Make a yarn sample card before buying more
Make a yarn sample card by keeping a short identified sample with the original label and your project notes.
Practical guides with DEX
Arts & crafts blog
Sketch, paint, stitch or make something by hand. Explore art materials and craft supplies around a project that matches your time and experience.
Start with the pattern or technique, then list the exact materials it requires. Compare colours, measurements and quantities rather than assuming every starter kit includes everything you need.
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Learn before you buy
Arts & crafts mini-blog
A craft starter kit built around one project
Build a useful craft starter kit by choosing one small project and buying only the materials it needs.
Watercolour supplies for a first practice session
Start watercolour painting with suitable paper, a few colours and exercises that show how water changes the result.
Crochet beginners: match hook, yarn and pattern
Choose a first crochet project by matching its yarn, hook and instructions rather than buying a random starter bundle.
A hand-sewing repair kit for everyday clothes
Put together a small hand-sewing kit for simple clothing repairs, with materials matched to the garment.
Choosing paper for handmade cards
Choose card stock by fold, printing method and envelope size before buying decorative finishes.
Craft adhesives: test the materials, not the marketing name
Choose craft adhesive by the two materials being joined, drying time and the product's safety instructions.
Craft storage that makes supplies easy to find
Organise craft materials around projects and sizes before buying another set of storage boxes.
Choosing a cutting mat for paper crafts
Choose a cutting mat by usable project size, tool compatibility and a safe working surface.
Knitting your first scarf: plan yarn quantity and finish
Plan a beginner scarf with a manageable stitch pattern, suitable yarn and enough material to finish consistently.
Photographing handmade crafts for a listing
Show handmade crafts clearly with consistent light, scale and detail photographs that represent the finished item honestly.
Choose a project box that keeps unfinished work together
A project box should hold the materials for one piece of work and make it easy to restart.
Compare sketchbooks for the medium you plan to use
A sketchbook should suit the drawing or painting medium you plan to use, not only the page size.