Making something by hand changes how you think. And in a world where creation and ideation so often take place online, we’re turning attention away from screens – to touch some grass and physically make something. It’s the principle behind our new supper club concept, Dinner Service, the first of which we held last night in London, around the theme Made By Hand: Art & Expression. (Follow @service95 for more.)
This week’s Wish List is dedicated to the tools that make it easier to start: the right stamp, needle, pastel and more is waiting for you below.
The Sunlight Printer
This clever kit allows you to create an original art print without ink or paint. Place an object onto the paper (a flower or fern works well) and put it in the sunlight. Rinse with water to see the final image. US $19.99, Lawrence Hall Of Science
The Mini Stamp
Make your mark with this transparent little stamp – pick a design (this floral one is a versatile choice) and add a little ink to decorate everything from drawings to handwritten cards. ¥1,160 JPY, Kori Jirushi at King Jim
The Craft Knife
A good craft knife allows you to score and trim paper and card with precision. This mini design from NT Cutter is small enough to fit into your kit – and will brighten it up with its pastel shade, too. 8,500원, NT Cutter at Point Of View
The Risograph Workshop
One for the zine lovers. Every other Thursday, South London printing house Pagemasters hosts a risograph workshop, where you can learn the digital stencilling technique for yourself, and create a set of 10 original prints to take home. £45 for two hours, Pagemasters
The Bookbinding Kit
This set has everything you need to follow the traditional approach of Japanese bookbinding – holding the pages together with thread, rather than glue – including a mallet and kotsu from London-based Japanese design practice Mentsen and washi nori and silk thread direct from Japan. £95, London Book Arts
The Oil Pastels
These oil-based pastels are a reminder of why crayons were your childhood colouring go-to: the 12 rich shades are easy to blend into even more hues. Sharpen (carefully) using a knife for added precision. £10, Sakura Cray-Pas at Niwaki
The Craft Box To Hold All Your Kit
This may look like your average toolbox, but if you’re anything like us, it holds less DIY tools and more crafting accessories. The multilayered compartments will hold everything from nails and buttons to thread. Plus, it comes in a range of chic primary hues. £107, TOYO
The Ceramics Guide
Refine your approach to ceramics with Stephen Murfitt’s The Glaze Book: A Visual Catalogue of Decorative Ceramic Glazes. This comprehensive guide is everything you need to know about finishing pottery in style, filled with hundreds of examples and handy step by step guides. £25, Bookshop.org
The Collage Collection
Build out your scrapbooking selection with a monthly ‘snail mail’ from self-proclaimed ‘tat queen’, artist Susie Lola. Each delivery consists of an envelope packed with art prints, postcards, stickers, badges and more, for unexpected gems to add to your next collage. £10, Tat Queen
The Crochet Pattern
Download this digital filet crochet pattern for easy-to-follow steps to creating this cute cat design. It’s made for intermediate crocheters and the result is a charming throw to gift (or keep for yourself). £8.16, Etsy
The Knitting Needles
Seasoned knitters will know that a good needle makes all the difference – this ebony wood design glides through yarn without snagging. Plus, they look so chic while you’re out knitting in public. US $28, Knitty City
The Pocket Sketchbook
Be prepared for when creativity strikes with this pocket notebook from the Parisian creative haven-department store hybrid, Merci. It might say ‘Juan’s Sketch Book’ on the cover, but this pocket-sized design was made for sketches by all. 10€, Merci
