Gift Guide: Arts and Crafts What do you buy the person who has everything? Well, I can think of a thing or two… Welcome to my weekly gift-guide; I’m thrilled to be sharing a selection of creative, quirky and downright awesome gifts with you here on Rachael’s blog. This week’s guide is dedicated to the crafters. Arts and crafts have experienced a huge surge in popularity over the past few years. Hordes of people – young and old – have embraced new skills and are crafting their way through the recession. Some are even turning their talents into a creative career. Craft supplies and DIY books are the perfect gifts for the designers, makers and creators in your life, so without further ado…here are my best picks. Embroidery is a craft as old as time, but Jenny Hart, the creative soul behind Sublime Stitching has brought it screeching into the 21st century. Her whimsical, cheeky and fun patterns are beloved the world over. Check out her website for a full selection of products and a list of local stockists. A sewing machine may seem like an extravagant gift, but this polka dot (POLKA DOT!) beauty from John Lewis is just £49. It’s a mini machine, so has fewer functions that a conventional machine, but it works like a charm. Also available in striking red and an only slightly offensive purple. Kirstie Allsopp, the Queen of Crafts – there’s no one better to learn from. She has a host of TV shows and books dedicated to the art of crafting, but an all-round crowd pleaser has to be Kirstie’s Handmade Home. Just Sew Stories by Katie Allen is a beautiful sewing book for beginners. Easy to follow instructions, great projects and lovely photography makes this a delight to read. The packaging and use of the word ‘vignette’ sold me on this carnivalesque craft kit. It looks like it could be suitable for children but I know many adults who would also enjoy making their own stylish bag. Storage – or a lack of it, is a classic crafting woe. This adorable bird house sewing basket saves the day, neatly squirreling away all those beads, buttons and trim. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed today’s post! Leonie x Next Article Previous Article
