How getting crafty can open up a whole new world

Whenever friends admire one of Verlie and Mike Benwell’s craft projects and say “I wish I could make that”, the Chelmsford couple send them home with the ingredients and inspiration they need to get started.

“It’s nice to share”, says Verlie. “People say I’m always creating crafty monsters! But that’s what the HOCHANDA community is like. It’s great to inspire friends and I find when you go to shows crafty people like to talk to each other.”

Crafting is more than just a hobby for Verlie and Mike. Since discovering HOCHANDA, they’ve found a whole new way to relax and spend time together.

“I can’t sit down and do nothing – even if I’m watching telly – because I think I’d just fall asleep”, says Verlie, who likes to paint and make cards, both for herself and to sell on the pair’s craft stall.

Mike has got the crafting bug too, thanks to Verlie using HOCHANDA for inspiration. He’s taken up marquetry because he likes working with wood: “Sometimes when I’m driving around in the day, I think: ‘I can’t wait to get home and get in the craft room’”, he says. “It’s brought us closer together.”

Agreeing, Verlie says: “Years ago, I’d drag poor Mike around a craft fair with me, but ever since he got into HOCHANDA we have the same hobby, so now we spend more quality time together.”

Every evening, being creative helps them to relax. “Before I started crafting I used to get bored, so I’d be pottering about the house and garden looking for something to do”, admits Mike. “Now I can go up to our craft room and switch off from everything.”

Verlie adds: “It teaches you to chill out. When you’re crafting you have to keep your mind focused on what you’re doing, so you relax, enjoy it and create something you’ll be proud of.”

Why not try a new craft? Visit Hochanda.com and you can get 40 percent off your first order over £30.