Crafting is a lot of fun. But when you’re using the same old supplies and materials, it can get boring. If you have grown tired of working on the same types of projects using the same materials, there are all sorts of new options to try. Whether you are a crafting guru or more of a novice, here are some arts and crafts ideas that will reignite your crafting spark and get your creative juices flowing.
Diamond Painting
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If you haven’t tried diamond painting, what are you waiting for? This craft–which shares similarities with cross-stitch and painting by numbers–has taken the world by storm over the last few years. And it’s popular for a reason!
Learning how to diamond paint is easy, and once you have mastered the technique, you can create stunning works of art to display or give as gifts. “Painting” with resin rhinestones is relaxing, too, so it is an excellent way to unwind after a long day.
Jewelry Making
Making jewelry is a popular craft that is easy to get into. A visit to almost any craft store will yield plenty of supplies for getting started. From there, your imagination is the only limit. You can find plenty of beginner’s tutorials online, or you can let your creativity run wild and design whatever comes to mind.
One of the great things about jewelry making is it is easily adaptable for people of all ages. From inexpensive plastic pony beads perfect for little hands to stunning natural gemstones and precious metals, there are materials for people of all ages, interests and skill levels.
Pottery
Pottery is a great craft for anyone who enjoys working with their hands. It is a diverse practice, too, that allows you to create many different types of functional art to use or give as gifts. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, it’s easy to zone out and achieve deep relaxation while working at a pottery wheel.
The downside to pottery is that buying all the equipment requires a hefty financial investment. Before you take that big of a plunge, consider taking a beginner’s class at a local studio. Another option is to purchase air dry clay or clay that can be baked in your oven so you don’t need to worry about purchasing a kiln.
Knitting
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Thanks to a recent resurgence in fiber arts, knitting definitely isn’t just for old ladies! This hobby has been around for generations, and it is incredibly rewarding. There is just something incredible about wearing a sweater or a pair of socks you created with your own hands.
The internet is full of knitting resources for beginners. From video tutorials to virtual meetups, there are plenty of ways to learn the art without even having to leave home. Once you understand the basics, sites like Ravelry are excellent for finding free (and paid) patterns and befriending fellow knitters.
Crocheting
If you are interested in fiber art but not so interested in knitting, crocheting may be a perfect alternative. Once you’ve mastered the technique, you can make everything from scarves and doilies to afghans and small plush toys called amigurumi.
To get started, all you need is a crochet hook and a skein of yarn. There are loads of tutorials online that will teach you everything from how to make a slip knot–which is the foundation of nearly all crochet projects–to how to do complex and visually appealing stitches.
Embroidery
Embroidery is another hobby that has made a big comeback. While there are many different types of embroidery–which is simply the art of adding designs to fabric using a needle and thread–cross-stitch is one of the most popular techniques. It’s also a great one for beginners since it mainly requires stitching simple X shapes repeatedly to form a larger design.
If you would like to learn how to cross-stitch, start with the basics. Once you have your fabric, needles, embroidery floss and a pattern, you’ll be on your way to creating all sorts of gift-worthy projects.
Woodworking
Though woodworking is traditionally a male-dominated hobby, people of all genders can craft objects with wood. With care, you can teach your child how to complete simple woodworking projects, too. Getting started can be a bit frightening, but with a good teacher and plenty of patience, you can safely and confidently learn to use power tools and build anything your heart desires.
If you are interested in learning the art of woodworking, it is best to start with a simple project, like a birdhouse. It’s best if you have someone who can teach you how to use power tools, but it’s possible to learn on your own, too. Just take your time and be careful to avoid injuries!
Miniatures
Building and/or painting miniatures is a fun and whimsical activity for all ages. There are several different ways to get involved with this hobby, too. From building and decorating dollhouses to painting miniature figures to use in certain games, there are options for everyone. You can even build miniature scenes like bakery interiors or classrooms.
To get started, decide whether you’d like to make miniatures by hand, use a kit or paint pre-made figurines. From there, you can start working on your miniature creations and building your collection piece by piece.
Candle Making
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If you love candles, why not make your own instead of buying them from the store? Making candles is easy, and once you have mastered the basic process, you can get as creative as you’d like. Experiment with different scents, colors and shapes–it’s entirely up to you!
Making candles is enjoyable for people of all ages. Keep in mind, though, working with hot wax can be dangerous–especially for little ones. If you’d like to make this a family activity, be sure to keep a close eye on your kids to prevent injuries.
If you’re ready to ditch the paper plates and pipe cleaners, try one (or a few!) of the projects listed above. Before you know it, you will be on your way to mastering your new favorite hobby.
