The leaves are almost fallen, so that means it's time to pick your next craft project for when it's too nasty outside to leave the house. But what craft are you going to pick? This guide will help you decide whether you're buying yarn and needles, watercolours, or even marbles.

For those who can't settle on just one hobby ...

Making Things by Erin Boyle and Rose Pearlman

Through easy-to-follow tutorials for over 100 projects that are both accessible and aspirational, Making Things invites readers to try their hands at a variety of crafts and celebrate the satisfaction that comes from slowly and carefully creating for oneself. Learn to fold magazine pages into Masu Boxes for organising bits and bobs, make a cardboard loom for weaving potholders out of old linens, braid your own Kumihimo Dog Leash, or starch fabric scraps for decorative bunting.

For those searching for something easy to learn ...

Paper Marbling by Natscha Maksimovic

Suminagashi, which translates simply as 'ink floating', is the ancient technique of Japanese-style paper marbling. A highly instinctive and satisfying process, it closely connects the crafter, the ink and the water, and can be enjoyed by anyone. In this book, Natascha Maksimovic guides you through every stage, from choosing colours right through to your very own finished pieces. Make stationery, bunting, paper flowers, wallpaper and lampshades, or simply place your bold designs into a frame, stand back and admire.

For those who love everything vintage ...

Vintage Crochet by National Library of Australia

Vintage Crochet builds on the success of Vintage Knits (2022) and features vintage patterns from Australian publications such as the Australian Women's Weekly and the Australian Woman's Mirror. The book presents a curated selection of patterns from as early as 1888, that are all tried and tested to suit the needs of the modern day crocheter, and include everything from vintage garments to accessories, toys and homewares. Each pattern is accompanied by illustrations from the original publication and modern photographs of the newly crocheted piece.

For those after a whimsical craft ...

Watercolor With Me by Dana Fox

Dana combines beautiful art, the relaxing nature of watercolor and step-by-step guidance so readers can learn to make her incredible artwork. This book will feature 50 whimsical, forest-themed projects-like a feather, fox, butterfly, wild flower, bumblebee or an owl. Like an art teacher in a studio, Dana walks the reader through each step of creating the paintings. Each project features a new technique to master that readers can integrate into their own pieces.

For those with a little one in their life ...

Making Memories by Claudia Quintanilla

From cardigans and sweaters to cosy blankets to smaller pieces such as socks and mittens, this book covers a range of techniques, skill levels and yarns in 25 accessible knitting patterns. The majority of the patterns are graded from newborns to 10-year-olds, so you can pick just the right piece for the smallest in the family. What about a colourwork pullover, an all-over lace scarf or an embroidered cardigan? 

For those who want to take their doodling to the next level ...

Art Class: Line and Colour by Bobby Clark

Discover 25 drawing and painting exercises from doodling, blind drawing and continuous line portraits to shape studies, abstract floral still lifes and blot painting. This is an introduction to materials and techniques including pencils, paper, paints and brushes.

Whether you are a seeking to cultivate a creative practice or need to break creative block, these exercises will help everyone tap into their inner artist.

For those looking for a mindful craft with positive affirmations...

Sew Mindful Cross Stitch by Sophie Crabb

With a total of twenty-two brand new cross stitch projects to choose from, you can stitch your way through Positive Affirmations, Mindful Messages and Self-Care Quotes. Not familiar with cross stitch? We've got you covered. Learn from the beginning with an introduction to what you'll need, detailed step-by-step guidance and some top tips to help you get started.

For those wanting to stick to the one hobby ...

A Knitter's Year by Ida Wirak Trettevik

A Knitter’s Year will see you through four seasons of clothes to make for your whole family thanks to expert knitter and internet darling Ida Wirak Trettevik. Packed with 30 patterns and inspiration and ideas for the whole family, these Nordic designed patterns allow you to create beautiful garments with your choice of wool or mixed fibers. Create jackets, jumpers and skirts for adults, as well as cosy winter gear for the children, with your choice wool or mixed fibers.

For those wanting that Goldilocks life ...

A Handmade Cottage by Jodie May Seymour

It's possible to create a picture-perfect cottage frugally and simply with some creative ideas and a little DIY know-how. Jodie May Seymour shares her projects and ideas for every room in the house using simple craft and DIY techniques. Almost everything can be made by an absolute beginner, yet there are also inspiring projects that will appeal to the more skilled crafter. From candles and lampshades to dressers and curtains, there's a range of projects and an introduction to some of the most useful DIY techniques, such as sanding, sewing and painting.