Do you make or create things?

All the tree-decorating, sewing, DIY and children’s craft projects that you invent, supervise and finish immaculately add up to a seam of talent that you could happily turn into a way of life.

How to develop your natural talent

For inspiration:

Browse craft markets, craft superstores, bric-a-brac shops
Buy glossy style, homes and travel magazines - and tear out your favourite bits for reference
Use a digital camera to record good ideas when out and about
Take short-break holidays in scenery that most delights your senses and wakens a spark of creativity in you (by the seaside, among wild-flower meadows, in pine forests, up mountains…)

Identify your main skills:
Is there a half-forgotten or abandoned skill that you’d love to rekindle? For instance:
• Knitting or crochet
• Embroidery
• Ceramic-decorating
• Batik, tie-dye, screen printing
• Dressmaking
• Drawing or painting
• Woodwork or metalwork

Learn more:
• Sign up for an evening class, short courses or workshops
• Visit specialist craft exhibitions and galleries
• Buy craft or design magazines
• Offer to be a set or costume designer for the school play
Be focused:
Before too long you’ll develop a niche for your talent, such as:
• Making one-off pieces using a specific art or craft skill
• Creating an overall look, feel and mood for a space with lighting, furnishings etc
• Making functional items (clothes, curtains, cupboards) for specific people or situations

Your hobby has become a passion when…
• You’re redecorating the loo for the third time in two years
• The tool-shed could be mistaken for a potter’s studio
• Your children’s friends are scared to drop by because you always want to paint their faces

Learn more, get practising
As your confidence and skills grow, so do your horizons. Do you need guidance from an old hand, a professional qualification or simply plenty of practical experience?
• Enrol for a qualification, studying advanced techniques and the context of your craft
• Find a local mentor or master craftsman to shadow
• Study the output of relevant craft guilds or associations
• Offer your work for sale in a local shop or gallery
• Work part-time in an art-and-craft shop (and benefit from staff discounts on materials)
• Advertise your services to friends and locals
• Run practical workshops at schools or community centres

Towards a crafts business
There are dozens of specialisms in art, craft and design, such as:
• Furniture restorer
• Craft shop/gallery owner
• Interior designer/event stylist
• Crafts producer (silver, iron, pottery, jewellery, painting)
• Cake decorator
• Photographer/illustrator
Many of these work well as a part-time business. To take it further you need to be aware:
• How competitive many craft industries are
• How to secure a large enough target market in a rural location
• The upfront cost and space needed for tools and materials

Country Living advice
Keep an open mind about exploring new skills or techniques that might enhance your core talents – craft materials, tools and approaches are continually evolving.

Resources for creative types

Design-Nation 020 7320 2895; www.thedesigntrust.co.uk (business start-up guide for designer-makers)
The Crafts Council 020 7278 7700; www.craftscouncil.org.uk (organisations, competitions and shows)
British Interior Design Association 020 7349 0800; www.bida.org (listings, links)
The National Glass Centre 0191 515 5555; www.nationalglasscentre.com (resources base, courses, workshops)
www.whoswhoingoldandsilver.com (online gold, silver and jewellery directory, listing galleries, outlets, designers)
Society of Designer-Craftsmen 020 7739 3663; www.societyofdesignercraftsmen.org.uk (multi-craft online showcase with contact details and information)
www.studiopottery.co.uk (online pottery resource that lists shows, galleries, books)
Field Studies Council 0845 345 4071; www.field-studies-council.org (knowledge and skills, including courses on traditional arts and crafts)
Victoria & Albert Museum www.vam.ac.uk (information and links on decorative arts)