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 21^st 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