This time of year can be a bit challenging, with less-than-perfect weather and lots of long, dark nights. If you fancy having a go at something crafty, making your own homewares is incredibly satisfying – they’re therapeutic to make, and satisfying when done.
If you’re a crafting novice, though, the whole thing can be a bit daunting. We’ve made it as simple as possible by tracking down ten great craft kits, which contain everything you need to make your project.
1. Stag head makeaway kit, Annabel James
This kit contains everything you need to make a beautiful floral fabric stag, including polyester stuffing, felt and lots more for a truly ‘staggering’ result! Best of all, it’s reduced to £19.95 (was £24.95), so is great to practice on if you’re a beginner. Available from Annabel James.
2. Hearts papercutting kit, madebyhandonline.com
This pretty set of templates is perfect for weddings, valentines and special occasions, and can be made into anything from a lantern to a picture. These detailed designs are suitable for those with some experience of papercutting. The kit contains templates for three heart hangings, an intricate heart card with envelope, a tea light surround, and a ‘Love’ papercut picture as well as full instructions and tips and suggestions for your own designs. All you need is a scalpel and a cutting mat. £16, available from madebyhandonline.com.
3. Hedgerow wine kit, Etsy
Sewing not your thing? How about making your own fruit wine? The nice thing about this kit, which contains finings to clear the wine, yeast and nutrient, pectin enzyme, citric acid and stabiliser, is that you’ll have just as much fun gathering the raw materials as you will have getting to the end result. £5.99, available from Etsy.
4. Italian cheesemaking kit, Omnomcheesemaking
Make 6 to 7kg of delicious mozzarella, bocconcini, whole milk ricotta, and mascarpone with this easy-to-use kit. This kit includes recipes, and everything you need. Just add milk! Perfect for beginners. Each cheese can typically be made in under an hour, although some varieties require straining, or chilling. This kit makes up to 6 to 7 kilograms of cheese, although this can vary depending on the variety of cheeses made. £31.76, available from Etsy.
5. Felt cuckoo clock kit, The Oak Room
Ideal for older children as well as adults is this felt cuckoo clock, which really works. The kit comes complete with everything you need, including pre-cut felt shapes and a working clock mechanism. There’s minimal sewing involved, so it’s a great beginners’ project. £9.99, available from The Oak Room.
6. Homemade salmon curing kit, The Oak Room
Impress your friends with this DIY kit containing everything you need to cure your own salmon three delicious ways, including smokey, beetroot and Cotswold gin curing salt mixes, curing bags and gloves. Just follow the simple instructions and add your own salmon. £22.99, available from The Oak Room.
7. Faux triceratops knitting kit, Sincerely Louise
This Jurassic creature will make a statement on any wall. Aimed at intermediate knitters, the kit includes both written and chart patterns and step by step photographic sewing up instructions as well as yarn, stuffing, needles and safety eyes. £38, available from Etsy.
8. Double chocolate brownie baking kit, BakedIn
This Great Taste award winning brownie baking kit delivers the full baked-from-scratch taste but with a little less hassle – and a lot less clearing up! Crispy on the outside, gooey in the middle, just like a perfect brownie should be, decorate with the white chocolate provided or serve warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. The recipe was developed by Michel Roux and the kit contains all of the dry ingredients that you’ll need, a step-by-step recipe card, a foil baking tin, baking paper, a wooden testing skewer and a butter measure – all you have to do is add eggs and butter. Was £7.95, now £4.99, available from Cuckooland.
9. Masley knitted cushion cover kit, Stitch and Story
This block-colour cushion cover is perfect for adding a bit of fun and brightness to any home. Knitted using S&S 100% chunky wool yarn, it’s super comfy to snuggle up to. The pattern is aimed for beginners and the kit contains all you need to get started, learning the basic stitches, as well as stockinette stitch pattern. £42 available from Stitch and Story.
10. Feltcraft pretty owls kit, dotcomgiftshop
Release your creative side and learn new crafting skills with these hanging decorations, suitable for children and adults. Following the instruction leaflet to make your own pair of owls from pre-cut felt pieces, stuffing, coloured cotton and plastic buttons. Only £4.95 each, available from dotcomgiftshop.
What fun kits. I may buy one as a gift.
I want the cheesemaking kit. That sounds so cool and fun.