EXCLUSIVE: 'I presented on new 24 hour TV channel for the day - it was like being on The Apprentice'
As Hobbycraft celebrates its 30th birthday, Mirror journalist Sanjeeta Bains went behind the newly launched Hobbycraft TV to learn how to make crochet pumpkins and felted frogs dressed as witches....
Move over The Great British Sewing Bee,and The Great Pottery Throw Down, after three decades of successful retailing, it’s time for Hobbycraft TV.
With 8.8 million crafters across the UK - boosted by Gen Z influencers filling TikTok with their rug weaving, crocheted fashions and felted sculptures - Hobbycraft's move into telly to celebrate its 30th birthday is big news.
So I am thrilled to be the inaugural guest on a behind-the-scenes tour of the first-ever 24-hour Hobbycraft TV channel, which launched at the firm’s Peterborough last month - broadcasting on Freeview Channel 97.
Heading straight to the TV studios, I meet craft expert Rebekka Clarkson - one of over 100 leading crafters and brands on Hobbycraft TV - and one of the industry’s rising stars.
She shows me how to create a Japanese cherry blossom design - using the crafting world’s hottest trend: UV resin.
Under her watchful eye, I carefully scoop pink pigment into some clear liquid in a silicone mould - to "colour my resin". Then, after placing it under UV light for a couple of minutes, the liquid magically sets into a solid, sparkling pink structure.
Rebekka explains: “UV Resin cures solid under UV Light in 2-4 mins max - ultra fast- similar to getting gel polish in the nail salon."
Now able to attach the glittery cherry blossom design to a fastener, in no time, I’ve made a pretty desirable piece of jewellery.
Delighted, I model my pretty new brooch for the studio cameraman. And, of course, everything you need to make your own version is available on Hobbycraft TV’s website, in the ‘Japan Inspired Kit,’ with prices starting from £19.99.
Anyone who dabbles in a little painting, knitting, papercraft or indeed UV Resin will know that, as the UK's biggest arts and crafts retailer, Hobbycraft also has 120 UK-wide stores.
I’m certainly a convert to UV Resin! “As it cures so quickly once exposed to UV Light, you have a lot more control of your design,” says Rebekka, who runs the Bekbek Makes brand. “You can even use the UV resin as a glue to attach your jewellery findings."
A fan of the material before it caught on, she adds: “I was creating wooden pieces of jewellery and using the resin as a glaze and to fill in sections with it. and everyone was always fascinated with how i did it. So I launched the kits, and then ended up on HobbyCraft TV!”
Meanwhile, everything you can see on the TV set - which is a riot of colour, with jars of pipe cleaners and ribbons - can be bought online.
Hobbycraft recently partnered with the charity Mind to promote the mental health benefits of crafting - conducting a survey, which revealed that most crafters use the hobby to reduce stress and improve mood.
In the Green Room, where crafters and presenters relax in between filming, I meet Hobbycraft Board Advisor Steven Hubbard, who tells me that the channel’s core audience is aged 55 upwards.
He adds: “Many viewers get a real sense of achievement from crafts and hobbies The importance of mindful creativity cannot be underestimated.
“Having the TV on in the background with crafting experts can alleviate some of the loneliness older crafters can feel. People who prefer crafting at home still want to feel part of a community. Now you can be crafting and watching it on TV”.
It’s not just the older generations who are big crafters. For the Gen Z generation, it is now cool to crochet, judging by the social media accounts of teens and 20-somethings showcasing their creations.
So young - and old are keen to learn how to use a darning needle with dazzling results.
Julia Newton, aka ‘Resin Jules’, is an influencer in her early 20s who appears on Hobbycraft TV - and has 250,000 social media followers.
“She’s appeared on the channel, and it's great to have her as part of the Hobbycraft community,” says Steven. On the Green Room telly, the current live on air tutorial features celebrity crafter, Sarah Payne.
Sarah is chatting about all things embroidery and the joys of stitching Royal Horticultural Society flat quarter fabrics. As well as being “probably one of the top three in sewing today,” Sarah is also a “big name in knitting.” Steven tells me.
What Meryl Streep is to acting, Sarah is to crafting, according to those in the know. But rather than mastering every accent under the sun, Sarah, who boasts a cupboard-full of awards, can turn her hand to all things crafting.
To hobbyists, many of the stars of Hobbycraft TV are household names. “Lisa Horton, for example, is the go to for paper crafts”, says Steven. “She was in yesterday doing 3D embossing folders."
With over 34.3k members on Lisa’s Facebook group alone, she certainly sounds it.
And papercrafts are big business for viewers, too. Steven says: “The average paper crafter watching Hobbycraft probably enjoys card making with her friends, but some of them are also going to craft fairs, consumer shows, and they sell them.
“These Hobbycraft customers watch our shows and learn new skills, and how to make new card designs. Greeting card making is an art form, but also one that they see as a business. A passive income that pays for its own craft.”
After her segment, Sarah pops in for a cup of tea in the Green Room, revealing that her fame means she can't even go to the supermarket without a fan rushing over to grab a chat.
"It's lovely - I get my name called out on the street by people who have watched me on TV”, she says.
Sporting signature flowery headwear, which makes her instantly recognisable, Sarah, 50, has been crafting for fun since she was five and turned professional in 2011, following a successful career as an economist.
"It was far too grey for me!” she says. “Now, I’m in this world full of colour and love and sharing knowledge and just inspiring people.”
Now Steven gives me a tour of the gallery, “where all the magic happens.”This is the beating heart of Hobbycraft TV, where producers control and ensure everything runs smoothly in front of the cameras.
The live segments currently run from 7.30am to 3pm with plans to expand them in the coming weeks.
It means presenters have to be fully informed, so they don't dry up and fall foul of the dreaded “ dead air”. i feel like I’m on an episode of The Apprentice, where contestants are screaming into the earpiece of hapless teammates, trying to sell on camera.
But there is no shouting here, just the soothing voice of producer Martha Cleary - as she talks into her mic - sending instructions to presenter Dennice Robinson via her earpiece.
Martha is giving guidance on key descriptive words for an overlocker sewing machine Dennice is testing out live. She gently repeats how the machine is “user-friendly,” which Dennice mentions to viewers seconds later.
Impressed by her professionalism, with Martha’s support, I think even I could have a crack at Hobbycraft presenting. Sadly, there is no time for me to test out my wannabe presenter skills or to further improve my crafting skills.
But the Hobbycraft website has details of my nearest store and all the lovely craft workshops it is running. With the festive season fast approaching, my choice is no brainer. I just hope my wreath-making skills are better than my UV Resin talents!
Hobbycraft TV is available on Freeview Channel 97. You can also watch online at hobbycraft.co.uk/tv or on the Hobbycraft YouTube channel.