Hobbies & Creative Arts

Discover the Best UK Hobby & Creative Arts Stores — From Nordic Nest Fabrics to Menkind Collectibles

Why the Right Store Makes All the Difference

Choosing where to buy your supplies is a bit like picking the right toolbox for a job — the right shop can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. Whether you’re sewing a tote, painting a portrait, building a trebuchet, or curating a display of signed sports memorabilia, the retailer you pick determines quality, variety, and inspiration. In the UK, there are specialist stores that cater to specific tastes — Scandinavian-inspired interiors and fabrics at Nordic Nest, novelty and collectable items at Menkind, and comprehensive craft ranges at places like Hobbycraft and Cass Art. Knowing what each store does best helps you shop smart and create with confidence.

Nordic Nest: Scandinavian Fabrics and Stylish Materials

Nordic Nest is a go-to for lovers of Nordic design and high-quality textiles. If you’re into oilcloths and bold, patterned fabrics, this is where Scandinavian patterns meet practical materials. Products listed from that store include Arvidssons Textil oilcloths in colorways like Haga Green, Ofelia Red-brown, and Fjällvandring Grey-burgundy, as well as Almedahls Domherrar Red and Fine Little Day striped fabrics in white-yellow. These items bring a clean, modern aesthetic to home sewing, upholstery, and craft projects.

Top Fabric Picks and How They Inspire Projects

Think about using oilcloths for outdoor-ready pieces like a picnic tablecloth or a protective desk cover that wipes clean — they’re great for messy paint sessions. The patterned cotton fabrics, like Leksand Blue or Blader Burgundy-green-grey, are perfect for cushion covers, fabric wall art, or a quick set of matching napkins. Many Scandinavian fabrics are wide enough to cut large panels without too many seams — imagine a single 55 in drop for a small curtain or a 20 in by 30 in cushion cover with a single repeat of pattern.

How to Use Oilcloth and Patterned Fabrics in Real Projects

Oilcloth is forgiving and practical: it doesn’t fray like plain cotton and can be stitched with a standard needle, though a leather or heavy-duty needle helps. For a simple weekend project, cut a 24 in by 36 in oilcloth panel, fold a 1 in hem on each side, and sew with a 1/4 in seam allowance to make a waterproof placemat. For patterned cotton, prewash to avoid shrinkage, use a 1/2 in seam allowance for clothing projects, and press with a cloth on top to protect prints. If you like clean, modern design, think in repeats and panels — a single 20 in by 28 in panel can become a framed fabric print that’s ready to hang in minutes.

Menkind: Quirky Gifts, Collectibles and Hobby Kits

Menkind brings a very different energy — it’s all about novelty, fandom and hobbyist kits that double as display-worthy pieces. From the Harry Potter Gringotts Coin Replica Collection to framed, signed sports memorabilia like Patrick Vieira or Bruno Fernandes shirts, Menkind appeals to collectors and makers who want objects with personality. Their range also includes hands-on kits like the Winning Build Your Own Trebuchet and the Ultimate Magic 250 Tricks & Stunts Set, which are perfect for makers who want to combine craftsmanship with play.

Creative Ways to Use Menkind Items in Craft Projects

A coin replica can be the starting point for jewellery — mount a Harry Potter Gringotts coin in a 1 in bezel to make a statement pendant. Framed shirts or signed boots work beautifully in a shadowbox display; use a 16 in by 20 in frame for a standard shirt layout, or a larger 24 in by 36 in box for multi-item displays. The trebuchet kit is a clever crossover between hobby and STEM — scale the throwing arm to about 18 in for a desktop demonstration model that doubles as a conversation piece. Magic kits? Those are practice fodder: learn a routine and craft a custom prop box to store tricks, lined in a soft 12 in by 8 in compartment.

Hobbycraft: The UK’s Big-Box Craft Destination

Hobbycraft is the place to go when you want everything under one roof. From yarn and paints to beads and baking supplies, Hobbycraft covers beginner kits and specialist tools alike. It’s especially useful when you need a range of materials for a mixed-media project: pick up a 16 in by 20 in primed canvas, a set of acrylics, and some patterned fabric for collage work all in one visit. Their seasonal ranges mean you can find themed craft kits for holidays or school projects without browsing multiple shops.

Best Buys at Hobbycraft for Weekend Makers

If you’re starting, try a beginner’s paint set with a range of 12 tubes and a 10 in by 8 in canvas. For sewing, a starter kit with a 24 in by 36 in cutting mat, rotary cutter, and a 6 in steel ruler will make cutting neat and easy. Hobbycraft often has multi-buy offers on yarn and basic hardware — stock up on odds and ends like glue, thread, and paintbrushes so you have them when inspiration strikes.

Cass Art and Jackson’s Art Supplies: Where Serious Artists Shop

For artists focused on painting and fine art, Cass Art and Jackson’s are excellent choices. Cass Art stocks high-quality oils, acrylics, watercolours, and fine brushes, while Jackson’s offers an extensive online catalogue including artist-grade pigments and linen canvases. Both are ideal when you want archival-quality materials or specific pigments — think of a 20 ml tube of cadmium red for a portrait or a 30 in by 40 in stretched canvas for a large landscape.

Selecting Pigments and Brushes Like a Pro

Choose brushes by size in inches and shape — a 1/2 in flat brush for bold strokes and a 1/8 in round for details. For canvases, stretchers commonly come in depths measured in inches; a 1 1/2 in stretcher bar gives you a solid, gallery-ready edge. If longevity matters, opt for artist-grade paints that have higher pigment load and better lightfastness, which means your colours won’t fade over years on display.

The Works, Baker Ross and Budget-Friendly Craft Options

If you’re crafting with kids or need low-cost supplies for bulk projects, The Works and Baker Ross are invaluable. They stock easy-to-use kits and simple materials that are great for classroom or holiday creations. You can buy packs of coloured paper, sticker sets, and basic paint sets that stretch your budget while still delivering creative results.

Activities That Work Great With Budget Kits

Try making a 12 in by 12 in collage scrapbook page with stickers and patterned paper, or build a small cardboard puppet theatre from a 24 in by 18 in sheet of thick board. Baker Ross kits often come with measured templates, so following instructions closely will save time and keep projects tidy — perfect for groups where you want consistency in the finished pieces.

Buying Tips: How to Choose Quality Materials Without Overspending

Shopping smart is part talent, part strategy. First, identify the purpose: are you making a gift that needs to last, or a prototype for learning? Invest in higher-quality paints and primers when longevity matters; choose mid-range fabrics when you need ease and durability. Always compare unit prices — per yard or per square inch — and factor in tools like a 24 in x 36 in cutting mat, which pays for itself over many projects. Finally, read reviews and look for photos from other makers to see real-world results.

Essential Tools That Improve Every Project

Save for a few staples: a 24 in by 36 in self-healing mat, a 45 mm rotary cutter for fabric, a set of brush sizes from 1/8 in to 1 in, and a reliable hot glue gun with 4 in glue sticks. These tools reduce frustration and make your workflow smoother — like switching from a butter knife to a proper chisel when carving wood.

DIY Project Ideas to Try This Weekend

Here are five quick projects that combine materials from Nordic Nest, Menkind and general craft stores. 1) An oilcloth picnic mat: a 36 in by 48 in cut with a 1 in hem and snap closures on the corners. 2) A framed fabric print: stretch a 20 in by 16 in panel over a cheap canvas and hang. 3) A sports memorabilia shadowbox: use a 24 in by 18 in box to display a signed shirt and a match ticket. 4) A desktop trebuchet: scale the arm to 18 in and mount on a 12 in by 10 in base. 5) A beginner magic routine: craft a 12 in by 8 in prop box to keep tricks discreet between performances.

Where to Find Inspiration and Learn New Skills

Sometimes the best supplies come with a workshop or tutorial. Many stores run in-person and online workshops — or you can turn to free content creators on video platforms for step-by-step guides. Local community centres and maker spaces are also goldmines for hands-on learning; show up with a 12 in by 12 in project idea and you’ll often find others happy to help. Inspiration also comes from travel and design books — borrow ideas, then scale them into projects sized in inches to fit your home or display space.

Sustainability and Ethical Choices in Craft Supplies

Making sustainably is easier than it sounds. Look for organic cotton fabrics, recycled polyester oilcloth alternatives, and FSC-certified wood for frames and stretchers. Buying durable, higher-quality items for tools and brushes means fewer replacements and less waste. When possible, choose refillable paints and pigments or recycled packaging — small choices add up and keep your creative practice greener.

Wrapping Up: Choosing the Right Store for Your Next Project

Whether you’re drawn to the clean lines of Nordic textile design or the playful, collectible side of Menkind, the UK has a shop to match your creative personality. Combine speciality stores for unique materials with big-box craft retailers for staples and you’ll have the best of both worlds. Think about what you want to make, measure twice in inches, and pick the store that gives you the quality and inspiration you need — then get working and have fun.

Conclusion

Creative projects are more rewarding when you start with the right materials and the right store. Nordic Nest gives you Scandinavian fabrics that look great in the home and make sewing simple, while Menkind supplies quirky kits and collectables that spark playful projects. Pair those with Hobbycraft, Cass Art, Jackson’s and budget-friendly options like The Works and Baker Ross, and you’ll never be short on ideas. Now grab a 24 in by 36 in cutting mat, pick a pattern you love, and turn inspiration into something you can hold in your hands.