The Crafty Damsel Journal

Creative ideas, meaningful moments, thoughtful gifts and inspiration for making more time to create.

Ania sewing leather at a sewing machine while working on a handmade project.

Creative Confidence

You Don’t Have to Be “Artistic” to Start Making Art

Why “I’m just not artistic” is usually a confidence problem rather than a creativity one, and what to do about it.

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A silk scarf painted with pink and black leopard markings, stretched on a wooden frame on a table at home, with dye and brushes beside it.

Creative Hobbies

Ways to make something with your hands.

Two women working with clay together at a table in a pottery studio, surrounded by tools and finished pots.

Time Together

Creative afternoons shared with the people you love.

A handmade silk bead necklace and bracelet in turquoise, pink and purple, beside a matching turquoise pouch on a pale background.

Thoughtful Gifts

Handmade presents that mean something.

Ania sewing leather at a sewing machine while working on a handmade project.

Creative Confidence

Gentle encouragement for starting, and for carrying on.

Latest from the Journal

Two women working with clay together at a table in a pottery studio, surrounded by tools and finished pots.

Time Together

Creative Activities to Do Together: Make Something, Learn Something, Remember the Day

Why an ordinary afternoon making something with somebody can outlast a far more expensive day out, and how to choose what to do.

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A silk scarf painted with pink and black leopard markings, stretched on a wooden frame on a table at home, with dye and brushes beside it.

Creative Hobbies

Screen-Free Hobbies for Adults: Creative Ways to Spend an Evening

Ways to spend an evening away from a screen, and how to make a creative hobby easy enough that you actually start it.

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A handmade silk bead necklace and bracelet in turquoise, pink and purple, beside a matching turquoise pouch on a pale background.

Thoughtful Gifts

Christmas Gifts for Crafty Women Who Love Making Things

Thoughtful Christmas presents for a woman who makes things, from handmade pieces and experiences to time spent together.

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A handmade picture frame edged with tightly rolled paper spirals, holding a black and white photograph of a baby, on pale wooden boards.

Thoughtful Gifts

Gifts for Creative People: Thoughtful Ideas Beyond More Craft Supplies

How to choose a present for someone who makes things, when they already own every brush, thread and tool they need.

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Ania at her vintage sewing machine, looking up from her work with the thread in her hands.

Creative Hobbies

How to Choose a Creative Hobby You’ll Actually Enjoy

How to pick a creative hobby that fits your personality, your time and your life, and that you will still want to come back to.

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Two women laughing together on a sofa at home, holding cups of tea with an open photo album across their laps.

Time Together

Creative Things to Do With Your Mum at Home

Meaningful ways to spend an afternoon together at home, from cooking and sewing to painting, gardening and old photographs.

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Discover Silk Painting

Explore colourful techniques, creative ideas and courses designed to help you enjoy the process of making something of your own.

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