We all know that arts and crafts projects are more than just a fun pastime for kids; they have the potential to serve as fulfilling opportunities for everyone who wants to add a little more handmade creativity to their life. One of these hot hobbies could help you find the inspiration you need to let go of perfectionism and embrace the messy joy of learning something new.
Palette Knife Painting
Painting is often an intimidating medium for beginners, but this relatively modern technique is for all budding artists, regardless of experience level.
“I love the abstract look of it, the texture, the loose style and the freedom! I would highly recommend trying it out if you haven’t before. Don’t be worried about being perfect because that is not what palette knife painting is all about.” – Christie Hawkins, The social Easel
Whether you’d like to paint a classic sunrise, a modern cityscape or an abstract masterpiece, palette knife painting is an excellent approach for aspiring painters who want to enjoy the thrill of layering colours onto canvas without worrying about making subtle brush strokes.
Check out this beginner-friendly gradient knife painting tutorial using an eye-catching combination of acrylics and gloss medium:
Resin Art
Used to craft everything from delicate floral earrings to large home decor pieces, resin’s versatility and durability make it ideal for creating a wide range of artistic projects.
- DIY geode coasters for beginners
- Ocean inspired freeform epoxy resin bowls
- Wood and resin jewelry
- Resin tray tutorial
Once you learn the technical tricks, safety and environmental precautions of working with epoxy resin, you’ll be ready to design beautiful creations that you can gift, sell or enjoy in your home for years to come.
Beginner Tutorial: Resin pour on a wood canvas
For those looking for more advanced projects, wood and resin trays, tables, and wall art using epoxy river pouring techniques offer an incredibly in-demand and dazzling aesthetic.
Candle Making
Do you enjoy unwinding with the soothing, soft glow of a candle? Candle making is a relatively simple craft that can yield a variety of traditional and modern results. If you’re concerned about potentially harmful ingredients in storebought candles, a homemade therapeutic blend of organic wax and essential oils could be the perfect natural remedy.
- Organic beeswax and coconut oil candles
- Lavender rosemary soy wax candles
- Rosemary pressed herb candles
Candle making is also an excellent opportunity to recycle a favourite jar or container, like these DIY matcha-infused candles using upcycled tea tins. Earl Grey teacup candles are a classy tea time pick-me-up, or try swapping out a mason jar for these organic candle holders:
Thrifty crafters will love recycling wax from crayons or well-used candles to make brand-new creations.
- Colour block crayon candles
- Layered crayon candles
- Recycling old candles
- Recycling candles into ice candles
Since candle design is as much about visual appeal as it is about aromatherapy, if you’d rather skip the wax melting process altogether, try using fresh herbs or sea glass to give regular tea lights some extra flair.
No matter which approach and recipe you choose, candle crafting is a quick DIY that can help save you money and add a warm, hand-crafted atmosphere to any room.
Bottle Painting
Bottle painting is probably the most accessible craft on this list because all you need is paintbrushes or sponges, acrylic, spray, or chalk paint, and any glass bottles you have on hand. There’s no need to purchase a canvas: reuse those beer, wine or juice empties from your recycling bin. Whether you want a simple colour-block, ombre design, translucent tint, or something more intricate, there’s plenty of bottle painting ideas to be discovered.
Glass Etching
Glass etching is another way to add a classy decorative flair to glass surfaces, from candle holders to wine glasses and water bottles. You’ll need etching cream to transfer your design onto your final product. Etching cream contains acid that removes the surface layer of glass to create permanent, dishwasher-safe designs, so don’t forget your gloves when working with this medium!
Many hard-core crafters etch glass using vinyl stencils cut with a Cricut cutting machine. However, you don’t need to invest in a vinyl stencil cutter to give glass etching a try. Try this budget-friendly hack: make abstract etched glass designs with painter’s tape or print images on regular paper and trace them onto contact paper with a craft knife.
Crochet & Embroidery
If you’re feeling ambitious and want to dive into yarn or needlework, try one of these pastimes loved by some of the most fashionable hobbyists. Both crochet and embroidery require significant time and skill to master, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, there’s a wealth of tutorials and online resources at your fingertips.
Even though you need different tools (crochet hooks instead of knitting needles), crochet is more similar to knitting than embroidery work. Crocheters create textiles, clothing and objects like jewellery and toys with their handy work. Once you’ve learned the basics of crochet stitches and pattern reading, check out these simple, free crochet patterns for inspiration:
- Basic crochet socks
- 1.5-hour chunky beanie
- Easy crochet basket
- Quick and easy crochet earrings
- 10 Easy Crochet Jewelry Patterns
In contrast, embroidery is a stitching technique like painting or drawing with thread onto a fabric canvas. Embroiderers use their skill and imaginations to stitch everything from floral embellishments to saucy sayings onto everything from a simple piece of fabric secured with an embroidery hoop to stylishly embellished t-shirts, jeans, and bags. Beginners can brush up on the basics, find a simple starter pattern and purchase a beginner embroidery kit to get to work on personalizing their very own fabric canvases.
Now that you have the rundown on many of the hottest craft trends of this year, it’s time to pick your favourite and get started!