“Arts and Craft” cover a wide range of activities usually related to making things with your own hands, developing skills in this field and turning it into an enjoyable hobby.
Some crafts are as old as they come being enjoyed for centuries, others have been developed in more times.
With a growing trend for “crafts”, many schools and centres have started to teach basic craft skills in workshops and classes.

Here are just a few of the crafts that are still popular today and some links for sites where you can get ideas and buy materials so you can have a go yourself!


CARD MAKING:

Hand made greetings cards have become more and more popular as a craft.
Particularly since the 1980’s people started to look for cards that were a bit different from the usual standard cards on offer in the shops and stores.

It can be costly to go out and buy loads of equipment, but I’ve found you can actually start small and build gradually.
Basics you will need:
1) Decent pair of paper Scissors. (later on invest in a guillotine)
2) Glue
3) Card stock (start with a small box of different colored card but make sure it includes cream or white) and Envelopes.
4) One or two stamps. (something cute or flowers would be a good start)
5) One or two colored ink pads. (ideally gold, silver and black are good colors to start with)
6) Some Peel Off Stickers. (ie; ‘Thank You’ ‘Happy Anniversary’ ‘Get Well Soon’)

With these simple and relatively cheap pieces you can get creative!

There are also ways of buying card making equipment at knock down prices compared to what’s available in the shops, such as at: Card Craft

For an interesting history of rubber stamps take a look at: History



SCRAP-BOOKING:

This has been a method of keeping personal and particularly family history collected together to preserve for generations to come.
What kind of stuff?
Particularly in the form of photographs, letters, and other memorabilia which are placed into a decorated scrap-book or album.
The same kind of methods for card making are often employed in scrap booking such as stamping, stickers and layering techniques.
For more information and links, look at: Scrap-Booking

SOAP MAKING:

The process of making and selling soap is complex and involves many steps.
These include creating the recipe; measuring and mixing the soap; adding scent and color; creating the shape by molding, cutting and/or trimming; designing and creating packaging.

But there is nothing better then home made soap.
It looks, feels and smells different and has just a hint of luxury!
It also makes a perfect gift, being inexpensive but having that personal touch you can't beat.

Take a look at: Soap to find kits, moulds, bases and recipes to get you started in this fabulous and enjoyable craft.


CANDLE-MAKING:

Before electricity existed, candles and oil lamps were the only source of light people had.
When electricity finally came to the masses, the humble candle became a more decorative item
then a necessity, although I do still keep some in the kitchen cupboard in case of power cuts!

The oldest candle manufacturers still in existence are Rathbornes Candles, founded in Dublin in 1488.
A form of candle-clock was used in coal-mining right up until the 20th century.

Nowadays people still use candles in a decorative way.
Interior designers add a touch of class to a room with a beautifully crafted candle or two.

They are actually relatively easy to make and decorate yourself.
And they are perfect as one off special gifts for friends and family.
Personalize them by adding favorite scents and colors to match the décor and unique taste of the recipient.
Get the equipment you need at a reduced price at: Candle-making.
For a beginers guide, take a look at; Beginers


JEWELLERY MAKING:

Beads are frequently used in jewellery, these may be made of glass, gemstones, metal, wood, shells, clay and polymer clay.
Beaded jewelry commonly encompasses necklaces, bracelets, earrings, belts, and rings.
Have a look at the history of jewellery design at: Origin

If you fancy having a go, you don't need any experience, metal skills or power tools.
All you need is a lot of enthusiasm and a few basic, inexpensive beading tools and supplies.
Take a look at: Beads for some basics to get you started.