The Create Escape
As feel-good family favourites Bake Off, Sewing Bee and Pottery Throw Down return with festive specials, stars taking part reveal the unexpected effects of getting creative on TV
My last post was about the wellbeing boost to be had from escaping the day-to-day and getting creative again like we did as kids. I’ve definitely felt the mental health benefits of doing something creative – aside from my regular job – during tricky times. So much so, I plan to inject more creativity into my life after years of putting it on the back-burner.
Not having kids or nieces/nephews/niblings, I haven’t worn a back-to-front old shirt (my Dad’s or anyone else’s) for potato-printing in many a year. I haven’t had to help a small human build a papier-mâché volcano for a science project. Neither have I had to fashion coat hangers, cereal boxes and an old curtain into Mr Strong, The Very Hungry Caterpillar or The Wardrobe for World Book Day. Yes, I can hear the chorus of parents shouting: ‘Aren’t you the lucky one?’
Here, I’ll give my dad the shiniest of gold stars for his creations. The Great Uncle Bulgaria mask was a particular triumph. And special kudos to him and Mum for the magnificent merry-go-round crowning my head for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee street party in 1977. It won me a teddy bear; I called him Prince Charles. Eat your heart out, Philip Treacy. I recommend a budgie on top of your next masterpiece of millinery.
I’m not alone in losing creative outlets as I’ve grown older. Lots of us find the many and varied responsibilities of adulting so often get in the way of a proper arts ’n’ crafts fix. And that’s whether you have little people in your life or not. There always seems to be something more important to be done. But what if creativity was the important thing? What if creativity was more important than ever as a way to decompress in the modern world? Frankly, in an age of ever-encroaching AI, embracing something hands-on, authentic and human is an act of rebellion.
Studies show the meditative effects of making – whether it’s knitting a scarf, painting a view or moulding a clay figure – help reduce stress. It’s that need to be fully in the moment and concentrate on the matter in hand. Creative pursuits can ease depression, lessen anxiety and allow you to express yourself. Taking classes can foster a sense of community. And that sense of accomplishment when you’ve finished a project? There’s little like the thought: ‘I made this!’ Creativity is a tonic akin to getting yourself hooked up to one of those IV Vitamin B drips.
'Creating is clearly something many of us already want to do “when we have more time”. Why wait for retirement?
In 2024, retirement living provider McCarthy and Stone surveyed 1,500 retirees and found their favourite hobbies were country walks (57%), cooking (39%), arts and crafts (26%), wine tasting (20%) and volunteering/charity work (16%). Women’s top hobbies were art, followed by crafts, yoga and singing. Creating is clearly something many of us already want to do ‘when we have more time’, so why wait for retirement? Why don’t we seize the clay (or the paintbrush or sewing machine) and make time now while our frazzled minds can really feel the benefit?
Bake Off, Sewing Bee and Pottery Throw Down have done a huge amount to encourage viewers to get creative. All three return this holiday season with more celebrity-flavoured inspiration for us all. Actress Sophie Winkleman, 45, reunited with Peep Show co-stars Olivia Colman, David Mitchell, Isy Suttie and Matt King for The Great Christmas Bake Off (Christmas Day, Channel 4, 8pm). She faced the challenge of baking biscuit tree decorations, a tasty turkey pie and a showstopping cake featuring her favourite moment from the BAFTA-winning sitcom. Sophie has long loved baking, but her time in the tent left her in no doubt of its curative effects.
‘I think all of us felt this: it was really therapeutic to concentrate hard on something without distraction,’ she says of the experience. ‘Without phones, texts, to-do lists, notifications, emails, constant STUFF. Life is so manic for everyone now, we are all constantly bombarded. It was very peaceful and restorative just concentrating on one thing… even though it was hard work. I felt really good afterwards. I think we all did. Even against the clock, baking’s a mindful thing to do.’
‘It’s so satisfying,’ she adds. ‘My mother gave me Mary Berry’s Fast Cakes when I was about 10. I truly loved it. That was my absolute bible. I’ve still got it. It’s covered in buttery smears and all my scribbles saying “less time!” and “excellent, but more lemon!” I haven’t baked regularly since I’ve had children – life’s been too barking. Before that, I used to love it. My expression of love to every serious boyfriend was a cake in a nice white box with one of my drawings on it.’
In his youth, Strictly judge Anton Du Beke was no stranger to dressmaking, so he jumped at the chance to take part in the Sewing Bee special (Christmas Eve, BBC1, 7.25pm). ‘Oh, my love, I’m all about the crystal twinkle and tulle and nylon chiffon and netting and trim and ostrich feathers and rhinestones,’ he laughs. ‘When I first started dancing 100 years ago, we used to make our own costumes. Less so, menswear, mostly frocks. It was a necessity. I’ve made numerous ballroom and Latin dresses, though I haven’t done it for 35 years. The last thing I made was a cerise and white frock with ostrich feathers on the bottom. Brendan Cole used to make outfits as well.’
Anton faced comedian Lucy Beaumont, actress Susan Wokoma and Gladiators’ Tom Wilson (aka Hammer) in the sewing room. They were asked to sew a present sack, transform party frocks into a child’s Twelve Days of Christmas-inspired fancy dress costume and a made-to-measure outfit inspired by a favourite festive treat. Anton had a (glitter)ball. Asked what lessons he learned from the experience he says: ‘Just to have a go. Invariably in life, you do fewer new things as you get older and it’s important to do new things. I was absolutely delighted I did Sewing Bee. It was one of the most fun things I’ve done for years and years and years. I really loved it.’
As a result, the 59-year-old might even knock up an outfit or two with his eight-year-old twins, George and Henrietta. ‘That would be a lovely thing to be able to do – to make some party dresses for Ra-Ra [Henrietta]. I’d like that. I haven’t got a sewing machine at home, but we will get one. Every household should have one. We’ve got a sewing box. There’s always things to stitch – buttons to go on, things to repair – especially with kids. It’s like Bagpuss.’
‘I’m getting rid of my smartphone…’
Anton’s rival Lucy Beaumont, 42 – last seen on The Celebrity Traitors – already has a sewing machine. ‘It’s new. I bought it after the show,’ she grins. ‘I’ve made two cushions. Sewing Bee has kick-started something in me, definitely. The best thing was feeling really proud of yourself that you’d improved. Thinking: “I made this…” I know it sounds corny, but it’s quite magical because you do everything inside out and then, when you turn it the right way, it is a little buzz. It’s so satisfying.
‘My daughter [Elsie, eight] was like: “We’ll sew every night…” and she’s done it once with me,’ Lucy adds. ‘I thought we were going to be that family.’ The next House of Eliott? ‘Yeah, but not so much,’ she laughs. ‘I’ve got a bit busy again now, but I hope I do more. I’m getting rid of my smartphone and I’m getting one of those Balance phones. It only has a couple of apps and it’s designed to not entice you in. It’s really clever. I waste so much time on my phone. I’m going to try to not get distracted and do more art and stuff. It’s really good for you, isn’t it? To switch off.’
Although she comes from a family of sewers, Lucy’s experience was limited prior to filming. ‘I made an oven glove at school, but it wasn’t very safe to use,’ she says. ‘My Auntie and Granny were proper sewers. Really good. Granny made my Auntie’s wedding dress and my bridesmaid dress and my Auntie’s always making patchwork quilts. I thought it was something beyond me. I didn’t think I was feminine enough to sit and make a quilt. I’m not at that standard yet, but I really enjoy it.’
When it came to The Festive Pottery Throw Down (Boxing Day, Channel 4, 7.45pm), host Siobhán McSweeney and judges Keith Brymer Jones’ Substack and Rich Miller welcomed actress Sarah Hadland, comedian Tim Vine, broadcaster Colin Murray and TV personality Amber Gill. Aside from having a wheel-y wonderful time making magic out of mud, they left wanting more pottery – or art in general – in their lives.
Sarah Hadland, 54, is – of course – best known as shopkeeper Stevie in the award-winning sitcom Miranda. And, this time last year, she had risen to another challenge and cha-cha-cha-ed her way to the final of 2024’s Strictly Come Dancing. Pottery was something she’d never considered spending time learning before being asked to take part. Well, aside from a fun class with friends a decade earlier involving glasses of wine, dumplings and the making of ‘one wonky little bowl’. Keen to do something her child could get involved with, she signed up. ‘I also thought it would be a little bit of fun,’ she admits. ‘It ended up being quite emotional.’
‘The joy of doing something new’
Armed with just basic skills, each celebrity was asked to make their take on Santa’s North Pole. ‘I made a version of the cottage we stay in at Christmas with a little pink front door,’ Sarah explains. ‘And I made Santa Paws – based on our beloved ginger cat, Percy – instead of Santa Claus. He was perched on top of an ice bath because his little paws would be so hot from scampering over all the roofs. There was a robin, too,’ she adds. ‘I know people say: “When a loved one is near, a robin appears.” I always think that’s my grandpa. And there was a penguin having an existential crisis – staring into the middle distance like he’s worrying about mortgage rates going up. When you saw it after firing, I couldn’t believe it.’
Sarah hopes seeing a bunch of amateurs starting from scratch and achieving something they’ll be proud to show off to visitors this festive season will prove inspiring. ‘Having a young child, I find they’re constantly being asked to do things they don’t really know how to do,’ she says. ‘And it’s really good to put yourself in that position as an adult – just to remember what it’s like and get engrossed in something you don’t really know. I got so into the painting. I was thinking: “Oh, I’m doing a lovely job. It’s only a matter of time before I’ve got a range out at John Lewis…” Then, suddenly, Siobhán said: “Potters, you’ve got three minutes.”And I thought: “Oh, I haven’t even touched my chocolate fountain!” It was all slap, dash, whack. I mean, it was like It’s a Knockout. I just remember running back and forth with glaze slopping everywhere. That felt like carnage. But the joy of doing something new!’
Sarah’s gone from not watching the show to being evangelical about the power of pottery. ‘I was really looking forward to making something as I do a job where the end product is not a tangible thing,’ she says. ‘There’s something very gratifying about making something. It’s engrossing. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I was quite shocked at what they were expecting us to make, but I keep getting what I’ve made out the box…’
And looking at it in wonder? ‘Yes, I do!’ she laughs. ‘When I presented it to my child, they were over the moon. They thought it was brilliant. Their first reaction was: “Can we do a class together?” I thought: “Bingo! This is exactly what I wanted.” I said: “Maybe, every year, we’ll make something new for our display.” I thought it’d be lovely to have in the window. I’m going to do a little unveiling with the neighbours. There’ll be a little curtain…’
Will you crack open a bottle of champagne on your front step or something? ‘Yes!’ she laughs. ‘Vic Reeves lives locally. I’m thinking of asking if he’d do the unveiling.’
Pottery’s such a mindful pursuit, Sarah’s keen to do more classes and spread the joy. ‘Like I said, I want to do it with my child and I’ve suggested to friendship groups that we go,’ she says. ‘It’s nice to have things in your home you’ve made and it brings me so much pleasure. My artistic style has not changed much. I found a wooden towel holder I’d made in school when I was 14. For inexplicable reasons, I put a hippopotamus on it with a wood-burning kit. Forty years on, things haven’t really changed. The Hadland signature style is still there. Zero sophistication added.’
We do so much art during our school days, then work and bills often get in the way as adults. ‘Yeah,’ she agrees. ‘I painted the stairs the other day and really enjoyed it. I became absolutely engrossed – to the point where I woke up at midnight to do a second coat. It was so gratifying. My mum is a very good artist. She goes to art class once a week and draws a lot with my child. One of my earliest memories is wearing one of my dad’s shirts back to front, with the sleeves rolled up, painting on an easel. I was three or four. Mum was doing A-level Art, I believe. Apparently, the tutor critiqued my work, too. I felt like one of the grown-ups. I remember loving it. It shows the importance of that kind of experience to a child.’
And saying yes to Strictly showed Sarah the importance of widening her horizons in her 50s. ‘Strictly made me realise you cannot put the dampeners on yourself and say: “Well, I’ve reached that age in my life where I don’t do new things. I don’t challenge myself.” Strictly made me realise: “Hell, yeah. I can be competing in the final against a 20-year-old. I can do it.” It gave me a resurgence of thinking: “You must still challenge yourself and still put yourself out there.”’
And with pottery in particular, you leave a part of yourself behind in everything you make. ‘I love the fact Rich pointed out my thumb marks on my little penguin,’ says Sarah. ‘It really threw me. I’ve made these items which are really specific to our family and I suddenly realised this penguin might bring a little tear to my child’s eye when I’m not here anymore. That felt quite profound. It’s making me choke now, thinking about it. I’ve literally left my mark. That’s something very special about pottery.
‘I wanted to make Keith cry and I ended up crying. I was not expecting that,’ she confesses. ‘Tim got tearful, too. Again, it’s this immersing yourself in a process as a means to an end rather than thinking: “I want to win.” I want to create something magical for my family. It doesn’t matter if things aren’t perfect. What matters is you make something that has meaning for you, you try your best and you enjoy the experience. I was delighted with everything I made. I don’t want to blow my own trumpet, but I was ecstatic.’
You felt proud (ahem) with what you’d achieved? ‘I did,’ she laughs. ‘I could pop on a bit of Heather Small. I hope they’ll play that song over my reveal. I was so glad I did the show and the fact it’s started this thing with my child. We’re going to have a pottery lesson, me and them, and we’re going to make something to go on the windowsill. That’s going to be a tradition every year. What a lovely thing to do together that I would never have thought of otherwise or wanted to do. It’s made me think about drawing again, too.’
In fact, Sarah’s 2026 resolution is ‘to keep challenging myself and discover lots of fun new things. That’s something I’ve really learned since doing Strictly,’ she adds. ‘I know I’m kind of halfway through… hopefully, hopefully. And you think: “What do I want to experience? What can I really enjoy?” When you go into something new, you experience what you experience so often as a child, but almost stop doing as an adult: new things. Discovering there might be lots of things you haven’t tried you’ll love.’
Comedian Tim Vine, 58, felt similarly. In everyday life, his main creative outlet is making props for his stand-up act. ‘I’ve always liked making things out of bits and bobs. That’s why my house is full of junk,’ he says. ‘I always think: “I might need that…”
‘Clay is a different thing,’ he adds, ‘but I remember doing a bit at school. I made a pot for my dad – a slightly odd-looking three-pronged thing. When my mum and dad downsized the house 20 years ago, it ended up in a skip. I said: “What happened to that vase?” Dad said: “Oh gosh…” He then described overarming it at the refuse tip and watching it pirouette through the air in slow motion. He felt very bad about that,’ Tim laughs. ‘I was a patron of a local college with a pottery department, so I got in touch. I went in and remade that pot and gave it to him for his birthday or Christmas seven or eight years ago. He loved it the second time around. That’s my most recent experience with clay. I knew I wasn’t an expert, but I knew it was good fun.’
As many celeb potters have noted before him, standing up all day hunched over a table building things from clay is exhausting. ‘Standing up is exhausting at my age, you’re right,’ he laughs. ‘We all slept well on the nights we were there, but it’s mainly mentally exhausting. For those hours, your mind is never off the job. You’re constantly thinking: “I’ve got to do this…” and “I’ve got to do that…”
Tim’s version of the North Pole included Father Christmas hitting sprouts towards a golf hole – the flag of which was manned by the Yeti. It also saw a reindeer singing Carol-oke. ‘The realist in me knew the comedy in my piece might get me some points,’ says Tim. ‘I immediately knew the other three were operating on a slightly higher plane. It was a bit more finesse-y, what they were doing. Mine was more of a stick-your-hand-in-and-gouge-stuff-out approach.’ he laughs.
Having felt the benefits, Tim – like Sarah – wants to continue pottery. ‘What I most loved was the business of doing something new,’ he says. ‘When you’re kids, you’re learning new things all the time. Everything’s new. To be taken out of your comfort zone into something you know nothing about feels very rewarding. It’s a licence to be a kid again. We’re all made to be creative in life,’ he adds, ‘and a lot of people, sadly, don’t realise that because someone’s told them that’s not the case. Actually, we can have a go at everything.’
Broadcaster and Countdown host Colin Murray, 48, learned that lesson after a lifetime of thinking he wasn’t arty. ‘I’ve always said my thing is words, not crafts,’ he says. ‘I failed at making a picture out of macaroni.’
In reality, Colin just needed to find the creative hobby to light his fire. Now, he has. ‘What a joyful thing,’ he says. ‘I’ll definitely do more pottery. I never thought it would imprint on me like it did. I want to learn more techniques and make something in my own time without TV cameras in my face. That’ll be a joy. I can’t wait.’
The simple truth is: pottery is good for you. And so is sewing, painting, baking, knitting, crochet, marbling, journaling, linocutting, model-making, collage or origami. Whatever we choose. However talented we are. We’ll feel the benefit.
New Year – and midlife – is a time for renewal. Let’s grant ourselves permission to try something new. Is there something arts ‘n’ crafty YOU’VE always fancied giving a go? There’s no time like the (Christmas) present. It could be the making of us.
Don’t miss
The Great British Sewing Bee Christmas Special, Christmas Eve, BBC1, 7.25pm
The Great Christmas Bake Off, Christmas Day, Channel 4, 8pm
The Festive Pottery Throw Down, Boxing Day, Channel 4, 7.45pm
Or watch on demand on BBCiPlayer or the Channel4 app.