I’ve always liked picking up bits and pieces that are a bit different. If someone is selling handmade items at a boot sale then I'm all over it, I remember when Etsy first launched it was like a dream scrolling through all of the gorgeous handmade pieces! I bought so many beautiful things for my wedding from there, I used a wood cutting company to create individual wooden names to go on everyone's place settings and I got a wooden cake topper with our surname on to match. I used a design and print company to print all of the boards and signs, and I even had a go at painting and decorating a wooden 'wedding post' box that a company made their own little flat packs of. When I was expecting both of my children I had a ball finding beautiful personalised pieces for their bedrooms too, they both have name plaques for their doors that companies have made and things like bunting and decor that match their room themes. I find that these handmade or small batch made pieces feel so much nicer and more personal than anything mass produced you can buy. And it got me thinking, handmade has almost become the new 'luxe', especially when shops like Shein and Temu can mass produce and ship out anything as quickly as they do. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a stranger to these sites too but there's no denying that the local and handmade items are better quality and much more special.
Workshops that are actually easy to do
I've actually had a go and creating my own bits and pieces over the years too, especially for my kids. Hobbycraft run short beginner sessions that are a nice way to dip into something new without spending loads or needing a big block of time. I did their crochet workshop where you learn how to chain and do a few basic stitches. They hand you the yarn and hook, show you what to do and let you take it all home. I went in knowing nothing and came out with a slightly wonky square of crochet, which felt like a win. They also have classes in things like lino printing, candle making, macramé and brush lettering. You can book online and most are under £25- if you don’t have a Hobbycraft nearby, check local Facebook groups or community noticeboards. I've seen everything from pottery taster days to glass fusing that way. I've also had my eye on British Jewellery workshops for a while, they run proper hands on sessions where you can learn techniques like silver clay or wax carving and leave with something you've made yourself. It is more of an experience than a casual craft class, but still something you could do in a day without needing weeks of practice first. There's something special about knowing the ring or pendant you're wearing is the only one in the world exactly like it.
Handmade as the new luxury
Luxury used to mean a designer label or something that cost a small fortune but ow it often means the opposite. It is about having something unique that no one else owns. Handmade pieces fit perfectly into that. The quality is there because someone has taken the time to make it right, but you also get the small imperfections that give it character. A slightly uneven stitch, a glaze that has settled in an unexpected way, the way a pattern lines up differently each time. With so much that is mass produced and identical, having an object that exists only once feels more valuable. You know exactly who made it, often where they made it, and the hours of work that went into it.
Why I keep going back
For me it's the mix of having a break from screens and actually making something I can use or give as a gift. I can fit it in between school runs or book one on a Saturday morning when the kids are busy with clubs. It is just enough time to switch off from everything else and focus on something small. They're great to develop some new skills for yourself, and having those skills to make things for your kids, your friends wedding or as a gift for someone is actually so useful!
