Create Boutique, Hampstead, London

I'll admit it, I am a complete craft ho and it seems like I have been to most of the crafting venues in London but it was great fun to discover another addition to the list in Create Boutique.

I joined the Qyper ladies for the Bow-tilicious night this week. Although ostensibly simple to make, I managed to mess up the direction for our little bow necklaces (because I wasn't paying attention, tbh) but managed to catch up easily. I came away from a night of fun girly chatter with a very cute black and gold bow necklace - which I've worn twice since then and which has received tons of compliments.

Couple of things: one of their selling points is that they will happily come to you too, if you fancy a girls' night round at your house which could be great for an inexpensive hen do. Also if you do go to the Hampstead venue, make sure you go downstairs rather than trying the upstairs doors...

Almost 24 hours later, I still can't stop playing with my fluffy pillow-like Bow-tilicious creation. There is something to be said about creating something yourself that you can show off to the rest of the world. "Oooh! That's really cute, where did you get it?" ... "Oh, you know, I made it the other night..." (Nonchalantly).

Last night, I forayed into the leafy streets of Hampstead to join fellow Qypers in the Bow-tilicious jewellery workshop. Upon arrival, we were pleasantly welcomed in by Jackie into her cosy studio fit for ten or so. After a few tasty nibbles, we gathered round for some serious bow-making, sewing action. I chose to make a necklace but there's a myriad of options (Davy, our patient teacher has been commissioned to make some Bow-tilicious adornments for some lucky cats!)

The night reminded me of a group of grannies getting together make squares for a quilt (in a more modern sort of way!) And of course, we needn't have the crafty skills of the aforementioned grannies. Someone with no sewing skills can do this although the pace could be slow for someone who is an avid sewer. Nevertheless, one can't fault an evening of nibbles, crafting and bantering in a cosy place.

Create Boutique has other workshops, and would be a great activity for a birthday or a hen-do ...

Thanks to Jackie & Davy!

Well colour me crafty! Or not. Despite the efforts of many a Home Economics teacher, I was always terrible at crafts and making things. I prefer to think of it as a feminist rebellion not just that I'm totally inept. But the lovely ladies at Create Boutique cater to all skill levels with a smile and encouraging words. Joining other lady Qypers, we set about to make adorable bow necklaces and rings at a Bow-tilicous workshop. Sitting around the studio table, we were able to chatter and create in a really relaxed environment.

Davy from Bow-tilicious patiently took us through the process step by step and we all left with a piece of jewellery of our own creation. This really is a fantastic idea and a super fun bonding session. After a few glasses of Prosecco you might find it even harder than me to thread a needle though.

Create Boutique also run other crafty workshops, perfect for hen parties or special occasions, you can make nipple tassels and even aromatherapy creams.

If you've ever dreamed of having your own comfy craft studio (and let's face it - if you're going to have that sort of fantasy then you might as well throw in a smart pad in Hampstead for good measure too) then a trip to Create Boutique is probably something you'd enjoy.

Jackie's front room is the perfect spot for a crafty get-together, allowing a dozen or so budding artisans to work comfortably together around her large table. There'll be bubbly and snacks on hand as well as all the materials you'll need for your chosen class and tuition from friendly instructors. Classes are geared to all levels, so anyone taking part will come out with a pretty new piece of handmade fare regardless of skill level.

We made plush bows at our event last night, which was a satisfying yet simple project for everyone to try. I don't think anyone gave up or was unhappy with the end result, which is a rarer event than many will admit at craft classes. But the activity was equally engaging for experienced seamstresses, not least because the 'round the kitchen table' set-up made it so easy to chat and get to know fellow crafters.

If you're in London and want a gentle introduction to crafting or just the chance to make new friends, the Create Boutique is a great place to try.

I attended the (fabulously named) Bow-tilicious workshop with a few other Qypers at the Create Boutique. Though it was my first attempt at crafts since Primary School and I can barely stitch a button (I'll sooner buy a new blouse), I really enjoyed the evening and left with something that resembles actual jewellery. Sure, the stitches are showing and it's a bit wonky but I made it and I'm very proud.

We visited the lovely studio in Hampstead and was greeted by the equally lovely Jackie with bubbles and blinis. After we settled down, the craft instructor showed us the lovely things we could make with bows on it (I went for a ring, but there were necklaces and earrings too).

For total craft novices like myself, a workshop like this is perfect. You get to make something simple but fabulous, and the craft instructor is really friendly - so even if you're shy, you don't feel embarrassed to ask for help.

I had a really fun evening and I'm looking forward to seeing what other lovely things I can make - the pasties (that's nipple tassels not the Cornish pastry) workshops look promising...

Last night, a bunch of lady Qypers descended onto leafy Hampstead in the shivery cold to come and make bow-shaped jewellery. And what an awesome time we had!

I've done a fair few crafty things over London so I was really excited about what to expect. We were met be Jackie, who might be one of the nicest crafty ladies I've ever met. We were introduced into a gorgeous home, handed bubbly and nibbles. Then it was time to start! Yay!

Now, I make my own jewellery, so was hoping to be pretty good at this, but what's that? Sewing? No one mentioned sewing? Sewing I am RUBBISH at. But, after a while playing about, soon I've learnt a new skill, made some new jewellery and had lots of fun! Yay! It's a really unique workshop and everyone had a great time.

If you're a seasoned crafter, this workshop might be rather basic for you. But they're perfect for people who have never done them before. The homey environment is great and we felt instantly relaxed. The workshops here would be a great present for someone who insisted they weren't at all crafty but really wanted to try.

Heaps of fun!