
Making Matters
In Search of Creative Wonders
Clare Hunter(Author)
Sceptre (Publisher)
Published on 4. June 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-1-5293-4632-9 (ISBN)
Description
'A hymn to the sensory wonder and connectivity of the homemade'
OBSERVER
'Packed with fascinating detail . . . a celebration of the overlooked artistry in crafts practised across the world'
THE TIMES
As children, we made things: snowmen, paper boats, elaborate costumes. But as adults it is hard to find the space for such creativity, and to remember its importance.
Exploring craft traditions across centuries and cultures, Clare Hunter encourages us to rediscover the power of creativity, from paper crafts to wonders made of light and snow. Weaving history and culture with rich storytelling and memorable characters, Making Matters urges us to see the world afresh.
'Now inspired, I'm off to get creative'
DAILY EXPRESS
OBSERVER
'Packed with fascinating detail . . . a celebration of the overlooked artistry in crafts practised across the world'
THE TIMES
As children, we made things: snowmen, paper boats, elaborate costumes. But as adults it is hard to find the space for such creativity, and to remember its importance.
Exploring craft traditions across centuries and cultures, Clare Hunter encourages us to rediscover the power of creativity, from paper crafts to wonders made of light and snow. Weaving history and culture with rich storytelling and memorable characters, Making Matters urges us to see the world afresh.
'Now inspired, I'm off to get creative'
DAILY EXPRESS
Reviews / Votes
Clare Hunter is out to reclaim the joy of making for the masses . . . no act of creativity is too humble, too ephemeral, for this hymn to the sensory wonder and connectivity of the homemade * Observer * A celebration of the overlooked artistry in crafts practised across the world... Hunter has a magpie-like mind and an enviable ability to be absorbed in what she reads, hears or sees... Making Matters is packed with fascinating detail... It's well written and meticulously researched and left me feeling that making things is good for the brain, good for the hands and good for the soul -- Christine Patterson * The Times * Through assembling snowmen, sandcastles, paper boats and costumes for plays, to finding creative delight in making lanterns, puppets and pinhole cameras, Hunter brings us back to a time where the possibilities for creativity are endless. Making Matters is an open door to the power of craft. Now inspired, I'm off to get creative * Daily Express * Making Matters celebrates the joy of the handmade in all of its wonderful variety. In a fast-paced world it is a timely and beautiful exploration of making traditions. I loved it! -- Kate Strasdin, author of <i>The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes</i> A delightful tribute to the slow and simple pleasures of playful craft * The Bookseller * In an era of screens and machines, what a joy it is to read Clare Hunter's inspiring new book, which summons up the creative delights of making wonderment with our own hands -- Justine Picardie, author of <i>Miss Dior</i>More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Hodder & Stoughton
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 196 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
216 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5293-4632-9 (9781529346329)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Clare Hunter has been a banner-maker, community textile artist and textile curator for over twenty years and established the community enterprise NeedleWorks in Glasgow. Her first book, Threads of Life, won the Saltire First Book Award, was a Waterstones Scottish Book of the Month and a Radio 4 Book of the Week.