During these strange times spent mostly indoors, we’ve all felt a whirlwind of emotions. Many of us will no doubt be familiar with a certain amount of boredom. What better way to spend some time than learning a new hobby. One that involves eating cheese and drinking beer can only be a good thing! Impress your friends and upgrade your bathtimes with the following craft activities covering a range of interests and tastes.

Image source: Supplies for candles

1. Candlemaking

Lighting the candles, drawing the curtains and /or a bath is a wonderful way to relax after a long day working from home. Anyone with a scented candle addiction will know that they can be pricey. But have you ever considered making your own? Creating your own candle is not just soothing but can also be seriously satisfying. If you’re wondering where to begin, Hobbycraft has a range of products to get you started including beginner’s starter kits and more complex moulds for the more expert makers. Supplies for Candles does exactly what it says on the tin and has a wide choice of products to choose from. Amazon also has good options.

Image source: The Big Cheesemaking kit

2. Cheesemaking kit

If you’re a cheese lover then say hallou-mi to these cheesemaking kits. This is not only a fun and delicious way to be more crafty but it will also take your cheese sandwich to a whole new level. Mozzarella, Scottish Crowdie, goats or vegan, whichever is your favourite cheese you can create them all with the Big Cheesemaking Kit. The Ethical Superstore option also comes with a choice of moulds so you can get creative with your cheesy creations. For an unbeatable range of cheesemaking choices, get a bespoke kit from the Cheesemaking Shop. If you find making your own tough just remember, ricotta get through this.

Image source: FunkySkankSoapCo

3. Bathbombs

We could all do with some pampering and making bath bombs is a great way to tailor your bath scents just how you like them. Discover your own concoction and choice of flower and make your own personalised bath bomb from Etsy. Bathbombkits have a wonderful range of natural bath making kits which includes a choice of scents such as green apple & cherry and honey & chocolate. Hobbycraft also has a fantastic kit which is a great choice for the kids.

Image source: Wayfair.com

4. Home-made Beer

Instead of nursing a pint at the pub this summer how about nurturing your own craft beer starter? The Home Brew Hopshop is a great choice for beginners and while you’re there feast your eyes on the Grainfather, an all-in-one brewing system for the serious beermakers out there (not currently available but email sales@hopshopuk.com to stay informed of updates on stock). Brewuk has kits which include entirely reusable equipment so you can keep making your own brews well after lockdown! For the traditionalists out there, the London Beer lab has the perfect ‘entry-level’ kit for first-timers.

Image source: Amazon.co.uk

5. Grow Your Own Gin Kit

If you’re more of a gin drinker than a beer lover then this one’s for you. The crisp, refreshing taste of a gin and tonic in the sunshine is hard to beat, especially when it comes with your favourite garnish. A gin garden allows you to grow your own. There are some great options out there to get you started. The glut includes a selection of seeds so you can personalise your gin garden to suit your taste. Marshall’s has a great kit which is suitable for smaller spaces and includes basil, mint, lemon balm and orange-scented thyme. If you can’t wait for your garden to grow the Greenhouse Sensation explains how you can use ingredients you might already have at home to spice up your gin and tonic.

Fancy giving one of these a try? We’d love to hear how you get on in the comments below. If you like our blog, you’ll love our Instagram.