MAKE IT YOURSELF Inspiring

Conscious crafting

It’s important for all of us to take a moment of quiet now and again, and quilting is the perfect antidote to an anxious mind and body. In Conscious Crafts: Quilting (£12.99, Quarto), author Elli Beaven has designed 20 inspiring projects to reconnect head, heart and hands. Alongside useful tools and techniques, there are beautiful makes for stitchers of all skill levels, from simple homeware such as curtains, coasters and cushions to heirloom patchwork quilts.

FANCY FLAME

Luxury candle-making starter kit, £35, London Luxury Candle Supplies Piece shapes together to make this stylish coaster cushion

MAKE IT yourself Check out the latest workshops, books and making must-haves

THE SHOW THESHOW GOES ON…

If you’re itching to get back to being around fellow makers and can’t wait to get up close and personal with your favourite craft materials, then be sure to head to one of ICHF’s face-to-face crafting events this winter. The Creative Craft Show returns to Birmingham’s NEC from 4-7 November, brimming with shopping, workshops and demos of a plethora of hobbies and crafts. While there, drop into Cake International at the same venue for no extra cost. Book tickets at ichfevents.co.uk.

3 of the best

CANDLE-MAKING KITS

RELAX AND RECOUP

Revive & Unwind soy candle- making kit, from £28, Hazel & Blue at Etsy

HAPPY HIVE

Simply Make Beeswax candle-making kit, £14.99, Prezzybox

TRY YOUR HAND AT… CANDLE-MAKING

Who doesn’t love a glowing candle, especially come winter – what better way to soothe the senses and set a cosy mood? Making your own is a great way to experiment with shapes, colours and scents. The basic ingredients are wax (paraffin, beeswax or soy), which usually comes as granules that are then melted, and a wick, which comes ready-made depending on the size and type of candle you’re making. Dyes and fragrances can also be added to the melted wax. Lastly, pick a container. Go classic with a tin or glass, or think outside the box with just about anything that’s heatproof and watertight.

Eco Resin Terrazzo soy candle-making kit, £34, Hazel & Blue at Notonthe HighStreet.com

INCLUDING NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS IN YOUR CANDLES WILL MAKE YOUR HOME SMELL WONDERFUL