At the end of the nineteenth century, and the start of the twentieth, there was a deep rooted fear that the many arts and crafts that were prominent in the English rural working classes were being lost. Industrialisation and automation threatened to wipe out all of the skills that could be passed onto the next generation. People like William Morris wanted to make sure that these skills were not lost and that a new generation of artisans would come through. Whilst he was only able to achieve this in a limited way it seems that the skills and the desire to do them have not been lost. In fact, they are starting to come back into fashion. One of the most prominent is knitting. Knitting Kits are an easy way to get into this rewarding crafting hobby.

1. Floristry. The skill of arranging flowers is not as easy as it might seem at first. If it’s done well it can look incredible. If it’s not done properly you can end up with a real mess. Having a good floral display in the home is uplifting and getting the skills to be able to do it properly is very satisfying.
2. Macrame. Using woven wool to create a picture is a very artistic skill and one that removes having to use pens! Its other function is to make decorations for hanging baskets to pot holders and coasters. They bring certain boho chic to the home.

1. Weaving is also making a comeback. As with the knitting above there are plenty of kits out there that will enable you to make your own tapestry. As these heavy decorative items were made to keep in a room’s heat perhaps we should all take a look at making some.
2. Calligraphy. If the use of the needle isn’t for you then perhaps you could look at ways of being artistic with the pen. Calligraphy is a beautiful way of writing, a bit like the old illuminators of Bibles in the past. You’ll soon have letters and pictures in wonderful script and thank you cards will be amazing.
3. Candles. It’s surprisingly easy to make a candle and think of all the money you’ll save as you won’t have to buy expensive premades anymore. There are plenty of kits to get you started and there are even essential oils and scents that can be added to the candle to make it really special.