Craft kits & online workshops to try at home

Recently I’ve found myself yearning to do something creative just for the sake of it. I used to spend hours drawing and painting, but nowadays any creativity tends to be channelled straight into my work. Don’t get me wrong: I love what I do, and I’m lucky to be able to make a living from my passion for design, writing and photography. But I miss getting absorbed in something without any pressure or expectations, and I’m sure it’s had a negative impact on my ability to unwind and get proper sleep. So, with restrictions continuing, I’ve decided to put the extra hours at home to good use and have a go at learning a new craft.

For anyone who fancies doing the same, I’ve shared 10 ideas below. All are easy to try without leaving the house thanks to accessible project kits and / or online workshops, and they sound like a lot of fun. Who knows, you might even find a brand-new hobby to get stuck into…

Weaving

I was very taken by the minimalist rugs and wall hangings of Christabel Balfour at London Design Fair last year, so when I heard about her online geometric weaving course I signed up straightaway. Over seven weekly modules she’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with the technique, which is found in cultures across the world and uses the grid of the warp and weft to produce elegantly simple and visually balanced designs. The course is suitable for beginners and starts on Monday 15th June (enrolment is open until Sunday 14th), with more dates to follow later in the year. It’s priced at £180 for the course alone or £230 for the course and a weaving kit (including a copy of Christabel’s illustrated booklet); you can also buy the kit on its own for £75.

Alternatively, Belgium-based Funem Studio has a selection of weaving project kits, all of which include a loom, tools, an instruction book and a fibre pack in a choice of colours. Prices range from £31 to £145, depending on the size of loom you opt for.

Ceramics

If you want to have a go at ceramics, Ana Kerin of KANA London is running video workshops as part of her ‘Stay Home Clay Club’. They’re suitable for everyone, whether you’re a total beginner or have a bit of experience, and you can follow them like a course or dip in and out as you want. She also has a range of tool kits (£15-£72), plus air-dry and stoneware clay packs (£20 each). There’s even a ‘Fire + Glaze’ add-on (£55) so you can get stoneware pieces finished and sent back to you.

Another option is Sculpd, which sells pottery kits containing everything you need to make and decorate pinch pots, trinket dishes and plant pots. Priced at £39 each, they include two packs of air-dry clay, carving and shaping tools, paint and paintbrushes, varnish, sandpaper and a step-by guide. Additional clay is also available for £19 per pack.

Basketry

Basketry might look elaborate and time-consuming, but it’s actually a fun and very versatile craft. Kits are available from La Bakestry, which was founded by Tabara N’Diaye and stocks a wonderful range of handmade home accessories, many created in conjunction with female artisans in rural Senegal. Priced from £45, they enable you to experiment with colours and materials, and weave anything from mini baskets to rope basket bags. In addition, Tabara has written a book, Baskets, which explores the history and origins of basketry through her Senegalese roots and contains 16 different projects to try at home. It costs £15 and is also available in French.

Candle-making

Making scented candles using your own blend of essential oils is very satisfying. I had a go at one of Earl of East’s workshops a couple of years ago and they’re now available via Zoom. There are a range of dates over the coming weeks and tickets cost £45, inclusive of all tools and materials (which will be mailed to you a few days beforehand).

Candle kits are also available from Manchester-based Cedar Lifestyle. They’re priced at £40 and include everything you need to make two soy candles in your choice of scent, together with step-by-step instructions. If you get hooked, you can buy refill packs containing more wax, oil and wicks for £16.

Modern calligraphy

This is another craft I’ve tried myself and thoroughly enjoyed, having attended a workshop with calligrapher Megan Riera and hand-written the place cards for my wedding. It takes a lot of practice, but there’s something very relaxing about creating beautiful, flowing letters. You quickly become absorbed in moving pen across paper, and once you get the hang of it you can use it for greetings cards, notes, stationery and more. You can buy modern calligraphy starter kits (£14-£60) and top-up supplies from Quill London, where you’ll also find tutorials and tips. In addition, Quill runs a number of online workshops catering for beginners and improvers (from £68), and you can even book private sessions with founder Lucy Edmonds.

Wreath-making

Making wreaths from foraged flowers and foliage is a wonderful way to celebrate the seasons and bring a bit of nature into your home. Friend and fellow blogger / stylist Hannah Bullivant has created an excellent online course, which is available for only £26. It has three modules – gathering materials, how to weave the base and how to adorn it – as well as a useful trouble-shooting section. You can also buy the course together with a wreath-making kit, which includes a handmade base, stainless-steel secateurs, silk or linen ribbon and a vintage hand broom, for £60.

Marbling

Now recognised as an endangered craft, marbling involves using paint and water to create swirling patterns on paper. If you want to try it at home, you’ll find beginners’ kits at Marmor Paperie, which was founded by Lucy McGrath (one of only a handful of professional marblers left in the UK) to help it adapt and survive in the age of digital printing. Costing £45 each, they contain all the materials, tools and colours you need, as well as an instruction booklet to guide you through the process. And once it’s dry, you can use your paper to cover books, hang as wall art or even wrap gifts.

Making beauty products

If you want to combine something creative with a bit of pampering, how about learning to make your own skincare with LIHA Beauty? The company was founded by life-long friends Liha and Abi, and makes natural, organic and vegan products that blend the rich botanical life of West Africa with traditional English remedies. Priced at just £5, their interactive Zoom workshop will introduce you to the healing powers of shea and teach you how to combine it with simple kitchen ingredients to form a multipurpose balm or scrub. You’ll also get a crash course in aromatherapy and natural perfumery, as well as an introduction to the Nigerian Yoruba principles of Asé, slow-living and self-care. Dates for future sessions have yet to be announced, but you can register interest here.

Terrazzo 

Surface designer Katie Gillies runs fantastic workshops where you get to mix and cast your own terrazzo coasters or trays. I was lucky enough to take part in one at a press event last year (see my attempts below), and she’s now running them online. They cost £45-£70 depending on what you want to make, and you’ll be sent all the materials you need, plus an instruction card and a password to access a video tutorial. There are also refill packs (from £20) should you want to make more items in the future. They’re currently sold out, but I’m told more are coming soon so keep an eye on Katie’s website for details.

Knitting

Finally, if you fancy trying your hand at knitting you’ll find a huge variety of project kits at Wool and the Gang. Options include hats, scarves, gloves, clothing, blankets, cushions and more, and most come in a range of different colours. They cost anything from £16 to £228 and contain everything you need for your chosen make. There are also free patterns and tutorials, as well as a selection of standalone tools and yarns.

Terrazzo images by Abi Dare; all other photography via the makers and brands listed above