This week, schools all over the country are getting ready to break up for the long summer break and if all goes to plan children will be looking forward to six long weeks of sunshine and fun. However, living in the UK we cannot always guarantee that the weather will be fine for the time the children are off school and parents all over the country will find themselves with their hands full trying to occupy bored and restless children. Crafts is the perfect way to entertain children of all ages on rainy days and here at Calico Laine we carry a wide range of projects and accessories suitable for children (and adults!) of all ages. Crafts is a fantastic hobby for children to take up as children learn best through play, our kids Crafts are perfect for children of all ages from pre-school and up. Crafts are the perfect way for children to express their creative side and also assists in improving concentration, problem solving skills and vital motor skills. Our selection of kids Crafts are simple and accessible projects which require few tools and minimal mess. [caption id="attachment_9323" align="alignleft" width="300"]crafts iClay is a popular Craft project for children.[/caption] Our range of iclay is a popular choice with children. Safe and easy to use this super soft clay is ideal for your children to create their own lasting keepsakes including ornaments, toys and even bouncy balls for endless hours of fun. Our selection of glass deco peel able stickers are a fun and easy way of creating an eye catching window sticker. Children will derive great pleasure from displaying their own handiwork in their bedrooms and playrooms to be enjoyed for years to come. Glass deco stickers are suitable for boys and girls over the age of 4 under supervision of a parent or adult. Older children in particular may enjoy jewellery making projects. Our selection of jewellery beads and tools will give older children something to really focus their attention on and are suitable for creating a variety of Craft items such as key rings, bracelets and necklaces. Our jewellery beads and sequins are particularly popular with older children and are often used to decorate personal items such as mobile phones and even t-shirts and trainers.   Of course, Crafts is not just for children but is a hobby also enjoyed by many adults. In recent years, the pastime of cross stitch has experienced huge resurgence. The perfect project for summer, cross stitch can be enjoyed at home, in the garden and can be easily transported on holiday with you if you wish to take a project to occupy you around the pool. Whether you are a first time cross stitcher or an old hand, we carry a selection of Craft accessories to assist with your cross stitch and other embroidery projects. Aida, plastic canvas and binca are available to purchase in shades of white and cream and are perfect for creating cross stitch designs such as cushions and wall hangings. Other Craft accessories such as beads and pendants can be easily applied to your embroidery projects to add a little extra sparkle to your designs. Our beautiful butterfly pendants and seed beads are perhaps the most popular choices for cross stitch and embroidery and are ideal for adding a 3d element to your work. Seed beads are ideal for adding a glamorous border for a stunning final touch. We also carry a range of Craft accessories such as pipe cleaners, raffia and paints suitable for paper Crafts including card making, invitations and much more.