Tips & Inspiration

Filling an advent calendar for a grown-up? A full craft kit will not fit in a pocket — but a mini cross stitch bundle splits neatly across four doors, and one proper kit makes a brilliant door 24. Here is how to build it honestly.

The week between Christmas and New Year has no agenda and no rules. Here is how to spend it well: slow, screen-free things to make at the table, and how to pick between cross stitch, color by numbers and a photo mosaic.

Want a creative hobby you will actually keep up in January? Here is how to start color by numbers: which size and colour level to pick first, what it costs, and how to build a screen-free evening habit.

Three classic color by numbers sets were made for winter: Winter Wonderland, Northern Lights and Starry Night — and there is now a whole Dutch Winter and Christmas range besides. Which theme suits the season, which color level handles snow and night skies, and which size to pick.

An honest three-way comparison of mosaic, color by numbers and cross stitch — technique, learning curve, time, result, cost and vibe — to help you pick the creative hobby that fits you. All start from your own photo, with free worldwide shipping.

Color by numbers or cross stitch? An honest comparison of materials, learning curve, speed, detail, cost and portability so you can pick the hobby that truly fits you.