Craft tips from Dawn Bibby

How did you get into crafting?

I was drawn to it as a little girl as my family was always quite artistic. My mum was a seamstress and I used to craft with her. My dad was an antique dealer and a big art-lover. Once I got the bug I was hooked, and these days I spend most of my free time crafting - much to my husband's annoyance!

What can people get out of crafting?

It's almost a kind of therapy to a lot of people. It's pure escapism and gives you so much satisfaction. Once you start you slip into your own world, and it takes your mind off everyday problems. You also have something to show for your efforts at the end. I get letters from a wide range of people, from the sick and the elderly, to people in high-powered jobs, who all love crafting. It's also a great way to personalise cards and scrapbooks for someone special - or for yourself!

Why do think Scrapbooking has become such a popular pass time?

Scrapbooking is all about creating a personal story with photos. It's a more creative way to record your memories. My mum, who passed away a few years ago, scrapbooked for the last five years of her life. Now my family has her scrapbooks to remember her by. A personalised scrapbook can also make a great wedding or birthday gift.

"I spend most of my free time crafting - much to my husband's annoyance!"

Is crafting something people of all ages can enjoy?

Yes it's for everyone - you don't have to be strong or agile, a man or a woman, and you can craft on a budget. Children can also get great enjoyment making jewellery and models using materials like Fimo.

"Crafting is pure escapism and gives you so much satisfaction."

Are you interested in any other types of crafting?

Paper crafting is my first love but I've tried my hand at pretty much everything. In the past I've really enjoyed sewing, pottery, embroidery, knitwear and glass painting.

Can you craft on a budget?

It's not an expensive hobby to pick up. QVC offers very reasonably priced starter kits, which give people the chance to see if they like it (Dawn's niece Amy hosts a QVC show called Simple Steps, for craft beginners). Crafting can also be a much more affordable way to create a uniquely personalised card.

What's hot in QVC's craft department at the moment?

Oriental embellishment is still very popular - perfect for cards. There are also some great Christmas rubber stamps, paper kits and embellishments coming up - these will be great for Christmas cards and for making photo scrapbooks after Christmas. I will be covering a lot of these products and giving seasonal tips in Crafting for Christmas and my Tuesday show.

What do you do when you're not crafting?

To relax I spend time with husband J.J, and three dogs Arnie, Charlie and Lucy. I also try to do a bit for charity as well and make cards for the IPLH to be sold in their horse sanctuary, Penny Farm, in Blackpool.

What's next for Dawn Bibby?

QVC keeps me very busy! I have 20 hours of on-air shows a month and I'm lucky if I get one day off a month - but I wouldn't do it if I didn't love it! I'd love to write a craft book in the future but there are not enough hours in a day at the moment.

Read more about Dawn