In the old days, if you wanted to learn an ancient craft, you had to get your grandmother to teach you. Nowadays, you can simply jump on Youtube and learn. Crafting is a great way to improve your quality of life, but with so many different crafts out there, finding the one that will suit you can be a little overwhelming. If you’ve been thinking of trying your hand at a new craft, here are some ideas to get you started.

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Ceramics

The possibilities are boundless with pottery. If you’re someone who likes to be guided by creativity rather than rules, pottery can be a really freeing activity. There are no stitches to count or measurements to adhere to. Not only will you be able to make things like sculptures, or jewelry, but if you’re practically minded. You’ll be pleased when you end up with an assortment of handy home-made items, like bowls, cups or plates. If you’re keen to try your hand at ceramics, it’s worth taking an introductory pottery class to see if you gel with the craft, as getting set up at home can require a fairly sizable outlay.

Embroidery  

You might associate embroidery with Victorian ladies, in long dresses who have nothing to do all day, but darn socks. This craft has had a big revival in recent times. No longer a chore, embroidery is a low-key activity that can help you relax. While at the same time creating a lovely cushion or wall hanging. Embroidery patterns are widely available online (mostly for free)! It might be tempting to dive into a complex design, it’s a good idea to go for a simple pattern at first, until you get the hang of the various stitches. Once you’ve mastered the technique, the sky’s the limit when it comes to materials and designs. Try linen thread for a shabby-chic look, or play around with different coloured backing fabrics.

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Beadwork

Beadwork is an inexpensive craft that demands fine-motor control and decent eyesight. If you tick those boxes and you’re the type of person people usually ask to untie knots for them- beadwork may be for you. All you’ll need to get started is an assortment of beads, some thread, and a few needles. You can either source a pattern that catches your interest or dream up your own pattern as you go.

Woodwork

Whether it’s a picnic table or a shoe rack you’re after, why not try and make your own? If you’re keen to give woodwork a try, you’ll need some specialized tools. Don’t worry, you can build your toolbox project by project. Choosing a simple project like a small coffee table is one way to limit the tools you need to purchase up front. When you’re still working out if woodworking is for you. And don’t think this is a men’s only game: women are totally nailing it in the woodwork world!

Whether you’re just getting into crafts or are experienced crafter looking for something new, these ideas should get your craft engines firing.