Hot Air Balloon Cloisonne Art Kit by Wizardi F07AM3-21-11

Fill in a hot air balloon, a cloisonne art kit by Wizardi: a striped hot air balloon in blue, green and yellow floats among white clouds on a pale blue sky, outlined in raised gold lines.

A little crafter's folklore: the first hot air balloon passengers were a sheep, a duck and a rooster, back in 1783.

Why this kit: if you want a cheerful little gift, the balloon is a sweet wish for new adventures.

In the box: a pre-patterned alumina board with raised gold lines outlining every area, packs of coloured quartz sand, fixative glue, mini mixing cups, a palette knife, an instruction leaflet with a colour guide and a wooden picture frame for the finished piece. Not included: a hairdryer for drying.

How to make it: pour a little of one sand colour into a mixing cup, add just enough glue to cover it and stir into a thick paste, let it stand for two minutes, then spread small amounts into the matching areas with the palette knife, keeping the sand just below the gold lines so they stay visible; when every area is filled, dry the panel with a hairdryer on its lowest setting and set it in the frame.

Finished size 12 x 12 cm (4.7 x 4.7 in), framed and ready to stand on a shelf or desk; a quick, beginner-friendly project and a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves colour and fine detail.