Are you an outdoors type person or an indoors person? This time of year even the most hardy of us can be tempted to forgo our usual outdoor pursuits when faced with wind, rain or freezing temperatures, so winter is a good time to explore some new indoor hobbies.
Now for the more active among us, this could mean swimming, a pilates class or booking an indoor squash court, but for the rest of us, indoor hobbies can be a way to explore our creative side and avoid another session of binge-watching on Netflix.
However, taking up a new hobby for the winter months can pose further questions.
What creative hobby should I try?
There are two ways of looking at this. Firstly, is there something creative that you used to do but haven't done for years? Now could be the perfect time to get back into it. Alternatively, is there something that you have wanted to try but always put it off or perhaps just don't know quite where to start? These next few months are ideal to finally give it a go.
Where do I start with finding new winter hobby ideas?
If you're still not quite sure what you want to try, you'll find lots of hobby ideas and inspiration all over the internet. Pinterest is an excellent place to start, as well as YouTube and TikTok, and you'll find lots of creative groups of like-minded people on Facebook. Read on for my own list of suggestions for creative winter hobbies.
How much will it cost to start a new creative hobby?
There is no simple answer to this question, but in terms of wondering if a creative hobby will cost a lot, then no, compared to other hobbies they are relatively inexpensive to get started. A good basic paint set, a starter model kit or a craft kit are all you need to get a taste for a new hobby. However, if you enjoy your new found pastime, then you will be wanting to add to your collection, whether it's extending your paint colours, buying more craft materials or getting another model. Be warned - creativity can be addictive!
10 Indoor Creative Hobbies for Winter
If you're feeling inspired to unleash your inner artist, renew a childhood passion or explore your model-making talent, here's my list of 10 winter hobby ideas.
1. Watercolour painting
Always a popular medium, watercolour is a relaxing pastime, requires minimum equipment to get started and can easily be taken outdoors when the weather's good. Make sure you use proper watercolour paper and good quality paints, such as the Cotman range from Winsor & Newton. The materials you use can make a big difference to the results.
2. Sketching
Arm yourself with pencils and a sketchbook and you're good to go! Sketching is something you can do anytime, anywhere. A few spare minutes at home or pop them in your bag for a quick doodle in your lunch break. No mess, no fuss. There are lots of tutorials on YouTube to help you with ideas and inspiration.
3. Lino printing
Of all the different types of print making, lino printing is perhaps one of the most user-friendly to try at home with just a few basic tools and materials. If you want to give it a go, a linocut kit includes everything you need for your first few prints. Before you know it you'll be creating your own original printed cards, wrapping paper and art.
4. Candle making
Candles are perfect for making your room seem warmer and cosier, so why not have a go at making your own? The best way to start is to get a kit, then once you know what you're doing you can build up your own collection of supplies to make one-of-a-kind candles for yourself or as gifts for your friends.
5. Clay modelling
Who remembers playing with plasticine as a kid? Modelling clay is not only fun but can also be very therapeutic to play around with. It's a very forgiving creative medium that can easily be changed and remoulded to create your finished piece. Coloured modelling clay, like plasticine and Newplast, is great for temporary models or stop motion animation. For miniatures and jewellery, oven-bake polymer clay is the best option. Or if you are looking to make a clay model for painting, but don't just happen to have a kiln at home, then air-drying clay is ideal.
6. Airfix models
Yes, Airfix models are still around! In fact, they are extremely popular amongst all ages of model makers. The model range includes military aircraft, vehicles, soldiers, cars, ships and more. If it's your first time making a model, or maybe it's been a few years, there are many starter kits to choose from that include the plastic model, glue, paints and a brush. Once you're hooked you can start adding to your collection with more models and paints or even build dioramas by adding scenery and weathering elements. Be careful, this is a hobby that can really grow!
7. Warhammer models and gaming
Warhammer is another popular model making hobby. Ultimately Warhammer 40K and Age of Sigmar are tabletop strategy war games where battles are fought between armies of warriors, orks and a whole range of creatures based on a set of rules, known as a Codex. There are various clubs around the country where you can meet others for games and tournaments, but many people just enjoy the creative side of making and painting the models. Begin with a starter set and see where it takes you.
8. Cross stitch
For a relaxing, no mess hobby that can be worked on for a few minutes or a few hours, cross stitch comes top of the list. Cross stitch has been a popular needle craft for years. You can find small kits that will take a couple of hours, or large kits or patterns that will be more long-term projects.
9. Diamond art
Diamond art, or diamond painting kits first appeared on the scene just a few years ago and are still a popular creative hobby. You could compare it to a form of mosaic making, but with no mess! The 'diamonds' in the kits can either be round or square and are stuck on the background image to create a sparkly picture. It can take time and a lot of patience, but the finished result is quite effective.
10. Card making
Another popular craft is card making. Making cards has endless opportunities as it can be combined with so many other artistic and creative crafts, including some we have already mentioned such as watercolour painting, lino printing and cross stitch. Many avid card makers enjoy using clear stamps and die cuts as the basis for their card making. The different combinations of layouts, media and embellishments opens up so many options that card making is a craft where you can really explore and experiment with your own creative ideas.
So now you've read our list, what creative winter hobby are you inspired to try?
You can find many of the items mentioned in our shop online, so hop on over and explore the different kits and products you could try.