By Tokie Laotan

Making things for your home can be quite thrilling. Learning any manageable skill required to paint a box or stitch a cushion or quilt requires total concentration, and the complete absorption of creating something unique and close to your heart. And for some very exhilarating reason, will also make your troubles diminish. Professional craftspeople have their moments when the rent is due, but as a tribe they exude the quiet confidence of people who have discovered the secret of life. Whatever mysterious human need is satisfied by making things, the effect is rewarding.

In an ideal world you would have a studio dedicated to your creative efforts. The sad fact is that most of us have to work on the kitchen table, interrupted by an uncomprehending family demanding food or most times attention.

It has become something of a cliche that a perfect finish is not the aim, but it remains true. Among the many reasons to make things yourself, one of the most compelling is the fact that your work will be uniquely yours.