I am guessing that kids need a lot of attention and tasks that keep them busy? Just a hunch. They…read morealways seem to be telling their mums that they are bored, so I guess keeping them occupied is one of those never ending tasks. If I had a child, The Pottery and Craft Studio in Thames Ditton would probably be my second home. I popped in the other day and it was filled with children, all completely engrossed in what they were doing. The premise is that you choose an item of pottery that you want to use, such as a mug, jug, teapot or plate and then set to work with your paints! Kids seem to love this kind of thing. Having said that, there is no reason why kids should have all the fun, they can do classes for grown ups here too, and can make plates and souvenirs for things like Weddings, Birthday parties etc. I liked the Hands and Feet option - where you come in with prints of your babies feet (which can also be done here), and they put the print into a frame, or onto something ceramic. So cute!

A small but highly stocked artist materials shop, with a framing service on the first floor…read more I've always visited to use the framing service, which is good and reasonably priced. They have a selection of ready-made frames as well. The artist shop has a very wide choice of materials and makes, and they also sell greeting cards and stationery. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

Fielders is the nearest art shop to Wimbledon College of Art. It's OK if you need to get the odd…read moreitem but if need a good few things i would personally make the effort to travel to Atlantis in the east end. They do have some oils and acrylics but the best quality ones they offer are Georgian oils, they have quite a good selection of brushes but it's better if you're more of a crafts person. They have loads of paper choices, pens, drawing materials etc. They also have lots of craft items like beads, card, glue and more. They also sell some nice gift cards. The prices are quite good but again if you're on a budget make the effort to go to Atlantis as the prices are slightly cheaper.

wow this place is wickedread more

Creative Quilting is the place to go if you are into quilting. I am not - I have never done a days…read morequilting in my life, but if I were to, it would be here. They also cater for people like me too - a 'Patchwork Virgin' (that is what they call the people on the introduction course). There are plenty of courses on offer here, including making your first quilt. The courses run all year and are inexpensive. There is also a large section here of childrens fabrics, for cots and blankets. The fabrics are absolutely adorable, when I last came here I spied a fabric of my favourite childrens book - The Hungry Caterpiller. If I were five again I would have loved this as a bedspread. The fabrics range in price, if some are a bit expensive then there is a Bargain Corner - of discounted lines and off cuts. This place needn't just be for old dears!

The range of sewing classes is really superb. I learn something every single time I visit this…read morelovely shop. I love looking at the brand new products on sale in the shop as well. Recommended if you wish to try something new etc in addition. I love to feel and touch the books tucked away in a corner of the shop too. This is a completely unique place.

I had a great experience at Maxime Wools! I was on holiday for six weeks staying in a nearby…read moreneighborhood in London and wanted to work on a longer-term project; I decided on a toddler-sized blanket and needed more yarn than I had. I did a Google search for yarn stores nearby and came across Maxime's, so I stopped in. I explained what I was working on, shared what size I was aiming to make it, and showed the yarn I had already started my project with. They recommended a similar yarn (they didn't have an exact match) and how many skeins they thought I would need (which initially I thought sounded like too much, but I'm newer to crochet, so I went with it and sure enough, they were right -- I was surprised at how much yarn blankets eat up)! The Hayfield baby chunky yarn I used is nice. I also bought a couple of ergonomic hooks (I explained the type I was using and that I was having some hand fatigue, and one of the ladies suggested it would help -- she was right!), measuring tape, plastic darning needles, and yes, a bit more yarn for other projects. :) I was sad to have missed their bi-monthly meet-up in the shop, which I had read about on their website, due to conflicting plans. Essentially, you can bring your project and work on it while sitting and chatting with fellow yarn enthusiasts. They provide coffee, tea, and light snacks and you are asked to bring a small donation amount to support a cause of their choosing. Overall, I was happy to find Maxime's and the ladies there were friendly and helpful. I certainly had a great time crafting during my time in the area and have some lovely gifts for friends and family as a result!

I visited this shop a few years ago while visiting London with my mother, it was an enjoyable train…read moreride away and everyone at the shop made me feel very welcome. It was lovely to be able to purchase British wool while actually in England rather than having to send for it through the post.The owner helped me pick out the proper wool to go with the pattern I'd chosen and suggested wooden needles so that I could knit on the long flight back to the States. I'm not sure if you are still allowed knitting needles wood or otherwise on flights anymore but I had finished half the sweater by the time we landed at Newark. I still wear it every spring and really appreciated the input the store owner gave me whilst making my pattern and yarn decisions . It is this input that I attribute to my still loving the sweater so much ( right colour, yarn weight and pattern for my colouring and build) Thanks!

Boo hoo! I recently lost one of my favourite earrings Difficult for me to replace it as it came…read morefrom a boutique in Nice, a while back. Ho hum - what to do? Well, I used to make own jewellery - years ago - so, I thought, why not attempt to recreate it? I popped-in to relatively-new Bead Time and spent a while perusing. There's a decent choice of pretty beads in stock from tiny and delicate to big and bold; sold individually, in groups or packs. You simply wander and take-your-pick, placing them in little 'trays' to transport to the till. Staff are on-hand to offer advice and tips, should you need them. Workshops and courses are offered to convert and educate novice jewellers. Ready-made items are also on sale, if that's your preferred option. Unfortunately, I couldn't find what I was looking for to replicate, or approximate, my now sad, lonely earring (they don't stock Swarovski(-style) cubes or crystals). My quest continues

If you want to add something special to your home why not look into some stained glass? It's not…read morejust in churches that it adds a wow factor and touch of serenity. When you walk into artist Simone Kay's shop, it's a little like an Aladdin's Cave - slightly chaotic, intriguing and mysterious. Look deeper and you'll discover a portfolio of both public and private commissions and an impressive talent. A variety of glass, in a wide array of colours and designs, is used to produce the distinctively memorable creations. Obviously prices vary greatly but a relatively simple small insert can produce dramatic results without breaking the bank. You can work with Simone to design exactly what you're looking for, or take inspiration from her past creations. Inserts and panels are suitable for front doors, windows, landings or bathrooms - wherever your imagination leads. Simone was also brilliant and very reasonably priced when I asked her to repair my favourite silver Mexican mirror that was damaged.