How to choose your first craft kit

The best first kit is the one you will finish. A pair of earrings in an evening beats an ambitious resin river board that sits in its box.

Ask two questions: how much space do you have, and how messy are you willing to be? Embroidery needs a chair and a lamp. Resin needs a covered table, gloves and a few days of curing time.

Read the contents list. A good beginner kit includes the tools, the materials and enough of both to finish the project on the box.

Watch for kits that quietly assume you already own pliers, a heat gun, a thermometer or an oven thermometer. Those extras are cheap, but they are annoying on a Sunday morning.

Want something you can wear tomorrow? Jewellery or polymer clay earrings.

Want a gift that looks bought? Resin coasters or a soy candle set.

Want a calm evening hobby? Embroidery, punch needle or diamond painting.

Want a longer weekend project? A Rolife miniature house or a mixed adult craft box.