New Year, New Hobby: 9 Skills to Learn in 2015

 

Winter is still here and if braving the awful weather for your usual hobby isn’t something you particularly want to do, take the opportunity to cosy up indoors to learn a new skill instead. A roaring fire and cup of tea is optional – but recommended!

 

Cross stitch

Create beautiful tapestries using nothing more than some fabric, a needle, and embroidery thread. You can buy cross stitch kits in ranging difficulties, or come up with your own. This is a lovely relaxing craft with a pleasant result!

 

Knitting

Knitting can take some time to master but you can achieve fabulous results with even the most basic of stitches. It’s cheap to take up, portable to do and can be picked up and put down to do as and when, making it a perfect option when time, money and space is at a premium.

 

 

Painting

What’s more relaxing than a bit of painting? Whether you’ve got an easel and canvas or simply a piece of paper, nothing is as soothing as getting your thoughts and feelings out through paint. There are many different paints you can use, such as watercolours or acrylics.

 

Pottery

You don’t need all the potter’s equipment to make your own ornaments! You’ll fare just as well with only your hands, and you’ll be able to create small trinket bowls, vases, saucers, or anything else you feel like doing. There are no limits!

 

Learn a language

Wanted to learn Spanish but never quite got around to it? With the new year here, it’s the perfect time to start! You can easily find information online or in books, or if you’re willing to pay for a complete course, try Rosetta Stone for brilliant results.

 

 

Quilting

Create keepsakes through gorgeous patchwork quilts! They’re beautiful, they fit in with the shabby chic look, and they’re even practical. You can start off with a basic pattern and slowly but surely you’ll be quilting complex and stylish keepsakes that everyone will want!

 

Crochet

Crochet is slightly easier than knitting, but still gives you superb results. Make something to keep you warm such as a granny square blanket, or go for a crocheted children’s toy for the child in your life. There are simple techniques that will open up a whole new world when you master them.

 

Papercutting

Allow your creativity to get the best of you through papercutting, where the idea is so simple yet so brilliant you’ll wonder why you never took it up before. Cut out your favourite quotes, or design a complicated image. They make great pieces to put on feature walls or in a photo frame.

 

Get baking

Hone your baking skills to create your own mouthwatering cakes and desserts that everyone will yearn for. From chocolate chip cookies to delicious layer cakes, what will be first on  your list?

 

Have you made it your resolution to learn a new skill this year? Let us know your plans in the comments below!