Crafty

Now you all know that while I love crochet, I'm not adverse to a bit of craft dabbling.  In fact I love it.  In fact I'd consider myself a hardened, craft veteran.  Yes, I have made my own helmet out of fibreglass for a G-Force costume (freaking awesome, thanks for asking).  Yes, I have withyed, weaved, stitched, glued, painted and sewn until my fingers have bled.  This is my yoga.

A couple of weeks ago I had the honor and excitement of being invited to a crafty breakfast event by the lovely chaps at Hochanda (Home of Crafts Hobbies and Arts).  Did I think they could teach me anything?  Hmmmm...  But did it seem like a lovely opportunity to go and meet some like-minded people and get my paws on some delicious breakfast treats?  Yes!

There were a variety of crafts to try, and I was actually pleasantly surprised.  The die-cutting machine took ALL the labour out of cutting felt by hand, (which I have done meticulously.  Frustratingly. For hours.) and left a very professional finish.  The watercolour session  showed you simple tricks to paint a quick and easy landscape.  But what I really learned is that there are a lot of people out there, that like making stuff, but may not have the confidence or experience to make something to the sort of standard that they'd like.

I have the good fortune of having the self-confidence to go and buy a fibreglass kit and start attacking a mannequins head, and will come out with something that I'm generally happy with.  Or to sit down with a pile of wool and a felt pen, and come out with a candy-skull storm trooper embroidery.  But it's taken years of relentless, obsessive experimenting to build that confidence.  What the kits and activities these guys offered do, is allow people to find that confidence in an easy and accessible way.

Totally check it out, it will surprise you.

To check it our for yourself:  Hochanda, the Home of Crafts, Hobbies and Arts, is broadcast live on Freesat 817 (24/7). Sky 663 (24/7), Freeview 39 (6am-9pm) and online HD.