With lockdown in full force, we know that keeping yourself and the kids entertained can be a bit of a challenge! If you're looking for some fun activities this half term we recommend trying out some at home DIY kits. Not only are they great for getting you and the kids creative at home, they are also a fantastic way to support your favourite small and independent businesses during these challenging times. Today we are highlighting a few of our favourite kits that we think will be perfect for keeping the whole family entertained during this unconventional half term break from DIY donuts to at home pottery kits.
Image via The Clay Club
A Stoke-On-Trent based business started by the talented potter, Jack, who was previously making ceramics and selling them at markets, fairs, exhibitions and online for 6 years. In March 2020, covid hit, and Jack needed to adapt his business as he could no longer get out to sell his work. So, he created Clay Club and launched a range of at home pottery kits containing all the tools, clay and instructions you need to have a go at creating your very own clay masterpieces at home for yourself. The kits provide a great chance to learn a new skill and get yourself stuck into a great craft, for both adults and kids alike. The kits contain air drying clay which means your pieces don't need to be fired in a kiln like traditional ceramics. We recommend the Home Pottery Kit for 3-4 People so that the whole family can get stuck in.
Rebecca Strickson Super Special Art Club & Free Colouring Sheets
Image via Rebecca Strickson
Rebecca Strickson is a designer and illustrator currently based in our home-town of Margate. She creates beautifully intricate and colourful illustrations inspired by traditional trade union banners and protest placards. Her work is centred around community, collaboration and positive change. During the first lockdown, Rebecca created Strickson's Super Special Art Club - a themed art class presented over Zoom. The focus of the classes is to use whatever materials you have, whether that's pens, pencils, paints or collage materials, the art club encourages everyone to get creative no matter what. The classes are every Wednesday and Friday at 11am, you can find the Zoom meeting codes for each week either on Rebecca's Instagram (@rebecca_strickson_illustration) or sign up to the mailing list via her website. You can also download a range of fabulous free colouring sheets illustrated by Rebecca via Google Docs here, some use more adult language than others so be sure to double check which ones are appropriate for the kids.
Image via Margate Girl.
Margate Girl, better known as Zoe Murphy, is a a furniture and textile designer from Margate. She creates incredible upcycled screen-printed furniture which has been featured in countless magazines, exhibitions and events around the country. When she isn't designing furniture, Zoe creates all sorts of fun products over on Margate Girl. During lockdown, Zoe started to create a huge range of exciting at home DIY kits to help us all bust that boredom! From patchwork to painting to collage, there is a Margate Girl kit for everybody. Each kits comes in a letter box friendly A4 box with everything you will need to complete the craft project of your choice. Each kit also comes with a link to an online class where Zoe will take you through everything you need to know to create your own masterpiece. Our favourite kit is the Seaside Souvenir Stamping Kit which has everything you need to create your own stamps, as well as a tote bag, badges and postcards to decorate with your designs. You can even stamp your designs onto old t-shirts you have lying around. We think this kit is absolutely perfect to get the family's creative juices flowing.
Untainted Tastes DIY Vegan Donut Kit
Image via Untainted Tastes.
Based in Ramsgate, Untainted Tastes are a vegan-owned independent business who create delicious vegan treats. Run by couple Abygail and Ryan, they create all your favourite cakes, bakes and treats suitable for a vegan lifestyle. Most of their fantastic goodies can be sent anywhere in the UK, in recyclable and compostable packaging. Their DIY donut kit is a fantastic at home activity for yourself and the kids. Each kit comes with 6 fresh handmade donuts and everything you will need to decorate them for yourself. You can choose 2 flavours out of 4, including Biscoff, chocolate and our favourite - cherry bakewell! This kit is a great option for those of us who aren't so confident in the kitchen but still want to enjoy some delicious sweet treats.
We hope these kits and activities will help keep you entertained this half term! We know keeping ourselves entertained during these times can be difficult, but we think there is nothing better than getting creative and supporting independent business at the same time.