bread (how original!) – if like me you have been struggling to get flour, this recipe uses ground almonds instead and tastes amazing .. https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/hemsley-hemsley-healthy-banana-bread-recipe