Whether you’re looking for project inspiration, step-by-step instructions, practical advice or even someone to do the job for you, there’s a craft website out there that fits the bill. We think this lot are the pick of the bunch.
buildeazy.com
Massive range of free, easy-to-follow DIY project plans for home and garden furniture, including projects for kids.
craftster.org
“No tea cosies without irony” is the motto of this forum for people who’d prefer to knit Mr T sock-monkeys than Aran sweaters.
cutoutandkeep.net
Step-by-step photo tutorials and ideas for a huge range of strange and quirky DIY craft projects.
diynetwork.com/crafts
Extensive range of projects including jewellery, clothes, paper crafts, interior decorating and a section for kids.
eBay.com
Diligent searching on the web’s biggest auction site can uncover all sorts of arts and crafts bargains, from vintage fabrics to patterns and kits.
isew.co.uk
Great advice on beginning sewing, how-to tips, advanced techniques in dressmaking, soft furnishings and crafts. Includes news of events and shows throughout the UK.
notmartha.org
Tons of ideas for things to make and do on this well-illustrated and nicely written website. Chapters cover home improvements, stuff to wear, and projects for parties.
ohmystars.net/craft
Well-illustrated tutorials for amateur craftsters, with helpful tips for customising your T-shirts, making your own clothes and accessories and knitting a cosy for your iPod.
thriftdeluxe.com
Cool craft projects for your home and wardrobe, with ideas for stencilling your skirt or making a lamp out of a cheesegrater.
Etsy.com
If you’re tired out by all your handiwork, or have a special item in mind that you don’t think you can quite manage, log on here and get someone else to make it for you. Etsy’s latest scheme, Alchemy, will allow buyers to request bespoke items, setting off bidding wars between craft experts around the world over who can custom-make your proposed item fastest and cheapest. Etsy works much like eBay, with the company taking 3% commission on all items purchased through a Paypal account, and users shipping their own stuff. (There are a number of UK craftsters, if you can’t wait long for shipping.)
